لا تَخافُوا ظُلْمَ رَبِّكُمْ ولكِنْ خافُوا ظُلْمَ أنْفُسِكُمْ۔
Do not have fear of injustice from your Lord but fear the injustice of yourselves.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Soul And Holding It To Account)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.
The first important word in this Hadith is (zulm) "ظُلْم", which is translated as "injustice" or "oppression." This term refers to any act of wrongdoing, transgression, or violation of rights. It encompasses both the physical and emotional harm inflicted upon others.
The second significant word is (Rabbikum) "رَبِّكُمْ", which means "your Lord." It signifies the ultimate authority and power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over His creation. Allah, being the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, is the only one who possesses absolute justice and wisdom.
The third word is (anfusikum) "أَنْفُسِكُمْ", which translates to "yourselves." It refers to the individual self, highlighting the responsibility and accountability that each person holds for their actions.
To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-An'am, verse 164: (6:164)
And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And if a heavily laden soul calls [another] to [carry some of] its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if he should be a close relative.
This verse emphasizes the individual responsibility and accountability for one's actions. Each person will be held accountable for their own deeds, and no one can bear the burden of another. It is a reminder that we should not fear any injustice from our Lord, as His justice is perfect and fair.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 15, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (17:15)
Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger.
This verse reinforces the concept of individual accountability and the consequences of one's actions. Each person is responsible for their own guidance or misguidance, and no one will bear the burden of another. It is a reminder to fear the injustice of ourselves, as our actions have consequences that can affect our own souls.
Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that it urges us to be mindful of our own actions and the potential harm we may cause to ourselves and others. It reminds us not to fear any injustice from our Lord, as His justice is perfect and encompasses all.
By fearing the injustice of ourselves, we become conscious of our actions and strive to uphold justice, fairness, and righteousness in all aspects of our lives. This Hadith serves as a motivation for self-reflection, self-improvement, and self-accountability.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to prioritize self-accountability and to fear the injustice that we may inflict upon ourselves and others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility and the consequences of our actions. May we all strive to uphold justice and righteousness in our lives, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the betterment of our souls.
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