Hadith #6800

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) emphasizes the importance of justice and equity in our dealings with others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this wise utterance and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Be equitable to people over yourself, your family, your near ones and those from whom you desire something.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to prioritize justice and fairness when dealing with others, even if it means putting their interests before our own. This principle is rooted in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us in Surah An-Nisa (4:135),

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises us to be just with both our enemies and friends. This means treating everyone fairly, regardless of their relationship with us. The Quran echoes this sentiment in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that justice is not limited to our personal relationships but extends to all aspects of our lives. It requires us to set aside our biases and treat everyone with fairness and equality. This principle is beautifully illustrated in the story of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran.

When Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was appointed as the treasurer of Egypt, he demonstrated remarkable justice and equity. Despite his own family being in need, he did not show favoritism towards them. Instead, he distributed the resources of the land equally among the people, regardless of their backgrounds. This exemplifies the essence of the Hadith, as Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) prioritized justice over personal interests and treated both his family and strangers with fairness.

The consequences of adhering to the teachings of this Hadith are far-reaching. By practicing justice and equity, we create an environment of trust and harmony within our communities. It fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood, where individuals are valued for their character and actions rather than their personal connections. Moreover, it promotes social justice and ensures that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the profound wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali. His deep understanding of the Quran and his exemplary character make him a role model for Muslims of all generations. We are encouraged to emulate his teachings and strive for justice and equity in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and equity in our interactions with others. It calls upon us to prioritize fairness over personal interests and treat both friends and enemies with equality. By adhering to these principles, we can create a just and harmonious society, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these values and establish justice in our lives.