Hadith #9804

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) highlights the importance of justice and reason in the establishment and maintenance of a kingdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides us with a profound insight into the qualities that should be possessed by a just ruler.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (banya) "بَنَىَ" means to build or establish, while (malikuhu) "مَلِكُهُ" refers to the kingdom of the ruler. The term (qawa'id) "قَوَاعِدِ" signifies the foundations or principles upon which the kingdom is built. These foundations are none other than the principles of justice, which are essential for the stability and prosperity of any society.

Furthermore, the word (adl) "عَدْلِ" refers to justice, which is the cornerstone of any righteous governance. It encompasses fairness, equity, and the establishment of a system that upholds the rights of all individuals, regardless of their social status or background. The ruler who builds his kingdom on the principles of justice ensures that every member of society is treated with dignity and respect.

The Hadith also mentions the importance of sustaining the kingdom on the pillars of reason, symbolized by the term (aql) "عَقْلِ". Reason plays a crucial role in decision-making, policy formulation, and the overall governance of a kingdom. A ruler who relies on reason ensures that his actions are guided by wisdom, rationality, and foresight. This approach leads to the prosperity and well-being of the people under his rule.

To further understand the significance of justice and reason in governance, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

We sent aforetime our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that people may stand forth in justice.

This verse emphasizes the divine mandate for justice, which is an integral part of prophetic missions. It highlights the importance of establishing justice as a fundamental principle in society.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse emphasizes the importance of truth and reason in governance. A just ruler should always seek the truth, distinguish it from falsehood, and act upon it. By doing so, he ensures that his decisions are based on sound judgment and are not influenced by personal biases or hidden agendas.

The consequences of building a kingdom on the foundations of justice and sustaining it on the pillars of reason are profound. The Hadith states that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) helps the friends of such a ruler and forsakes his enemies. This divine assistance and support manifest in various ways, including the preservation of the ruler's kingdom, the well-being of his subjects, and the overall prosperity of the society under his rule.

Conversely, a ruler who neglects justice and reason in his governance will face dire consequences. The absence of justice leads to oppression, inequality, and the erosion of societal harmony. Such a ruler will be forsaken by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and his enemies will prevail against him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, about the importance of justice and reason in governance. It teaches us that a just ruler, who builds his kingdom on the foundations of justice and sustains it on the pillars of reason, will receive divine assistance and support. Conversely, a ruler who neglects these principles will face the consequences of his actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to establish justice and reason in our lives and societies.