Hadith #6177

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

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

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to stay away from injustice, as it not only harms the one being oppressed but also has lasting consequences for the oppressor. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (dhulm) "ظلم" in Arabic refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that transgresses the boundaries of fairness and equity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to avoid engaging in such behavior, as it will eventually fade away from the one who is being oppressed. This implies that the oppressor's power and control over the oppressed is temporary and will eventually come to an end.

The Quranic teachings echo this message of justice and warn against the consequences of oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:47):

We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And sufficient are We as Reckoners.

This verse emphasizes that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will establish perfect justice, ensuring that no one will be treated unjustly. Every act of oppression, no matter how small, will be accounted for. This serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should strive to uphold justice in all aspects of their lives.

Another verse that supports the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:160):

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.

This verse assures us that Allah's justice is perfect and comprehensive. Those who commit acts of injustice will not be wronged, as they will receive the appropriate recompense for their deeds. This serves as a warning to Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to avoid oppressing others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith also highlights the lasting consequences of oppression. He states that injustice will "remain upon you." This implies that the effects of oppression will linger and have a negative impact on the oppressor's life and character.

The Quranic teachings also emphasize the consequences of injustice. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.

This verse reminds us that every action has consequences, and the effects of injustice will be borne by the oppressor. The burden of guilt and the negative consequences of their actions will weigh heavily on their conscience.

Furthermore, the Quranic teachings encourage Muslims to strive for justice and fairness in all aspects of life. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. 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 standing up for justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah's command for justice should always take precedence over personal biases or desires.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid engaging in acts of injustice. It highlights the temporary nature of oppression and the lasting consequences it has on the oppressor. The Quranic verses mentioned support this message, emphasizing the importance of justice and warning against the consequences of oppression. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the principles of justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives, knowing that Allah's perfect justice will prevail in the end. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of justice and righteousness.