Hadith #2660

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:

لاتَمْنَعَنَّكُمْ رِعايَةُ الحَقِّ لأحَد عَنْ إقامَةِ الحَقِّ عَلَيْهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not allowing personal relationships or biases to hinder the establishment of justice, even if it means going against someone close to us.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words. The word (ri'ayatu) "رِعايَةُ" refers to attention or care, while (al-haqq) "الحَقِّ" signifies truth, justice, and the rights of others. The phrase (iqamat al-haqq 'alayhi) "إقامَةِ الحَقِّ عَلَيْهِ" means establishing justice against someone.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah says:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it means going against our own personal inclinations or the interests of those close to us. Our duty is to establish justice and fairness, regardless of the circumstances. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that our care and concern for others should not overshadow the importance of justice. We must not allow our personal relationships or biases to cloud our judgment or prevent us from upholding the rights of others. This Hadith serves as a reminder that justice should be the guiding principle in all our actions and decisions.

To illustrate the significance of this Hadith, let us consider a practical example. Imagine a situation where a person close to us has committed a wrongdoing. It is natural for us to feel a sense of loyalty or protectiveness towards them. However, the Hadith reminds us that our duty is to establish justice, regardless of our personal relationship with the individual.

By adhering to the principles of justice, we ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that the rights of all individuals are protected. This not only leads to a more harmonious society but also fosters a sense of trust and accountability among its members.

Furthermore, the consequences of neglecting justice can be detrimental. When we prioritize personal relationships over justice, we risk perpetuating injustice and inequality. This can lead to resentment, division, and a breakdown of trust within our communities. On the other hand, when we prioritize justice, we contribute to the establishment of a just and equitable society, where everyone's rights are respected and protected.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a balance between our personal relationships and our commitment to justice. While it is natural to care for those close to us, we must not allow this care to blind us to the principles of justice. By upholding justice, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and fairness in our interactions with others. It urges us to prioritize justice over personal relationships, ensuring that the rights of all individuals are upheld. By adhering to this principle, we contribute to the establishment of a just and equitable society, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in our pursuit of justice and righteousness.