Hadith #2791

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,

لاجَوْرَ أفْظَعُ مِنْ جَوْرِ حاكِم۔

This translates to,

There is no oppression more severe than the oppression of a ruler.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity and detrimental effects of oppressive leadership.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (jawr) "جَوْرِ" refers to oppression or injustice, while (hakim) "حاكِم" denotes a ruler or a judge. Oppression, in this context, refers to the abuse of power and authority by a ruler, resulting in the violation of the rights of the people.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against oppression in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

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.

This verse highlights the obligation to combat oppression and restore justice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands,

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it means going against one's own interests or the interests of loved ones.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the severity of oppression when it is perpetrated by a ruler. This is because a ruler holds significant power and authority over the people, and their actions have far-reaching consequences. When a ruler oppresses their subjects, it not only violates their rights but also undermines the very fabric of society.

The consequences of oppressive leadership are manifold. It leads to social unrest, resentment, and a breakdown of trust between the ruler and the ruled. Oppression creates an environment of fear and injustice, stifling the growth and development of individuals and communities. It hampers progress, hinders the establishment of a just society, and disrupts the overall well-being of the people.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of just leadership. It calls upon us to be vigilant and actively oppose any form of oppression, especially when it is perpetrated by those in positions of authority. Muslims are encouraged to work towards establishing a just society, where the rights of all individuals are respected and protected.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the severe consequences of oppressive leadership. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to strive for justice and actively oppose any form of oppression. By upholding justice and working towards the establishment of a just society, we can ensure the well-being and prosperity of all individuals. May Allah guide us in our pursuit of justice and protect us from the oppression of unjust rulers.