Hadith #7804

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to engage in any dealings or transactions with individuals from whom we cannot expect justice. This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of justice in our interactions and transactions as Muslims.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (tu'amal) "تُعَامِلْ" means "to deal with" or

to have transactions with.

It encompasses all forms of interactions, whether they are financial, social, or legal. The word (la) "لا" negates the action, indicating that we should refrain from engaging in such dealings. The word (taqdiru) "تَقْدِرُ" means

to have the power

or "to be capable." It implies that we should only engage in dealings with those from whom we have the ability to demand justice. Finally, the word (al-intisaf) "الاِنْتِصافِ" refers to justice or fairness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah states,

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 emphasizes the importance of being just and fair, even in the face of animosity or personal biases.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that as Muslims, we should not engage in any dealings with individuals from whom we cannot expect justice. This could be due to their dishonesty, lack of integrity, or a history of unfair practices. By refraining from such dealings, we protect ourselves from potential harm and ensure that justice is upheld.

For example, imagine a situation where a person has a history of not fulfilling their financial obligations. They consistently fail to repay their debts or engage in fraudulent practices. In such a case, it would be unwise for a Muslim to enter into any financial transactions with this individual. By following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we protect ourselves from potential financial loss and maintain our commitment to justice.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of knowledge and discernment. As Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, his words carry great weight. It is essential for Muslims to seek knowledge and develop the ability to discern between those who are just and those who are not. This discernment allows us to make informed decisions and avoid engaging in dealings with individuals who may not uphold justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize justice in all our dealings and interactions. We should refrain from engaging in transactions with individuals from whom we cannot expect justice. By doing so, we uphold the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and discernment to always seek justice in our interactions.