Hadith #6188

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

أجْوَرُ النّاسِ مَنْ ظَلَمَ مَنْ أنْصَفَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The most tyrannical person is he who oppresses the one who is fair to him.

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

The word (ajwar) "أجْوَرُ" is derived from the root word (jawr) "جَوَر", which means tyranny or oppression. It refers to the act of inflicting injustice, cruelty, and hardship upon others. This word highlights the severity and gravity of the oppression being committed.

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" means to oppress, wrong, or treat unjustly. It signifies the act of transgressing the rights of others and causing harm to them. In this context, it refers to the act of oppressing someone who has treated the oppressor with fairness and justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith sheds light on the nature of tyranny and oppression. It emphasizes that the greatest form of tyranny is inflicted upon those who have shown fairness and justice towards the oppressor. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold justice and fairness in all aspects of their lives.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of justice and fairness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8),

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 emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it goes against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. It highlights the importance of fairness and impartiality in all matters, as Allah is the ultimate judge and knows the true intentions of individuals.

Another verse that supports the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes in a just manner. It instructs Muslims to stand against oppression and fight for justice until the oppressor returns to the path of righteousness. It further emphasizes the love of Allah for those who act with justice and fairness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and treatment towards others. It highlights that the greatest form of tyranny is inflicted upon those who have shown fairness and justice. This Hadith encourages Muslims to uphold justice, fairness, and kindness in all their interactions, regardless of the behavior of others.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we can understand that the consequences of oppressing those who have treated us with fairness are severe. It not only harms the individual being oppressed but also tarnishes the reputation and character of the oppressor. Moreover, it goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize justice, compassion, and respect for the rights of others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be just and fair in their dealings with others. It highlights the severity of oppressing those who have treated us with fairness and justice. By upholding justice and fairness, Muslims can strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill their responsibilities as believers. May Allah guide us all to the path of justice and righteousness.