Hadith #1365

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المؤمن ينصف من لا ينصفه

which translates to

A believer is fair to the one who is unfair to him.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble character of a true believer and provides us with valuable guidance on how to respond to injustice.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words and their meanings. The word (believer) "مؤمن" refers to a person who has faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follows the teachings of Islam. The term (fair) "ينصف" signifies acting with justice, equity, and impartiality. And the phrase (to the one who is unfair to him) "من لا ينصفه" refers to someone who treats the believer unjustly or acts in a manner that is contrary to fairness and equity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse highlights the obligation of believers to uphold justice, even in the face of adversity or personal grievances. It reminds us that our faith requires us to be fair and just, regardless of how others treat us. Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands,

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.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of standing firm in justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. This verse teaches us that being fair and just is a fundamental aspect of our faith, and it should guide our actions and interactions with others.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us a profound lesson through this statement. He reminds us that as believers, we should not let the unfair treatment of others dictate our own behavior. Instead, we should respond with fairness and justice, regardless of how we are treated.

By being fair to those who are unfair to us, we demonstrate the true essence of our faith. We rise above the negativity and respond with kindness, forgiveness, and understanding. This approach not only reflects the noble character of a believer but also has the potential to transform the hearts of those who act unjustly towards us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sets an example for us to follow by his own actions. Throughout his life, he faced numerous instances of injustice and betrayal, yet he consistently responded with fairness and forgiveness. One notable example is the Battle of Jamal, where despite being wronged by his opponents, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) showed mercy and forgiveness towards them after their defeat.

The consequences of practicing this Hadith are profound. By responding to injustice with fairness, we not only uphold the principles of our faith but also create an environment of peace and harmony. Our actions have the potential to inspire others to adopt a similar approach and break the cycle of injustice and retaliation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-control and patience. It requires immense strength to remain fair and just when faced with unfair treatment. However, by emulating the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and following the teachings of the Quran, we can cultivate these qualities within ourselves and strive towards becoming true believers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

A believer is fair to the one who is unfair to him

serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and fairness in Islam. It urges us to respond to injustice with fairness, kindness, and forgiveness, thereby embodying the true essence of our faith. By following this guidance, we can contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, reflecting the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to practice this Hadith in our lives.