Hadith #10276

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of fairness and justice in our interactions with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that if someone does not treat us fairly out of their own sense of shame, then they will not be fair with us due to their religious beliefs.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (yunṣifka) "يُنْصِفْكَ" means to be fair or just towards someone. It implies treating others with equity, impartiality, and giving them their due rights. The word (ḥayāʾuhu) "حَيَاءُهُ" refers to one's sense of shame or modesty. It is the feeling of embarrassment or discomfort that arises when one is aware of their own shortcomings or when they fear the disapproval of others. And the word (dīnuhu) "دِينُهُ" refers to one's religion or faith.

To further understand the significance of fairness and justice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the measure of nobility and superiority in the sight of Allah is not based on one's lineage, race, or social status, but rather on their righteousness and piety. It is through fairness, justice, and treating others with equity that we truly demonstrate our righteousness.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

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. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of standing firm in justice, even if it goes against our own interests or the interests of our loved ones. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate judge and that we should not let our personal biases or inclinations hinder us from being fair and just.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that if someone does not treat us fairly out of their own sense of shame, it indicates a lack of integrity and moral character. If they are not willing to be fair with us due to their own personal shame, then they are unlikely to be fair with us based on their religious beliefs. This Hadith serves as a reminder that true fairness and justice should be rooted in our faith and should not be contingent upon personal feelings or societal pressures.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to strive for justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives, regardless of the circumstances. We should not compromise our principles or allow others to mistreat us simply because they may feel ashamed or embarrassed. Instead, we should uphold justice and fairness as fundamental values in our interactions with others, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fairness and justice in our relationships with others. It teaches us that true fairness should not be dependent on personal shame or societal norms, but rather on our religious beliefs and commitment to upholding justice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be fair and just in all our dealings and grant us the wisdom to follow the path of righteousness.