Hadith #6288

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المُتَعَدِّي كَثِيرُ الأَضْدَادِ وَالأَعْدَاءِ

which translates to

The aggressive tyrant has many opponents and enemies.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-muta'addi) "المُتَعَدِّي" refers to someone who transgresses the boundaries, exceeds limits, and oppresses others. This person is characterized by his aggressive behavior, arrogance, and disregard for the rights of others. The word (katheer) "كَثِيرُ" means many, indicating that the aggressive tyrant will have numerous opponents and enemies.

This Hadith reminds us of the universal principle that oppression and tyranny inevitably lead to resistance and opposition. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized this truth in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 193, Allah says,

And fight them until there is no fitnah and [until] the religion, all of it, is for Allah.

This verse encourages Muslims to stand against oppression and strive for justice until peace and the worship of Allah prevail.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 60, Allah states,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows.

This verse highlights the importance of being prepared to defend against aggression and tyranny, as it is a means to deter the enemies of Allah and protect the believers.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that those who oppress and transgress will inevitably face opposition and resistance. History is replete with examples of tyrants who, despite their power and might, were eventually overthrown by the oppressed masses. The Pharaoh of Egypt, the tyrannical rulers of Quraysh, and countless other despots throughout history met their downfall due to their oppressive actions.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to stand up against injustice and tyranny. It reminds us that it is our duty to support the oppressed and work towards establishing justice in society. We should not remain silent in the face of oppression, but rather strive to alleviate the suffering of those who are oppressed.

The consequences of oppression and tyranny are severe, both in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 5, Allah warns,

And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.

This verse assures the oppressed that Allah will ultimately grant them victory and make them leaders in the land. On the other hand, the oppressors will face the consequences of their actions in the hereafter.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize the importance of standing against oppression and injustice. As Muslims, it is our duty to promote justice, defend the rights of the oppressed, and strive for a society free from tyranny. We should take inspiration from the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his relentless pursuit of truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the inevitable consequences that await those who oppress and transgress. It serves as a motivation for Muslims to stand against injustice and work towards establishing a just society. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of justice and righteousness.