Hadith #10261

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Indeed the greatest reward is the reward of [justice and] equity.

Let us delve into the meanings and implications of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (insaf) "إنصاف", which can be translated as justice, fairness, or equity. It refers to the act of treating others with fairness, ensuring that everyone receives their due rights and that no one is oppressed or wronged. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the reward for practicing justice and equity is the greatest of all rewards.

The concept of justice is central to Islam and is repeatedly emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

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 if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes with justice and fairness, even within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood the significance of justice and equity and practiced it throughout his life. His famous saying,

People are of two types: they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity,

reflects his commitment to treating all individuals with fairness and equality. He served as a beacon of justice during his caliphate, settling disputes and ensuring that the rights of all were protected.

The reward for practicing justice and equity is not only in the Hereafter but also in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah An-Nahl (16:90),

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse highlights that justice is not only a command from Allah, but it is also a means of guidance and a reminder for us to uphold righteousness.

When justice and equity are practiced, societies flourish, and individuals feel a sense of security and well-being. Conversely, when injustice prevails, societies crumble, and individuals suffer. The consequences of injustice can be seen throughout history, where nations and civilizations have fallen due to the oppression and tyranny of their rulers.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of justice and equity in our lives as Muslims. We must strive to be just in our dealings with others, whether it be in our personal relationships, our professional lives, or our interactions with society at large. By doing so, we not only earn the greatest reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to practice justice and equity in our lives and grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.