Hadith #6626

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,

ما عُمِرَتِ البُلْدانُ بِمِثْلِ العَدْلِ

which translates to

Nothing brings prosperity to the lands like justice.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of justice in establishing and maintaining a prosperous society.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (umirat) "عُمِرَتِ" is derived from the root word (umr) "عمر", which means to be inhabited or populated. It refers to the development and progress of societies. The term (buldan) "بُلْدانُ" signifies lands or countries, indicating that justice is essential for the well-being and progress of nations.

The word (adl) "عَدْلِ" is of utmost importance in this Hadith. Adl refers to justice, fairness, and equity. It encompasses the establishment of a system that upholds the rights of individuals and ensures their fair treatment. Justice is the cornerstone of a harmonious society, where everyone is treated with equality and respect.

To further understand the significance of justice in Islam, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:25)

Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and revealed to them the Scripture and the balance that people may maintain [their affairs] in justice

This verse highlights that the messengers were sent with the divine scripture and the balance, which refers to justice, to guide people in maintaining justice in all aspects of their lives.

Another verse that emphasizes justice is found in Surah An-Nisa, where Allah says, (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

This verse urges Muslims to be witnesses in justice, even if it goes against their personal biases or prejudices. It emphasizes the importance of upholding justice regardless of the circumstances.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. Justice is not only a moral obligation but also a means to establish a prosperous society. When justice prevails, people feel secure, their rights are protected, and they have equal opportunities to thrive. Conversely, when justice is absent, corruption, oppression, and inequality prevail, leading to the decline and destruction of societies.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, recognized the pivotal role of justice in societal development. He implemented justice during his caliphate, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their social status, were treated fairly. His commitment to justice became a guiding principle for Muslims, inspiring them to establish just societies throughout history.

The consequences of justice are far-reaching. When justice is upheld, trust is fostered among individuals and communities. People feel confident that their rights will be protected, leading to a sense of security and stability. This, in turn, encourages economic growth, social harmony, and overall progress. On the other hand, the absence of justice breeds discontent, unrest, and ultimately the downfall of nations.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of justice in their personal lives and in society as a whole. It is a call to action, urging us to strive for justice in all our interactions and to work towards establishing just systems and institutions. By upholding justice, we contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our communities, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfilling the teachings of the Quran.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our pursuit of justice and enable us to establish societies that are built upon the principles of fairness, equity, and compassion.