Hadith #9846

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لايَكُونُ العِمْرانُ حَيثُ يَجُوزُ (يَجُورُ) السُّلْطانُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes that prosperity cannot exist in a place where the ruler is oppressive or unjust.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "عِمْرانُ" refers to prosperity, growth, and development. It signifies a state of well-being and progress in various aspects of life, such as social, economic, and spiritual. The word "يَجُوزُ" or "يَجُورُ" is derived from the root word "جَوَرَ" which means to pass by or to oppress. It implies the actions of a ruler who abuses their power, oppresses the people, and violates their rights. Finally, the word "سُّلْطانُ" refers to the ruler or the authority in charge.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of unjust consumption of wealth and the corruption that can arise when people seek the assistance of oppressive rulers to gain personal benefits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in dealing with others, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

From these verses, we can understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to establish a just and equitable society. It is clear that oppression and injustice are not compatible with the principles of Islam, and they hinder the progress and prosperity of a community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the detrimental effects of an oppressive ruler on the prosperity of a society. When a ruler abuses their power, oppresses the people, and violates their rights, it creates an environment of fear, injustice, and instability. This, in turn, hampers the growth and development of the community in all aspects of life.

For instance, an oppressive ruler may impose unjust taxes, leading to economic hardships for the people. This can result in a decline in business activities, unemployment, and poverty. Moreover, the suppression of freedom of speech and expression stifles innovation, creativity, and intellectual growth. It discourages individuals from voicing their opinions, sharing ideas, and contributing to the betterment of society.

In addition, an oppressive ruler may create divisions among the people, leading to social unrest and conflicts. This disrupts the harmony and unity necessary for progress and prosperity. It is evident that such an environment is far from the ideal Islamic society that promotes justice, equality, and compassion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should strive for justice and oppose oppression in all its forms. It encourages individuals to stand up against injustice and work towards establishing a just and equitable society. By doing so, Muslims can create an environment conducive to prosperity, growth, and development.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the detrimental effects of an oppressive ruler on the prosperity of a society. It aligns with the Quranic teachings that promote justice, fairness, and compassion. Muslims are urged to actively oppose oppression and work towards establishing a just society that fosters growth and development in all aspects of life. May Allah guide us all to uphold justice and strive for the betterment of our communities.