Hadith #6264

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

For every oppressor there is a punishment that he cannot escape, and a downfall that will not pass him by.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the divine justice that awaits those who commit oppression and injustice. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (oppressor) "ظالِم" refers to someone who transgresses the boundaries of justice and fairness. This includes those who inflict harm upon others, exploit the weak, or deny people their rights. The word (punishment) "عُقُوْبَةٌ" signifies the retribution that is destined for the oppressor. It is a consequence that they cannot evade or escape, as it is divinely ordained.

The Quran affirms the concept of divine justice and the punishment for oppressors. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:25),

And fear the trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes that the punishment of Allah does not discriminate and will encompass all those who commit wrongdoing.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qamar (54:49-50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is coming. There is no one who can avert it. On the Day the heaven will sway with circular motion.

These verses highlight the inevitability of divine punishment and the inability of the oppressors to escape it. The punishment is certain and will come at its appointed time.

The Hadith also mentions the word (downfall) "صَرْعَةٌ", which refers to a sudden and unexpected downfall or calamity that befalls the oppressor. This downfall is not something that can be avoided or evaded. It serves as a reminder that the consequences of oppression are not limited to the hereafter but can also manifest in this worldly life.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:52), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and those before them. They disbelieved in the signs of Allah, so Allah seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the downfall of the people of Pharaoh who oppressed Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his followers. Their arrogance and injustice led to their ultimate destruction.

The consequences of oppression can also be seen in the story of the people of 'Ad and Thamud, who were destroyed due to their transgressions and injustices. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:18-20),

So how [severe] were My punishment and warning. Indeed, We sent upon them a screaming wind on a day of continuous misfortune. Extracting the people as if they were trunks of palm trees uprooted.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that no oppressor can escape the divine justice of Allah. It is a warning to those who commit injustice and oppression, urging them to reflect upon their actions and seek repentance before it is too late. It also provides solace to the oppressed, assuring them that their oppressors will face the consequences of their actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the divine justice that awaits every oppressor. It reminds Muslims of the certainty of punishment and downfall for those who transgress the boundaries of justice and fairness. The Quranic verses mentioned support this concept of divine justice and serve as a warning to oppressors and a source of comfort for the oppressed. May we all strive to uphold justice and fairness in our actions and seek refuge in Allah from oppression.