Hadith #4985

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أساءَ إلى رَعِيَّتِهِ سَرَّ حُسَّادَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who wrongs his subjects pleases his enviers.

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

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (asa'a) "أساءَ" means to do wrong, harm, or oppress. (ra'iyyati) "رَعِيَّةِ" refers to the subjects or followers of a leader. (sarra) "سَرَّ" means to please or gratify. And (hussadahu) "حُسَّادَهُ" refers to the enviers or those who harbor jealousy and ill-will towards someone.

To comprehend the depth of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes justice and fairness in dealing with others. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 9, Allah says,

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.

This verse highlights the importance of justice even within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah 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.

This verse emphasizes the obligation of Muslims to be just and fair, even if it means going against their own personal inclinations or biases.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns us about the consequences of wronging our subjects. When a leader oppresses or mistreats their followers, it not only causes harm and suffering to the people, but it also pleases those who harbor envy and ill-will towards the leader. This is because the unjust actions of a leader provide an opportunity for the enviers to criticize and undermine their authority.

For example, if a ruler unjustly imposes heavy taxes on the people, it not only burdens them but also gives ammunition to those who envy the ruler's position. They can use this injustice to incite discontent and rebellion among the people, ultimately weakening the ruler's authority and causing chaos within the society.

Moreover, the Hadith also highlights the importance of leadership based on justice and fairness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. His leadership was characterized by justice, compassion, and concern for the well-being of his subjects. He set an example of how a leader should treat their followers, ensuring their rights were protected and their needs were met.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of sect, about the importance of justice and fairness in leadership. It warns against oppressing or wronging our subjects, as it not only causes harm to the people but also pleases those who envy our position. May we all strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and lead with justice and compassion, following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).