Hadith #6435

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asks,

Where are those who used to humiliate their enemies and take possession of their forelocks [by enslaving them]?

This statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, compassion, and the rejection of oppression.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (istadhallu) "استَذَلُّوا" refers to the act of humiliating or subjugating someone. It implies exerting dominance and power over others, particularly enemies. The word (malakoo) "مَلَكُوا" means to take possession or control over something. And (nawasiha) "نَواصِيَها" refers to the forelocks, which symbolize the control and ownership over someone.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes justice and the prohibition of oppression. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the equality of all human beings and the importance of recognizing each other's worth based on righteousness, not on dominance or subjugation. It rejects the notion of one group humiliating or oppressing another based on their differences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah instructs the believers,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to treat all individuals, even those who may not share their faith, with justice and fairness. It prohibits the humiliation or mistreatment of others solely based on their beliefs or affiliations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question in the hadith challenges those who seek to dominate and oppress others. It serves as a reminder that true strength lies in upholding justice and compassion, rather than in exerting power over others. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is calling upon Muslims to reject the mindset of subjugation and instead strive for a society based on equality and fairness.

The consequences of disregarding this message are evident throughout history. When individuals or groups seek to humiliate and oppress others, it leads to division, conflict, and the erosion of social harmony. On the other hand, when justice and compassion prevail, societies flourish, and individuals thrive in an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of treating others with dignity and fairness, regardless of their differences. We are called upon to reject any form of oppression or subjugation and to strive for a society that upholds justice and equality for all. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these principles and following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the epitome of knowledge and justice.