Hadith #10455

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَظْلِمُ نَفْسَهُ كَيْفَ يُنْصِفُ غَيْرَهُ۔

This powerful statement translates to,

I am amazed at the one who oppresses his own soul, how can he be fair to others?!

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran. The word (zalim) "ظْلِمُ" in Arabic refers to oppression, injustice, or wrongdoing. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment at someone who inflicts harm upon their own soul through acts of oppression. This raises the question of how such an individual can claim to be just and fair towards others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of justice and warn against oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

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 highlights the obligation to establish justice and resolve conflicts in a fair manner. It condemns oppression and encourages Muslims to strive for justice even in times of discord. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement echoes this sentiment by questioning the integrity of those who oppress themselves while claiming to be just towards others.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse warns against the unjust acquisition of wealth and the corruption that can arise from it. It emphasizes the importance of fairness and integrity in financial matters. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that those who oppress themselves by engaging in unlawful financial practices cannot be trusted to act justly towards others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith holds great wisdom and serves as a moral compass for all Muslims. It urges us to reflect upon our own actions and ensure that we do not oppress ourselves or others. By oppressing our own souls, we compromise our ability to be fair and just towards others.

For example, if someone engages in dishonest business practices, they are oppressing their own soul by compromising their integrity. This act of self-oppression weakens their moral character and makes it difficult for them to treat others with fairness and justice. Similarly, if someone engages in harmful habits or sinful behavior, they are oppressing their own soul and hindering their ability to be just towards others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. By recognizing and rectifying our own injustices towards ourselves, we can develop a stronger sense of justice and compassion towards others. This self-awareness allows us to break free from the cycle of oppression and strive towards a more just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to examine their own actions and intentions. It cautions against oppressing our own souls and challenges us to be fair and just towards others. By reflecting on the profound wisdom of this Hadith and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be individuals who embody justice, compassion, and righteousness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of justice and grant us the ability to be fair and just towards ourselves and others.