Hadith #204

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

There is no justice in passing a verdict by relying on probability.

This statement highlights the importance of upholding justice in all matters, particularly in the process of passing judgments and making decisions. To fully comprehend the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their meanings.

The word (justice) "عَدْلِ" refers to fairness, equity, and the act of upholding what is right. It is a fundamental principle in Islam, emphasized throughout the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Justice is not only a virtue but also an obligation upon every Muslim.

The word (verdict) "قَضَاءُ" refers to the act of passing a judgment or making a decision. It encompasses the legal and judicial processes that ensure justice is served. It is crucial that these verdicts are based on sound evidence, principles, and fairness.

The word (relying on) "ثِّقَةِ" signifies the act of depending on or trusting in something. In this context, it refers to relying on probability or conjecture as a basis for passing a verdict. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning against making judgments solely based on assumptions or uncertain evidence.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before making judgments or taking action. It encourages Muslims to seek the truth and avoid hasty decisions based on unreliable sources.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds Muslims to refrain from making judgments or passing verdicts without sufficient knowledge or evidence. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before making any decisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that justice can only be upheld when judgments are based on solid evidence and reliable sources. Relying on probability or assumptions can lead to injustice, as it may result in false accusations, unfair treatment, and the violation of rights.

For example, imagine a scenario where a person is accused of a crime based on mere suspicion or conjecture. If a verdict is passed solely on probability, without concrete evidence, it would be a clear violation of justice. The accused individual may suffer unjustly, and the true perpetrator may go unpunished. This is why Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of relying on solid evidence and avoiding judgments based on mere assumptions.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking justice in all aspects of life, not just in the legal system. It reminds Muslims to be fair and just in their personal interactions, business dealings, and social relationships. Upholding justice is a fundamental principle of Islam, and it is a responsibility that every Muslim must strive to fulfill.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims about the importance of upholding justice in passing judgments and making decisions. It cautions against relying on probability or assumptions as a basis for verdicts, emphasizing the need for solid evidence and fair treatment. By adhering to these principles, Muslims can ensure the preservation of justice and the establishment of a just society, as commanded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Quran. May Allah guide us all to seek justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives.