Hadith #2781

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a thought-provoking saying that highlights the importance of the presence of the Imam and the role of the learned scholars in upholding justice and preventing oppression. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) swearing by Allah, the One who split the grain and created human beings. This oath signifies the seriousness and truthfulness of the statement that follows. The splitting of the grain symbolizes the creation of sustenance and provision for humanity, while the creation of human beings represents the divine power and wisdom in shaping mankind.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states that if people had not come to him and supporters had not exhausted the argument, and if Allah had not commanded the learned scholars to stand against oppression and injustice, he would have taken matters into his own hands. This implies that the Imam's authority and leadership are contingent upon the support and recognition of the people, as well as the divine command to the scholars to speak out against tyranny.

The Imam further emphasizes that Allah has forbidden the learned scholars from remaining silent in the face of the oppressor's excesses and the suffering of the oppressed. This highlights the responsibility of the scholars to use their knowledge and influence to advocate for justice and alleviate the hardships faced by the vulnerable members of society.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of justice and standing against oppression. Allah says in Surah An-Nisa (4:135):

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.

In this verse, Allah commands the believers to stand firmly for justice, even if it goes against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. This highlights the importance of speaking out against oppression and not remaining silent in the face of injustice.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the need for impartiality and justice, even if it means going against the interests or desires of a particular group. It reminds the believers to fear Allah and prioritize righteousness over personal biases or societal pressures.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by stating that if he had taken matters into his own hands, he would have let the Caliphate remain in its previous state, symbolized by casting its rope on its own shoulders. This indicates that he would have maintained the existing order without any changes or interventions.

Furthermore, the Imam metaphorically compares the value of this worldly life to the sneezing of a goat, highlighting its insignificance and transitory nature. This serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly desires should not overshadow the pursuit of spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of the presence of the Imam and the role of the learned scholars in upholding justice and preventing oppression. It highlights the responsibility of the scholars to speak out against injustice and advocate for the rights of the oppressed. The Quranic verses cited further reinforce the significance of justice and impartiality in Islam. Muslims are reminded to prioritize righteousness over personal interests and to recognize the temporary nature of this worldly life. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of justice and righteousness.