Hadith #9865

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, "الملوك حمات الدين" which translates to

The kings are [supposed to be] defenders of the religion.

This Hadith highlights the important role that rulers and leaders have in protecting and preserving the religion of Islam.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith by examining the key words. The word (al-mulook) "الملوك" refers to kings or rulers, those who hold positions of authority and power. They are responsible for governing and leading their people. The word (humaat) "حمات" is derived from the root word (himayah) "حماية", which means protection or defense. It signifies the duty of the rulers to safeguard and uphold the principles and teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:41),

Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.

This verse emphasizes the responsibility of those in positions of power to establish the pillars of Islam, promote justice, and prevent corruption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the appointment of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as a vicegerent on earth, saying,

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.'

This verse highlights the divine appointment of leaders and their role as representatives of Allah's authority on earth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes that rulers are not merely political figures, but they have a sacred duty to protect and defend the religion of Islam. They should ensure that the laws and policies implemented are in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

When rulers fulfill their role as defenders of the religion, they create an environment where Muslims can practice their faith freely and without fear. They establish justice, promote moral values, and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. This fosters a society that is conducive to the growth and development of Islam.

Conversely, when rulers neglect their duty to protect the religion, the consequences can be dire. Corruption, injustice, and oppression may prevail, leading to the erosion of Islamic values and principles. This can result in the weakening of the Muslim community and the loss of spiritual guidance.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we as Muslims should recognize the importance of selecting leaders who are committed to upholding the principles of Islam. We should hold our rulers accountable for their actions and strive to create a society that is governed by justice, compassion, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the crucial role that rulers play in defending and preserving the religion of Islam. It is incumbent upon them to govern with justice, promote Islamic values, and protect the rights of all individuals. As Muslims, we should strive to support and elect leaders who are committed to upholding the teachings of Islam, thereby ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous leaders and grant us the wisdom to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens.