Hadith #10281

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two virtues: justice and goodness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that it is a mark of excellence for a person to be fair and just in their dealings with others, even when they have been wronged. Furthermore, he highlights the virtue of doing good to those who have treated us with evil.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (nafsihi) "نَفْسِهِ" refers to oneself, and the word (asa'a) "أساءَ" means to harm, mistreat, or do evil to someone. The word (yunṣifa) "يُنْصِفَ" means to be fair, just, and equitable in one's actions and judgments. And the word (yuḥsina) "يُحْسِنَ" means to do good, to be kind, and to act with excellence.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of knowing and understanding one another, regardless of our differences in race, ethnicity, or social status. It emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be fair and just with others, he is echoing the teachings of the Quran.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Fussilat (41:34):

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse instructs us to respond to evil with goodness and kindness. It teaches us that by doing so, we can transform enmity into friendship. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes this same principle in the Hadith, reminding us of the merit of doing good to those who have treated us with evil.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. When we choose to be fair and just, even in the face of injustice, we uphold the principles of righteousness and establish harmony in our relationships. By responding to evil with goodness, we not only disarm our adversaries but also have the potential to transform them into allies and friends.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, and this Hadith is a testament to his profound understanding of human nature and the teachings of Islam. It serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for justice and goodness in their interactions with others, regardless of the circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being fair and just with others, even when we have been wronged. It also emphasizes the virtue of responding to evil with goodness and kindness. By following these principles, we can uphold the teachings of the Quran and establish harmonious relationships based on righteousness and piety. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues in our daily lives.