Hadith #301

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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,

السُّلْطَانُ وَزَعَةُ اللهِ فِي أَرْضِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The sovereign is the watchman of Allah on earth.

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

The word (sovereign) "سُّلْطَانُ" in this Hadith refers to the ruler or the one in authority. It signifies the one who has been given the power and responsibility to govern and maintain order in society. The word (watchman) "وَزَعَةُ" refers to the guardian or protector. It implies that the sovereign is the appointed guardian of Allah's interests on earth, entrusted with the task of upholding justice and ensuring the well-being of the people.

This Hadith emphasizes the divine nature of authority and highlights the role of the ruler as a representative of Allah on earth. It reminds Muslims that those in positions of power are not merely exercising their authority for personal gain or dominance, but rather they are accountable to Allah for their actions and are responsible for the welfare of the people they govern.

The Quran supports this concept of the sovereign being the representative of Allah on earth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 38:26)

O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah.

This verse highlights the responsibility of the ruler to judge with justice and not be swayed by personal desires.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 57:25)

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice in society, which is a fundamental duty of the sovereign.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that the authority and power bestowed upon rulers is a trust from Allah. It is not a license for oppression or tyranny, but rather a means to establish justice, maintain order, and promote the well-being of the people. The ruler should act as a watchman, guarding the rights and interests of the people, and ensuring that justice prevails in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this concept of the sovereign being the watchman of Allah on earth. His knowledge, wisdom, and commitment to justice are well-known among Muslims. He was known for his famous saying,

People are of two types: they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.

This statement reflects his understanding of the responsibility of the ruler to treat all people with fairness and equality, regardless of their religious beliefs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the divine nature of authority and the responsibility of the sovereign to act as a watchman of Allah on earth. It calls upon rulers to govern with justice, uphold the rights of the people, and promote the well-being of society. It also serves as a reminder to the people that they should hold their rulers accountable and support those who strive for justice and righteousness. May Allah guide us all in fulfilling our roles and responsibilities in society.