Hadith #6217

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

داوُوا الجَوْرَ بِالعَدْلِ، وداوُوا الفَقْرَ بِالصَّدَقَةِ والبَذْلِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Remedy injustice with justice and cure poverty with alms and charity.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (jawr) "جَوْرَ" refers to injustice or oppression, while (adl) "عَدْلِ" means justice. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

The command to remedy injustice with justice highlights the significance of upholding fairness and equality in all aspects of our lives. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not tolerate any form of oppression or wrongdoing. Instead, they should strive to establish justice and ensure that everyone is treated with fairness and equity.

Similarly, the phrase (dawoo al-faqr) "داوُوا الفَقْرَ" refers to curing poverty. Poverty is a social issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. The Quran encourages Muslims to address this problem through acts of charity and generosity. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving in charity and helping those in need. It teaches Muslims that true righteousness lies in using their wealth and resources to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate. By doing so, they can cure poverty and bring about positive change in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims in addressing two significant societal issues: injustice and poverty. It highlights the importance of justice as a means to counteract oppression and inequality. By promoting justice, Muslims can create a harmonious and fair society where everyone's rights are protected.

Furthermore, the Hadith emphasizes the role of charity and generosity in alleviating poverty. It encourages Muslims to give willingly and selflessly, recognizing that their wealth is a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By sharing their blessings with those in need, Muslims can contribute to the eradication of poverty and create a more compassionate and caring society.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. By remedying injustice with justice, Muslims can establish a society that upholds the principles of fairness and equality. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the social fabric of the community. Similarly, by curing poverty through acts of charity, Muslims can uplift the less fortunate and create an environment of compassion and support.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of their responsibility to actively combat injustice and poverty. They are encouraged to be proactive in seeking justice and to be generous in their charitable acts. By doing so, they can fulfill their duty as believers and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to remedy injustice with justice and cure poverty with acts of charity. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of justice and generosity. By following this guidance, Muslims can contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society, in line with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to uphold justice and alleviate the suffering of those in need.