Hadith #6210

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

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

البغي يصرع الرجال، ويدني الآجال.

This Hadith can be translated as,

Oppression causes the downfall of men and brings [their] deaths closer.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (al-baghi) "البغي" in this Hadith refers to oppression or transgression. It encompasses any act of injustice, wrongdoing, or violation of rights. Oppression can take various forms, such as physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, discrimination, exploitation, or any act that causes harm or infringes upon the rights of others.

To understand the gravity of oppression, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns oppression and emphasizes justice. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah says,

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.

This verse highlights the divine purpose of sending messengers and revealing scriptures, which is to establish justice and eradicate oppression.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah commands the believers,

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 justice and warns against allowing personal biases or animosity to cloud one's judgment. It reminds Muslims to uphold justice even in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the consequences of oppression. It states that oppression causes the downfall of men and brings their deaths closer. This statement carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder of the natural consequences that follow acts of oppression.

When individuals or societies engage in oppression, they sow the seeds of their own destruction. Oppression breeds resentment, anger, and rebellion. It erodes trust, unity, and social cohesion. History is replete with examples of oppressive regimes that crumbled under the weight of their own tyranny. The downfall of such oppressive entities is not only a result of external forces but also the internal decay caused by their own oppressive actions.

Moreover, oppression brings death closer, both literally and metaphorically. On a literal level, oppressive acts can lead to physical harm, violence, and loss of life. When people are oppressed, their lives are endangered, and their well-being is compromised. This is evident in various historical instances where oppression has resulted in the loss of countless lives.

Metaphorically, oppression brings death closer by stifling the spirit, dignity, and potential of individuals. When people are oppressed, their aspirations are crushed, their voices are silenced, and their dreams are shattered. Oppression robs individuals of their vitality and reduces them to mere existence rather than a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of upholding justice and opposing oppression in all its forms. It is our duty as believers to stand against injustice, advocate for the rights of the oppressed, and work towards establishing a just society. By doing so, we not only fulfill our moral obligations but also safeguard ourselves from the consequences of oppression.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of oppression. It warns us about the downfall that awaits those who engage in oppression and highlights the urgency of establishing justice in our personal lives, communities, and societies. May Allah guide us to be just, compassionate, and steadfast in our pursuit of justice, and may He protect us from the perils of oppression.