Hadith #6611

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ كَثُرَ عَدْلُهُ حُمِدَتْ أيّامُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One whose justice increases, his days are praised.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word "عَدْلُهُ" refers to justice, fairness, and equity. It signifies the quality of being just, impartial, and upright in one's actions and decisions. The word "حُمِدَتْ" is derived from the root word "حَمْد" which means praise. It refers to the act of praising or commending someone for their virtues, qualities, or actions. And finally, the word "أيّامُهُ" means days, indicating the span of one's life or the duration of their existence.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 57:25)

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed to them the Scripture and the Balance that people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

This verse highlights that the purpose of sending messengers and revealing scriptures was to establish justice among people.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, Allah commands, (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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that justice is a fundamental principle in Islam. It is not only a personal virtue but also a societal obligation. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of justice by stating that when one's justice increases, their days are praised.

This Hadith highlights the profound consequences of practicing justice in one's life. When a person consistently upholds justice, their actions and decisions become praiseworthy. Their reputation is elevated, and they are respected by others. This praise and commendation extend beyond the immediate moment and become a lasting legacy that endures throughout their days.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His commitment to justice was unwavering, and he served as a shining example for Muslims to follow. His justice was not limited to his own personal affairs but extended to the governance of the Islamic state during his caliphate. He ensured that justice was upheld in all aspects of society, from the distribution of wealth to the resolution of disputes.

The motivation behind increasing one's justice lies in the desire to please Allah and fulfill the purpose of our creation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves those who are just and rewards them abundantly. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 49:9)

Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

By striving to increase our justice, we align ourselves with the divine will and earn the pleasure of our Creator.

The consequences of practicing justice are not limited to personal gain or societal recognition. Justice has a transformative effect on individuals and communities. When justice prevails, trust is established, harmony is nurtured, and conflicts are resolved peacefully. It creates an environment where everyone feels secure and valued, leading to the overall well-being and progress of society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of justice in our daily lives. We should strive to be just in our interactions with others, whether it be in our families, workplaces, or communities. By embodying the principles of justice, we can contribute to the betterment of society and earn the praise of Allah and our fellow Muslims.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to increase our justice and may our days be filled with the blessings of His praise. May we follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for justice in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.