Hadith #6273

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ ظَلَمَ عَظُمَتْ صَرْعَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is unjust, his downfall is great.

Let us now delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" refers to injustice or oppression. It encompasses any act of wrongdoing, whether it is against oneself or others. The word (azhuma) "عَظُمَتْ" means downfall or destruction, indicating the severe consequences that await those who engage in injustice. Finally, (sar'atu) "صَرْعَتُهُ" refers to the magnitude or greatness of the downfall.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the consequences of injustice and oppression. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 25, Allah says,

And fear the affliction which may not befall exclusively those among you who have done wrong and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights that the consequences of injustice can extend beyond the wrongdoers themselves, affecting the entire community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 165, Allah states,

And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us that Allah has granted us authority and power on earth as a test. If we misuse this authority and engage in injustice, we will face swift retribution from Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of injustice. It warns us that those who oppress others will ultimately face a great downfall. This downfall can manifest in various ways, such as loss of reputation, loss of power, or even punishment in the hereafter.

Let us reflect on the implications of this Hadith in our lives as Muslims. As individuals, we must strive to embody justice in all our actions and interactions. We should be mindful of the rights of others, treating them with fairness, compassion, and respect. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also safeguard ourselves from the severe consequences of injustice.

Moreover, this Hadith also has broader societal implications. It calls upon Muslims to actively combat injustice and oppression in all its forms. We should stand up against tyranny, advocate for the rights of the marginalized, and work towards establishing a just society. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of our communities and fulfill our responsibility as followers of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of injustice. It highlights the great downfall that awaits those who engage in oppression and wrongdoing. By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with the principles of justice, we can strive towards a more righteous and just society. May Allah guide us all on the path of justice and grant us the strength to stand against injustice.