Hadith #6225

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ظُلْمُ الضَّعيفِ أفْحَشُ الظُّلْمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Being unjust to the weak is the most grievous injustice.

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

Firstly, let us understand the important words in this Hadith. (dhulm) "ظُلْمُ" refers to injustice or oppression, while (ad-da'if) "الضَّعيفِ" means the weak or vulnerable. (afhashu) "أفْحَشُ" denotes the most grievous or severe form of injustice, and (adh-dhulm) "الظُّلْمِ" refers to injustice in general.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against oppression in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

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 highlights the importance of justice, regardless of one's personal interests or the status of the individuals involved. It emphasizes the need to be just even if it means going against one's own self or loved ones. This serves as a reminder that justice should never be compromised, regardless of the circumstances.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 justice and warns against distorting the truth or refusing to testify when called upon. It highlights that Allah is fully aware of our actions and intentions, and we will be held accountable for our injustices.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By stating that being unjust to the weak is the most grievous injustice, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity and gravity of oppressing those who are vulnerable. This Hadith serves as a reminder that those in positions of power or authority have a greater responsibility to ensure justice and protect the rights of the weak.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. Through this Hadith, he emphasizes the importance of treating the weak with compassion, fairness, and respect. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to stand up against any form of oppression or injustice, particularly towards those who are less fortunate or marginalized in society.

The consequences of being unjust to the weak are far-reaching. It not only harms the individuals who are directly affected but also disrupts the harmony and balance of society as a whole. When the weak are oppressed, their trust in the system and their faith in justice is shattered. This can lead to resentment, social unrest, and a breakdown of societal norms.

Conversely, when we uphold justice and protect the rights of the weak, we contribute to a just and equitable society. This fosters unity, compassion, and a sense of collective responsibility among Muslims. It reflects the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of justice, mercy, and equality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be just and fair, particularly towards the weak and vulnerable. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of justice and warn against oppression. As Muslims, it is our duty to uphold justice and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their social status or circumstances. By doing so, we contribute to a just and harmonious society, reflecting the true essence of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just and merciful in our actions and grant us the strength to stand against injustice.