Hadith #6252

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Injustice in this world is ruination and in the Hereafter, [it is] destruction.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severe consequences of injustice, both in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (dhulm) "ظُلْم" refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that transgresses the boundaries of fairness and equity. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the destructive nature of injustice, using the words (buwar) "بَوارٌ" and (damar) "دَمارٌ". These words convey the idea of ruin, devastation, and destruction.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides numerous verses that condemn injustice and highlight its grave consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25),

And fear the affliction which may not strike exclusively those among you who have done wrong; and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse reminds us that the consequences of injustice can extend beyond the wrongdoers themselves, affecting the entire community. It serves as a warning that Allah's punishment is severe for those who perpetrate injustice.

In Surah Al-An'am (6:160), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.

This verse highlights the concept of retribution and divine justice. It assures us that no injustice will go unanswered, and everyone will be held accountable for their actions. Those who commit injustice will only receive the consequences of their own deeds, without any additional wrong being done to them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the severe consequences of injustice. In this world, injustice leads to ruination, as it disrupts the harmony and balance that Allah has established. It causes division, conflict, and suffering among individuals and societies. In the Hereafter, the consequences of injustice are even more severe, leading to complete destruction. Those who perpetrate injustice will face the wrath of Allah and be deprived of His mercy and forgiveness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of upholding justice in all aspects of our lives. As Muslims, we are obligated to establish justice and fairness in our interactions with others, whether it be in our families, communities, or societies. We should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his profound knowledge of the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the severe consequences of injustice. It emphasizes that injustice leads to ruin in this world and destruction in the Hereafter. As Muslims, we must strive to uphold justice in all aspects of our lives, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah protect us from injustice and guide us on the path of righteousness.