Hadith #6621

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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, "فِي العَدْلِ الإحْسانُ۔" which translates to

In justice there is benevolence.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (justice) "العَدْلِ" refers to fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. It is the act of giving each person their due rights and treating them impartially. (benevolence) "الإحْسانُ" encompasses acts of kindness, goodness, and excellence. It involves going beyond what is required and treating others with compassion and generosity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and benevolence. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 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.

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

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah commands,

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 an integral part of righteousness.

Now, let us reflect on the connotation of Imam Ali's statement. By stating that

In justice there is benevolence,

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inseparable connection between justice and benevolence. He teaches us that true justice is not merely a mechanical application of rules and regulations, but it encompasses a deep sense of compassion and kindness towards others.

When justice is infused with benevolence, it leads to a society that is not only fair, but also caring and compassionate. It means treating others with empathy, understanding, and respect. It means going beyond what is required by law and extending a helping hand to those in need. It means using our positions of power and influence to uplift the marginalized and oppressed.

Imam Ali's beautiful saying also reminds us that justice without benevolence can be cold and devoid of humanity. It warns against the dangers of a legalistic approach to justice that fails to consider the individual circumstances and needs of others. True justice requires us to look beyond the surface and to consider the underlying motivations, consequences, and impacts of our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

In justice there is benevolence

serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims. It calls us to strive for justice in all aspects of our lives, while also emphasizing the importance of infusing our pursuit of justice with acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. By embodying both justice and benevolence, we can create a society that is not only fair, but also caring and just. May Allah guide us all to uphold justice and practice benevolence in our daily lives.