Hadith #9817

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 مَلَكَ اِسْتَأْثَرَ۔" This can be translated into English as,

One who gains authority [usually] adopts partiality.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

To understand the key words in this Hadith, we must first examine the word (malaka) "مَلَكَ", which means "to possess" or "to have authority." This word signifies the acquisition of power or control over a certain domain. The word (ista'thara) "اِسْتَأْثَرَ" means "to favor" or "to show partiality." It implies that when one gains authority, they tend to favor certain individuals or groups over others, often leading to injustice and inequality.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the concept of authority and the potential for partiality. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the criteria for superiority and honor in the sight of Allah is not based on one's lineage or social status, but rather on their piety and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 importance of justice and fairness in resolving conflicts within the Muslim community. It reminds us that even in times of disagreement, it is our duty to uphold justice and ensure that no one is oppressed or treated unfairly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects the reality of human nature. When individuals gain authority, there is a tendency for them to show favoritism towards certain individuals or groups, often at the expense of others. This can lead to the marginalization and oppression of those who are not favored, resulting in a society plagued by injustice and inequality.

However, it is important to note that not all individuals succumb to this temptation. There are those who, despite having authority, remain just and fair. They recognize the importance of treating all individuals with equality and ensuring that justice prevails. These individuals serve as role models for us, reminding us of the importance of upholding justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives.

The consequences of adopting partiality when in a position of authority are far-reaching. It not only leads to the oppression of the marginalized, but it also undermines the very fabric of society. When justice is compromised, trust is eroded, and social cohesion is weakened. This can result in widespread discontent, unrest, and even conflict within the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being vigilant and self-aware when we are entrusted with authority, whether it be in our personal lives, our workplaces, or our communities. We must strive to resist the temptation of showing favoritism and instead ensure that justice is upheld for all, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or any other distinguishing factor.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the potential pitfalls of authority and the importance of upholding justice and fairness. It urges us to be mindful of our actions and to strive for justice in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to act justly in all circumstances.