Hadith #1718

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

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

مَنْ عاقَبَ بِالذَّنْبِ فَلا فَضْلَ لَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who punishes [a person] for [having committed] an offence has no merit.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (aqaaba) "عاقَبَ" means to punish or to take retribution. The word (bidh-dhamb) "بِالذَّنْبِ" refers to a sin or an offense. And the word (fadl) "فَضْلَ" denotes merit, virtue, or superiority.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in resolving conflicts among believers. It teaches us that punishing someone without due process or without adhering to the principles of justice is not only unjust but also goes against the teachings of Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves those who act justly and seek to establish justice in their dealings.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 reminds us of the importance of upholding justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It emphasizes the need to be fair and impartial in our judgments and actions, for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge and knows what we do.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It highlights the fact that true merit lies in seeking justice and fairness, rather than in arbitrarily punishing others. It reminds us that punishing someone without a just cause or without following the principles of justice does not bring any virtue or superiority.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep understanding of Islamic teachings and his unwavering commitment to justice. His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, and he served as a beacon of guidance for Muslims throughout history. This Hadith reflects his profound understanding of the importance of justice and fairness in Islam.

As Muslims, we are called to emulate the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for justice in all aspects of our lives. We should seek to establish justice in our personal relationships, in our communities, and in society at large. It is through the pursuit of justice that we can attain true merit and righteousness in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of justice and fairness in Islam. It teaches us that punishing someone without a just cause or without adhering to the principles of justice does not bring any merit or virtue. As Muslims, we should strive to establish justice in all aspects of our lives, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of justice and righteousness.