Hadith #6285

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما ظَلَمَ مَنْ خافَ المَصْرَعَ۔

This can be translated as,

He who fears falling [into hellfire] does not act unjustly.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" in this Hadith refers to acting unjustly or oppressing others. It encompasses any form of wrongdoing, whether it is in the form of physical harm, emotional abuse, or financial exploitation. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "whoever" or "he who," indicating that this statement applies to all individuals, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of fearing the consequences of our actions. This fear is not a paralyzing fear, but rather a fear that motivates us to be conscious of our deeds and their potential impact on ourselves and others. It is a fear that drives us to strive for justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against oppression and wrongdoing. 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 emphasizes the obligation to establish justice and resolve conflicts in a fair manner. It encourages Muslims to stand against oppression and work towards reconciliation and justice. It is a reminder that acting unjustly is not only morally wrong but also goes against the teachings of Islam.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge, and it is our duty to be witnesses for justice, regardless of the circumstances. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, as it emphasizes the need to fear the consequences of our actions and act justly.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can see that the fear of falling into hellfire serves as a powerful motivation to avoid injustice. This fear acts as a deterrent, reminding us of the severe consequences of oppressing others. It compels us to be mindful of our actions and to treat others with fairness, kindness, and compassion.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of self-accountability. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions, ensuring that we are not engaging in any form of injustice. By cultivating this fear within ourselves, we become more conscious of the impact of our deeds and strive to align them with the principles of justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that those who fear falling into hellfire will not act unjustly. It emphasizes the need to be conscious of our actions and their consequences, motivating us to strive for justice in all aspects of our lives. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can cultivate a sense of accountability and work towards creating a just and equitable society. May Allah guide us all to the path of justice and righteousness.