Hadith #5003

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,

Listening to the complaint of the aggrieved is part of eminence.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (sabr) "صَبْرُ" in this Hadith refers to patience and steadfastness. It is a quality that encompasses endurance, perseverance, and the ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. The term (shakwa) "شَكْوَى" means complaint, expressing one's grievances or distress. And (almalhoof) "المَلْهُوفِ" refers to the one who is oppressed, aggrieved, or suffering.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience and steadfastness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153),

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the significance of patience as a means to seek assistance from Allah during challenging times.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Insan (76:22),

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the importance of helping and listening to the grievances of those in need, without expecting anything in return.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the noble act of actively listening to the complaints and grievances of the oppressed. It signifies the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards those who are suffering. By lending an ear to the aggrieved, we display our commitment to justice and our willingness to alleviate their pain.

This act of listening is not limited to merely hearing the words spoken by the oppressed. It goes beyond that, as it requires us to truly understand their plight, to empathize with their pain, and to take action to address their grievances. It is a call to actively engage with the struggles of others and to work towards finding solutions and providing support.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings were deeply rooted in the Quranic principles of justice, compassion, and empathy. He exemplified these qualities throughout his life, as he actively listened to the grievances of the oppressed and took decisive actions to address their concerns.

One example of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) commitment to listening to the complaints of the aggrieved is evident in the incident of the woman who approached him with a complaint. The woman, who was oppressed and mistreated, sought justice from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He patiently listened to her, empathized with her pain, and took immediate action to rectify the situation. This incident showcases Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) embodiment of the teachings of the Quran and his commitment to justice.

The consequences of actively listening to the complaints of the aggrieved are far-reaching. It fosters a sense of trust, comfort, and validation for those who have been oppressed. It provides them with a platform to express their pain and seek redress. Moreover, it allows for the identification of systemic issues and the implementation of meaningful changes to address the root causes of oppression.

As Muslims, we are called upon to embody the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. We should strive to actively listen to the complaints of the aggrieved, to empathize with their pain, and to take action to alleviate their suffering. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society, in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of actively listening to the complaints of the aggrieved. It calls upon us to embody the qualities of patience, empathy, and compassion, as exemplified by the teachings of the Quran. By actively engaging with the struggles of others and working towards finding solutions, we contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to listen attentively to the grievances of the oppressed and to take meaningful action to alleviate their suffering.