Hadith #10515

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever oppresses himself is more oppressive to others.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" in Arabic refers to oppression, wrongdoing, or injustice. It encompasses actions that transgress the boundaries of what is right and just. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of self-oppression and its consequences on others.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:33),

And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right.

This verse emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the prohibition of unjustly taking it. Oppressing oneself by engaging in sinful actions or neglecting one's duties is a form of self-destruction and a violation of the rights bestowed upon us by Allah.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:231),

And do not make Allah an excuse in your oaths against being righteous and fearing Allah and making peace among people. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice and maintaining peace in our interactions with others. Oppressing oneself not only leads to personal harm but also has a negative impact on the well-being of those around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that self-oppression is not limited to its immediate consequences. It has a ripple effect that extends to others, causing harm and injustice. When a person oppresses themselves, they may become resentful, bitter, and prone to mistreating others. This can manifest in various forms, such as verbal abuse, physical harm, or even neglecting one's responsibilities towards others.

For example, if a person indulges in excessive anger and fails to control their emotions, they may end up hurting their loved ones through harsh words or physical aggression. Similarly, if someone neglects their financial obligations and accumulates debts, they may burden their family or society with the consequences of their actions. In both cases, the initial act of self-oppression leads to further oppression towards others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and their impact on those around them. It urges us to strive for self-improvement, self-discipline, and self-accountability. By avoiding self-oppression, we can create a positive and harmonious environment for ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that self-oppression not only harms oneself but also leads to the oppression of others. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of our actions and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness in all aspects of our lives. Let us reflect on this profound teaching and strive to be agents of justice, compassion, and mercy in our interactions with ourselves and others. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and protect us from oppressing ourselves and others.