Hadith #154

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with the rights of others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No person is to be blamed for delay in (securing) his own right but blame lies on him who takes what he is not entitled to.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ta'kheer) "تَأْخِيرِ" refers to the delay or postponement of someone's rightful claim. It implies that if someone is unable to immediately secure their right, they should not be blamed for the delay. On the other hand, the word (haqqihi) "حَقِّهِ" refers to a person's legitimate right or entitlement. It encompasses various aspects of rights, such as property, inheritance, or any other form of entitlement.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with the rights of others. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 8, Allah says,

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 obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it means going against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. It emphasizes the importance of not distorting the truth or denying someone their rightful claim. Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa, Verse 58, Allah says,

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling trusts and judging with justice. It reminds Muslims to be fair and just in all their dealings, especially when it comes to resolving disputes and distributing rights. It is in line with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the provided Hadith, where he highlights the blame that lies on those who take what they are not entitled to.

The consequences of disregarding this principle of justice can be detrimental to individuals and society as a whole. When people take what is not rightfully theirs, it leads to a breakdown of trust, conflicts, and injustice. It creates an environment where the rights of others are violated, causing harm and suffering. On the other hand, upholding justice and ensuring that each person receives their rightful entitlements fosters harmony, trust, and social cohesion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of upholding justice in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is in our personal relationships, business dealings, or societal interactions, we must strive to ensure that we do not take what is not rightfully ours. We should be diligent in securing our own rights, but also be mindful of the rights of others and not cause any undue delay or harm in their pursuit of justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with the rights of others. It highlights the blame that lies on those who take what they are not entitled to, while absolving individuals from blame for any delay in securing their own rights. By adhering to these principles, we can contribute to a just and harmonious society, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).