Hadith #6244

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) contains profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in dealing with injustice and mistreatment. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the meanings of its important words and analyzing it in light of the Quran.

The word (dhulm) "ظُلْمُ" in Arabic refers to injustice or oppression. It encompasses any act of wrongdoing or transgression against others. The word (madaratih) "مَضَرَّتِهِ" means harm or detriment, while (nafi'ika) "نَفْعِكَ" refers to benefit or advantage. These words highlight the consequences of the actions of the oppressor and the benefits that can be derived from such situations.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:186):

You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and we may face mistreatment from others. However, Allah assures us that if we remain patient and have taqwa (God-consciousness), we will be rewarded. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith, which encourages us not to consider the injustice of others as grave.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Fussilat (41:34):

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness. Imam Ali's Hadith echoes this sentiment by advising us not to offend those who please us. It teaches us that responding to mistreatment with kindness and forgiveness can potentially transform our enemies into friends.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound wisdom in this Hadith can be understood through the following example: Imagine a person who has wronged you and is constantly seeking to harm you. If you respond to their injustice with anger and revenge, you may escalate the situation and perpetuate a cycle of negativity. However, if you respond with patience, forgiveness, and kindness, you may disarm the oppressor and create an opportunity for them to reflect on their actions. In doing so, you not only protect yourself from harm but also potentially benefit the oppressor by guiding them towards a better path.

The consequences of following Imam Ali's advice are far-reaching. By not considering the injustice of others as grave, we free ourselves from the burden of holding grudges and seeking revenge. This mindset allows us to maintain our inner peace and focus on our own growth and development. Moreover, it enables us to embody the values of compassion, forgiveness, and mercy that are central to Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to not magnify the injustice of those who wrong us. Instead, we should respond with patience, forgiveness, and kindness, knowing that their actions will ultimately harm themselves and benefit us. This guidance aligns with the Quranic teachings of patience, repelling evil with goodness, and seeking the pleasure of Allah. May we all strive to embody these teachings in our lives as Muslims.