Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 186

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

لِلظَّالِمِ الْبَادِي غَداً بِكَفِّهِ عَضَّةٌ.

He who takes the lead in oppression has to bite his hand (in repentance) tomorrow.