Hadith #6628

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاعَدْلَ أفْضَلُ مِنْ رَدِّ المَظالِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no justice better than returning the right of the oppressed.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (justice) "عَدْلَ" refers to fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. It encompasses the idea of giving each person their due rights and treating them with equality. The word (returning) "رَدِّ" implies the act of restoring or giving back what rightfully belongs to someone. And finally, the word (oppressed) "مَظالِمِ" refers to those who have been wronged, treated unjustly, or deprived of their rights.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice and returning the rights of the oppressed. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to stand up for justice and not let personal biases or animosity cloud their judgment. It emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals, regardless of their background, with fairness and equity. Returning the rights of the oppressed is an essential aspect of justice, as it rectifies the imbalance caused by injustice.

Another verse that supports the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith is found in Surah An-Nisa, verse 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. 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 standing firm in justice, even if it goes against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones. It reminds Muslims that Allah's command for justice should always take precedence over personal biases or desires. Returning the rights of the oppressed, regardless of their social status or wealth, is a fundamental aspect of justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith highlights the significance of actively seeking justice and ensuring that the rights of the oppressed are restored. It serves as a reminder that justice is not merely a theoretical concept, but a practical duty that every Muslim should strive to fulfill. By returning the rights of the oppressed, we contribute to the establishment of a just society and uphold the principles of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. His unwavering commitment to justice and his efforts to protect the rights of the oppressed are well-documented. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran enabled him to apply its teachings in practical situations, ensuring that justice was served.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith emphasizes the importance of returning the rights of the oppressed as the pinnacle of justice. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the obligation to stand firm in justice and treat all individuals with fairness and equity. As Muslims, we should strive to embody this principle in our daily lives, actively seeking justice and working towards the restoration of the rights of the oppressed. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of justice and enable us to fulfill this noble duty.