Hadith #10280

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) emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and fairness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom, highlights that the most just and equitable individuals are those who willingly and sincerely practice fairness without any external authority or compulsion.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ansafa) "أنصف" means to be just, fair, and impartial. It implies treating others with equality and giving each person their due rights. The word (annas) "الناس" refers to people in general, encompassing all individuals regardless of their background, beliefs, or social status. The phrase (man ansafa min nafsihi)

من أنصف من نفسه

translates to

one who shows fairness himself.

This phrase emphasizes the personal responsibility of individuals to practice justice and fairness in their own actions and dealings.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, which includes the practice of justice and fairness towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands,

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 personal interests or biases. It highlights the need for impartiality and fairness in all circumstances.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that true justice and equity come from within oneself. It is not merely a result of external authority or compulsion. The most equitable individuals are those who possess the moral integrity and consciousness to treat others fairly and justly, regardless of their own personal interests or biases.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on personal integrity and voluntary practice of justice serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims. It encourages us to constantly evaluate our own actions and intentions, ensuring that we are treating others with fairness and equality. By embodying the principles of justice and equity in our daily lives, we contribute to the establishment of a just society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives, and may He guide us to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.