Hadith #9861

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities of a virtuous and just ruler. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its significance in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the statement,

The best of kings is one whose action and intention are good.

Here, the word (muluk) "مُلُوكِ" refers to kings or rulers, while (hasuna fi'luhu wa niyyatuhu) "حَسُنَ فِعْلُهُ ونِيَّتُهُ" means that their actions and intentions are righteous and virtuous.

The importance of righteous actions and intentions is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:30),

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.

This verse highlights the significance of both belief and righteous actions, indicating that a ruler's actions should be in accordance with the principles of justice and righteousness.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of intention in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:225),

Allah does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned.

This verse teaches us that our intentions hold great weight in the sight of Allah, and a ruler's intentions should be pure and sincere, seeking the betterment of their people.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

and who is just with his army and his people.

Here, the word (adala) "عَدَلَ" refers to justice, fairness, and equity. A just ruler treats their army and people with fairness and equality, ensuring that their rights are protected and upheld.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it goes against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones. A just ruler, therefore, acts as a witness for Allah, ensuring that justice is served without any bias or discrimination.

The consequences of having a ruler who embodies these qualities are far-reaching. Such a ruler fosters an environment of peace, stability, and prosperity for their people. They prioritize the welfare of their subjects, ensuring that their rights are protected and their needs are met. This, in turn, leads to a harmonious society where individuals can thrive and contribute to the betterment of their community.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of selecting virtuous and just leaders. It is the duty of Muslims to strive for a society where rulers prioritize righteousness, justice, and the well-being of their people. By upholding these principles, we can create a just and equitable society that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities of a virtuous and just ruler. By embodying righteousness in both actions and intentions, and by treating their army and people with fairness and justice, a ruler can create an environment of peace and prosperity. As Muslims, it is our responsibility to seek leaders who prioritize these qualities, and to strive for a just society that upholds the principles of Islam. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and justice.