Hadith #6596

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, and his noble companions.

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

أعْدَلُ الخَلْقِ أقْصاهُمْ بِالحَقِّ۔

This can be translated as,

The most just among the creation is one who judges best according to the truth.

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

The word (A'dal) "أعْدَلُ" in this Hadith refers to justice and fairness. It signifies the quality of being upright, impartial, and equitable in one's actions and decisions. It is the epitome of righteousness and is a fundamental principle in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself is described as (Al-'Adl) "العَدْلُ", the Just, in the Quran (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:25). Therefore, justice is an attribute that we should strive to embody in all aspects of our lives.

The word (Al-Khalq) "الخَلْقِ" in this Hadith refers to the creation of Allah. It encompasses all beings, both human and non-human, that Allah has brought into existence. As Muslims, we believe that Allah is the Creator of everything, and He has created all things with wisdom and purpose. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) speaks of the "خَلْقِ," he is referring to all individuals who possess the capacity to make judgments and decisions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the most just among the creation is the one who judges best according to the truth. This means that true justice lies in making decisions and judgments based on the objective truth, without any bias, prejudice, or personal interest. It requires a deep understanding of the facts, circumstances, and the principles of justice as prescribed by Allah.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of justice and the consequences of injustice. In Surah Al-Nisa, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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. 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 importance of upholding justice even when it may go against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It emphasizes the need to be fair and impartial, regardless of the circumstances. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, as he emphasizes the importance of judging according to the truth, rather than personal inclinations or biases.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:8)

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 fair, even in the face of animosity or hatred from others. It reminds us that justice is a fundamental aspect of righteousness and that we should never let personal biases or grudges cloud our judgment. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who emphasizes the importance of judging based on the truth, rather than personal inclinations or prejudices.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most just among the creation is the one who judges best according to the truth. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that true justice lies in making decisions and judgments based on the objective truth, without any bias or personal interest. By following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran, we can strive to be just individuals and contribute to a more just society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of justice and righteousness.