Hadith #6228

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:

ظاهَرَ اللّهَ سُبْحانَهُ بِالْعِنادِ مَنْ ظَلَمَ العِبادَ۔

This can be translated as:

One who oppresses the people has manifested his obdurate opposition to Allah, the Glorified.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (zahara) "ظاهَرَ" means to manifest or make evident. It refers to the act of openly displaying or revealing something. (Allah) "اللّهَ" is the name of the Supreme Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. (subhanahu) "سُبْحَانَهُ" is an honorific used to glorify Allah, indicating His transcendence and perfection. (bil-'inad) "بِالْعِنادِ" means obdurate opposition or stubbornness. It signifies a state of defiance and resistance against what is right and just. (man) "مَنْ" means whoever or one who. (zalama) "ظَلَمَ" means to oppress or wrong others. It refers to the act of treating people unjustly and depriving them of their rights. (al-'ibad) "العِبادَ" refers to the servants or worshipers of Allah, encompassing all human beings.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of justice and condemned oppression in numerous verses. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), where Allah 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 highlights the equality of all human beings and emphasizes that the criterion for superiority lies in righteousness, not in race or lineage.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:40), where Allah says:

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the principle of retribution and forgiveness, indicating that oppressive actions will be met with a similar response, while forgiveness and reconciliation are highly valued by Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. By stating that one who oppresses the people has manifested his obdurate opposition to Allah, Imam Ali highlights the direct correlation between injustice towards fellow human beings and defiance towards the Creator. Oppression is not only a violation of the rights of individuals but also a manifestation of arrogance and rebellion against the divine order.

Imam Ali's beautiful saying serves as a reminder to Muslims that true faith necessitates treating others with justice and compassion. It reminds us that our actions towards our fellow human beings are a reflection of our relationship with Allah. Oppression not only harms the oppressed but also tarnishes the oppressor's soul and distances them from the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) unparalleled knowledge and wisdom allowed him to discern the deep-rooted connection between social justice and spirituality. He understood that true piety is not limited to ritual acts of worship but extends to every aspect of one's life, including interactions with others. By highlighting the consequences of oppression, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to strive for justice, fairness, and compassion in all their dealings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold justice and refrain from oppressing others. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of our actions towards fellow human beings and our relationship with Allah. By manifesting obdurate opposition to Allah through oppression, one not only harms others but also distances oneself from the divine mercy. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek justice and righteousness in all aspects of our lives.