Hadith #5035

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

حُسْنُ السِّياسَةِ قِوامُ الرَّعيَّةِ

which translates to

Good administration is the mainstay of the citizenry.

In this enlightening saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of effective governance and leadership in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the people.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "حُسْنُ السِّياسَةِ" refers to good administration or governance. It encompasses the principles and practices that lead to the efficient and just management of public affairs. "قِوامُ الرَّعيَّةِ" refers to the mainstay or foundation of the citizenry, indicating that good governance is the cornerstone upon which the welfare and stability of the people rest.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the importance of good governance and leadership. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30),

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the divine appointment of authority on earth and emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice and prevent corruption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:41), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of [all] matters.

This verse emphasizes that good governance involves not only the establishment of prayer and the giving of charity but also the promotion of righteousness and the prevention of wrongdoing.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the pivotal role of good administration in ensuring the welfare and prosperity of the citizenry. When leaders govern with integrity, competence, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the people, they create an environment conducive to growth, justice, and social harmony. Good governance leads to the provision of essential services, the protection of individual rights, and the equitable distribution of resources.

Conversely, poor governance can have detrimental consequences for society. Injustice, corruption, and mismanagement can lead to social unrest, economic disparities, and a breakdown of trust between the government and the people. The Quran warns against such practices and emphasizes the need for leaders to fulfill their responsibilities with sincerity and accountability.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of selecting and supporting leaders who possess the qualities of good governance. It encourages us to actively participate in the political process and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. It also reminds us that as individuals, we have a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society and strive for justice and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the crucial role of good administration in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the citizenry. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of justice, accountability, and the promotion of righteousness in governance. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these principles in our personal lives and actively work towards establishing just and effective systems of governance in our societies. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our efforts and grant us leaders who govern with wisdom and righteousness.