Hadith #10272

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

مَنْ عُدِمَ إنْصافُهُ لَمْ يُصْحَبْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is not equitable is not associated with [by others].

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it encompasses.

The word (insafuhu) "إنصافُهُ" in this Hadith refers to equity or justice. It signifies the quality of being fair, impartial, and just in one's actions, decisions, and treatment of others. It encompasses the idea of giving everyone their due rights and treating people equally, without any bias or discrimination.

To shed light on the significance of equity, the Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of justice and fairness. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse highlights that justice is not only a command from Allah, but it is also intertwined with good conduct and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), 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 standing firm in justice, even if it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge and that we should not let our personal inclinations hinder us from being just.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Hadith states that one who lacks equity or justice will not be associated with by others. This means that when a person fails to uphold justice in their actions and dealings, they will lose the respect, trust, and companionship of others. This consequence arises from the inherent human desire for fairness and equality. When someone consistently acts unjustly, they create a sense of unease and discomfort among those around them, leading to a breakdown in relationships and social bonds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of justice in maintaining harmonious relationships and societal cohesion. He recognized that justice is not only a moral duty but also a means to establish a just and equitable society. By emphasizing the significance of equity, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to strive for justice in all aspects of their lives.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of equity and justice in their interactions with others. It urges us to be fair and impartial in our judgments, to treat others with kindness and respect, and to give everyone their due rights. By doing so, we can foster a society that is built on justice, compassion, and mutual respect.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of equity and justice in our lives. It reminds us that one who lacks justice will not be associated with by others. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize justice and fairness, we understand that equity is not only a command from Allah, but it is also a means to establish a just and harmonious society. Let us strive to embody the qualities of equity and justice in our actions, so that we may earn the respect and companionship of others, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).