Hadith #6638

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The bane of justice is the powerful tyrant.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (bane) "آفَةُ" refers to something that causes harm, destruction, or corruption. (justice) "العَدْلِ" signifies fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. (tyrant) "الظّالِمُ" refers to a person who oppresses others, abuses their power, and transgresses the boundaries of justice. Lastly, (powerful) "القادِرُ" denotes someone who possesses authority, strength, and influence.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which serves as the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah says,

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

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah 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.

These verses highlight the fundamental role of justice in Islam and emphasize the obligation upon Muslims to uphold it, regardless of personal biases or affiliations. Justice is a cornerstone of our faith, and it is incumbent upon us to establish it in all aspects of our lives.

Now, let us reflect on the wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings. The Hadith suggests that when a powerful tyrant abuses their authority and disregards justice, it becomes a calamity for society. This is because the powerful tyrant, due to their position and influence, can manipulate the system, oppress the weak, and create an environment of injustice and corruption.

We can observe this in various historical and contemporary contexts. When those in power exploit their authority for personal gain, it leads to the marginalization and suffering of the oppressed. The powerful tyrant's actions undermine the very fabric of justice, causing harm to individuals, families, and communities.

Moreover, the Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and proactive in combating injustice. It urges us to stand against tyranny, regardless of the oppressor's power or status. We are called upon to be witnesses for justice, just as Allah commands in the Quran.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying compels us to reflect on the consequences of injustice and the responsibility we bear as Muslims to strive for justice in all circumstances. It reminds us that justice is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical obligation that requires our active participation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of a powerful tyrant who disregards justice. It calls upon Muslims to uphold justice, even in the face of adversity, and to be steadfast witnesses for Allah. May we always strive to establish justice in our societies and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions.