Hadith #8724

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity of injustice committed by judges. The word used in the Hadith is (dhulm) "ظُلْمُ", which can be translated as "injustice" or "oppression." This word signifies the act of transgressing the rights of others, denying them their due, or treating them unfairly. The Hadith emphasizes that the injustice of judges is the most abominable or divisive form of injustice.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes justice as a fundamental principle in Islam. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of justice in all aspects of life, including the judicial system. Judges hold a significant responsibility in upholding justice and ensuring the rights of individuals are protected. When judges deviate from this noble duty and commit injustice, it creates division and undermines the very fabric of society.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah says,

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 justice even when it goes against our personal interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that justice must prevail over personal biases or preferences. Judges, as representatives of the judicial system, must adhere to this principle and ensure that their judgments are fair and just.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, highlights the injustice of judges as the most abominable or divisive form of injustice. This is because judges have the power to make decisions that directly impact the lives of individuals and society as a whole. When judges abuse this power and fail to uphold justice, it leads to a breakdown of trust in the judicial system and creates divisions within society.

The consequences of the injustice of judges are far-reaching. It can result in individuals losing faith in the legal system, leading to a sense of injustice and resentment. This can further perpetuate a cycle of injustice and erode the social fabric of a community. Moreover, the injustice of judges can also lead to the oppression of the weak and marginalized, as they are often the most vulnerable to abuse of power.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of justice in all aspects of life, particularly within the judicial system. It serves as a call to action for judges to fulfill their duty with integrity, fairness, and compassion. It also serves as a reminder for individuals to hold judges accountable and strive for a just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity of the injustice committed by judges. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of life and emphasizes the importance of a just judicial system. May Allah guide us all to be just and fair in our actions and grant us the ability to establish justice in our societies.