Hadith #10282

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The equitable person is noble whereas the oppressor is wicked.

This concise statement carries profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect or school of thought.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word "munṣif" refers to a person who is just, fair, and impartial in their dealings. They uphold justice and equality, treating others with equity and fairness. On the other hand, the word "ẓālim" refers to an oppressor, someone who transgresses the rights of others, inflicts harm, and violates the principles of justice.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the obligation to establish justice and resolve conflicts in a fair and equitable manner. It also emphasizes the repudiation of oppression and the necessity to fight against it until justice is restored. The equitable person, as mentioned in the Hadith, aligns with the command of Allah to act justly and seek resolution through fairness.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the noble status of those who uphold justice. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of being witnesses in justice, even if it goes against our personal inclinations or biases. It reminds us that justice is a fundamental aspect of righteousness and that we should never allow our feelings of animosity towards others to cloud our judgment. The equitable person, as mentioned in the Hadith, embodies this noble quality of standing firm for justice, regardless of the circumstances.

Conversely, the Quran warns against the wickedness of oppressors. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:25), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse serves as a reminder that the consequences of oppression are severe and that the oppressors will face the wrath of Allah. The oppressor, as mentioned in the Hadith, is characterized as wicked due to their transgressions and disregard for the rights of others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize the profound impact that justice and oppression have on individuals and society as a whole. The equitable person, who upholds justice and fairness, not only earns nobility in the eyes of Allah but also contributes to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. Conversely, the oppressor, who inflicts harm and violates the principles of justice, is deemed wicked and faces the consequences of their actions.

As Muslims, we are called upon to emulate the qualities of the equitable person and distance ourselves from the traits of the oppressor. We should strive to be just in our dealings, treating others with fairness and equality. By doing so, we not only adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) but also contribute to the betterment of our communities and the establishment of a just society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying the qualities of the equitable person and protect us from the path of oppression. Ameen.