Hadith #6259

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

أظْلَمُ النَّاسِ مَنْ سَنَّ سُنَنَ الجَوْرِ، ومَحى سُنَنَ العَدْلِ۔

This Hadith highlights the concept of justice and oppression. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (azhlamu) "أظْلَمُ" refers to the most unjust or oppressive. It signifies an extreme form of injustice, where one intentionally transgresses the boundaries of fairness and equity. The word (sanna) "سَنَّ" means to establish or institute, while (sunnana) "سُنَنَ" refers to the practices or customs. (al-jawr) "الجَوْرِ" represents oppression, which encompasses any act of cruelty, injustice, or violation of rights. On the other hand, (al-'adl) "العَدْلِ" signifies justice, which entails fairness, equality, and upholding the rights of others.

To shed light on the significance of justice and the condemnation of oppression, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.

This verse emphasizes the divine mission of the messengers, which includes the establishment of justice among people. It highlights the importance of justice as a fundamental principle in Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers,

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 emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to be just and impartial, even in the face of animosity or personal biases. It underscores the significance of justice as a means to righteousness and closeness to Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the profound exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, highlights the gravity of oppression and the importance of justice. He states that the most unjust of people are those who establish the practices of oppression and abolish the practices of justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the fact that oppression is not merely an act of injustice but also a deliberate effort to institutionalize and normalize injustice. By establishing the practices of oppression, individuals or societies perpetuate a system that systematically denies the rights and dignity of others. This leads to the erosion of justice and the prevalence of inequality, suffering, and chaos.

Conversely, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of upholding justice. Justice is not merely an abstract concept but a set of practices and principles that ensure fairness, equality, and respect for the rights of all individuals. By abolishing the practices of justice, individuals or societies pave the way for corruption, exploitation, and the violation of human rights.

The consequences of establishing the practices of oppression and abolishing the practices of justice are far-reaching. They lead to the disintegration of social harmony, the erosion of trust, and the perpetuation of cycles of violence and injustice. On the other hand, upholding justice fosters a just and equitable society, where individuals can thrive, and peace can prevail.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses of our duty to establish justice and reject oppression in all aspects of our lives. We must strive to be just in our dealings, advocate for justice in society, and stand against any form of oppression or injustice. By doing so, we fulfill the divine commandments and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to uphold justice and reject oppression, and may He grant us the wisdom and strength to establish a just society.