Hadith #1023

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 pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in all matters. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The word (most beloved) "أحَبُّ" in the Hadith signifies that justice and equity should hold the highest priority in our hearts and actions. It implies that we should not only strive for justice when it is convenient or beneficial for us, but rather, it should be our utmost concern in all aspects of life. This includes our personal interactions, social relationships, and even in matters of governance.

The word (most universal) "أعَمَّها" refers to the idea that justice should be all-encompassing and not limited to specific situations or individuals. It implies that justice should be applied universally, without any discrimination or favoritism. This aligns with the Quranic principle that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to be just, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

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

The word (the rights) "الحقِّ" in the Hadith refers to the rights of others, which include their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. It encompasses the rights of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these rights in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says:

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

To further understand the significance of justice and equity, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah commands us:

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 highlights the importance of being just, even if it means going against our own desires or the desires of those close to us. It reminds us that Allah's judgment is the ultimate standard of justice, and we should strive to align ourselves with His commandments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize justice and fairness in all aspects of life. It encourages us to be mindful of the rights of others and to ensure that we treat everyone with equity and respect. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society, as envisioned by Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice and equity in all matters. It calls upon Muslims to make justice their most beloved matter, to apply it universally, and to be equitable in fulfilling the rights of others. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the significance of justice and fairness. As Muslims, it is our duty to strive for justice in all aspects of life, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah guide us all on the path of justice and righteousness.