Hadith #6266

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 (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لِلظّالِمِ بِكَفِّهِ عَضَّةٌ۔" which translates to

For the unjust there is a biting of his hand.

This Hadith uses vivid imagery to convey a wise message about the consequences of injustice.

The word (dhālim) "ظّالِمِ" refers to someone who oppresses, wrongs, or transgresses against others. It encompasses those who commit acts of injustice, whether it be through physical harm, emotional abuse, or any form of oppression. The word (kaffihi) "كَفِّهِ" refers to the hand of the oppressor, symbolizing their power and control over others. The word (‘addah) "عَضَّةٌ" means a biting or a punishment that befalls the unjust.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the consequences of injustice in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:85), Allah says,

Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in, and do you disbelieve in the rest? But what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment.

This verse highlights the disgrace and severe punishment that awaits those who commit injustice. It serves as a warning to the oppressors that their actions will ultimately lead to their own downfall and humiliation. Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am (6:160), Allah states,

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.

This verse emphasizes the principle of divine justice, where every action will be accounted for and rewarded or punished accordingly. The unjust will receive the consequences of their actions, and they will not be wronged in any way. Therefore, the biting of the hand mentioned in the Hadith serves as a metaphorical representation of the punishment that awaits the oppressors in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, highlights the inevitable consequences of injustice through this Hadith. By using the imagery of biting one's own hand, he emphasizes that the harm inflicted by the oppressor will eventually come back to haunt them. Just as a person who bites their hand experiences pain and suffering, the oppressor will face the repercussions of their actions.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of their lives. It encourages us to stand against oppression and to strive for fairness and equality. It reminds us that no act of injustice goes unnoticed by Allah, and that the oppressors will face the consequences of their actions, whether in this world or the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "لِلظّالِمِ بِكَفِّهِ عَضَّةٌ۔" conveys a impactful message about the consequences of injustice. It serves as a reminder that the oppressors will face the biting of their own hand, symbolizing the punishment that awaits them. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize divine justice and the recompense for those who commit injustice. As Muslims, we are called to stand against oppression and strive for justice in all aspects of our lives, knowing that Allah's justice will prevail in the end.