Hadith #2751

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The humiliation of the man being deposed is equivalent to his evil as a sovereign.

This Hadith highlights the consequences that a ruler may face when they abuse their power and fail to fulfill their responsibilities towards their subjects.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (istikana) "اِسْتِكانَةُ" refers to the humiliation or degradation that a person experiences when they are removed from a position of authority or power. (ar-rajul) "الرَّجُلِ" means a man, indicating that this Hadith is not gender-specific and applies to both men and women. (al-'azl) "الْعَزْلِ" refers to being deposed or removed from a position of authority. Lastly, (biqadr sharihi fil-wilayah)

بِقَدْرِ شَرِّهِ فِي الوِلايَةِ

means

equivalent to his evil as a sovereign.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14:

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse highlights the consequences that can befall a person who abuses their power. Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) unintentionally killed a man while trying to help his fellow believer. However, this incident led to his exile and separation from his people. It serves as a reminder that even the most righteous individuals can face severe consequences for their actions.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 15, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and the consequences that can arise when it is neglected. A ruler who fails to establish justice and instead oppresses their subjects will face humiliation and disgrace. This humiliation is a direct result of their evil actions as a sovereign.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to all Muslims, regardless of their sect, that those in positions of authority must fulfill their responsibilities with justice and fairness. They must strive to establish a just society, where the rights of all individuals are protected. Failure to do so will lead to their own downfall and humiliation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. He understood the importance of justice and the consequences that could arise from its neglect. His words in this Hadith highlight the need for rulers to be mindful of their actions and to govern with justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences that rulers may face when they abuse their power and fail to establish justice. It serves as a warning to all Muslims, urging us to strive for justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and righteous individuals, and protect us from the humiliation that comes from neglecting our responsibilities.