Hadith #6235

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,

كَفى بِالبَغْيِ سالِباً لِلنِّعْمَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Oppression is sufficient for the removal of blessing.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of oppression and its consequences.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (baghi) "بَغْيِ" refers to oppression, transgression, or going beyond the limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses any act of injustice, whether it is against oneself or others. The word (saliban) "سالِباً" means to remove or take away, indicating that oppression leads to the loss or deprivation of blessings. And the word (ni'mah) "نِّعْمَةِ" refers to the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the consequences of oppression and the removal of blessings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:96),

And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.

This verse highlights that the denial of the messengers and the refusal to believe in Allah's guidance led to the deprivation of blessings from the heavens and the earth.

Similarly, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

This verse describes the punishment that befell the people of Prophet Lut (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) due to their oppressive and immoral behavior. Their transgressions led to their destruction and the removal of the blessings they had enjoyed.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes these Quranic teachings and emphasizes the direct correlation between oppression and the loss of blessings. When individuals or societies engage in acts of oppression, they disrupt the natural balance established by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and invite His wrath. This can manifest in various forms, such as economic hardships, social unrest, or even natural disasters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of oppression. By oppressing others, we not only harm them but also harm ourselves by inviting the removal of blessings from our lives. This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion in all aspects of their lives.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration to actively combat oppression in our personal and collective spheres. We should strive to establish justice, promote equality, and stand against any form of injustice. By doing so, we not only protect the rights of others but also safeguard the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and compassionate individuals, and may He grant us the wisdom to recognize and reject oppression in all its forms.