A Hadith on Justice, Mercy, and Accountability

On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, who reported that the Prophet ﷺ related from his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic:

“My slaves, I have forbidden injustice to Myself and have forbidden it between you, so do not wrong each other. 

My slaves, all of you are astray except for whomever I guide, so seek guidance from Me, I will guide you. 

My slaves, all of you are hungry except for whomever I feed, so ask Me to feed you, I will feed you. 

My slaves, all of you are naked except for whomever I clothe, so seek clothing from Me, I will clothe you. 

My slaves, truly you do wrong by night and day and I forgive wrong actions altogether, so ask for My forgiveness, I will forgive you. 

My slaves, you cannot reach My harm so that you could harm Me, and you can never attain My benefit so that you could benefit Me.

My slaves, even if the first and last of you, your human beings and your Jinn were according to the most God-fearing heart of any one man among you, that would not increase anything in My kingdom. My slaves, even if the first and last of you, your human beings and your jinn were according to the most wicked heart of any one man among you, that would not decrease anything in My kingdom. 

My slaves, even if the first and last of you, your human beings and your jinn were to stand on one flat piece of land and they were to ask Me and I gave each one of them what he asked for, that would not decrease what I have except as the needle does when it is entered into the sea. 

My slaves, they are only your actions which I enumerate for you, then later I will repay you for them. So, whoever experiences good then let him praise Allah, and whoever experiences other than that then let him only blame himself.” (Muslim, 2577).

Summary & Reflection

1. Allah Has Forbidden Injustice

Allah has made oppression unlawful for Himself and among His servants. We are commanded not to wrong one another in any form, whether through speech, action, or intention.

2. All Guidance and Provision Come from Allah

We are dependent upon Him for guidance, sustenance, clothing, and every blessing. He commands us to ask, and He promises to respond.

3. Allah Is Most Forgiving

We sin day and night, yet His mercy remains open. Sincere repentance brings forgiveness, no matter how great the mistake.

4. Allah Is Completely Independent

Nothing we do can benefit or harm Him. Our obedience does not increase His Kingdom, and our sins do not diminish it. We rely entirely upon Him.

5. His Kingdom Is Vast and Perfect

Even if all of creation were righteous or wicked, His dominion would remain unchanged. His resources never decrease, and His generosity is limitless.

6. Our Deeds Matter

Every action is recorded. Each of us will be repaid accordingly. Whoever finds good should praise Allah. Whoever finds otherwise should reflect and take responsibility.

A Simple Daily Practice Inspired by This Hadith

• Ask Allah for guidance.
• Intend to avoid injustice in all interactions.
• Guard your speech, actions and be mindful of Allah.
• Turn to Allah first in moments of need.
• Reflect on your deeds.
• Seek forgiveness sincerely.
• Praise Allah for the good and take responsibility for your shortcomings.

This hadith is a powerful reminder of Allah’s justice, mercy, independence, and boundless generosity. It is not only meant to be read. It is meant to be lived. Above are some practical lessons we can implement in our daily lives.

I learned this hadith in my hadith class and felt compelled to share it with you, hoping it benefits our hearts and daily lives.