Hadith #2754

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of leadership and governance in Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, advises us to guide and direct the people based on their practices and religions. This means that leaders should take into consideration the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the people they govern, while ensuring that they adhere to the principles of Islam.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Direct the people [based] on their practices and religions.

This highlights the need for leaders to understand and respect the diversity within their communities. They should not impose their personal opinions or beliefs on others, but rather govern in a way that is inclusive and respectful of different practices and religions. This aligns with the Quranic principle of freedom of religion, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256):

There is no compulsion in religion.

Furthermore, the Hadith instructs us to

let the innocent from among them be safe [from your wrath] and let the suspicious ones be afraid of you.

This emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in leadership. Leaders should protect the rights of the innocent and ensure their safety, while also maintaining a sense of accountability for those who may pose a threat to the well-being of the community. This is in line with the Quranic command 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.

In addition, the Hadith advises us to

protect their frontiers and borders.

This highlights the responsibility of leaders to safeguard the security and well-being of their communities. Just as protecting physical borders is important, leaders must also protect the moral and spiritual boundaries of their society. This aligns with the Quranic command in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

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.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in this Hadith serves as a comprehensive framework for leadership in Islam. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the practices and religions of the people, ensuring justice and fairness, and protecting the security and boundaries of the community. By following these principles, leaders can create an environment that fosters unity, harmony, and the well-being of all individuals.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody these teachings in our own lives, whether we hold positions of leadership or not. We should respect the diversity within our communities, treat others with justice and fairness, and work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these teachings in our lives and may He bless us with leaders who govern with justice and compassion.