Hadith #6257

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الجَوْرُ مِمْحاةٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Oppression is an eraser [of good deeds].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-jawr) "الجَوْرُ" refers to oppression or injustice. It encompasses any act of transgression or wrongdoing that causes harm or injustice to others. Oppression is a grave sin in Islam, as it goes against the principles of justice and fairness that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ordained for humanity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns oppression and emphasizes the importance of justice. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah 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 highlights the gravity of oppression and the obligation to fight against it. It emphasizes the need for justice and fair resolution of conflicts. Oppression not only harms the oppressed but also tarnishes the oppressor's good deeds, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:160), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 highlights the principle of divine justice, where good deeds are multiplied in reward, and evil deeds are recompensed accordingly. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that oppression has the power to erase or diminish the reward of good deeds. This serves as a warning to Muslims to abstain from oppressing others and to be mindful of the consequences of their actions.

The consequences of oppression are far-reaching. Not only does it harm individuals and communities in this world, but it also has severe repercussions in the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:34-36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances. And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting. And when they saw them, they would say, 'Indeed, those are truly lost.'

This verse portrays the arrogance and mockery of oppressors towards the believers. However, their actions will ultimately lead to their own loss and regret. The erasure of good deeds due to oppression serves as a reminder that no one can escape the consequences of their unjust actions.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. We must strive to avoid oppressing others and instead promote justice, compassion, and empathy. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from the erasure of our good deeds but also contribute to a just and harmonious society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and fair in our dealings, and may He grant us the wisdom to recognize and reject oppression in all its forms. Ameen.