Hadith #1364

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

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

المؤمن لا يظلم ولا يتأثم

which translates to

A believer does not oppress [anyone] and eschews sin.

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

The word (believer) "مؤمن" refers to a person who has faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follows the teachings of Islam. The believer is one who submits to the will of Allah and strives to live a righteous life. The term (oppress) "ظلم" refers to any form of injustice, wrongdoing, or transgression against others. It encompasses both physical and emotional harm inflicted upon others. (eschews sin) "تأثم" refers to avoiding and abstaining from committing sins, which are actions that go against the commandments of Allah.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah says,

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.

This verse highlights the obligation of believers to uphold justice, even if it means going against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah states,

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being just and fair, even in the face of animosity or personal biases. It reminds us that justice is a fundamental aspect of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes the Quranic teachings on justice and righteousness. It highlights the inherent qualities of a true believer. A believer does not oppress others, regardless of their social status, race, or religion. They treat others with fairness, kindness, and respect. They strive to establish justice in all aspects of their lives, recognizing that it is a core principle of Islam.

Moreover, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of avoiding sin. Sin is a deviation from the path of righteousness and obedience to Allah. It includes actions such as lying, cheating, backbiting, and engaging in unlawful activities. By eschewing sin, the believer safeguards their relationship with Allah and maintains their moral integrity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of justice and righteousness in their daily lives. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and ensure that we do not harm or oppress others. It also reminds us to be conscious of our own behavior and strive to avoid sins that distance us from Allah's mercy.

By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. They become beacons of light, spreading compassion, fairness, and righteousness in their interactions with others. This Hadith serves as a guiding principle for Muslims, reminding them to constantly strive for moral excellence and to be a source of goodness in the world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of a true believer, to be just and fair in all our dealings, and to abstain from sins. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.