Hadith #6251

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the destructive nature of injustice. Let us delve into the exegesis of this enlightening saying and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (dhulm) "ظُلْم" in Arabic refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that transgresses the boundaries of fairness and equity. This includes both physical and emotional harm inflicted upon others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that such injustice has far-reaching consequences.

The first consequence mentioned in the Hadith is that (Injustice makes the foot slip) "الظُّلْمُ يُزِلُّ القَدَمَ". This phrase metaphorically implies that injustice leads to instability and loss of balance. Just as a slippery surface causes one's foot to slip, injustice disrupts the harmony and equilibrium within society. It creates an environment of chaos and instability, where people are unable to stand firm on the path of righteousness.

The Quran supports this notion in various verses. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:25), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns that those who transgress the limits of justice will face a similar fate:

And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the repercussions of injustice and the divine punishment that awaits those who perpetrate it.

The second consequence mentioned in the Hadith is that (Injustice takes away blessings) "الظُّلْمُ يَسْلُبُ النِّعَمَ". Injustice deprives individuals and communities of the blessings and favors bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When people engage in oppression, they disrupt the natural order and harmony established by Allah, leading to a loss of His blessings.

The Quran affirms this concept in Surah Al-A'raf (7:96), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the consequences of the wrongdoing of the people of Thamud:

So they hamstrung the she-camel and were insolent toward the command of their Lord and said, 'O Salih, bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the messengers.' So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

This verse illustrates how the people of Thamud lost the blessings and favors of Allah due to their injustice and insolence.

The third consequence mentioned in the Hadith is that (Injustice destroys nations) "الظُّلْمُ يُهْلِكُ الأُمَمَ". Injustice is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of society, leading to its eventual downfall. When injustice becomes prevalent and unchecked, it erodes the foundations of a nation, causing it to crumble from within.

The Quran provides numerous examples of nations that were destroyed due to their injustice. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) recounts the story of the people of 'Ad, who were destroyed by a fierce wind as a punishment for their transgressions:

And how many cities have We destroyed while they were committing wrong, so they [all] lie in ruins to this day.

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of injustice and the destruction it brings upon nations.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his deep understanding of the Quran. Injustice not only harms individuals but also has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. It disrupts the balance, deprives people of blessings, and ultimately leads to the downfall of nations.

As Muslims, we must strive to establish justice in all aspects of our lives, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. By upholding justice, we can create a harmonious and prosperous society, where blessings abound and nations thrive. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our pursuit of justice and protect us from the destructive consequences of injustice.