Hadith #9803

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا مَلَكْتَ فَارْفُقْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you become the ruler then be kind [to your subjects].

This short but beautiful Hadith holds great significance and carries a powerful message for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (malakta) "مَلَكْتَ" is derived from the root word (malaka) "مَلَكَ", which means to possess authority or to become a ruler. The word (farfuq) "فَارْفُقْ" is derived from the root word (rafqa) "رَفَقَ", which means to be kind, gentle, and compassionate.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107), Allah says,

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

This verse highlights the compassionate nature of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to embody kindness in their actions and interactions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah instructs Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to say,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of oppression without right, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) instruction to be kind when one becomes a ruler carries profound implications. It serves as a reminder that leadership is not merely about power and authority, but also about responsibility and accountability. A ruler must prioritize the welfare and well-being of their subjects, treating them with kindness, compassion, and fairness.

This Hadith encourages rulers to adopt a just and compassionate approach towards their subjects, ensuring that their rights are protected and their needs are met. It discourages any form of oppression, tyranny, or abuse of power. By embodying kindness in their leadership, rulers can foster an environment of trust, unity, and prosperity within their communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified the qualities of knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. His rule as the fourth caliph of Islam was marked by justice, fairness, and concern for the welfare of the people. His famous saying,

People are of two types: they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity,

reflects his inclusive and compassionate approach towards all individuals, regardless of their religious or social background.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their position or authority, to prioritize kindness and compassion in their interactions with others. It emphasizes the importance of just and compassionate leadership, urging rulers to treat their subjects with fairness, respect, and empathy. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can strive towards creating a just and harmonious society, where kindness and compassion prevail. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody these noble qualities in our lives.