Hadith #8728

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man jārat aqdītuhu, zālat qudratuhu,

which translates to,

One whose judgments are oppressive, his power comes to an end.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of oppressive leadership and the inevitable decline of power that accompanies it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word "jārat" refers to judgments or decisions made by a ruler or leader. These judgments can encompass various aspects of governance, including legal rulings, administrative decisions, and policies. The word "aqdītuhu" signifies the oppressive nature of these judgments, indicating that they are unjust, unfair, and oppressive towards the people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when a leader's judgments are oppressive, their power will eventually come to an end. This statement aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

The Quranic verse above highlights the role of messengers and scriptures in establishing justice among people. It emphasizes the need for leaders to base their judgments on the principles of justice and fairness. When leaders deviate from this path and oppress their subjects, they undermine their own power and authority. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further warns in Surah Al-Qasas (28:5),

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

This verse illustrates that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) supports and uplifts those who have been oppressed, eventually making them leaders. It serves as a reminder that oppressive leadership is temporary and will ultimately be replaced by just leadership. History has witnessed numerous instances where oppressive rulers faced downfall due to their unjust practices, while those who championed justice and fairness prevailed.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds significant lessons for both Shia and Sunni Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of selecting leaders who prioritize justice and fairness in their decisions. It also serves as a warning to those in positions of power that oppressive actions will lead to their own downfall.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages individuals to stand against oppression and support those who are oppressed. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to promote justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just society and ensure the continuity of our own power and influence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that oppressive leadership will ultimately lead to the decline of power. It emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in governance, aligning with the teachings of the Quran. Muslims are reminded to select leaders who prioritize justice and to stand against oppression in all its forms. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and fair in our actions and grant us leaders who uphold these principles.