Hadith #6587

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, "القِسْطُ رُوحُ الشَّهادَةِ" which translates to

Justice is the soul of testimony.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of justice in providing truthful testimony.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Al-Qist" refers to justice, which encompasses fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. It is the act of giving each individual their due rights and treating them impartially. "Rooh" means soul, representing the essence and core of something. And "Shahada" refers to testimony, the act of bearing witness to the truth.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of justice in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to uphold justice, even if it goes against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones.

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

These verses from the Quran emphasize the importance of justice in all aspects of life, including providing testimony. Justice is the foundation upon which truth is established, and without it, testimony loses its credibility and validity.

Imam Ali's statement,

Justice is the soul of testimony,

carries profound implications. It highlights that justice is not merely a superficial act, but rather the very essence of bearing witness to the truth. When justice is upheld, the testimony becomes a reflection of truth and integrity. Conversely, when justice is compromised, the testimony loses its value and becomes tainted.

For example, imagine a court case where a witness is biased and provides false testimony due to personal interests. In such a scenario, justice is compromised, and the testimony becomes unreliable. On the other hand, when a witness upholds justice and speaks the truth without any personal biases, their testimony becomes a powerful tool in establishing the truth.

Imam Ali's statement also serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for justice in all aspects of their lives. Whether it is in our interactions with others, our decision-making processes, or our role as witnesses, justice should always be at the forefront of our actions. By embodying justice, we not only fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims but also contribute to the establishment of a just society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Justice is the soul of testimony

emphasizes the crucial role of justice in providing truthful testimony. It reminds us that justice is not a mere formality but rather the essence of bearing witness to the truth. By upholding justice, we ensure the credibility and integrity of our testimony. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always seek justice and truth in all aspects of our lives.