Hadith #6601

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Virtuous justice is [the cause of] organization [and harmony] among the people.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of justice in maintaining order and harmony within society.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "Husn" refers to virtuous or excellent justice, which implies that justice should not only be fair and impartial, but also embody noble qualities such as compassion, mercy, and equity. "Adl" means justice, which is the act of treating others with fairness and giving them their due rights. "Nizam" signifies organization or system, indicating that justice is the foundation upon which a well-structured and harmonious society is built. And "al-bariyyah" refers to the people, encompassing all individuals within a community.

To understand the significance of virtuous justice in maintaining organization and harmony, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of justice in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the need for fair and equitable treatment, even in times of disagreement. By promoting virtuous justice, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that justice is not merely a legal concept, but a moral obligation that should guide our actions and interactions with others.

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

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 upholding justice even in difficult circumstances, regardless of personal biases or relationships. It reminds us that justice should not be compromised for personal gain or favoritism. By practicing virtuous justice, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that justice is not only a legal obligation, but a fundamental principle that should guide our interactions with others. When justice is upheld, it leads to a well-organized and harmonious society, where individuals are treated fairly and their rights are protected. Conversely, the absence of justice breeds chaos, inequality, and discord.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of virtuous justice in maintaining organization and harmony among the people. By embodying justice in our actions and interactions, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, as guided by the Quranic teachings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold virtuous justice in all aspects of our lives.