Hadith #6302

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Kun lil-mazlumi 'awnan, walidh-dhalimi khasman.

This powerful statement urges us to be a source of support and aid for the oppressed, while standing as adversaries against the oppressors. Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "mazlum" refers to the one who is wronged, oppressed, or treated unjustly. It encompasses those who are victims of physical, emotional, or social injustice. The term "dhalim" refers to the oppressor, the one who inflicts harm, transgresses boundaries, and violates the rights of others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taking a stand against oppression and supporting those who are oppressed.

The Quran repeatedly highlights the obligation of Muslims to stand up for justice and protect the rights of the oppressed. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa, verse 75:

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'

This verse emphasizes the duty of Muslims to fight for the oppressed and to seek Allah's help in their struggle.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 39, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.

This verse highlights that permission to fight is granted to those who have been wronged, further emphasizing the importance of supporting the oppressed.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively oppose oppression and injustice. It encourages us to be proactive in our efforts to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed and to work towards establishing a just society. By being a helper to the oppressed, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and strive to bring about positive change in the world.

Supporting the oppressed can take various forms. It may involve speaking out against injustice, advocating for their rights, providing material or emotional support, or even actively participating in efforts to address systemic oppression. The actions we take should be guided by the principles of justice and compassion, seeking to uplift those who are marginalized and oppressed.

Conversely, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be adversaries of the oppressors. This means that we should not remain silent or passive in the face of oppression. We must actively oppose and challenge those who perpetrate injustice, holding them accountable for their actions. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of a just society and discourage the continuation of oppressive behavior.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be allies of the oppressed and opponents of the oppressors. It calls us to actively work towards justice, supporting those who are wronged and standing against those who inflict harm. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to create a society that upholds the principles of justice, compassion, and equality. May Allah guide us all in our efforts to fulfill this noble duty.