Hadith #2460

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) states,

Whoever fulfils the rights of one who does not fulfil his rights has enslaved him.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and the consequences of neglecting those rights.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qada) "قَضَى" means to fulfill or complete, while (haqq) "حَقَّ" refers to the rights or obligations that one has upon another. The word (man) "مَنْ" signifies whoever or anyone. Lastly, (la yaqdi) "لايَقْضي" means someone who does not fulfill or neglects their responsibilities.

To shed light on the significance of fulfilling the rights of others, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83),

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. By neglecting these rights, one not only disobeys Allah's command but also fails to fulfill their obligations towards their fellow human beings. This neglect can lead to enslavement, as mentioned in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling commitments and obligations towards orphans. By doing so, we not only protect their rights but also prevent their exploitation and enslavement. Neglecting their rights would be a grave injustice and a violation of the commandments of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that fulfilling the rights of others is not only a moral obligation but also a means of safeguarding their dignity and preventing their enslavement. When we neglect the rights of others, we strip them of their rights and subject them to a form of bondage.

For example, if an employer fails to pay their employees their rightful wages, they are essentially enslaving them by depriving them of their due rights. Similarly, if a person withholds the inheritance of their rightful heirs, they are unjustly enslaving them by denying them what is rightfully theirs.

The consequences of neglecting the rights of others are not limited to this world alone. In the Hereafter, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will hold us accountable for our actions and the rights we have neglected. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:26-27),

And those who withhold the rights of the believers, who are their brothers, will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize the immense responsibility we have towards one another as Muslims. It is our duty to fulfill the rights of others, whether they are our family, friends, employees, or fellow believers. By doing so, we not only uphold justice but also prevent the enslavement of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fulfilling the rights of others. It warns us of the consequences of neglecting these rights and highlights the significance of upholding justice and preventing the enslavement of our fellow human beings. May Allah guide us to fulfill the rights of others and protect us from enslaving others through our actions.