Hadith #6595

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

العادِلُ راع يَنْتَظِرُ أحَدَ الجَزائَيْنِ (أحْسَنَ الجزاعين)

which translates to

The just [ruler] is a custodian who awaits one of the two rewards (or the better of the two rewards).

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (al-'adil) "العادِلُ" in this Hadith refers to a just ruler or leader. It signifies a person who upholds justice, fairness, and equality in their governance. This quality of justice is highly emphasized in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

The word (ra'a) "راع" means a custodian or guardian. It implies that the just ruler is not only responsible for maintaining justice but also acts as a caretaker for the people under their rule. This highlights the role of a leader as someone who protects and nurtures their community, just as a shepherd takes care of their flock.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that this just ruler (yantathiru ahada al-jazayn) "يَنْتَظِرُ أحَدَ الجَزائَيْنِ", which means they await one of the two rewards. This indicates that the just ruler expects a reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their efforts in upholding justice. The phrase (ahsan al-jaza'ayn) "أحْسَنَ الجزاعين" refers to the better of the two rewards, emphasizing the higher level of recompense that awaits the just ruler.

This Hadith highlights the importance of justice in leadership and the rewards that await those who fulfill this duty. It serves as a reminder to leaders that their primary responsibility is to establish justice and fairness in society. By doing so, they not only fulfill their role as custodians but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the promise of a great reward.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of justice and the consequences of injustice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Surah An-Nisa, 4:40)

Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward.

This verse assures us that Allah is just and will reward every good deed, no matter how small, with a great reward.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Surah Al-Hadid, 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 all aspects of life and highlights that the messengers were sent to guide humanity towards justice.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that a just ruler is not only accountable for their actions in this world but also in the Hereafter. They will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their efforts in establishing justice, and the reward will be of the highest level.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives, whether we hold positions of leadership or not. We should recognize the importance of justice in society and work towards establishing it in our communities. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also seek the pleasure and reward of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just and fair in our actions and grant us the ability to establish justice in our societies. May we be among those who receive the better of the two rewards in the Hereafter. Ameen.