Hadith #10273

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, his righteous companions, and all Muslims.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ مَنَعَ الإنْصافَ سَلَبَهُ اللّهُ الإمْكانَ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever does not show fairness, Allah takes away [his power and] ability from him.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (insaf) "إنصاف" refers to fairness, justice, and equity. It encompasses the act of treating others with equality and impartiality, ensuring that everyone is given their due rights. The word (salabahu) "سَلَبَهُ" means to take away or deprive someone of something. And (al-imkan) "الإمْكانَ" refers to power, ability, or capability.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

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.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah 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. 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.

From these verses, we can understand that justice and fairness are integral to the Islamic faith. Muslims are commanded to uphold justice in all aspects of their lives, treating others with equality and impartiality. This includes being fair in our dealings, interactions, and judgments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the consequences of failing to adhere to the principles of justice and fairness. When someone withholds fairness and acts unjustly, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) may take away their power and ability. This deprivation can manifest in various ways, such as the loss of influence, authority, or the ability to make sound decisions.

To illustrate this, let us consider an example. Imagine a leader who is entrusted with the responsibility of governing a nation. If this leader fails to show fairness and justice in their decisions and policies, they may lose the support and trust of the people. Consequently, their power and ability to effectively lead and bring about positive change may diminish. This is a reflection of the divine principle mentioned in Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith.

The consequences of lacking fairness and justice extend beyond the realm of leadership. In our personal lives, if we fail to treat others with equality and fairness, we may experience strained relationships, loss of trust, and a negative impact on our own character. Moreover, our ability to make wise decisions and succeed in various endeavors may be compromised.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of embodying justice and fairness in all aspects of their lives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also ensure a harmonious and just society. It is through the practice of justice that we can strive for a world where everyone is treated with dignity, equality, and respect.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold justice and fairness in our actions and interactions. May we always strive to be fair and just, knowing that it is through these qualities that we can attain the pleasure of Allah and the betterment of ourselves and society.