Hadith #9678

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes three important qualities that a person should possess when in a position of authority. The first quality mentioned is "al-'adl" which translates to "equity" or "justice." This means that a person in authority should be fair and just in their decisions and actions, treating everyone equally without any bias or discrimination. This concept of justice is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam and is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9):

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. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of justice in resolving conflicts and disputes among believers. It emphasizes the need to establish justice and fairness as the foundation for any settlement. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that justice should be the guiding principle for those in authority.

The second quality mentioned in the Hadith is "al-'afw" which means "forgiveness" or "pardoning." It refers to the act of forgiving someone despite having the power or ability to seek revenge. This quality is highly praised in Islam and is exemplified by the forgiveness shown by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) towards his enemies.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134):

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtue of forgiveness and the reward that comes with it. It encourages believers to control their anger and forgive others, even in difficult situations. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that forgiveness is a noble quality that should be practiced by those in authority, as it promotes harmony and unity within society.

The third quality mentioned in the Hadith is "al-muwasat" which can be translated as "financial support" or "assistance." It refers to the act of providing financial help to those in need, especially during times of hardship or difficulty. This quality reflects the spirit of generosity and compassion that should be present in the hearts of those in authority.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving wealth and providing support to those in need. It highlights that true righteousness is not merely performing rituals, but it is also about fulfilling the rights of others and being generous with our wealth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that those in authority should be financially supportive and assist those who are less fortunate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the qualities that a person in authority should possess. It emphasizes the importance of justice, forgiveness, and financial support. These qualities are not only essential for maintaining a just and harmonious society but are also deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our own lives, whether we are in positions of authority or not, as they reflect the teachings of Islam and the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of justice, forgiveness, and compassion.