رَحِمَ اللّهُ امْرَءاً أحْيى حَقّاً، وأماتَ باطِلاً، وأدْحَضَ الجَوْرَ، وأقامَ العَدْلَ۔
May Allah have mercy of the person who enlivens the truth, causes falsehood to die, fights against oppression and establishes justice.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Truth)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a enlightening Hadith that highlights the qualities and actions that earn the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their implications in light of the Quran.
The first important word in this Hadith is (haqan) "حَقّاً", which translates to "truth" or "the truth." The truth refers to the divine guidance and the teachings of Islam. It encompasses the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Enlivening the truth means actively practicing and spreading the teachings of Islam, upholding its principles, and embodying its values in our daily lives.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of adhering to the truth in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Imran (3:104):
Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful.
The second important word in this Hadith is (batilan) "باطِلاً", which means "falsehood" or "false." It refers to anything that contradicts the truth and deviates from the path of righteousness. The person who causes falsehood to die actively works to eliminate falsehood and expose its fallacies. This can be achieved through knowledge, education, and spreading awareness about the true teachings of Islam.
In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following falsehood and encourages seeking the truth. In Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah says,
And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'
The third important word in this Hadith is (jawra) "جَوْرَ", which translates to "oppression" or "injustice." Oppression refers to any act of injustice, whether it is against an individual, a community, or society as a whole. Fighting against oppression means standing up against injustice, defending the rights of the oppressed, and striving for a just and equitable society.
The Quran repeatedly condemns oppression and calls for justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah says,
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.
The final important word in this Hadith is (adl) "عَدْلَ", which means "justice." Establishing justice means ensuring fairness, equality, and the rule of law in all aspects of life. It involves treating others with equity, resolving disputes impartially, and upholding the rights of all individuals.
The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice and its role in society. In Surah An-Nahl (16:90), Allah says,
Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith highlights the significance of enlivening the truth, causing falsehood to die, fighting against oppression, and establishing justice. These actions are not only virtuous in themselves but also have profound consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
By enlivening the truth, we strengthen our faith, deepen our understanding of Islam, and inspire others to follow the right path. By causing falsehood to die, we expose the fallacies of misconceptions, falsehoods, and misguided ideologies, leading to a more informed and enlightened society. By fighting against oppression, we stand up for the rights of the oppressed, promote social justice, and create a more harmonious and equitable world. And by establishing justice, we contribute to the overall well-being and stability of society, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to actively engage in enlivening the truth, causing falsehood to die, fighting against oppression, and establishing justice. These actions are not only pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also have far-reaching positive impacts on individuals and society. May we all strive to embody these qualities and earn the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
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