Hadith #6227

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ظُلْمُ العِبادِ يُفْسِدُ المَعادَ۔

This powerful statement translates to

Being unjust to the people corrupts one’s Hereafter.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect upon the key words in this Hadith. (Dhulm) "ظُلْمُ" refers to injustice or oppression, while (Al-'Ibad) "العِبادِ" means the people or the servants of Allah. The word (Yufsīdu) "يُفْسِدُ" means to corrupt or spoil, and (Al-Ma'ad) "المَعادَ" refers to the Hereafter or the afterlife.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes justice as a fundamental principle in Islam. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 9, Allah says, (Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct)

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ

This verse highlights the importance of justice in our actions and interactions with others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah commands, (O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ

This verse emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to establish justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the consequences of injustice. It states that being unjust to the people corrupts one's Hereafter. This means that if we oppress or mistreat others, we are not only harming them in this world but also jeopardizing our own spiritual well-being in the Hereafter.

To illustrate this, let us consider a few examples. If a person engages in dishonest business practices, exploiting others for personal gain, they are committing an act of injustice. This not only harms the individuals being exploited but also tarnishes the perpetrator's soul and spiritual standing. Such actions distance us from the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and hinder our progress towards the Hereafter.

Similarly, if we oppress or mistreat others in our personal relationships, such as through verbal or physical abuse, we are not only causing harm to those individuals but also damaging our own souls. Our actions in this world have a direct impact on our spiritual journey and the state of our Hereafter.

Conversely, when we strive to establish justice and treat others with fairness and kindness, we are not only fulfilling our duty as Muslims but also purifying our souls and enhancing our spiritual growth. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) promises immense rewards for those who uphold justice and righteousness in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 40, (Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed)

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُدَافِعُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of our lives. Being unjust to the people not only harms them but also corrupts our own Hereafter. We must strive to treat others with fairness, kindness, and compassion, for in doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also purify our souls and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to be just and righteous in our actions, both in this world and the Hereafter.