Hadith #6573

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Justice is the cornerstone of faith and the accumulator of benevolence.

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

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (justice) "عَدْلُ" refers to fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. It encompasses the idea of giving each individual their due rights and treating them with equality. The word (faith) "إيمانِ" refers to the belief in Allah, His messengers, and the principles of Islam. It is the foundation upon which our spiritual journey is built. The word (benevolence) "إحْسانِ" refers to acts of kindness, compassion, and going above and beyond in one's actions towards others.

To understand the significance of justice as the cornerstone of faith, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),

We sent Our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance that people may establish justice.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice in the message of all the prophets. It highlights that justice is not only a moral virtue but also a fundamental aspect of faith. Without justice, the teachings of the prophets would lose their essence and purpose. Justice ensures that everyone is treated fairly and their rights are protected, creating a harmonious society based on the principles of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers,

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 highlights the importance of justice even in the face of personal biases or familial ties. It emphasizes the need to uphold justice regardless of the circumstances, as it is a fundamental aspect of our faith. By doing so, we become true witnesses for Allah, reflecting His attributes of justice and fairness.

Imam Ali's statement also emphasizes that justice is not limited to individual actions but extends to the accumulation of benevolence. This means that justice is not merely a passive state of fairness, but an active force that leads to acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse further emphasizes the importance of justice and its connection to righteousness. It highlights that justice should not be compromised due to personal biases or animosity towards others. By upholding justice, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also come closer to attaining righteousness.

Imam Ali's profound statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize justice in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that justice is not a mere concept, but a fundamental principle that should guide our actions and interactions with others. It calls us to be fair, equitable, and compassionate, as these qualities are essential for the accumulation of benevolence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of justice as the cornerstone of faith and the accumulator of benevolence. It reminds us that justice is not only a moral virtue but also a fundamental aspect of our faith. By upholding justice, we reflect the attributes of Allah and create a just and compassionate society. May Allah guide us all to be just and benevolent in our actions and interactions with others.