Hadith #2766

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, "إذا وُلِّيتَ فَاعْدِلْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you are given a position of authority, [then] act justly.

This wise utterance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in leadership and governance.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word "وُلِّيتَ" is derived from the root word "ولاية" which means authority or leadership. It signifies being entrusted with a position of power and responsibility. The word "فَاعْدِلْ" is derived from the root word "عدل" which means justice. It implies the act of being fair, equitable, and impartial in all matters.

To understand the significance of acting justly when in a position of authority, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. 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 obligation to settle disputes with justice and fairness. It emphasizes the need for a just ruler who can impartially resolve conflicts and ensure harmony within the community. Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa (4:58), Allah says,

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

This verse highlights the duty of a leader to fulfill their responsibilities honestly and justly. It emphasizes the importance of upholding trust and making fair judgments. It is clear from these verses that justice is an integral part of Islamic governance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to all Muslims, regardless of their position or authority, to act with justice and fairness. When a person is entrusted with a position of authority, whether it be in the family, community, or society, they must ensure that they make decisions and take actions based on justice.

Acting justly means treating everyone equally, without any bias or discrimination. It means considering the rights and needs of all individuals and making decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole. It means being transparent, accountable, and open to feedback and criticism.

When a leader acts justly, it fosters trust, unity, and harmony within the community. It motivates people to follow their example and work towards the betterment of society. Conversely, when a leader acts unjustly, it leads to oppression, division, and discontentment among the people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the principle of justice throughout his life. His famous saying,

Justice is the foundation of leadership,

reflects his deep understanding of the importance of justice in governance. He implemented justice in his own rule, ensuring that the rights of all individuals were protected and that the welfare of the community was prioritized.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to act with justice and fairness when entrusted with positions of authority. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of justice in all aspects of life. By adhering to the principle of justice, we can create a just and equitable society, where the rights of all individuals are protected, and the well-being of the community is prioritized. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to act with justice and righteousness in all our endeavors.