Hadith #10267

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three types of people who should never seek justice from three other types. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meaning in light of the Quran.

The first type mentioned is

the intelligent person (الْعَاقِلُ)

who should never seek justice from "the fool (الْأَحْمَقِ)". The word "عَاقِلُ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and sound judgment. On the other hand, "أَحْمَقُ" refers to a person who lacks intelligence, acts foolishly, and makes irrational decisions.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And certainly, We have created many jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of intellect and understanding. It highlights that those who lack intelligence and fail to comprehend the truth are like cattle, wandering aimlessly without guidance. Therefore, seeking justice from such individuals would be futile, as their decisions would be based on ignorance and folly.

The second type mentioned in the Hadith is "the virtuous (الْبَرُّ)" who should not seek justice from "the vicious (الْفَاجِرِ)". "الْبَرُّ" refers to someone who is righteous, morally upright, and adheres to the principles of goodness. On the other hand, "الْفَاجِرُ" refers to a person who is wicked, immoral, and indulges in sinful actions.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can refer to Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse highlights the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It emphasizes that those who strive for righteousness and abstain from corruption will be rewarded with a place in the Hereafter. Therefore, seeking justice from the wicked, who are immersed in sin and immorality, would be counterproductive as their judgments would be tainted by their own vices.

The third type mentioned in the Hadith is

the noble one (الْكَرِيمُ)

who should not seek justice from "the wicked (اللَّئِيمِ)". "الْكَرِيمُ" refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, high moral standards, and a dignified character. On the other hand, "اللَّئِيمُ" refers to a person who is wicked, vile, and lacks integrity.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to Surah Al-Qalam (68:13-14), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure, enjoying what their Lord has given them, and their Lord protected them from the punishment of Hellfire.

This verse highlights the reward of the righteous, who will be granted gardens and eternal bliss in the Hereafter. Seeking justice from the wicked, who lack integrity and exhibit vile behavior, would be futile as their judgments would be biased and unfair.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek justice from those who possess wisdom, righteousness, and noble character. It emphasizes the importance of selecting individuals who are capable of making fair and just decisions, as their judgments will be based on knowledge, virtue, and integrity.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages individuals to strive for intelligence, righteousness, and nobility in their own lives, so that they may be worthy of seeking justice and guiding others towards justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking justice from those who possess wisdom, righteousness, and noble character. It urges us to reflect on our own actions and strive for personal growth, so that we may be deserving of seeking justice and upholding justice in society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between the wise and the foolish, the virtuous and the vicious, and the noble and the wicked.