Hadith #2752

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

إعْدِلْ فِيمَا وُلِّيتَ، أُشْكُرْ لِلّهِ فِيمَا أُولِيتَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Be just in that which you have been given authority and thank Allah for that which has been granted to you.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (be just) "إعْدِلْ" emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in all matters of authority and responsibility. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran: (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

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) reminds us of the necessity to be just in all aspects of our lives, whether it be in our personal relationships, our professional endeavors, or our positions of authority. This commandment aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Maida, 5:8:

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.

This verse highlights the importance of being just, even if it goes against our personal interests or relationships. It reminds us that Allah's command to be just takes precedence over any personal biases or desires. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes this sentiment in his Hadith, emphasizing the need for justice in all aspects of our lives.

The second part of the Hadith states: (Thank Allah for that which has been granted to you)

أُشْكُرْ لِلّهِ فِيمَا أُولِيتَ۔

This part of the Hadith reminds us of the importance of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessings and authority bestowed upon us. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of faith, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran: (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

By expressing gratitude for the authority and blessings we have been granted, we acknowledge that they are gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This gratitude should manifest in our actions, as we utilize our authority and blessings in a just and responsible manner. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sets an example for us to follow, as he was known for his immense knowledge, wisdom, and justice during his caliphate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be just in all aspects of their lives and to express gratitude for the blessings and authority bestowed upon them. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of justice and gratitude. By following the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran, Muslims can strive to create a just and harmonious society, where gratitude and fairness are upheld in all matters of authority and responsibility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just and grateful, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.