Hadith #9872

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst of kings is one who opposes justice.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of justice in the leadership of a king or ruler. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word "muluk" refers to kings or rulers, those who hold authority and power over a nation or people. The word "sharr" means the worst or most evil, indicating the severity of the actions of such rulers. And "man khalafa al-'adl" means one who opposes justice, indicating that the ruler deviates from the path of justice and fairness.

To understand the significance of justice in leadership, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:25)

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed to them the Scripture and the balance that people may maintain [their affairs] in justice

This verse highlights that the purpose of sending messengers and revealing scriptures was to establish justice among people.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, Allah commands, (4:135)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives

This verse emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it goes against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones.

Imam Ali's statement aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It emphasizes that a ruler who opposes justice is the worst kind of ruler. When a ruler deviates from the path of justice, it leads to oppression, inequality, and the suffering of the people. Such a ruler fails to fulfill their duty of ensuring the well-being and rights of their subjects.

The consequences of a ruler opposing justice are far-reaching. It creates a society plagued by corruption, where the powerful exploit the weak, and the rights of individuals are trampled upon. Injustice breeds discontent, resentment, and social unrest. It disrupts the harmony and stability of a nation, leading to divisions and conflicts.

On the other hand, a just ruler ensures that the rights of all individuals are protected, regardless of their social status or background. They establish a system where everyone is treated fairly and equitably. This fosters a society built on trust, unity, and cooperation. It promotes the well-being and prosperity of the people, as justice is the foundation upon which a righteous society is built.

Imam Ali's amazing Hadith serves as a reminder to all Muslims, whether they are rulers or subjects, of the importance of justice in all aspects of life. It calls upon us to strive for justice in our personal conduct, interactions, and decision-making. It urges us to stand against oppression and injustice, and to work towards creating a just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the worst kind of ruler is one who opposes justice. It emphasizes the significance of justice in leadership and highlights the dire consequences of deviating from this path. As Muslims, we are called upon to uphold justice in all aspects of our lives, and to work towards establishing a just society where the rights of all individuals are protected. May Allah guide us all to the path of justice and righteousness.