Hadith #9850

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice in the governance of a ruler. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, states that the justice of a king is not only essential for the well-being and livelihood of the people but also for the overall prosperity of all creatures.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance. The word (justice) "عَدْلُ" refers to the quality of being fair, equitable, and impartial. It entails treating everyone with equality and ensuring that no one is oppressed or wronged. The word (king) "سُّلْطانِ" refers to a ruler or a person in a position of authority who has the power to govern and make decisions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the justice of a king is not merely a desirable attribute but is, in fact, the very life of the populace. This means that without justice, the society will suffer and deteriorate. Justice provides stability, security, and a sense of well-being to the people. It ensures that their rights are protected, their grievances are addressed, and their needs are met. A just ruler creates an environment where people can thrive and prosper.

To support this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of justice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:58):

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

This verse highlights the divine commandment to establish justice in all matters, including governance and judicial proceedings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), 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 when it may be against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the broader consequences of justice. He states that the justice of a king leads to the prosperity of all creatures. This implies that justice has a ripple effect, positively impacting not only human beings but also the entire ecosystem. When justice prevails, resources are distributed equitably, and the environment is protected. This leads to the well-being and prosperity of all living beings.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

We sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

This verse highlights that the messengers were sent with the balance of justice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining justice in all aspects of life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize justice in their personal lives and to demand justice from their rulers. It emphasizes that justice is not a mere virtue but a fundamental necessity for the well-being and prosperity of society as a whole. Muslims are encouraged to seek justice, promote justice, and strive for a just society, as this is in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble progeny. May Allah guide us all to uphold justice in our lives and societies.