Hadith #5404

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ظُلْمُ المُسْتَشيرِ ظُلْمٌ وخيانَةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Being unjust to the one who seeks advice is [the worst form of] oppression and betrayal.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (dhulm) "ظُلْمُ" refers to oppression or injustice, while (al-mustashir) "المُسْتَشيرِ" refers to the one who seeks advice. Lastly, (khayana) "خيانَةٌ" means betrayal.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among Muslims. It highlights the need to resolve conflicts and disputes in a just manner. When someone seeks advice, they are seeking guidance and assistance in making the right decision. By being unjust to them, we not only betray their trust but also violate the principles of brotherhood and unity.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8) to be just and fair in our dealings,

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 justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge and that we should not let personal biases or inclinations cloud our judgment.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the beautiful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When someone seeks advice, they are placing their trust in us to guide them towards what is right and just. By being unjust to them, we not only oppress them but also betray their trust. This form of oppression and betrayal is considered the worst because it violates the principles of justice, brotherhood, and unity that Islam upholds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood the importance of seeking advice and providing it in a just manner. His teachings and actions serve as a shining example for Muslims to follow in their interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of justice and fairness in our dealings with others, especially when they seek our advice. It serves as a powerful reminder to uphold the principles of brotherhood and unity in our interactions, and to always strive for justice, even if it goes against our own interests. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and fair in all our actions and grant us the wisdom to provide advice with sincerity and integrity.