Hadith #6222

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he mentions two things that have dire consequences and from which one cannot be safe. The first is (zulm) "ظلم", which translates to injustice. The second is (sharr) "شر", which can be understood as evil or gluttony.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quranic teachings.

Firstly, (zulm) "ظلم" refers to any form of injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses actions that transgress the rights of others, whether it be through physical harm, verbal abuse, or unfair treatment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) explicitly condemns injustice in numerous verses of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness in all aspects of life.

Allah 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 obligation upon Muslims to uphold justice, even if it means going against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. It serves as a reminder that injustice will have severe consequences, both in this world and the Hereafter.

The second aspect mentioned in the Hadith is (sharr) "شر", which can be understood as evil or gluttony. Evil refers to any action or intention that is morally wrong, harmful, or detrimental to oneself or others. It encompasses acts of aggression, deceit, immorality, and indulgence in sinful desires. Gluttony, on the other hand, refers to excessive consumption or indulgence in food, drink, or material possessions.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of evil and the dangers of excessive indulgence in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra (17:81), Allah says:

And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse reminds us that truth will always prevail over falsehood, and that evil actions or intentions will ultimately be exposed and defeated. It serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive towards righteousness and to avoid any form of evil or gluttony.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, highlights these two aspects in this Hadith to warn Muslims about their consequences. Injustice and evil not only harm others but also have detrimental effects on the individual committing them. They tarnish one's character, distance them from Allah's mercy, and lead to a life filled with turmoil and regret.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of upholding justice, treating others with fairness and compassion, and abstaining from any form of evil or excessive indulgence. It serves as a call to self-reflection and self-improvement, urging us to constantly evaluate our actions and intentions.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of justice, righteousness, and moderation, and protect us from the consequences of injustice and evil. May we strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek his intercession on the Day of Judgment. Ameen.