Hadith #2758

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المُلْكُ سِياسَةٌ۔" which translates to "Kingship is politics." This concise statement holds profound wisdom and provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the true essence of leadership and governance in Islam.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (kingship) "مُلْكُ" refers to the authority, power, and sovereignty of a ruler. It encompasses the responsibilities and duties associated with governing a nation or community. The word (politics) "سِياسَةٌ" refers to the art and science of governance, encompassing the principles and strategies employed to manage and administer a society.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) provides guidance on leadership and governance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 247, Allah describes the appointment of Prophet Saul (Talut) as a king over the Children of Israel. This verse highlights the importance of leadership and the role it plays in maintaining order and justice within a society.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of leadership is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 26, where Allah recounts the story of Prophet Moses (Musa) and his encounter with the righteous man from the city. This man possessed knowledge and wisdom, and when Moses asked to learn from him, he replied,

Indeed, with me you will never be able to have patience. And how can you have patience for what you do not encompass in knowledge?

This verse emphasizes the significance of knowledge and wisdom in leadership.

Now, let us delve deeper into the essence of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, teaches us that true leadership is not merely a position of power and authority, but rather a responsibility that requires skillful navigation of the political landscape. It implies that a leader must possess the knowledge and understanding of political dynamics to effectively govern and make decisions that benefit the society as a whole.

By stating that "Kingship is politics," Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the inseparable connection between leadership and politics. A leader cannot fulfill their role without engaging in politics, as it is through political strategies and policies that they can effectively address the needs and concerns of the people they govern.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder to Muslims that politics should not be seen as a dirty or unethical field. Rather, it is a noble endeavor when approached with sincerity and the intention to serve the greater good. Islam encourages Muslims to actively participate in politics, to strive for justice and equity, and to work towards creating a just and prosperous society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying has far-reaching implications. It urges leaders to prioritize the welfare of their subjects and to govern with justice, compassion, and wisdom. It also reminds Muslims of the importance of selecting leaders who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of governance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Kingship is politics" highlights the inseparable connection between leadership and politics. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and ethical governance in fulfilling the responsibilities of leadership. Muslims are encouraged to actively participate in politics and strive for justice and equity in their societies. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our pursuit of righteous leadership and grant us the wisdom to navigate the political landscape with integrity and compassion.