Hadith #5037

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose administration is good, obeying him becomes obligatory.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (hasunat) "حَسُنَتْ" means goodness or excellence, and it refers to the quality of one's administration or governance. It implies that a leader who possesses good qualities and governs with justice, wisdom, and righteousness, will be deserving of obedience from the people. The word (siyasatuhu) "سِياسَتُهُ" refers to the administration or management of affairs.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good governance and leadership in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:58)

And [recall] when We made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allah that you might succeed.

This verse highlights the responsibility of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to govern with justice and righteousness. It reminds Muslims of the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah, and the importance of fulfilling their duties as leaders.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah says, (Quran 4:58)

Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling trusts and judging with justice. It highlights the necessity of good governance and the obligation to administer affairs with fairness and equity. It further reinforces the idea that obedience to a leader who governs with excellence is obligatory.

Now, let us reflect on the profound implications of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, is teaching us that a leader's qualities and actions have a direct impact on the obedience of the people. When a leader governs with goodness, displaying qualities such as justice, wisdom, and compassion, the people are naturally inclined to obey and follow them.

Conversely, if a leader fails to uphold these qualities and governs with injustice, corruption, or oppression, the people may lose trust and obedience becomes difficult. This Hadith serves as a reminder to leaders that their actions have consequences, and they bear the responsibility of guiding and serving their communities.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of active participation from the people. It implies that individuals have a duty to support and obey a leader who governs with excellence. By doing so, they contribute to the stability and prosperity of their society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a leader's administration and governance play a crucial role in determining the level of obedience from the people. It emphasizes the importance of good leadership, which is characterized by justice, wisdom, and righteousness. By referring to the Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of good governance, we can understand the profound implications of this Hadith. As Muslims, we are reminded of our duty to support and obey leaders who govern with excellence, and the responsibility of leaders to fulfill their roles with integrity and righteousness. May Allah guide us all to be just and righteous leaders and obedient followers.