Hadith #4149

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The vice that brings the quickest retribution is oppressing the one who does not oppress you.

This profound statement highlights the gravity and swiftness of divine punishment for those who engage in oppression, particularly when it is directed towards someone who does not harm or oppress them.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (asra'u) "أسْرَعُ" means "the quickest" or "the fastest." It emphasizes the immediacy and speed with which retribution is meted out by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the act of oppression. The word (ma'asi) "مَعاصي" refers to "vice" or "sin," indicating any action that goes against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith then highlights the specific form of oppression, which is (tabghiya) "تَبْغِيَ". This verb signifies oppressing or transgressing against someone unjustly, without any valid reason or provocation. It emphasizes the act of inflicting harm upon another person who has not harmed or oppressed you in any way.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from belittling or oppressing them. It warns against insulting or mocking others, as it is a form of oppression that can lead to severe consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that such behavior is contrary to the teachings of Islam and is considered disobedience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands Muslims,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse highlights the importance of self-defense and fighting against those who oppress or attack us. However, it also emphasizes the prohibition of transgressing the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the process. Oppressing others, even in the context of self-defense, is strictly forbidden.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that oppression, especially when directed towards those who do not harm us, is a grave sin that invites swift retribution from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to reflect on our actions and ensure that we treat others with justice, kindness, and respect, even in the face of adversity.

By understanding and internalizing the message of this Hadith, Muslims can strive to create a society based on justice, compassion, and empathy. We should always remember that our actions have consequences, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge who will hold us accountable for our deeds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and upright in all our interactions and protect us from falling into the trap of oppression.