Hadith #6208

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

البغي سائق إلى الحين

which translates to

Oppression drives [one] towards utter destruction.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder of the consequences of oppression.

The word (al-baghi) "البغي" refers to oppression, transgression, or injustice. It encompasses any act of wrongdoing, whether it is against others or against oneself. Oppression can manifest in various forms, such as physical, emotional, or social abuse, as well as the violation of rights and disregard for justice.

The word (sa'iq) "سائق" means to drive or lead. It implies that oppression has a forceful and compelling nature, pushing the oppressor and those involved towards a destructive path. This word emphasizes the inevitability of the consequences that follow oppressive actions.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns against oppression and highlights its destructive nature. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 25, Allah says,

And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial) which does not affect in particular those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and bad people together).

This verse reminds us that oppression not only harms the oppressed but also has the potential to bring calamity upon the oppressor and the society as a whole.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 56, Allah warns,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice and avoiding oppression, as it leads to corruption and the destruction of society.

The consequences of oppression are not limited to the worldly realm. In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 47, Allah says,

And they urge you to hasten the punishment. But Allah will never fail in His promise. And indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of those which you count.

This verse reminds us that even if the punishment for oppression is delayed in this world, it will ultimately be meted out by Allah in the Hereafter. The oppressor will face the consequences of their actions, and their oppression will lead them towards their own destruction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid oppression in all its forms. It highlights the self-destructive nature of oppression and the importance of upholding justice and fairness. Oppression not only harms others but also tarnishes the soul of the oppressor, leading them towards ruin and destruction in this world and the Hereafter.

As Muslims, we must strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. We should actively work towards eradicating oppression from our lives and society, promoting justice, and standing up for the rights of the oppressed. By doing so, we can ensure a harmonious and prosperous society, both in this world and in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and compassionate individuals, and protect us from the path of oppression and destruction.