Hadith #6310

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:

في مَظالِمِ العِبادِ اِحْتِقابُ الآثامِ۔

This can be translated into English as:

In [keeping] the usurped rights of the servants, there is amassing of sins.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first delve into the important words it contains. The word (mazalim) "مَظالِمِ" refers to the injustices or usurpation of rights. It encompasses any act of oppression, whether it be physical, emotional, or financial. The word (ihtiqab) "اِحْتِقابُ" means to accumulate or amass, while (al-atham) "الآثامِ" refers to sins.

This Hadith highlights the grave consequences of withholding the rights of others. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that failing to fulfill the rights of our fellow human beings can lead to the accumulation of sins. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our interactions with others, as neglecting their rights can have severe spiritual consequences.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of upholding justice and fulfilling the rights of others. 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 emphasizes the importance of being just, even if it goes against our personal inclinations or biases. It reminds us that justice is a fundamental aspect of righteousness and that we should not let our personal feelings or prejudices hinder our ability to fulfill the rights of others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, 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. 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 if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge and that we should not let personal biases or attachments cloud our judgment. Upholding justice and fulfilling the rights of others should always be our priority, regardless of the circumstances.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of neglecting the rights of others. When we withhold the rights of our fellow human beings, whether it be through oppression, exploitation, or any form of injustice, we are accumulating sins. These sins weigh heavily on our souls and distance us from the path of righteousness.

By reflecting on this Hadith and the Quranic verses that support its message, Muslims are reminded of the importance of justice and fairness in all aspects of life. We are encouraged to be vigilant in upholding the rights of others, treating them with kindness, respect, and compassion. By doing so, we not only avoid the accumulation of sins but also draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and embody the noble qualities exemplified by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly his deep knowledge and understanding of Islamic principles. May Allah guide us all to be just and fulfill the rights of others, and may He forgive our sins.