Hadith #1164

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإمامة نظام الأمة" which translates to

Leadership (imāmah) is a social order.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great significance and can be understood in light of the teachings of the Quran.

The word "imāmah" refers to leadership and authority. It signifies the role of a leader who guides and governs a community. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that leadership is not merely a position of power, but rather a comprehensive system that encompasses the entire society. It is a social order that establishes justice, maintains harmony, and ensures the well-being of the people.

To understand the concept of imāmah as a social order, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.

This verse highlights the purpose of sending messengers and revealing divine scriptures. It is to establish justice in society. Leadership, therefore, plays a crucial role in upholding justice and maintaining a just social order. The leader is responsible for implementing the principles of justice and ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected.

Another verse that supports the idea of imāmah as a social order is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority (khalīfah).'

Here, the term "khalīfah" refers to a successor or a representative. It implies that human beings are entrusted with the responsibility of being stewards on earth, maintaining the social order and fulfilling their role as leaders. This verse emphasizes the importance of leadership as a means of establishing divine authority and maintaining balance in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also sheds light on the nature of leadership. It implies that leadership is not limited to a specific individual or a particular group, but rather it is a collective responsibility. It is a social order that requires the participation and cooperation of the entire community.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:104), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in promoting goodness and forbidding evil. It highlights the role of every individual in upholding the principles of justice and righteousness. Leadership, therefore, is not limited to those in positions of authority, but it extends to every member of the community who actively contributes to the betterment of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that leadership is not merely a title or a position of power, but rather a comprehensive system that encompasses the entire society. It is a social order that requires justice, righteousness, and collective responsibility. Muslims, as followers of the Quran, are encouraged to actively participate in establishing and maintaining this social order, ensuring the well-being and harmony of the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that leadership (imāmah) is not limited to a position of power, but rather it is a social order that encompasses the entire society. It requires justice, righteousness, and collective responsibility. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the importance of establishing justice and maintaining a just social order. As Muslims, we are reminded of our duty to actively participate in upholding this social order and working towards the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling our responsibilities as leaders and followers of the divine teachings.