Hadith #6274

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

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

مَنْ بَغى عُجِّلَتْ هَلْكَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who oppresses, his destruction is hastened.

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

The word (baghya) "بَغى" in this Hadith refers to oppression or transgression. It signifies the act of exceeding the limits set by Allah and causing harm or injustice to others. The word (ujjilat) "عُجِّلَتْ" means hastened or expedited, while (halkatuhu) "هَلْكَتُهُ" refers to destruction or ruin.

To understand the gravity of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25),

And fear the trial which does not afflict exclusively those among you who have wronged. And know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes that the consequences of oppression and wrongdoing are not limited to the oppressors themselves, but can also affect those around them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:47), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people and avert them from the way of Allah.

This verse highlights the danger of arrogance and oppression, as those who engage in such behavior deviate from the path of Allah and lead others astray.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that oppression ultimately leads to destruction. When individuals oppress others, they not only harm those they oppress but also invite their own downfall. This destruction can manifest in various ways, such as loss of reputation, loss of blessings from Allah, or even punishment in this world and the hereafter.

To illustrate this point, let us consider the example of a ruler who oppresses his subjects. By abusing his power and mistreating his people, he creates a climate of fear and resentment. This leads to social unrest, instability, and ultimately the downfall of his regime. Similarly, in personal relationships, when one person oppresses another, it breeds animosity and discord, ultimately leading to the destruction of the relationship.

The consequences of oppression are not limited to the immediate destruction of the oppressor. They can have far-reaching effects on society as a whole. Oppression creates a cycle of violence and injustice, perpetuating a culture of oppression. It erodes trust, undermines social cohesion, and hinders progress and development.

As Muslims, we are called upon to stand against oppression and injustice in all its forms. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states 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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the swift destruction that awaits those who oppress others. This Hadith serves as a powerful warning and a call to action for Muslims to uphold justice, promote equality, and strive for the well-being of all individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that oppression leads to destruction. It serves as a reminder that those who oppress others will face the consequences of their actions, both in this world and the hereafter. As Muslims, we are obligated to stand against oppression, promote justice, and strive for a society built on fairness and compassion. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from the destructive consequences of oppression.