Hadith #6197

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الظلم يطرد النعم" which translates to

Injustice drives away blessings.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequences of oppression and injustice in our lives.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (zulm) "ظلم" refers to any form of oppression, injustice, or wrongdoing. It encompasses actions that violate the rights of others, whether it be through physical, emotional, or financial harm. (yatrud) "يطرد" means to repel, drive away, or push aside. And (an-ni'ma) "النعم" refers to blessings, favors, and goodness bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of justice and warn against the consequences of oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.

This verse highlights the divine purpose behind the sending of messengers and the revelation of scriptures - to establish justice among people.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers,

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 own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Injustice drives away blessings,

is a profound reminder of the consequences of oppression. When we engage in acts of injustice, we create a barrier between ourselves and the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us. These blessings can manifest in various forms, such as good health, sustenance, peace of mind, and spiritual growth. However, when we oppress others, we disrupt the natural flow of blessings in our lives.

Let us reflect on this with an example. Imagine a person who unjustly withholds the wages of their employees. By doing so, they not only harm the financial well-being of those individuals but also create a toxic work environment filled with resentment and dissatisfaction. As a result, the blessings of productivity, harmony, and contentment are driven away from that workplace. Similarly, when we oppress others in any aspect of life, we create a negative energy that repels the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) intends for us.

The consequences of injustice are not limited to this world alone. In the hereafter, those who have oppressed others will face severe consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:47),

And they urge you to hasten the punishment. But Allah will never fail in His promise. And indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of those which you count.

This verse reminds us that although the oppressors may seem to escape justice in this world, they will be held accountable in the hereafter.

As Muslims, it is our duty to strive for justice in all aspects of our lives. We must be mindful of the rights of others and avoid any form of oppression or injustice. By doing so, we not only uphold the teachings of Islam but also invite the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) into our lives. Let us remember the impactful words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Injustice drives away blessings,

and strive to be agents of justice and righteousness in our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of justice and shower His blessings upon us.