Hadith #6214

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِئْسَ الظُّلْمُ ظُلْمُ المُسْتَسْلِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

How bad an injustice is the injustice to one who is submissive!

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity and gravity of committing injustice against someone who is in a state of submission and vulnerability.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (zulm) "ظُلْمُ" refers to any form of injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses actions that transgress the rights of others, causing harm and suffering. The word (mustaslim) "مُسْتَسْلِمِ" refers to someone who is submissive, surrendering themselves to a higher authority or power. It implies a state of vulnerability and reliance on the mercy and protection of others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns injustice and oppression, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness in all aspects of life. Allah says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance, that people may maintain justice.

This verse highlights the divine purpose behind the sending of messengers and the revelation of scriptures, which is to establish justice among people.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands the believers,

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 emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones. It demonstrates the significance of justice as a fundamental principle in Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement draws attention to the severity of committing injustice against someone who is in a state of submission. When a person willingly surrenders themselves to another, placing their trust and reliance in them, it is a sacred responsibility to treat them with utmost fairness and kindness. To violate this trust and commit injustice against such a person is not only a betrayal of their rights but also a violation of the principles of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the moral and ethical consequences of such an act. Committing injustice against someone who is submissive not only inflicts immediate harm but also has long-lasting effects on the individual and society as a whole. It erodes trust, damages relationships, and creates a cycle of injustice and oppression. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of treating others with fairness, compassion, and respect, especially those who are vulnerable and in a state of submission.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the countless instances of injustice and oppression that occur in our world today. Whether it is the exploitation of workers, the abuse of power, or the mistreatment of the marginalized, we must strive to be agents of justice and stand against all forms of oppression. By upholding justice and treating others with fairness, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and compassionate in all our actions and protect us from committing injustice against those who are submissive. May we always remember the impactful words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to embody the principles of justice and fairness in our daily lives.