Hadith #6625

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

From the exigencies of justice is the forbidding of oppression.

This profound statement highlights the inseparable connection between justice and the prohibition of oppression. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words.

The word "lawaazim" in Arabic refers to the essentials or requirements of something. In this context, it signifies the fundamental principles or necessary components of justice. Justice is a cornerstone of Islam, and it encompasses fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. It is a divine attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a fundamental principle that governs all aspects of human interaction.

The term "tanahi" means to prohibit or forbid. In this Hadith, it refers to the act of preventing or restraining oneself from engaging in oppression. Oppression, or "zulm" in Arabic, refers to any form of injustice, wrongdoing, or transgression against others. It includes physical, emotional, and social harm inflicted upon individuals or communities.

To understand the significance of forbidding oppression as an exigency of justice, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and the prohibition of oppression in numerous verses.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the duty of Muslims to intervene and establish justice when oppression occurs within the community. It emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and restoring justice through peaceful means. By forbidding oppression, Muslims are fulfilling an essential requirement of justice.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where 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 upholding justice, even if it goes against one's personal interests or biases. It encourages Muslims to be just witnesses for the sake of Allah, regardless of the social or familial ties involved. By forbidding oppression, Muslims are aligning themselves with the divine commandments of justice.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively oppose and prevent oppression in all its forms. It highlights the moral obligation to stand up against injustice and protect the rights of others. By forbidding oppression, Muslims contribute to the establishment of a just society, where the rights and dignity of every individual are safeguarded.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. His unwavering commitment to justice and his profound knowledge enabled him to identify and eradicate oppression wherever it existed. His famous saying,

Justice is the foundation of the world,

further emphasizes the significance of justice in Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forbidding oppression is an essential requirement of justice. It reminds Muslims of their duty to actively oppose and prevent any form of injustice. By upholding justice and forbidding oppression, Muslims contribute to the establishment of a just society, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah guide us all in our pursuit of justice and protect us from oppression.