Hadith #6287

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 ultimate justice and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in dealing with the oppressors. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (dhalim) "ظالم", which refers to the oppressor or the wrongdoer. This term encompasses those who transgress the boundaries set by Allah and harm others unjustly. The oppressor may appear to be successful and unchallenged in this world, but Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah's justice will ultimately prevail.

The next significant word is (amhala) "أمهل", which means to give respite or time. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in His infinite mercy may grant the oppressor a period of respite, allowing them to continue their wrongdoing. This respite is not a sign of weakness or approval, but rather a test and an opportunity for the oppressor to repent and rectify their actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states, (lan yafutahu akhduhu) "لَنْ يَفُوتَهُ أخْذُهُ", meaning that Allah's grasp will not spare the oppressor. This emphasizes that no one can escape the consequences of their actions. Despite the apparent delay in punishment, Allah's justice is inevitable and will catch up with the wrongdoer.

To further emphasize this point, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, (wahuwa lahu bil-mirsad 'ala majaz tariqih)

وهُوَ لَهُ بِالمِرْصادِ عَلى مَجازِ طَريقِهِ

which means that Allah will ambush the oppressor on the passage of their way. This imagery highlights the suddenness and unexpected nature of Allah's punishment. The oppressor may feel secure and invincible, but Allah's grasp can reach them at any moment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by saying, (wa mawdi'i ash-shaja min majaz (masa'i)

ومَوْضِعِ الشَّجا مِنْ مَجازِ (مَساغِ) ريقِهِ

riqihi), which refers to the place where the oppressor's saliva runs down. This signifies the humiliation and degradation that the oppressor will face as a consequence of their actions. It serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential one may be, they will ultimately be held accountable for their oppression.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the justice and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30),

And [remember] when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Yunus (10:24), where Allah says,

The example of the life of this world is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought.

These verses, along with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), remind us that the apparent success and power of the oppressor in this world is temporary and illusory. Allah's justice may be delayed, but it is never denied. The oppressor will face the consequences of their actions, and their arrogance and oppression will ultimately lead to their downfall.

As Muslims, we should take solace in the fact that Allah's justice is perfect and absolute. We should strive to uphold justice in our own lives and work towards establishing a just society. Let us reflect on the beautiful message of this Hadith and seek guidance from the Quran to navigate the challenges of this world with patience, trust, and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from oppression.