Hadith #6249

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the contrasting nature of two situations: the loss of a child and the burden of oppression. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a man may find solace and rest even after experiencing the devastating loss of a child, but he will never find peace and tranquility while being oppressed.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "thukl" in the Hadith refers to the loss of a child. This loss is undoubtedly a great tragedy that can cause immense grief and sorrow. Despite the pain and heartache, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that a person may eventually find solace and be able to sleep peacefully after such a loss. This highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to heal from personal tragedies.

To further understand this concept, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and does not burden us with trials that exceed our capacity to endure. Therefore, even in the face of immense grief, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides us with the strength to cope and eventually find peace.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one cannot find rest while being oppressed. The word "zulm" in the Hadith refers to any form of injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses both physical and emotional oppression. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that no matter how tired or exhausted a person may be, they will not be able to find true rest and tranquility while living under the yoke of oppression.

The Quran repeatedly condemns oppression and highlights the consequences it brings. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:25), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And fear the trial which does not afflict exclusively those among you who have done wrong. And know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse reminds us that the consequences of oppression are not limited to the oppressors alone but can affect the entire community. It serves as a warning to Muslims to avoid engaging in any form of oppression and to stand against injustice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of justice and fairness in society. Islam places great emphasis on establishing a just and equitable social order. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse reminds us of our duty to uphold justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It is through the establishment of justice that true peace and harmony can be achieved.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us valuable lessons about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of personal tragedies and the importance of justice in society. It reminds us that while we may find solace and rest after experiencing loss, we can never find true peace while being oppressed. As Muslims, we are called to strive for justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives, for it is through justice that we can create a society where everyone can find peace and tranquility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to endure hardships and the wisdom to uphold justice.