Hadith #3143

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The biggest loser from among you is the most unjust from among you.

This amazing Hadith highlights the concept of justice and its significance in Islam. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (akhsarukum) "أخسَرُكُمْ" translates to

the biggest loser from among you.

This word is derived from the root word (khasara) "خسر", which means loss or deprivation. It signifies a state of ultimate failure and regret. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to an individual who has lost the most in terms of their spiritual and moral standing.

On the other hand, the word (azlamukum) "أظْلَمُكُمْ" translates to

the most unjust from among you.

It is derived from the root word (dhulm) "ظلم", which means injustice or oppression. This word denotes an individual who transgresses the boundaries of fairness and equity, causing harm and suffering to others.

To shed light on the significance of justice in Islam, we turn to the Quran. 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.

This verse emphasizes the role of messengers and divine scriptures in establishing justice among people.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice even in the face of personal biases or familial ties.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He states that the biggest loser among us is the most unjust. This statement serves as a reminder that injustice not only harms others but also leads to one's own spiritual downfall.

When a person engages in acts of injustice, they disrupt the balance and harmony that Allah has ordained in society. This disruption not only affects the victims of injustice but also tarnishes the character and soul of the perpetrator. Such individuals may accumulate wealth, power, or worldly success, but they ultimately lose the most valuable asset - their integrity and moral standing.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice because it is the foundation upon which a just society is built. When justice prevails, people are treated fairly, rights are protected, and peace is maintained. Conversely, when injustice prevails, chaos, oppression, and discord become rampant.

The consequences of injustice are far-reaching. It not only affects individuals but also impacts communities and nations. History bears witness to the rise and fall of civilizations due to the prevalence or absence of justice. The oppression of the weak and the marginalized breeds resentment and rebellion, leading to the downfall of societies.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of their lives. It highlights the profound connection between justice and personal well-being. By practicing justice, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also safeguard our own spiritual growth and success. May Allah guide us all to be just and fair in our dealings, and may He protect us from the path of injustice.