Hadith #9828

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of treating people unjustly. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (zulm) "ظلم" in Arabic refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any action or behavior that goes against the principles of fairness, equity, and righteousness. When a leader or ruler treats their subjects with injustice, they abuse their power and violate the rights of the people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever treats their subjects unjustly, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will cause their reign to end. This means that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, will remove their authority and power. This removal may occur through various means, such as a loss of support from the people, a revolt, or even a natural calamity that leads to their downfall.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of justice and warn against oppression. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

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.

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it means going against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes with justice, rather than perpetuating oppression.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that Allah will hasten the ruin and destruction of those who treat their subjects unjustly. This means that the consequences of their oppressive actions will manifest swiftly and decisively. The downfall and destruction may come in the form of social unrest, economic collapse, or even military defeat. It serves as a reminder that injustice and oppression are not sustainable and will ultimately lead to ruin.

To illustrate this point, we can refer to the story of the Pharaoh in the Quran. The Pharaoh, known for his tyranny and oppression, was eventually brought to his knees by the divine punishment of Allah. His arrogance and injustice led to his ultimate destruction, as mentioned in Surah Yunus (10:92),

So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold justice in their dealings with others. It warns against the consequences of treating people unjustly, emphasizing that Allah will remove the authority of those who abuse their power and hasten their ruin and destruction. As believers, we are called upon to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unparalleled knowledge and commitment to justice. May we strive to emulate his noble qualities and seek justice in all aspects of our lives.