Hadith #6620

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The pinnacle of justice is for a person to be just with himself.

Let us delve into the meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (adl) "عَدْل" is derived from the root word (adala) "عَدَلَ", which means to be just, fair, and balanced. It refers to the act of giving everyone their due rights and treating them equitably. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being just with oneself, which implies being honest, self-aware, and accountable for one's actions and intentions.

To understand the depth of this concept, 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 that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety. It is not based on external factors such as wealth, lineage, or social status. Therefore, being just with oneself entails striving for righteousness, purifying one's intentions, and aligning one's actions with the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse reminds us of the inherent honor bestowed upon every human being by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is our responsibility to recognize and uphold this honor by being just with ourselves. By doing so, we acknowledge our worth and potential as servants of Allah, and we strive to fulfill our duties and responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Being just with oneself also entails self-reflection and self-correction. It requires us to constantly evaluate our thoughts, words, and actions, and to rectify any shortcomings or injustices we may find within ourselves. This process of self-accountability and self-improvement is essential for spiritual growth and development.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of being just with oneself in this Hadith. By emphasizing the pinnacle of justice, he emphasizes the importance of self-introspection and self-assessment. When we are just with ourselves, we become better individuals, better Muslims, and better members of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the highest form of justice is to be just with oneself. It calls upon us to be honest, self-aware, and accountable for our actions and intentions. By aligning ourselves with the teachings of Islam and constantly striving for self-improvement, we can attain true justice within ourselves and, in turn, contribute to a more just and righteous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be just with ourselves and to seek His pleasure in all that we do.