Hadith #9862

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) highlights the qualities of a just and prosperous ruler. Let us delve into the exegesis of this enlightening saying, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (hasuna) "حَسُنَ" means to be good, excellent, or beautiful. It implies a state of prosperity, well-being, and goodness. (ayshu) "عَيْشُ" refers to the livelihood, prosperity, and overall quality of life of the people. (amma) "عَمَّ" means to encompass or include, indicating that the ruler's concern extends to all his subjects. (ra'iyyatahu) "رَعِيَّتَهُ" refers to the subjects or citizens under the ruler's care. Lastly, (adlihi) "عَدْلِهِ" signifies justice, fairness, and equity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and prosperity for all in society. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 25, Allah says,

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

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nahl, verse 90, Allah states,

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and good conduct, while forbidding oppression. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of their lives.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes these Quranic teachings by highlighting the ideal qualities of a ruler. It states that the best king is one whose subjects prosper alongside him and whose justice prevails over all his people. This means that a just ruler ensures the well-being and prosperity of his subjects, and his justice is applied equally to all, without any discrimination or favoritism.

Such a ruler creates an environment where the people can thrive and flourish. He prioritizes the welfare of his citizens, ensuring that their needs are met and their rights are protected. He promotes economic growth, social harmony, and the overall betterment of society. By doing so, he not only fulfills his duty as a leader but also earns the respect and loyalty of his subjects.

The consequences of having a ruler who embodies these qualities are far-reaching. When a ruler genuinely cares for the well-being of his people, they become motivated and inspired to contribute to the progress of their society. They feel a sense of security, knowing that their rights will be safeguarded and their grievances will be addressed. This fosters a spirit of unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility among the citizens.

On the other hand, a ruler who neglects the prosperity and justice of his subjects will inevitably face negative consequences. Discontentment, unrest, and social inequality may prevail, leading to divisions and conflicts within society. The ruler's legitimacy and authority may be undermined, as the people lose faith in his ability to govern justly and effectively.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of justice and prosperity in leadership. It serves as a call to action for both rulers and citizens to strive for a just and prosperous society. Rulers are urged to prioritize the well-being of their subjects and ensure justice prevails, while citizens are encouraged to actively participate in the betterment of their communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities of a just and prosperous ruler. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which stress the importance of justice and prosperity for all. By embodying these qualities, a ruler can create a harmonious and thriving society, while neglecting them can lead to negative consequences. May Allah guide us all to uphold justice and work towards the prosperity of our communities.