Hadith #3963

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

دَوْلَةُ الأوْغادِ مَبْنِيَّةٌ علَى الجَورِ والفَسادِ۔

This can be translated as,

The sovereignty of scoundrels is founded on oppression and corruption.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. "دَوْلَةُ" refers to sovereignty or authority, while "الأوْغادِ" refers to scoundrels or wicked individuals. "مَبْنِيَّةٌ" means founded or built upon, and "علَى" means on. Finally, "الجَورِ" signifies oppression, and "الفَسادِ" denotes corruption.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns oppression and corruption, and emphasizes justice and righteousness. 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.

This verse highlights the importance of combating oppression and establishing justice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205), Allah warns against corruption and mischief, stating,

And when it is said to him, 'Fear Allah,' pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

This verse reminds us of the consequences of engaging in corruption and the severe punishment that awaits those who perpetrate it.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the nature of the sovereignty held by scoundrels. It highlights that such authority is built upon oppression and corruption. When wicked individuals gain power, they exploit and oppress the vulnerable, causing immense suffering and injustice. Their rule is characterized by the abuse of power, the violation of rights, and the erosion of moral values.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of allowing scoundrels to hold authority. He reminds us that their rule is inherently flawed and detrimental to society. By highlighting the connection between oppression and corruption, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to strive for justice, righteousness, and the establishment of a just and moral society.

The consequences of allowing scoundrels to hold power are far-reaching. It leads to the deterioration of social fabric, the erosion of trust, and the perpetuation of injustice. Moreover, it creates an environment where corruption thrives, as those in authority exploit their positions for personal gain. This not only harms individuals but also weakens the foundations of society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of their duty to stand against oppression and corruption in all its forms. It is incumbent upon us to support leaders who uphold justice, integrity, and the well-being of the people. We must strive to establish a society where the sovereignty is based on justice, compassion, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent flaws in the sovereignty of scoundrels. It emphasizes the importance of combating oppression and corruption, and the need to establish a just and moral society. By understanding and implementing the teachings of the Quran, we can work towards creating a world where justice prevails and the rights of all individuals are protected. May Allah guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to discern between just and unjust rulers.