Hadith #9438

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The era of the just [ruler] is the best of eras.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance and excellence of a just ruler and the positive impact their reign can have on society.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (zaman) "زَمانُ" refers to an era or period of time. (al-'adil) "العادِلِ" means the just or fair one. And (khayr) "خَيْرُ" means the best or most excellent.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fair governance. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah says,

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 highlights the divine mandate for justice in society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah commands,

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice even in the face of adversity or personal biases.

The era of a just ruler is the best of eras because it ensures that justice is upheld and the rights of individuals are protected. A just ruler is one who governs with fairness, equity, and compassion, upholding the principles of Islamic law. Their rule brings stability, harmony, and prosperity to society.

When a just ruler is in power, the people are more likely to experience peace and security. They can trust that their rights will be safeguarded, their grievances will be addressed, and their needs will be met. This fosters a sense of unity and social cohesion among the people.

Moreover, a just ruler sets a moral example for the society. Their actions and decisions are guided by the principles of justice and righteousness, inspiring others to follow suit. This creates a virtuous cycle, where justice becomes ingrained in the fabric of society, leading to the overall betterment of the people.

Conversely, the absence of a just ruler can lead to chaos, oppression, and injustice. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:5), Allah warns,

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

This verse highlights the divine intention to elevate the oppressed and grant them leadership as a means to establish justice.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the importance of striving for justice in all aspects of our lives. Whether we hold positions of authority or not, we should always seek to be just in our dealings with others. By upholding justice, we contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the era of a just ruler is the best of eras. It emphasizes the significance of justice in society and highlights the positive impact a just ruler can have on the well-being of the people. As Muslims, we should strive to uphold justice in all aspects of our lives, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah guide us all to be just and righteous individuals.