Hadith #9796

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) highlights the important role and responsibilities of a ruler in society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that the ruler is a trustee of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) on earth. This signifies that the ruler has been entrusted with a divine duty to govern and administer justice in the best possible manner.

The word (ameen) "أمينُ" in the Hadith refers to a trustworthy person who fulfills their responsibilities with honesty and integrity. The ruler is expected to be trustworthy in carrying out their duties, as they are accountable to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their actions. This emphasizes the importance of having a just and righteous ruler who upholds the principles of Islam and acts in the best interests of the people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that the ruler is the establisher of justice in the lands and among the people. The word (muqeem) "مُقيمُ" in the Hadith means to establish or maintain. The ruler has the responsibility to ensure justice is upheld in society, both in terms of the laws and regulations of the land, as well as in the treatment of the people. This includes ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or religion.

The importance of justice in Islam is emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

Furthermore, the ruler is described as the one who deters people from misdeeds in the land. This highlights the role of the ruler in maintaining law and order, and preventing the spread of corruption and wrongdoing in society. The ruler should take measures to discourage and prevent individuals from engaging in immoral and unlawful activities, thereby creating a safe and secure environment for the people.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words remind us of the importance of having righteous and just rulers who fulfill their responsibilities with sincerity and integrity. A ruler who acts as a trustee of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) on earth, establishes justice, and deters people from misdeeds, contributes to the well-being and prosperity of the society. It is the duty of Muslims to support and uphold such rulers, and to strive for justice and righteousness in all aspects of life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just and righteous in our actions, and bless us with leaders who fulfill their responsibilities with honesty and integrity. Ameen.