Hadith #6582

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

أعْدَلُ النّاسِ مَنْ أنْصَفَ مَنْ ظَلَمَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The most just of all people is he who is equitable to the one who has oppressed him.

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

The word (a'dal) "أعْدَلُ" in this Hadith refers to justice and fairness. It signifies the act of treating others with equity and impartiality, regardless of the circumstances. It is a quality that is highly emphasized in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of justice by stating that the most just person is the one who remains equitable even when faced with oppression. This means that instead of seeking revenge or harboring resentment, the truly just individual responds with fairness and kindness towards the one who has wronged them.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the Quranic principle of forgiveness and forbearance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 42:40)

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

By responding to oppression with equity and forgiveness, the just individual not only upholds the principles of Islam but also sets an example for others to follow. This act of forgiveness has the potential to transform the oppressor, as they witness the mercy and compassion of the one they have wronged. It can lead to reconciliation and the mending of relationships, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 41:34)

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on justice and equity is a testament to his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran. He exemplified these qualities throughout his life, even in the face of immense adversity. One such example is the Battle of Siffin, where Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) displayed remarkable restraint and fairness, despite being subjected to great injustice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of justice and equity in Islam. It reminds us that true justice lies in responding to oppression with fairness and forgiveness. By embodying these qualities, we not only uphold the teachings of the Quran but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be just and equitable in all aspects of our lives.