Hadith #6618

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "صَلاحُ الرَّعِيَّةِ العَدْلُ۔" This can be translated as,

The uprightness [and betterment] of the populace is [achieved through] justice.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (salah) "صَلاحُ" refers to the rectification, improvement, or betterment of something. It signifies the restoration of harmony, balance, and righteousness. (ar-ra'iyyah) "الرَّعِيَّةِ" refers to the populace or the community, encompassing all individuals within a society. And finally, (al-'adl) "العَدْلُ" means justice, which is the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of their social status, wealth, or background.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. 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. 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 significance of justice in resolving conflicts within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the need to establish justice as a means of reconciliation and unity. By adhering to the principles of justice, the community can achieve peace, harmony, and the betterment of society as a whole.

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. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against one's personal interests or familial ties. It reminds Muslims to be fair and just in their actions and decisions, regardless of the circumstances. By doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to righteousness and the betterment of society.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The uprightness and betterment of the populace can only be achieved through justice. When justice prevails in a society, it leads to social cohesion, equality, and the protection of individual rights. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly and impartially, regardless of their background or social status.

Justice is not only a means to resolve disputes, but it is also a catalyst for societal progress and development. When justice is upheld, people feel secure and confident in their rights and freedoms. This fosters an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, understood the transformative power of justice in society.

Moreover, justice serves as a deterrent to corruption, oppression, and exploitation. It prevents the abuse of power and ensures that individuals are held accountable for their actions. When justice is upheld, it creates a sense of trust and confidence in the legal system, fostering a culture of lawfulness and ethical behavior.

Conversely, the absence of justice leads to social unrest, inequality, and the deterioration of societal values. It breeds resentment, animosity, and a sense of injustice among the populace. This can result in various forms of social and political instability, hindering the progress and prosperity of the community.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the pivotal role of justice in the uprightness and betterment of society. By adhering to the principles of justice, Muslims can establish a just and equitable society, where individuals are treated fairly and their rights are protected. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for justice in all aspects of their lives, as it is the cornerstone of a harmonious and prosperous community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in upholding justice and working towards the betterment of society.