Hadith #6275

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ ظَلَمَ أوْبَقَهُ ظُلْمُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is unjust is ruined by his injustice.

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

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" in this Hadith refers to injustice or oppression. It encompasses any act of wrongdoing, whether it is against oneself or others. The word (aubaqahu) "أوْبَقَهُ" means to ruin or destroy oneself. It implies that the consequences of injustice are not limited to the harm inflicted upon others, but also extend to the individual who commits the injustice.

The Quranic verses beautifully emphasize the consequences of injustice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25),

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights that the consequences of injustice are not limited to the wrongdoers alone, but can affect the entire community. Allah's punishment is severe for those who oppress others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:16), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And when We decide to destroy a city, We command its affluent but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with [complete] destruction.

This verse illustrates that the destruction of a community can be a consequence of the injustice committed by its affluent members. Their arrogance and refusal to follow the path of justice ultimately leads to their ruin.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of upholding justice in all aspects of life. It highlights the fact that injustice not only harms others but also has detrimental effects on the individual who commits it. When a person engages in unjust actions, they deviate from the path of righteousness and distance themselves from the mercy and blessings of Allah.

The consequences of injustice can be seen in various aspects of life. In personal relationships, when one person oppresses another, it leads to resentment, animosity, and the breakdown of trust. In society, injustice breeds inequality, division, and unrest. In the political realm, the oppression of a ruler towards their subjects can lead to rebellion and the downfall of the entire regime.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to always strive for justice, both in their personal lives and in society as a whole. It encourages us to reflect upon our actions and ensure that we treat others with fairness and compassion. By doing so, we not only protect the rights of others but also safeguard ourselves from the ruinous consequences of injustice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that injustice leads to the destruction of both the oppressor and the oppressed. It serves as a powerful call to Muslims to uphold justice in all aspects of life, for the consequences of injustice are severe and far-reaching. May Allah guide us all to be just and compassionate individuals, and may He protect us from the path of oppression.