Hadith #6224

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,

Submission to tyranny causes destruction and annihilates the kingdom.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ta'at) "طاعَةُ" means "submission" or "obedience." It refers to the act of complying with the commands and orders of someone in authority. The word (al-jawr) "الجَوْرِ" refers to "tyranny" or "oppression." It signifies the unjust and oppressive behavior of those in power, who transgress the rights of others. The word (tawjibu) "تُوجِبُ" means "causes" or "leads to," and (al-hulka) "الهُلْكَ" means "destruction" or "ruin." Finally, the phrase (ta'ati 'ala al-mulk) "تَأتي عَلَى المُلْكِ" means "annihilates the kingdom."

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against oppression. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

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 significance of justice and the obligation to stand against oppression. It teaches us that if one party oppresses another, it is the duty of the believers to fight against the oppressor until justice is restored. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he warns about the destructive consequences of submitting to tyranny.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:193), Allah commands the believers,

Fight them until there is no [more] fitnah and [until] worship is [acknowledged to be] for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resisting oppression and fighting against those who perpetrate injustice. It encourages the believers to strive for the establishment of a just society where worship is dedicated solely to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that submission to tyranny leads to destruction and the downfall of a kingdom. When people tolerate and comply with oppressive rulers, they contribute to the perpetuation of injustice and the erosion of societal well-being. By submitting to tyranny, individuals become complicit in the oppression and share the responsibility for its consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which enabled him to understand the detrimental effects of submitting to tyranny. He recognized that by accepting and obeying oppressive rulers, individuals not only harm themselves but also contribute to the decay of the entire system of governance.

Therefore, as Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith to stand firmly against oppression and injustice. We should strive to establish a just society where the rights of all individuals are respected and protected. It is our duty to resist tyranny and work towards the betterment of our communities, upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the destructive consequences of submitting to tyranny. It emphasizes the importance of standing against oppression and striving for justice. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, we understand that it is our duty as Muslims to resist injustice and work towards the establishment of a just society. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of justice and righteousness.