Hadith #6245

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاسَوْأَةَ كَالظُّلْمِ۔" This powerful statement translates to,

There is no evil like injustice.

Let us delve into the depths of this profound saying and explore its significance in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word (dhulm) "ظُلْم" in Arabic refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that violates the rights of others, whether it be physical, emotional, or social. Injustice is a grave sin that disrupts the balance and harmony in society, causing suffering and turmoil for individuals and communities alike.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses, highlighting its significance in maintaining a righteous and harmonious society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

This verse emphasizes that the messengers were sent with the divine scripture and the balance of justice, indicating the fundamental role of justice in the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice even in difficult circumstances, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It emphasizes the need for Muslims to be just and fair in all aspects of their lives.

Imam Ali's statement,

There is no evil like injustice,

serves as a reminder of the severity of injustice and its detrimental effects on individuals and society. Injustice breeds resentment, fuels conflicts, and creates a cycle of oppression and suffering. It destroys trust, erodes the fabric of society, and hinders progress and development.

To illustrate the consequences of injustice, let us reflect on the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was betrayed by his own brothers, who out of envy and jealousy, threw him into a well and sold him into slavery. This act of injustice had far-reaching consequences, not only for Yusuf but also for his family and the entire community. It caused immense pain and suffering, leading to years of separation and hardship.

Injustice not only affects individuals but also has wider implications for society as a whole. It breeds resentment and fuels social unrest, leading to divisions and conflicts. It undermines the principles of fairness, equality, and compassion that are essential for a just and harmonious society.

Imam Ali's impactful Hadith serves as a call to action for Muslims to strive for justice in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us of our responsibility to stand against injustice, to advocate for the rights of the oppressed, and to work towards creating a just and equitable society.

As Muslims, we must reflect on our own actions and ensure that we are not perpetuating injustice in any form. We must strive to treat others with fairness, kindness, and compassion, upholding the principles of justice that are at the core of our faith.

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

There is no evil like injustice,

serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice in Islam. It calls upon Muslims to stand against injustice, to advocate for the rights of the oppressed, and to work towards creating a just and equitable society. May Allah guide us all to uphold justice and righteousness in our lives.