Hadith #6640

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,

آفَةُ العُدُولِ قِلَّةُ الوَرَعِ۔

This can be translated as,

The bane of the just [ones] is lack of piety.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The term "عُدُولِ" refers to the just or righteous individuals, those who uphold justice and fairness in their actions and dealings. "وَرَعِ" means piety, which encompasses a deep sense of God-consciousness, fear of Allah, and adherence to His commands.

To gain a deeper understanding of the importance of piety in the lives of the just, we turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety. Regardless of our backgrounds or social status, it is our piety that distinguishes us in the sight of Allah. The just individuals, who strive for justice and fairness, must also possess piety to maintain their integrity and fulfill their duties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and warns against allowing personal biases or animosity to cloud one's judgment. It emphasizes the need for piety, as it brings one closer to righteousness and enables them to uphold justice without any prejudice or ulterior motives.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The bane, or downfall, of the just individuals is their lack of piety. This means that even if one is known for their fairness and justice, their integrity can be compromised if they do not possess piety. Without piety, their actions may become tainted by personal interests, biases, or the desire for worldly gain.

For example, a judge who is known for his impartiality and fairness may succumb to corruption if he lacks piety. Without the fear of Allah and a deep sense of accountability, he may be swayed by bribes or personal interests, thus compromising justice. Similarly, a leader who is just in his governance may deviate from the path of righteousness if he lacks piety. His decisions and actions may be influenced by ego, power, or worldly desires, leading to injustice and oppression.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to all Muslims, regardless of their position or role in society, that piety is essential to maintain justice and righteousness. It is the foundation upon which justice is built and sustained. Without piety, the just individuals risk losing their integrity, and their actions may no longer be guided by the principles of fairness and equity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the vital role that piety plays in the lives of the just individuals. It serves as a safeguard against corruption, biases, and personal interests. By upholding piety, the just individuals ensure that their actions are guided by the fear of Allah and a deep sense of accountability. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate piety in our hearts and strive for justice in all aspects of our lives.