Hadith #6295

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاخَيْرَ في حُكْمِ جائِر۔

This powerful statement translates to,

There is no good in the rule of a tyrant.

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

Firstly, let us reflect upon the word (hukm) "حُكْمِ", which means "rule" or "governance." It refers to the act of governing or ruling over a group of people. The word (ja'ir) "جائِر" is translated as "tyrant" or "oppressor." It describes a ruler who exercises unjust and oppressive authority, causing harm and suffering to those under their rule.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against tyranny. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 16:90)

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded

This verse highlights the divine commandment to establish justice in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of fair governance and warns against oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not approve of any form of tyranny, as it goes against His divine attributes of mercy and justice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states, (Quran 5:8)

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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice even in the face of adversity or personal biases. It reminds Muslims to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and not to let their emotions or prejudices cloud their judgment. This serves as a reminder that justice should be the guiding principle in all matters of governance.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences of the rule of a tyrant. A tyrant, by nature, seeks to consolidate power, suppress dissent, and exploit the resources and rights of the people. Their rule is characterized by oppression, corruption, and the denial of basic human rights. Such a ruler disregards the principles of justice and fairness, leading to the suffering and misery of the people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam, warns us about the absence of good in the rule of a tyrant. He reminds us that a tyrant's governance is devoid of any positive outcomes or benefits for the people. Instead, it brings about chaos, injustice, and the deterioration of society.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to reject and resist tyranny in all its forms. It encourages us to strive for justice and to establish systems of governance that uphold the principles of fairness, equality, and the protection of human rights.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

لاخَيْرَ في حُكْمِ جائِر۔,

holds immense significance for Muslims. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of justice and warning against the rule of a tyrant. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to actively work towards establishing just and equitable societies, free from oppression and tyranny. May Allah guide us all on the path of justice and righteousness.