Hadith #6179

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to stay away from injustice, as it is the greatest of sins. The Arabic word used for injustice in this hadith is (dhulm) "ظُّلْمَ", which encompasses all forms of oppression, wrongdoing, and transgression. It refers to any act that violates the rights of others or causes harm to them.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the gravity of this sin by stating that it is the biggest of all sins. This highlights the severity of injustice in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it goes against His divine attributes of justice and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has forbidden injustice and oppression in numerous verses of the Quran.

One such verse that supports the exegesis of this hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:152), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of not oppressing or taking advantage of those who are vulnerable, such as orphans. It emphasizes the need to treat them with fairness and fulfill our commitments towards them. This serves as a reminder that injustice towards others, especially the weak and marginalized, is strictly forbidden in Islam.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), where 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 highlights the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes in a just manner. It emphasizes that if one party oppresses the other, it is the duty of the believers to stand against the oppressor and strive for justice. This further reinforces the idea that injustice is not only condemned, but it is also our responsibility as Muslims to actively oppose it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that the unjust will be chastised on the Day of Resurrection because of their injustice. This serves as a reminder of the accountability we will face for our actions in the Hereafter. Those who have oppressed others will face the consequences of their actions, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate Judge and will ensure justice is served.

The consequences of injustice are not limited to the Hereafter alone. In this world, injustice leads to social unrest, inequality, and the deterioration of moral values. It breeds resentment, hatred, and division among people. Conversely, justice promotes harmony, peace, and the well-being of society as a whole.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of upholding justice in all aspects of our lives. We must strive to treat others with fairness, respect their rights, and stand against any form of oppression or injustice. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just in our actions and protect us from the temptation of injustice. Ameen.