Hadith #5036

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

حُسْنُ السِّياسَةِ يَسْتَديمُ الرِّياسَةَ۔

This can be translated as:

Good administration makes leadership last.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. "حُسْنُ السِّياسَةِ" refers to "good administration" or "good governance." It encompasses the qualities of wisdom, justice, fairness, and efficiency in managing the affairs of a state or community. "يَسْتَدِيمُ" means "to last" or "to endure," indicating the long-term sustainability and success of leadership. "الرِّياسَةَ" refers to "leadership" or "authority."

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of good governance and leadership. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:247):

Their Prophet said to them, 'Indeed, Allah has sent to you Saul as a king.' They said, 'How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?' He said, 'Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.'

This verse highlights the importance of knowledge in leadership. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, which contributed to his exceptional governance. Just as Allah chose Saul as a king due to his knowledge and stature, good administration requires leaders who possess knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

He said, 'Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous.'

In this verse, we see the importance of fairness and justice in governance. The Prophet Moses (Musa) offered a fair and just agreement to the man he encountered, demonstrating the principles of good administration. Similarly, a leader who upholds justice and fairness in their governance will gain the trust and support of the people, ensuring the longevity of their leadership.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the significance of good administration in maintaining a stable and successful leadership. When leaders prioritize the welfare of their people, implement just policies, and ensure efficient governance, they create an environment of trust, stability, and progress. This, in turn, fosters societal harmony, economic prosperity, and overall development.

Conversely, poor administration and lack of good governance can lead to instability, corruption, and the erosion of trust between the leaders and the people. This can result in the downfall of leadership and the disruption of societal well-being.

Muslims, regardless of their sectarian affiliations, can find guidance in this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It reminds us of the importance of selecting leaders who possess the qualities of good administration and emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to prioritize the welfare of their constituents.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that good administration is the key to enduring leadership. By upholding justice, fairness, and efficiency, leaders can establish a stable and prosperous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in selecting and supporting leaders who embody these qualities and contribute to the betterment of our communities.