Hadith #6603

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَيْفَ يَعْدِلُ في غَيْرِهِ مَنْ يَظْلِمُ نَفْسَهُ؟!

which translates to

How can one who is unjust to himself be just with others?!

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability in the pursuit of justice.

The word (ya'dilu) "يَعْدِلُ" in the Hadith refers to the act of being just, fair, and equitable. It encompasses treating others with fairness, giving them their rights, and refraining from any form of oppression or injustice. The word (yazlimu) "يَظْلِمُ" means to wrong, oppress, or commit injustice.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of standing firm in justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge, and it is our duty to uphold justice regardless of the circumstances. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by questioning how one can claim to be just with others while being unjust to oneself.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This ayah highlights the importance of recognizing the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or differences. It emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true justice cannot be achieved if we are unjust to ourselves, as it is through self-improvement and self-accountability that we can become the most righteous versions of ourselves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to introspect and evaluate their own actions before passing judgment on others. It urges us to constantly strive for self-improvement and self-awareness, recognizing that our own injustices and shortcomings can hinder our ability to be just with others.

By reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate a sense of humility and self-accountability. This self-reflection allows us to recognize our own biases, prejudices, and injustices, enabling us to approach others with fairness, compassion, and empathy. It reminds us that true justice is not merely an external act but a reflection of our internal state.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

How can one who is unjust to himself be just with others?!

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize self-reflection and self-accountability in their pursuit of justice. It highlights the importance of recognizing and rectifying our own injustices before seeking to establish justice in society. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be just and righteous individuals, contributing to a more just and equitable world. May Allah guide us all on the path of justice and righteousness.