Hadith #7851

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

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

لاتُعِنْ قَوِيّاً عَلى ضَعيف۔

This can be translated as,

Do not assist a strong person over a weak one.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our actions towards others, regardless of their social status or power.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (tu'in) "تُعِنْ" means to assist, support, or aid. It implies providing help or backing to someone in need. (qawiyyan) "قَوِيّاً" refers to a strong or powerful person, while (da'if) "ضَعيف" denotes someone who is weak or vulnerable.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes justice and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

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.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of those close to us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse emphasizes the need to be just and fair, even if it means going against our personal biases or the biases of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not let the power or strength of an individual sway their judgment when it comes to assisting others. It is a call to prioritize justice and fairness over personal interests or societal pressures.

In practical terms, this Hadith encourages us to stand up for the rights of the weak and vulnerable, even if it means going against those who hold positions of power. It urges us to be advocates for justice and to use our influence and resources to uplift those who are oppressed or marginalized.

For example, if we witness an injustice where a powerful individual is mistreating a weaker person, this Hadith reminds us not to remain silent or passive. Instead, we should use our voice and take action to support the weaker party and ensure that justice is served. This could involve speaking out against the oppressor, providing assistance to the victim, or seeking legal recourse if necessary.

By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, we can create a more just and equitable society. It fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards the weak and vulnerable, reminding us of our duty to protect and uplift those who are in need. It also serves as a reminder that true strength lies in using our power and influence for the betterment of others, rather than exploiting it for personal gain.

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

Do not assist a strong person over a weak one,

emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our interactions with others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the need to uphold justice and not let personal biases or societal pressures sway our judgment. By adhering to this Hadith, we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate society, where the rights of all individuals, regardless of their social status, are protected and upheld.