Hadith #6590

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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, "العدل يصلح البرية" which translates to

Justice reforms the people.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect upon the key words in this Hadith. (al-'adl) "العدل" refers to justice, which is the act of treating others with fairness, equality, and righteousness. It is the opposite of oppression and injustice. (yuṣliḥu) "يصلح" means to reform, rectify, or set things right. And (al-bariyyah) "البرية" refers to the people or the creation of Allah.

The concept of justice is deeply rooted in the Quran, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to uphold justice in numerous verses. For example, 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice, even if it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones.

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

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.

This verse highlights the significance of justice in Islam and warns against allowing personal biases or animosity to cloud our judgment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) affirms the transformative power of justice. When justice is upheld and practiced in society, it has the ability to reform and rectify the people. It creates an environment of fairness, harmony, and righteousness, where individuals are treated equitably and their rights are protected.

Justice not only has external consequences but also internal ones. When we strive for justice, it purifies our souls and strengthens our connection with Allah. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah says,

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance, that people may maintain justice.

This verse highlights that justice is a fundamental principle upon which the messengers were sent and the scriptures were revealed.

Moreover, justice is a quality that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified throughout his life. His profound knowledge and understanding of justice earned him the title of

Gate of the City of Knowledge

by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He implemented justice in his governance, ensuring that the rights of all individuals, regardless of their social status, were protected.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that justice is not only a moral virtue but also a transformative force. By upholding justice in our personal lives and in society, we can reform and rectify the people. It is a principle that is deeply rooted in the Quran, and its practice leads to righteousness and the fulfillment of our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah guide us all to be just and righteous, and may He grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).