Hadith #6220

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

راكِبُ الظُّلْمِ يَكْبُوبِهِ مَرْكَبُهُ۔

This can be translated into English as:

Whoever rides the mount of injustice, his mount will stumble with him.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words and their implications. The word (zulm) "ظلم" refers to injustice, oppression, or wrongdoing. It encompasses any action that transgresses the boundaries of fairness and equity. The word (rakib) "راكِبُ" means to ride or mount, symbolizing the act of engaging in or supporting injustice. The word (yakbubihi) "يَكْبُوبِهِ" can be understood as stumbling or faltering, indicating the consequences that befall those who partake in injustice. And finally, the word (markabuhu) "مَرْكَبُهُ" refers to the mount or vehicle that carries the individual.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of justice in numerous verses. In Surah An-Nisa (4:135), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to uphold justice, even if it means going against their own interests or the interests of their loved ones.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah commands,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.

This verse emphasizes the importance of impartiality and fairness, even in the face of animosity or personal biases.

Now, let us delve into the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, warns us about the consequences of engaging in injustice. He compares the act of supporting or participating in injustice to riding a mount. Just as a rider's mount stumbles and falters, causing harm and instability, so too will the one who rides the mount of injustice face stumbling and difficulties in their own life.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to always strive for justice and fairness in their actions and decisions. It highlights the interconnectedness of our choices and their repercussions. If we choose to support or engage in injustice, we are essentially riding a mount that is destined to stumble and bring about negative consequences.

The consequences of injustice can manifest in various ways. On an individual level, those who perpetrate injustice may face a loss of credibility, trust, and respect from others. They may also experience inner turmoil and a sense of guilt or regret. On a societal level, injustice can lead to divisions, conflicts, and a breakdown of trust among people. It can create an environment of oppression and suffering, where the rights and dignity of individuals are disregarded.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of aligning our actions with the principles of justice and fairness. As Muslims, we are called to be witnesses for Allah and to stand firmly for justice, even if it means going against our own interests or the interests of those close to us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our moral and religious obligations but also contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of engaging in injustice. It urges Muslims to be vigilant in upholding justice and fairness in all aspects of their lives. By riding the mount of justice, we ensure stability, righteousness, and the well-being of ourselves and society as a whole. May Allah guide us to always choose the path of justice and protect us from the harms of injustice.