Hadith #6695

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "القُدْرَةُ يُزيلُهَا العُدْوانُ۔" This can be translated as,

Power is lost through aggression [and oppression].

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. (al-qudrah) "القُدْرَةُ" refers to power, ability, or authority. It encompasses both physical and intellectual strength. (yuziluha) "يُزيلُهَا" means to remove, eliminate, or take away. And (al-'udwan) "العُدْوانُ" signifies aggression, injustice, or oppression.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the consequences of aggression and oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205),

And when he turns away [from you], his effort in the land is to cause corruption therein and to destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse highlights how aggression and oppression lead to corruption and destruction, ultimately resulting in the loss of power and authority.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes that disputes and conflicts, fueled by aggression and oppression, can lead to the loss of strength and power.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the consequences of aggression and oppression. When individuals or entities abuse their power and engage in unjust actions, they ultimately undermine their own authority. History is replete with examples of tyrants who, due to their oppressive behavior, faced rebellion and lost their power.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to uphold justice and avoid aggression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

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 verse highlights the importance of justice and fairness, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid aggression and oppression. It teaches us that power and authority are not sustained through unjust means, but rather through justice, fairness, and upholding the rights of others. By adhering to these principles, we can maintain our power and authority while also ensuring the well-being and harmony of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the path of justice and righteousness.