Hadith #6269

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مَنْ ظَلَمَ أفْسَدَ أمْرَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who acts unjustly corrupts his affair.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" in this Hadith refers to injustice or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that goes against the principles of fairness, equity, and righteousness. Injustice can manifest in various forms, such as oppressing others, usurping their rights, or treating them unfairly. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that such actions have dire consequences and lead to the corruption of one's affairs.

To understand the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against its opposite. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 16:90)

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse highlights that Allah commands justice and good conduct, while forbidding oppression and immorality. It is clear that injustice is contrary to the divine commandments and leads to corruption in one's affairs.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says, (Quran 4:135)

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 upholding justice, even if it goes against our personal interests or relationships. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge and that we should not let our biases or desires hinder us from acting justly. By doing so, we safeguard ourselves from corrupting our affairs and ensure that justice prevails.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to always strive for justice in their actions. When we act unjustly, we not only harm others but also bring about negative consequences for ourselves. Injustice breeds resentment, discord, and a breakdown of trust within society. It disrupts the harmony and balance that Allah has ordained for us.

Moreover, the corruption of one's affairs extends beyond the immediate consequences in this world. In the Hereafter, the unjust will be held accountable for their actions. Allah says in Surah Al-An'am, (Quran 32:21)

And We will surely cause them to taste the nearer punishment short of the greater punishment that perhaps they will repent.

This verse reminds us that those who engage in injustice will face the consequences of their actions, either in this world or in the Hereafter. The corruption they have caused will come back to haunt them, urging them to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of their lives. Acting unjustly not only harms others but also corrupts our own affairs. By adhering to the principles of justice, we ensure the well-being and harmony of society, and we safeguard ourselves from the consequences of our actions. May Allah guide us all to be just and righteous in our dealings and protect us from the corruption that stems from injustice.