Hadith #6303

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever does not seek justice for the oppressed from the oppressor, his sins are magnified.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of seeking justice and standing up against oppression. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (mazlum) "مَظْلُومَ" refers to the oppressed, someone who has been wronged or treated unjustly. The word (zalim) "ظّالِمِ" refers to the oppressor, someone who inflicts harm or injustice upon others. The word (athamuhu) "آثامُهُ" means sins, indicating that the failure to seek justice for the oppressed leads to an increase in one's sins.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and standing up against oppression in numerous verses. For example, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to stand firmly for justice, even if it goes against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. It emphasizes the importance of not allowing personal biases or inclinations to hinder the pursuit of justice. By seeking justice for the oppressed, one fulfills their duty as a witness for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being just and not allowing personal animosity or prejudice to cloud one's judgment. It reminds Muslims to stand firm for justice and not to let their dislike for a particular group of people hinder their pursuit of justice. By seeking justice for the oppressed, one demonstrates righteousness and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that failing to seek justice for the oppressed results in the magnification of one's sins. By remaining silent or indifferent in the face of oppression, one becomes complicit in the wrongdoing. This Hadith urges Muslims to actively strive for justice and to support those who have been wronged.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. His teachings and actions exemplify the importance of seeking justice and standing up against oppression. He was a champion of the oppressed and fought against injustice throughout his life. Muslims should strive to follow in his footsteps and emulate his commitment to justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the obligation to seek justice for the oppressed. It highlights the consequences of failing to fulfill this duty, as one's sins are magnified. By referring to the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of justice, we understand that seeking justice is not only a moral obligation but also a command from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Muslims must actively strive for justice and support those who have been wronged, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.