Hadith #6233

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,

كَمْ مِنْ نِعْمَة سَلَبَها ظُلْمٌ۔

This translates to,

How many a blessing has been removed by injustice!

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of injustice and its ability to strip away the blessings bestowed upon individuals or societies.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَة" refers to blessings, favors, or bounties that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. These blessings can encompass various aspects of life, including health, wealth, knowledge, family, and countless other provisions that contribute to our well-being and happiness.

The word (salabaha) "سَلَبَها" means to snatch away or deprive. It signifies the act of forcefully taking away these blessings, often through unjust means. The word (dhulm) "ظُلْمٌ" refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any action that violates the rights of others, causing harm, and disrupting the balance of justice.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against injustice. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (Quran 16:90)

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse highlights the divine commandment to uphold justice and avoid oppression. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to establish justice not only in our dealings with others but also in our personal conduct. Injustice not only harms individuals but also disrupts the social fabric, leading to a multitude of problems and the loss of blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, Allah says, (Quran 6:48-49)

And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. But those who deny Our signs - the punishment will touch them for their defiant disobedience.

These verses highlight the correlation between belief in Allah's signs and the consequences of denying them. Injustice is a denial of the signs of Allah, as it goes against the principles of justice and fairness that He has established. Those who engage in injustice will face the consequences of their actions, which may include the loss of blessings and the infliction of punishment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the destructive nature of injustice. It urges us to reflect upon our actions and ensure that we do not engage in any form of oppression or wrongdoing. By upholding justice, we not only preserve the blessings bestowed upon us but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the detrimental effects of injustice on the blessings bestowed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for justice in all aspects of life, avoiding any form of oppression or wrongdoing. By upholding justice, we not only preserve the blessings in our own lives but also contribute to a just and harmonious society. May Allah guide us all to be just and protect us from the consequences of injustice.