Hadith #3443

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he emphasizes the importance of justice in ruling and judgment. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that being just in one's rulings is not only a commendable choice but also a precautionary measure that ensures fairness and equality for both the special and ordinary individuals in society.

Let us delve deeper into the key words and concepts mentioned in this Hadith. The word (ikhtiyar) "اختيار" refers to the act of choosing or making a selection. It implies that justice is not imposed upon individuals but rather a conscious decision that one must make. The word (istizhar) "استظْهار" means to take precautions or measures to ensure fairness and justice. It highlights the importance of actively seeking justice and not merely relying on passive actions.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then emphasizes the need for justice in (al-hukm) "الحُكْمِ", which can be translated as ruling or judgment. This encompasses all aspects of decision-making, whether in legal matters, social affairs, or personal disputes. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to be just in their rulings, ensuring that they are fair and equitable.

To support the importance of justice in ruling, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of standing firm in justice, even if it goes against one's personal interests or relationships. It reminds Muslims that justice should be upheld regardless of social status or personal biases. By doing so, we align ourselves with the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensure fairness in our judgments.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being just and not allowing personal prejudices or animosity to cloud our judgment. It reminds us that justice is a fundamental aspect of righteousness and that we should fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on justice in ruling carries profound implications. By being just, we ensure that the rights of individuals are protected, that the vulnerable are not oppressed, and that society functions harmoniously. It fosters trust and confidence in the legal system and promotes social cohesion.

Moreover, the Imam's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on carrying out justice equally among the special and the ordinary individuals highlights the importance of equality before the law. It reminds us that justice should not be influenced by social status, wealth, or power. Rather, it should be applied impartially to all individuals, regardless of their position in society.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the paramount importance of justice in ruling and judgment. It encourages us to actively choose justice and take precautionary measures to ensure fairness. By being just, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just in our actions and judgments.