Hadith #6180

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to stay away from oppression and injustice. He warns us about the severe consequences that await those who engage in oppression. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not delay the punishment of the oppressors, but rather hastens it. Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) sends down exemplary punishments upon them, serving as a deterrent for others.

To fully comprehend the depth and significance of this hadith, let us analyze some of the key words and phrases used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The term (baghy) "بَغْيَ" refers to oppression, transgression, or going beyond the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses any act of injustice, whether it is against oneself or others. The word (niqmah) "نِقْمَةَ" means punishment or retribution, which is a consequence of the oppressor's actions. Lastly, (mathulat) "مَثُلَاتِ" refers to exemplary punishments, which are severe and serve as a warning to others.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the teachings of this hadith and shed light on the consequences of oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25),

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes that the punishment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is not limited to the oppressors alone, but it can also affect those who are associated with them or remain silent in the face of oppression.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:47), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And Allah is encompassing of what they do.

This verse highlights the arrogance and audacity of the oppressors who openly commit acts of injustice, seeking recognition and praise from others. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully aware of their actions and will hold them accountable for their transgressions.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:58), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And how many a city have We destroyed that was insolent in its [way of] living, and those are their dwellings which have not been inhabited after them except briefly. And it is We who were the inheritors.

This verse serves as a reminder of the destruction that befell the arrogant and oppressive nations of the past. It serves as a warning to those who engage in oppression, as their actions can lead to their own downfall.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith emphasizes the importance of justice and the severe consequences of oppression. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to always uphold justice and fairness in all aspects of their lives. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not delay the punishment of the oppressors, but rather hastens it. This highlights the divine justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who ensures that the oppressors face the consequences of their actions in this world or the hereafter.

Furthermore, the exemplary punishments sent down by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon the oppressors serve as a deterrent for others. They act as a reminder that oppression will not go unpunished and that justice will prevail. Muslims should take this hadith to heart and strive to be just in their dealings with others, ensuring that they do not engage in any form of oppression or transgression.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to stay away from oppression and injustice. It highlights the swift punishment that awaits the oppressors and the exemplary punishments sent down by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon them. Muslims should strive to emulate the qualities of justice and fairness demonstrated by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and ensure that they do not engage in any form of oppression. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to the path of justice and righteousness.