Hadith #6272

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ ظَلَمَ دَمَّرَ عَلَيْهِ ظُلْمُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is unjust is annihilated by his injustice.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zalama) "ظَلَمَ" in this Hadith refers to injustice or oppression. It encompasses any act of wrongdoing, whether it is against oneself or others. It is important to note that this word carries a negative connotation and is condemned in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of justice in the Quran.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah says,

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.

This verse highlights the purpose of sending messengers and revealing scriptures - to establish justice among people. It is clear that injustice goes against the very essence of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands the believers,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

This verse emphasizes the importance of standing up for justice, even if it means going against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones. It is a reminder that justice should always prevail, regardless of personal biases or relationships.

Now, let us reflect on the wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The Hadith states that

One who is unjust is annihilated by his injustice.

This means that the consequences of injustice are not limited to the harm inflicted upon others, but it also leads to the destruction of the unjust individual themselves.

When a person engages in acts of injustice, they are not only causing harm to others but also corrupting their own soul. Injustice breeds resentment, guilt, and a sense of moral decay within the heart of the oppressor. It eats away at their character, leading to a gradual destruction of their own well-being.

Moreover, the consequences of injustice extend beyond this world. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:281), Allah warns,

And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.

On the Day of Judgment, every individual will be held accountable for their actions. Those who have been unjust will face the consequences of their deeds, and their injustice will ultimately lead to their own destruction in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that justice is not only a duty towards others but also a means of self-preservation and spiritual growth. By upholding justice, we protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of injustice. We must strive to establish justice in all aspects of our lives, treating others with fairness, compassion, and respect.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that injustice leads to the destruction of the oppressor. It is a reminder that justice is an integral part of Islam, and it is our duty as Muslims to establish justice in all aspects of our lives. Let us reflect upon this beautiful Hadith and strive to be just in our actions, knowing that the consequences of injustice are not only detrimental to others but also to ourselves. May Allah guide us all on the path of justice and righteousness.