مَنْ ظَلَمَ قُصِمَ عُمْرُهُ وَدَمَرَّ عَلَيْهِ ظُلْمُهُ۔
One who is unjust, his life gets broken and his injustice annihilates him.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Unjust)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) states,
One who is unjust, his life gets broken and his injustice annihilates him.
This impactful Hadith highlights the consequences of injustice and oppression. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in the light of the Quran.
Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any act that transgresses the rights of others and violates the principles of justice. The word (qusima) "قُصِمَ" means to be broken or shattered, indicating the severe consequences that await the unjust individual. And the word (damarra) "دَمَرَّ" means to be destroyed or annihilated, emphasizing the ultimate fate of the oppressor.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and warns against the consequences of injustice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25),
Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people may establish justice.
This verse highlights the purpose of sending messengers and revealing divine scriptures, which is to establish justice in society. It emphasizes that justice is a fundamental principle of Islam and a necessary condition for a harmonious and balanced society.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nisa (4:135), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.
This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah's command for justice is absolute and takes precedence over any personal biases or affiliations.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of injustice. When a person engages in oppression and wrongdoing, their life becomes fragmented and broken. The effects of their unjust actions manifest in various aspects of their existence, leading to a state of inner turmoil, dissatisfaction, and spiritual decay. The unjust individual may experience a lack of peace and contentment, as their actions are not in alignment with the divine principles of justice and fairness.
Moreover, the injustice committed by an individual ultimately leads to their own destruction. This destruction can be understood in multiple dimensions. Firstly, it refers to the deterioration of their character and moral fiber. When a person consistently engages in unjust acts, their heart becomes hardened, and their conscience becomes desensitized to the suffering they cause. This spiritual destruction distances them from the path of righteousness and leads them further away from Allah's mercy.
Secondly, the destruction mentioned in the Hadith can also be understood in terms of the consequences that await the unjust individual in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Isra (17:81),
And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'
This verse highlights the transient nature of falsehood and injustice. While the unjust may seem to prosper temporarily in this world, their unjust actions will ultimately lead to their downfall and eternal punishment in the Hereafter.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of injustice. It highlights the fragmentation and destruction that await those who engage in oppression and wrongdoing. As Muslims, we are called upon to uphold justice in all aspects of our lives, treating others with fairness and compassion. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also safeguard ourselves from the devastating consequences of injustice. May Allah guide us all to the path of justice and righteousness.
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