Hadith #6284

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the enormity of the burden of sin that befalls those who engage in injustice, transgression, tyranny, and oppression. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (wizr) "وِزْرَ" in Arabic refers to the burden or weight of something. It symbolizes the heaviness and gravity of the consequences that one has to bear as a result of their actions. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the magnitude of this burden, highlighting the severity of the sins committed by those who engage in injustice, transgression, tyranny, and oppression.

The word (ẓalam) "ظَلَمَ" means to be unjust or oppressive. It encompasses any action that violates the rights of others, whether it be through physical harm, emotional abuse, or the denial of basic human rights. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against injustice in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah says,

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].

The word (i'tada) "اعْتَدَى" refers to transgression or exceeding the limits. It signifies going beyond the boundaries set by Allah and His laws. Allah warns against transgression in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), saying,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

Furthermore, the word (tajabbara) "تَجَبَّرَ" means to act tyrannically or arrogantly. It denotes the abuse of power and authority, using it to oppress and subjugate others. Allah condemns arrogance and tyranny in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), stating,

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 word (waṭaghā) "وَطَغَى" refers to oppression or transgression. It signifies the act of going beyond the limits of what is just and fair, causing harm and suffering to others. Allah warns against oppression in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), saying,

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity of these actions and their consequences. The burden of sin that falls upon those who engage in injustice, transgression, tyranny, and oppression is immense. It weighs heavily on their souls and will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment.

The Quran reinforces the message of this Hadith by emphasizing the importance of justice, fairness, and compassion. Allah commands us to establish justice and avoid oppression in all aspects of our lives. He says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

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.

The consequences of engaging in injustice, transgression, tyranny, and oppression are severe. They not only harm individuals and societies in this world but also have eternal consequences in the Hereafter. Muslims must strive to embody the qualities of justice, compassion, and fairness in their actions and interactions with others, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the weight and consequences of engaging in injustice, transgression, tyranny, and oppression. It urges Muslims to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion in all aspects of their lives, following the guidance of the Quran. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and protect us from the burden of sin.