Hadith #8074

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الحجر الغصب في الدار رهن لخرابها

which translates to

ne usurped stone in a house is the guaranty of its ruin.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and can be understood through the lens of the Quran.

The word (al-hajar) "الحجر" in this Hadith refers to a stone or a rock. It symbolizes stability, strength, and the foundation of a house. The word (al-ghasb) "الغصب" means usurpation or taking something wrongfully. It signifies the act of forcefully taking possession of something that rightfully belongs to someone else. The word (ad-dar) "الدار" means a house or a dwelling place. It represents a place of shelter, security, and tranquility.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:188)

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of usurping the wealth of others unjustly. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of others and refraining from taking what does not rightfully belong to us. Usurping someone's property or wealth is an act of injustice and oppression, which goes against the principles of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith draws our attention to the consequences of such usurpation. When a stone is wrongfully taken and placed in a house, it becomes a symbol of corruption and destruction. Just as a usurped stone weakens the foundation of a house, the act of usurpation weakens the moral and social fabric of a society.

The message behind this Hadith is not limited to the physical act of usurping stones or property. It extends to all forms of injustice, oppression, and violation of rights. When individuals or societies engage in wrongful acts, it leads to their own downfall and ruin. The usurpation of rights creates a cycle of corruption and instability, eroding the very foundations of justice and harmony.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw parallels to various situations in our lives. For example, when people cheat in their business dealings, they may gain temporary benefits but ultimately face the consequences of their actions. Similarly, when individuals or nations oppress others and deny them their rights, they sow the seeds of their own destruction.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold justice, fairness, and respect for the rights of others. It urges us to be mindful of our actions and to avoid any form of usurpation, whether it be physical possessions, wealth, or intangible rights such as dignity and freedom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

ne usurped stone in a house is the guaranty of its ruin

highlights the importance of respecting the rights of others and refraining from any form of usurpation. It serves as a powerful reminder that injustice and oppression ultimately lead to destruction and ruin. As Muslims, we must strive to establish justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to uphold justice and respect the rights of others.