Hadith #6297

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the cry and plea of the oppressed. The word (ittaqoo) "اِتَّقُوا" translates to "beware" or "be cautious," and it emphasizes the importance of being aware and taking heed of the situation of the oppressed. The term (da'wah) "دَعْوَةَ" refers to the cry or plea of the oppressed, which signifies their call for justice and their right to be heard.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then reminds us that the oppressed individual, in their cry for justice, is invoking the help of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The phrase (fa innahu yas'alullah haqqahu)

فَإنَّهُ يَسْألُ اللّهَ حَقَّهُ

means that the oppressed person is seeking their rightful due from Allah. This highlights the fact that the oppressed have a direct connection with Allah, and they have the right to ask Him for justice and retribution.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is more generous and bountiful than to deny the rightful request of the oppressed. The phrase (wallahu subhanahu akramu min an yus'al haqqan illa ajaba)

واللّهُ سُبْحانَهُ أكْرَمُ مِنْ أنْ يُسْئَلَ حَقّاً إلاّ أجابَ

means that Allah, the Glorified, is too noble and generous to refuse the request for justice from the oppressed. He is more than willing to grant them their rightful due.

This hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound reminder for Muslims to be aware of the plight of the oppressed and to support them in seeking justice. It highlights the importance of standing up against injustice and advocating for the rights of those who are marginalized and oppressed.

The Quran also emphasizes the significance of standing up for justice and supporting the oppressed. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 ayah emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it means going against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones. It reminds Muslims that Allah's command for justice is above all personal biases and inclinations. Therefore, when we hear the cry of the oppressed, we must respond and support them in seeking their rightful due.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 ayah highlights the importance of intervening and seeking justice when one group oppresses another. It encourages Muslims to fight against oppression and work towards reconciliation and justice. It further emphasizes that Allah loves those who act justly and strive for fairness in all situations.

Reflecting on this hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that it is our duty as Muslims to be aware of and respond to the cry of the oppressed. We must support them in their pursuit of justice, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is more generous and willing to grant their rightful due. By standing up against injustice and advocating for the rights of the oppressed, we fulfill our responsibility as believers and demonstrate our commitment to the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be vigilant in supporting the oppressed and seeking justice, and may He grant us the strength and wisdom to stand up against injustice in all its forms.