Hadith #6616

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the principles of justice and governance. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The first word is (siyasa) "سِيَاسَةُ", which refers to the policy or strategy employed in governance. It encompasses the principles and methods used to administer justice and maintain order in society.

The second word is (al-'adl) "العَدْلِ", which means justice. It signifies fairness, equity, and the absence of oppression or discrimination. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam, emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran.

One of the Quranic verses that supports the concept of justice is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

The third word is (layin) "لِينٌ", which means leniency or gentleness. It refers to the quality of being kind and compassionate while dealing with others. Leniency should be exercised in a balanced manner, ensuring that it does not lead to negligence or compromise on justice.

The fourth word is (hazm) "حَزْم", which means firmness or decisiveness. It implies the need to be resolute and determined in upholding justice, without being swayed by personal biases or external pressures.

The fifth word is (istiqsaa) "اسْتِقْصَاءٌ", which means investigation or inquiry. It signifies the importance of thorough and fair investigations to establish the truth and ensure that justice is served. In matters of governance, it is crucial to gather all relevant information before making judgments or taking actions.

The sixth word is (ifdal) "إِفْضَالٌ", which means munificence or generosity. It refers to the act of giving preferential treatment or bestowing favors upon others. However, in the context of justice, it implies that such acts should be carried out with moderation and balance, without compromising the principles of fairness and equality.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the policy of justice comprises three essential elements: leniency in firmness, fairness in investigation, and moderation in munificence.

Leniency in firmness means that while administering justice, one should be gentle and compassionate towards the accused or the wrongdoer. This leniency should not be mistaken for weakness or a lack of resolve. Rather, it should be a reflection of the mercy and compassion that Islam encourages in dealing with others.

Fairness in investigation emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough and unbiased inquiries to establish the truth. This ensures that justice is served and innocent individuals are not wrongfully accused or punished. Islam places great emphasis on the importance of evidence and witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence.

Moderation in munificence reminds us that while it is commendable to be generous and bestow favors upon others, it should not be done at the expense of justice. The principles of fairness and equality should always be upheld, even in acts of kindness and generosity.

By highlighting these principles, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a comprehensive framework for governance and justice. This Hadith encourages leaders and individuals in positions of authority to adopt a balanced approach that encompasses leniency, fairness, and moderation. It reminds us that justice is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical and tangible reality that should be upheld in all aspects of our lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these principles of justice in our personal and societal affairs. May we strive to be just and fair in all our dealings, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.