Hadith #6278

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ ظَلَمَ العِبادَ كانَ اللّهُ خَصْمَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever oppresses the people, Allah becomes his adversary.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" in this Hadith refers to oppression or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that infringes upon the rights of others, causing harm, injustice, or imbalance in society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge and protector of justice, and He detests oppression in all its forms.

The Hadith emphasizes that when a person oppresses others, Allah becomes their adversary. This means that Allah stands against the oppressor, opposing their actions and holding them accountable for their transgressions. This divine opposition serves as a warning and a reminder of the severe consequences that await those who engage in oppression.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:188)

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of unjustly taking the wealth of others, which is a form of oppression.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, where Allah says, (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, and refraining from any form of ridicule or insult, which is a manifestation of oppression.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the severe consequences of oppressing others. It is a call to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion in all aspects of life. When a person oppresses others, they not only harm their victims but also invite the wrath and opposition of Allah.

The consequences of oppression are far-reaching. In this life, oppression creates discord, division, and unrest in society. It destroys the fabric of communities and erodes trust between individuals. Moreover, the consequences extend to the Hereafter, where the oppressor will be held accountable for their actions and face the divine justice of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islam. His teachings and actions exemplified justice, compassion, and mercy. He stood firmly against oppression and injustice, and his words in this Hadith reflect his commitment to upholding the principles of Islam.

As Muslims, it is our duty to reflect upon this Hadith and strive to embody its teachings in our daily lives. We must be vigilant in recognizing and opposing oppression, whether it is committed by individuals, groups, or institutions. By doing so, we align ourselves with the divine will of Allah and contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

May Allah guide us all to be just and compassionate individuals who stand against oppression and uphold the principles of Islam. May He protect us from becoming oppressors and grant us the strength and wisdom to promote justice and fairness in all our affairs.