Hadith #2790

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) states,

An unjust and oppressive ruler is better than perpetual strife.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ẓalūm) "ظَلُومٌ" in the Hadith refers to an unjust or oppressive ruler. This ruler is one who transgresses the boundaries of justice, oppresses the people, and violates their rights. The word (ghashūm) "غَشُومٌ" means perpetual strife or continuous conflict. It signifies a state of unrest, chaos, and disorder that persists over an extended period.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 4:135)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives

This verse highlights the significance of justice, even if it means going against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading corruption and strife in society. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says, (Quran 2:11-12)

And when it is said to them, 'Do not cause corruption on the earth,' they say, 'We are but reformers.' Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not

This verse highlights the deceptive nature of those who claim to be reformers but actually cause corruption and strife.

Imam Ali's statement reflects his deep understanding of the consequences of perpetual strife. While an unjust ruler may inflict harm upon the people, the alternative of perpetual strife can lead to even greater harm. Such strife can result in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of communities, and the breakdown of societal order. It can create an environment of fear, instability, and uncertainty, making it difficult for individuals to lead peaceful and productive lives.

Imam Ali's emphasis on the importance of stability and order is rooted in his profound knowledge and wisdom. As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali possessed exceptional knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His leadership during his caliphate was marked by his commitment to justice, wisdom, and the well-being of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of maintaining stability and order in society, even in the face of an unjust ruler. While it is crucial to strive for justice and work towards the removal of oppression, it is equally important to avoid actions that may lead to perpetual strife. Muslims are encouraged to seek peaceful means of addressing grievances and promoting positive change within their communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of stability and order in society. While an unjust ruler may cause harm, perpetual strife can lead to even greater harm and destruction. Muslims are reminded to strive for justice and work towards positive change, while also seeking to avoid actions that may result in chaos and unrest. May Allah guide us all to uphold justice and promote peace in our lives and communities.