Hadith #6581

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) states,

The best [form of] justice is assisting the oppressed.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of standing up for the rights of the oppressed and providing them with support and aid. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" in the Hadith translates to "the best" or "the most excellent." It signifies the highest level of justice and righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that the most superior form of justice is not just to be fair and impartial, but to actively assist and support the oppressed.

The term (al-'adl) "العَدْلِ" in the Hadith refers to justice. It encompasses fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. Justice is a fundamental principle in Islam, and it is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands 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.

The word (nusratu) "نُصْرَةُ" in the Hadith means assistance or support. It signifies actively aiding the oppressed and standing by their side in their time of need. This support can take various forms, such as defending their rights, providing resources, or speaking out against injustice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to support the oppressed in Surah Al-Hajj (22:39),

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.

The term (al-mazlum) "المَظْلُومِ" in the Hadith refers to the oppressed or the wronged. It encompasses those who have been treated unjustly, deprived of their rights, or subjected to oppression. Islam places great emphasis on protecting the rights of the oppressed and seeking justice on their behalf. In Surah An-Nisa (4:75), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best form of justice is not merely to remain neutral or passive but to actively support and assist the oppressed. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive in seeking justice and standing up against oppression. It encourages us to use our resources, knowledge, and influence to alleviate the suffering of those who are wronged.

By assisting the oppressed, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. Our actions can have a profound impact on the lives of those who are marginalized and oppressed. It is through our support and aid that we can help restore their dignity, rights, and well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of justice is to actively assist the oppressed. It calls upon Muslims to go beyond fairness and impartiality and to actively support those who have been wronged. By doing so, we uphold the principles of justice and contribute to a more compassionate and equitable society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in our pursuit of justice and enable us to be a source of support for the oppressed.