Hadith #10268

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,

عَلَى الإنْصافِ تَرْسُخُ الْمَوَّدَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

It is on equity that affection is established.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (insaf) "إنصاف" in this Hadith refers to justice, fairness, and equity. It signifies the act of treating everyone with equality, without any bias or discrimination. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that it is through the practice of justice that love and affection can truly flourish.

The importance of justice in Islam is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the significance of justice in resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the need for impartiality and fairness in all matters. By practicing justice, we not only establish peace and unity but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in various contexts. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding justice even when it may go against our personal interests or relationships. It emphasizes the need to be just and truthful in our testimonies, regardless of the consequences. This is a fundamental aspect of Islam that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of in his Hadith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that justice is the foundation upon which love and affection can truly thrive. When we treat others with fairness and equality, we create an environment of trust, respect, and harmony. This not only strengthens our relationships with others but also brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When justice is absent, it leads to oppression, resentment, and division. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse reminds us that even in our interactions with non-Muslims, we are commanded to be just and fair. Islam promotes justice for all, regardless of their faith or background. By embodying justice in our actions, we become a reflection of the mercy and compassion of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound connection between justice and affection. It reminds us that true love and affection can only be established on the foundation of equity and fairness. By practicing justice in all aspects of our lives, we not only fulfill the teachings of Islam but also create an environment of love, unity, and harmony. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and fair in all our dealings and grant us the ability to establish affection through equity.