Hadith #9450

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الرَّعِيَّةُ لايُصْلِحُها إلاّ العَدْلُ

which translates to

The masses are not reformed except by justice.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the crucial role of justice in the betterment and rectification of society.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "الرَّعِيَّةُ" refers to the masses or the general public. It encompasses all individuals within a society, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. "لايُصْلِحُها" means that they cannot be reformed or improved. And finally, "العَدْلُ" refers to justice, which is the fair and equitable treatment of individuals and the establishment of a just social order.

To understand the significance of justice in society, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 8, Allah says,

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. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the obligation upon Muslims to uphold justice, even if it goes against their personal inclinations or biases. It emphasizes the need for impartiality and fairness in all aspects of life, including governance, social interactions, and the dispensation of justice.

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

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice even when it may be difficult or inconvenient. It reminds Muslims that justice should not be compromised for personal gain or to protect the interests of loved ones. Instead, justice should be upheld regardless of the circumstances, as Allah is the ultimate judge and is aware of our actions.

Returning to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that justice is not merely a desirable quality, but an essential component for the reformation and betterment of society. When justice prevails, it leads to social harmony, equality, and the fulfillment of individual rights. Conversely, the absence of justice breeds corruption, oppression, and societal decay.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, recognized the pivotal role of justice in society. He understood that without justice, the masses would remain in a state of disarray and chaos. By emphasizing the importance of justice, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sought to inspire individuals to strive for justice in all aspects of their lives, thereby contributing to the overall reformation of society.

The consequences of neglecting justice are evident throughout history. Societies that have failed to uphold justice have witnessed the rise of tyranny, social unrest, and the marginalization of vulnerable groups. On the other hand, societies that have prioritized justice have experienced stability, progress, and the empowerment of their citizens.

As Muslims, we are called upon to reflect upon the impactful message of this Hadith and strive to establish justice in our personal lives, communities, and societies. We must advocate for fairness, equality, and the protection of human rights. By embodying the principles of justice, we can contribute to the reformation and betterment of our world, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) envisioned.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in our pursuit of justice and enable us to be agents of positive change in our societies. May He grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and the strength to implement them in our lives. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.