Hadith #3961

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما حُصِّنَ الدُّوَلُ بِمِثْلِ العَدْلِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing protects empires like justice.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (husina) "حُصِّنَ" in the Hadith refers to protection or safeguarding. It signifies the act of preserving and fortifying something against harm or destruction. In this context, it refers to the safeguarding of empires or states. The word (dawla) "دُّوَلُ" refers to empires or states, indicating the political and social structures that govern societies.

The key word in this Hadith is (al-'adl) "العَدْلِ", which means justice. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam, emphasized repeatedly in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

Justice is the cornerstone of a just society, and it plays a vital role in protecting and preserving empires. When justice prevails, people feel secure and content, and the society flourishes. Conversely, when justice is absent, corruption, oppression, and instability prevail, leading to the downfall of empires.

The Quran provides numerous examples and teachings on justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against one's personal interests or relationships. It highlights the need for impartiality and fairness in all matters, regardless of social status or personal connections. By adhering to justice, individuals contribute to the protection and stability of their societies.

Another verse that reinforces the significance of justice is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the importance of being just even in the face of animosity or prejudice. It encourages Muslims to rise above personal biases and treat all individuals with fairness and equity. By doing so, they contribute to the protection and preservation of their societies.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the profound impact of justice on the stability and longevity of empires. When justice is upheld, people trust the system, and social harmony prevails. This leads to the growth and prosperity of the state. Conversely, when justice is compromised, people lose faith in the system, and chaos ensues, ultimately leading to the downfall of empires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his deep knowledge and understanding of justice. His famous saying,

Justice is the foundation of the world,

further emphasizes the significance of justice in Islam. He demonstrated his commitment to justice during his caliphate, ensuring fairness and equity for all.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that justice is the key to protecting and preserving empires. By upholding justice, individuals contribute to the stability and prosperity of their societies. The Quranic verses mentioned further emphasize the importance of justice in Islam. As Muslims, we must strive to establish justice in all aspects of our lives, knowing that it is a crucial element in safeguarding our communities and nations.