Hadith #6241

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not make the nobles desirous of your cruelty [in their favour over those who oppose them].

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with people, regardless of their social status or influence.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (uzamaa) "عُظَمَاءَ" refers to the nobles or influential individuals in society. This includes those who hold positions of power, wealth, or authority. The word (hayfika) "حَيْفِكَ" can be translated as cruelty, oppression, or injustice. It signifies any action or behavior that is unfair, biased, or unjust.

To comprehend the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), 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.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands,

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.

These verses highlight the universal principle of justice that should be upheld by all Muslims. It is incumbent upon us to be just and fair in our dealings with others, regardless of their social status or influence. This includes not showing favoritism or bias towards the nobles or influential individuals in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not allow the nobles to desire or expect unjust treatment in their favor. It is a call to resist any pressure or temptation to act unjustly or unfairly towards others, especially when it comes to those who oppose the nobles.

By adhering to the principles of justice and fairness, Muslims can ensure the preservation of social harmony and the establishment of a just society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his profound knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings, and he exemplified justice in his own actions and judgments.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold justice and fairness in their interactions with others, regardless of their social status or influence. It urges us to resist any pressure or temptation to act unjustly or unfairly towards others, especially when it comes to those who oppose the nobles. By doing so, we can strive towards the establishment of a just society, as commanded by Allah in the Quran. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives.