Hadith #6766

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العِزُّ إدْراكُ الاِنْتِصارِ" which translates to

Glory is the attainment of [the power to exact] revenge.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it contains.

Firstly, the word (izz) "عِزُّ" refers to honor, dignity, and strength. It signifies a state of being esteemed and respected. Secondly, (idrak) "إدْراكُ" means the attainment or realization of something. Lastly, (al-intisar) "الاِنْتِصارِ" refers to victory or triumph.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:40),

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.

This verse emphasizes that victory is granted to those who have been wronged and oppressed, and it is a means of attaining honor and justice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking justice and defending oneself against aggression, while adhering to the principles of righteousness and avoiding any form of excess or injustice.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith as a reminder that true glory and honor lie in seeking justice and attaining victory over oppression and wrongdoing. It is not a call for personal vengeance or revenge, but rather a call to stand up against injustice and to establish justice in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He understood that true glory is not achieved through personal vendettas or seeking revenge for personal gain. Instead, it is attained by upholding the principles of justice and fighting against oppression. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated this in his own life, as he stood against the tyrannical rulers of his time and fought for the establishment of a just society.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are profound. When Muslims strive for justice and stand up against oppression, they not only attain victory over their oppressors but also earn the honor and respect of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This honor is not limited to this world but extends to the hereafter as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises in Surah Al-Hajj (22:58),

And those who emigrated for the cause of Allah and then were killed or died - Allah will surely provide for them a good provision. And indeed, it is Allah who is the best of providers.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to emulate Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our own lives. We should seek justice, stand against oppression, and work towards establishing a just society. By doing so, we will not only attain victory over injustice but also earn the honor and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to seek justice and attain true glory.