Hadith #6634

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العدل نظام الإمرة" which translates to

Justice is the system of leadership.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the pivotal role of justice in the governance and leadership of a society.

The word (justice) "العدل" holds great significance in Islam. It refers to the act of being fair, equitable, and impartial in all matters. Justice is a fundamental principle in the Quran, and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes its importance in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse clearly indicates that justice is not only a command from Allah, but it is also intertwined with good conduct and righteousness. It encompasses treating others with fairness, upholding their rights, and refraining from oppression and wrongdoing. Justice is not limited to the legal system but extends to all aspects of life, including governance and leadership.

The phrase (system of leadership) "نظام الإمرة" in the Hadith implies that justice is the foundation upon which a just and effective leadership is built. A leader who upholds justice ensures that the rights of individuals are protected, that the law is applied equally to all, and that the welfare of the society is prioritized. Such a leader establishes a system that is based on fairness, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The Quran provides numerous examples of leaders who embodied justice and its consequences. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) is a prime example of a just leader. Despite facing immense trials and tribulations, he remained steadfast in his commitment to justice. His fairness and wisdom earned him the trust and respect of the people, and he was eventually appointed as the treasurer of Egypt. This exemplifies how justice can lead to stability, prosperity, and the well-being of a society.

Conversely, the Quran also warns of the consequences of injustice and oppression. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:25), Allah says,

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse serves as a reminder that injustice and oppression will ultimately lead to divine punishment. It highlights the importance of establishing justice in all aspects of our lives, including our leadership and governance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the crucial role of justice in leadership. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that justice is not merely a desirable quality, but an essential component of effective leadership. A just leader inspires trust, fosters unity, and ensures the well-being of the society. Conversely, a leader who disregards justice risks causing division, unrest, and the deterioration of the society.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the principles of justice in our personal lives and demand it from our leaders. We should hold ourselves accountable for our actions and treat others with fairness and equity. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just society, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and pave the way for a better future for all.