Hadith #2057

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

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is (Qad yudamu al-hurru) "قَدْ يُضامُ الحُرُّ۔". Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (Qad) "قَدْ" is an Arabic particle that denotes emphasis and certainty. It signifies that the statement following it is a fact that should not be doubted.

The word (yudamu) "يُضامُ" is derived from the root word (thamama) "ظَمَمَ", which means to treat someone unjustly or oppressively. In this context, it refers to the act of subjecting a free person to injustice or oppression.

The word (al-hurru) "الحُرُّ" means a free person. It refers to an individual who is not enslaved or bound by any form of servitude.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the equality of all human beings, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. It highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in one's lineage or social standing. Therefore, treating a free person unjustly goes against the principles of equality and justice that Islam upholds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse reminds us of the inherent dignity and honor bestowed upon every human being by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes that all human beings, regardless of their social status, are deserving of respect and fair treatment.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, reminds us that even free individuals, who are not subjected to the chains of slavery, can still be victims of injustice. This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that oppression and injustice can manifest in various forms and affect people from all walks of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be vigilant and proactive in combating injustice, regardless of whether it is directed towards the oppressed or the free. It is our duty as Muslims to stand up for justice and ensure that every individual is treated fairly and with dignity.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that freedom is not solely defined by physical liberation from bondage. True freedom lies in the ability to exercise one's rights, live a life of dignity, and be treated justly. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as Muslims to strive for a society where freedom and justice are upheld for all.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of treating every individual, regardless of their social status, with fairness and justice. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to actively combat oppression and work towards establishing a just society. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our pursuit of justice and enable us to uphold the principles of Islam in all aspects of our lives.