Hadith #6174

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) warns us about the grave consequences of oppression and injustice. Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this hadith before exploring its beautiful message.

The word (baghy) "بَغْيَ" in Arabic refers to oppression, transgression, or injustice. It encompasses any act of wrongdoing that violates the rights of others, whether through physical or verbal means. It includes acts such as usurping someone's property, spreading false rumors, or mistreating others unjustly.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us to (ittaqoo) "اِتَّقُوا", which means to be conscious and wary of the consequences of oppression. This implies that we should actively avoid engaging in any form of injustice and strive to uphold justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then highlights the three detrimental outcomes of oppression. Firstly, he states that it (yajlibu anniqam) "يَجْلِبُ النِّقَمَ", meaning that it brings divine retribution upon the oppressor. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate judge and avenger, and He does not let injustice go unpunished. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25):

And fear the affliction which may not smite exclusively those among you who have done wrong.

Secondly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that oppression (yaslubu anni'ma) "يَسْلُبُ النِّعَمَ", which means it dispels blessings. When we engage in acts of injustice, we distance ourselves from the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56):

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

Lastly, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that oppression (yuji'bu alghiyara) "يُوجِبُ الغِيَرَ", meaning it causes changes in circumstances. When oppression becomes prevalent in a society, it disrupts the harmony and stability that are necessary for progress and prosperity. The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25):

Certainly did We send Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed to them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

Reflecting on this hadith, we understand that oppression is not only a grave sin in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also has far-reaching consequences for individuals and societies. It invites divine retribution, deprives us of blessings, and disrupts the natural order of things.

As Muslims, we are called upon to emulate the qualities of justice and fairness exemplified by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We must strive to establish justice in our personal lives, our families, and our communities. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of oppression and ensure a society that is blessed, harmonious, and prosperous.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to uphold justice and righteousness in all our affairs and protect us from the temptations of oppression. May He grant us the wisdom to recognize and rectify any injustices we may perpetrate or witness. Ameen.