Hadith #6267

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three signs of the unjust among the people. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first sign mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is being unjust to the one who is above him by disobedience. This refers to a person who disobeys those in authority over him, whether it be a ruler, a parent, a teacher, or any other figure of authority. Such an individual transgresses the boundaries set by Allah and violates the rights of others. Allah warns against this in the Quran, stating in Surah An-Nisa (4:59):

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

Disobeying those in authority not only goes against the teachings of Islam but also disrupts the harmony and order in society. It leads to chaos and undermines the stability of communities. Therefore, Muslims are instructed to follow the guidance of their leaders as long as it does not contradict the commandments of Allah.

The second sign mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is being unjust to the one below him by overruling him. This refers to a person who abuses their position of power or authority to oppress those who are weaker or subordinate to them. They use their influence to exploit and mistreat others, disregarding their rights and dignity. This behavior is condemned in the Quran, as Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them.

Islam emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in all aspects of life. Muslims are commanded to treat others with kindness, respect, and equality, regardless of their social status or position. Oppressing those who are weaker not only violates their rights but also goes against the principles of justice and compassion that Islam upholds.

The third sign mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is supporting the faction of oppressors. This refers to aligning oneself with those who commit acts of injustice and oppression, either out of fear, personal gain, or misguided loyalty. By supporting the oppressors, one becomes complicit in their wrongdoing and shares in their guilt. Allah warns against this in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2):

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

Supporting the oppressors not only perpetuates injustice but also hinders the establishment of a just and equitable society. Muslims are encouraged to stand up against oppression and support the cause of justice, even if it means going against popular opinion or facing adversity. The Quran teaches us in Surah An-Nisa (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.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold justice, fairness, and righteousness in their interactions with others. It warns against the three signs of the unjust: disobedience to those in authority, oppression of those who are weaker, and supporting the faction of oppressors. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, Muslims can strive to create a just and compassionate society, in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to stand up against injustice.