Hadith #10275

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,

مَنْ تَحَلّى بِالإنْصافِ بَلَغَ مَراتِبَ الإشْرافِ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever adorns himself with equity attains the [lofty] ranks of honor.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tahalla) "تَحَلّى" means to adorn or beautify oneself with a particular quality or attribute. In this context, it refers to adorning oneself with equity, which is the quality of being fair, just, and impartial in all matters. The word (al-insaf) "الإنْصافِ" specifically denotes equity or justice.

The Hadith highlights the significance of embodying justice and fairness in our actions and decisions. It emphasizes that those who consistently practice and uphold justice will attain the ranks of honor and nobility. This means that by adhering to the principles of equity, individuals can elevate themselves spiritually and morally, reaching the highest levels of honor and respect in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The concept of justice is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse highlights that justice is not only a command from Allah, but it is also intertwined with good conduct and righteousness. It encompasses treating others with fairness, fulfilling our obligations, and refraining from any form of oppression or wrongdoing. By adhering to these principles, we can attain the ranks of honor and righteousness mentioned in the Hadith.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), where Allah says,

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 emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah's command for justice surpasses any personal biases or preferences. By being just and fair, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah and strive to attain the ranks of honor mentioned in the Hadith.

The consequences of adorning oneself with equity are profound. When individuals consistently practice justice, they contribute to the establishment of a just society. This leads to social harmony, peace, and the overall well-being of the community. Conversely, the absence of justice breeds corruption, oppression, and discord.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the embodiment of justice throughout his life. His famous saying,

Justice is the foundation of the world,

reflects his deep understanding of the importance of justice in all aspects of life. He was known for his fair judgments, even when it meant ruling against his own interests or those of his closest companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of adorning oneself with equity and justice. By practicing justice in our actions and decisions, we can attain the ranks of honor and nobility. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of justice and fairness. May we all strive to embody justice in our lives and attain the lofty ranks of honor and righteousness.