Hadith #9869

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best king is one who annihilates oppression and enlivens justice.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (muluk) "مُلُوكِ" refers to kings or rulers, while (amata) "أماتَ" means to annihilate or eradicate, and (al-jawr) "الجَوْرَ" signifies oppression or injustice. On the other hand, (ahya) "أحْيَى" means to enliven or revive, and (al-'adl) "العَدْلَ" denotes justice.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which is the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and the eradication of oppression throughout the Quran.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah says,

Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.

This verse highlights the divine purpose behind the sending of messengers and the revelation of books – to establish justice in society. It is the duty of rulers to ensure justice prevails in their domains.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against one's personal interests or the interests of loved ones. A just ruler must be willing to hold everyone accountable, regardless of their social status or relationship.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It highlights the qualities of a righteous ruler who not only eradicates oppression but also enlivens justice. Such a ruler is not content with merely removing injustice but actively promotes and sustains justice in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified these qualities during his caliphate. He established a just system of governance, ensuring that the rights of all individuals were protected. He would personally investigate cases of injustice and oppression, and his judgments were based on the principles of fairness and equity.

By annihilating oppression, a righteous ruler eliminates the root causes of social unrest and ensures the well-being of their subjects. This leads to a harmonious society where individuals can thrive and fulfill their potential. Conversely, a ruler who neglects or perpetuates oppression creates an environment of fear and inequality, which hinders the progress and development of the nation.

Enlivening justice means actively promoting and upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and accountability. A just ruler ensures that the laws are applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their social status. They establish institutions that protect the rights of the weak and vulnerable, ensuring that justice is not compromised for personal gain or political expediency.

The consequences of a ruler who annihilates oppression and enlivens justice are far-reaching. Such a leader earns the respect and loyalty of their subjects, as they witness the fairness and integrity of their governance. This fosters a sense of trust and stability in society, leading to peace and prosperity for all.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates the essence of a righteous ruler who eradicates oppression and enlivens justice. This Hadith is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of justice and the eradication of oppression. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our personal lives and demand them from our leaders. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all towards justice and righteousness.