Hadith #9812

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

فَضيلَةُ السُّلْطانِ عِمارَةُ البُلْدانِ

which translates to

The merit of a king is in building prosperous cities.

This Hadith highlights the importance of a ruler's responsibility in developing and nurturing the well-being of their cities and communities.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (fadhila) "فَضيلَةُ" refers to the virtue or excellence of a person, while (sultan) "السُّلْطانِ" denotes a ruler or a person in authority. (imarah) "عِمارَةُ" signifies the act of building or constructing, and (al-buldan) "البُلْدانِ" refers to cities or towns.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of building and developing prosperous cities. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:60), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people, where they were commanded to enter a city and partake of its provisions. This highlights the significance of cities as centers of civilization and sustenance.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:57), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the people of Thamud for their skill in carving homes in the mountains, indicating the importance of constructing habitable dwellings for the well-being of a community.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the merit of a ruler lies in their ability to build prosperous cities. This means that a just and effective ruler should prioritize the development and progress of their cities, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of their citizens.

Building prosperous cities encompasses various aspects, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. A ruler who focuses on these aspects contributes to the growth and advancement of their society, fostering a sense of stability and contentment among the people.

For example, a ruler who invests in the construction of schools and universities provides the means for knowledge and intellectual growth, empowering the citizens to contribute to the betterment of society. Similarly, a ruler who establishes healthcare facilities and ensures access to quality healthcare services prioritizes the well-being and health of their people.

Furthermore, a ruler who promotes economic development by creating job opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, and implementing fair economic policies, enables their citizens to thrive and prosper. This leads to a vibrant and flourishing society, where individuals can fulfill their potential and contribute to the overall progress of the nation.

Conversely, a ruler who neglects the development of their cities and fails to address the needs of their citizens will inevitably witness the decline and stagnation of their society. This neglect can result in social unrest, economic disparity, and a general sense of dissatisfaction among the people.

Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to both rulers and citizens of their respective responsibilities. Rulers are reminded of their duty to prioritize the well-being and prosperity of their cities, while citizens are encouraged to hold their leaders accountable and actively participate in the development of their communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of building prosperous cities as a measure of a ruler's merit. It highlights the significance of investing in the development and well-being of communities, as demonstrated by various Quranic verses. By understanding and implementing this Hadith, Muslims can strive towards creating societies that are prosperous, just, and conducive to the growth and happiness of all. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in fulfilling our responsibilities and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.