Hadith #6433

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,

أيْنَ بَنُو الأصْفَرِ والفَراعِنَةُ؟!

which translates to

Where are the children of the Yellow and the pharaohs?

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep meaning and significance, and can be understood through the lens of the Quran.

The term "بَنُو الأصْفَرِ" refers to the descendants of the Yellow, while "الفَراعِنَةُ" refers to the Pharaohs. These two phrases are symbolic and represent oppressive and tyrannical rulers throughout history. The mention of the Yellow and the Pharaohs is a metaphorical way of referring to those who have abused their power and oppressed the people.

In the Quran, we find numerous examples of oppressive rulers who were similar to the Pharaohs in their cruelty and arrogance. For instance, Pharaoh himself is mentioned in the Quran as a tyrant who claimed to be a god and oppressed the Children of Israel. In Surah Yunus, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 10:75)

And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, and he said, 'Indeed, I am the messenger of the Lord of the worlds.'

Similarly, the descendants of the Yellow can be understood as a reference to oppressive rulers who have existed throughout history. These rulers, like the Pharaohs, have abused their power and oppressed their subjects. The Quran warns against such rulers in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 28:5-6)

And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question,

Where are the children of the Yellow and the pharaohs?

serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of recognizing and opposing oppression and tyranny. It calls upon us to reflect on the consequences of such rulers and the suffering they inflict upon their people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam, sought to awaken the Muslims to the dangers of oppressive rulers. His question serves as a call to action, urging Muslims to stand against injustice and tyranny, just as Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stood against Pharaoh.

The consequences of allowing oppressive rulers to thrive are evident throughout history. They lead to the suffering and oppression of the people, the destruction of societies, and the loss of human rights. By asking this question, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of their duty to stand up against such rulers and work towards justice and equality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Where are the children of the Yellow and the pharaohs?

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to recognize and oppose oppression and tyranny. It calls upon us to reflect on the consequences of allowing such rulers to thrive and urges us to work towards justice and equality. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts to establish a just and compassionate society.