Hadith #6221

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most evil characteristic of the souls is oppression.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the grave sin of oppression and its detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" in the Hadith refers to evil or wickedness. It signifies actions or characteristics that are morally reprehensible and harmful. Oppression, or (al-jawr) "الجَوْرُ", is the act of treating others unjustly, denying them their rights, and causing them harm or suffering.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice and condemns oppression in numerous verses. 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 fight against oppression and establish justice. It emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes in a just manner, without allowing oppression to prevail. Muslims are commanded to stand against oppression and work towards establishing a just society.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8):

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, even if they do not share the same beliefs or values. It reminds Muslims that justice should be upheld in all interactions, regardless of the circumstances.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the severe consequences of oppression. Oppression not only harms the oppressed but also corrupts the soul of the oppressor. It leads to the degradation of society, the breakdown of trust, and the erosion of moral values.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. His wisdom and teachings continue to guide Muslims today. Through this Hadith, he emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and avoiding oppression in all aspects of life.

As Muslims, we must strive to embody the qualities of justice, fairness, and compassion in our interactions with others. We should be mindful of the rights of others and work towards establishing a just society. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the evil of oppression and contribute to the betterment of humanity as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to stand against oppression and establish justice in our lives and society. May He guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the noble examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Ameen.