Hadith #6211

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims when they find themselves in positions of power and authority. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises us that when we have the ability to oppress others, we must reflect upon the power and authority of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the consequences of our actions.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qudrah) "قُدْرَةُ" refers to power or ability. It signifies the capability to exert authority and control over others. (dhulm) "ظُلْمِ" means injustice or oppression, which implies using one's power to harm or mistreat others. (nas) "نَاسِ" refers to people, emphasizing that this Hadith is addressing our interactions with fellow human beings.

To comprehend the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of His ultimate power and authority, and the consequences of our actions. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:30), Allah says,

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

This verse highlights the power of Allah to protect His Prophet (ﷺ) and frustrate the plans of those who sought to harm him.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), where Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) and warns against abusing one's strength and power, as it can lead to the loss of strength and support from Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom contained within the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When we find ourselves in positions of power, it is crucial to remember that this power is ultimately granted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We should never let this power corrupt us or lead us to oppress others. Instead, we should use our authority to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to reflect upon the power of Allah to punish us for our unjust actions. This serves as a powerful deterrent, reminding us that our actions have consequences both in this world and the hereafter. We must remember that whatever harm we inflict upon others will eventually depart from them, but the burden of our actions will remain with us.

For example, if we have the power to exploit others for personal gain, we should remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has the power to hold us accountable for our actions. We should reflect on the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah 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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also reminds us of the impermanence of worldly possessions and the transitory nature of power. The wealth and authority we accumulate through unjust means will eventually fade away, but the consequences of our actions will remain with us. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims in positions of power and authority. It urges us to reflect upon the power and authority of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the consequences of our actions. We must use our power to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion, and never let it corrupt us or lead us to oppress others. We should remember that whatever harm we inflict upon others will eventually depart from them, but the burden of our actions will remain with us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to use our power responsibly and grant us the wisdom to always remember His ultimate authority.