Hadith #6230

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 family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ظُلْمُ اليَتامى والأيامى يُنْزِلُ النِّقَمَ ويَسْلُبُ النِّعَمَ أهْلَها۔

This Hadith highlights the grave consequences of committing injustice towards orphans and widows. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (zulm) "ظُلْمُ" in Arabic refers to oppression, injustice, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that transgresses the rights of others, causing harm or deprivation. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically mentions the oppression towards two vulnerable groups: orphans and widows.

The term (al-yatama) "اليَتامى" refers to orphans, who are children that have lost one or both of their parents. Orphans are among the most vulnerable members of society, as they lack the guidance, protection, and support that parents provide. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself emphasized the importance of caring for orphans, and the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the rights and welfare of orphans.

The word (al-ayama) "الأيامى" refers to widows, who are women who have lost their husbands. Widows often face numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, social isolation, and emotional distress. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of treating widows with kindness and fairness, and warns against oppressing them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the oppression towards orphans and widows brings down divine wrath, symbolized by the term (an-niqam) "النِّقَمَ". This divine wrath is a consequence of violating the rights of these vulnerable individuals and disregarding the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reminder that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate protector of the weak and oppressed, and He will hold those who mistreat them accountable.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that this oppression also takes away the blessings from those who possess them, as indicated by the term (an-ni'ma) "النِّعَمَ". This refers to the material and spiritual blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon individuals. When individuals neglect their responsibilities towards orphans and widows, they lose these blessings, as they have failed to fulfill their obligations and show gratitude for the favors bestowed upon them.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:220), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they ask you about orphans. Say, 'Improvement for them is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs - they are your brothers.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating orphans with kindness and ensuring their well-being. It reminds Muslims that caring for orphans is not only a duty but also an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.

Similarly, in Surah An-Nisa (4:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And give to the orphans their properties and do not substitute the defective [of your own] for the good [of theirs]. And do not consume their properties into your own. Indeed, that is ever a great sin. And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].

These verses highlight the importance of protecting the rights and properties of orphans and warn against exploiting their vulnerability.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the grave consequences of oppressing orphans and widows. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities towards these vulnerable individuals and treating them with kindness and fairness. By doing so, we not only avoid divine wrath but also preserve the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be compassionate and just towards orphans and widows, and may He protect us from committing any form of injustice.