Hadith #6187

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

أقْبَحُ الظُّلْمِ مَنْعُكَ حُقُوقَ اللّهِ۔

This powerful statement translates to,

The most loathsome injustice is your withholding the rights of Allah.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

To understand this Hadith, it is crucial to reflect upon the key words used. The word (dhulm) "ظُّلْمِ" refers to injustice or oppression, while (man'uka) "مَنْعُكَ" means withholding or denying. Lastly, (huquq Allah) "حُقُوقَ اللّهِ" signifies the rights of Allah.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of Allah in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:44),

And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the obligation to uphold the rights of Allah by adhering to His divine laws and judgments.

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

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of standing up for justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It is a reminder that withholding the rights of Allah is a grave injustice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate of knowledge, understood the significance of fulfilling the rights of Allah. He recognized that denying these rights is the most abhorrent form of injustice. By withholding the rights of Allah, we are essentially denying His sovereignty and disregarding His commands.

Withholding the rights of Allah can manifest in various ways. It can be through neglecting our religious obligations, such as neglecting our prayers, fasting, or giving charity. It can also be through engaging in sinful acts, such as lying, cheating, or backbiting. By committing these acts, we are depriving Allah of His rightful worship and obedience.

The consequences of withholding the rights of Allah are severe. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:85), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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 that those who withhold the rights of Allah will face disgrace in this life and severe punishment in the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we must ask ourselves if we are fulfilling the rights of Allah in our lives. Are we adhering to His commands and avoiding His prohibitions? Are we striving to worship Him sincerely and fulfill our religious obligations? It is essential for us, as Muslims, to constantly evaluate our actions and ensure that we are not withholding the rights of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the grave injustice of withholding the rights of Allah. It calls upon us to fulfill our religious obligations and worship Allah with sincerity. By doing so, we can avoid the loathsome injustice of denying the rights of our Creator. May Allah guide us all to fulfill His rights and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.