Contents
Opening Remarks
Imam Ali’s Rule and Governance
Opening Remarks
This short discussion sheds light on the first religio-political leadership (theocracy) in Islam. They primarily consisted of three individuals held in the highest esteem by Shias and Sunnis respectively right after Prophet of Islam (PBUH). The Shias believe Imam Ali is the successor of Prophet and first Imam of Islam while as Sunnis believe Abu Bakr, Umar and Ali are all caliphs (Imams) of Islam. It should be noted that their virtuous practices emanated from Islam and they are the channels to realize these noble values of Islam in the political and public arenas.
This paper only discusses the practical aspects and policies of their Islamic rule and governance. It is noteworthy to see that in Islamic rule the ultimate authority lies in the Quran and Prophet (The Shariah Law). Accountability of Muslim rulers are judged and scrutinized by a competent body (theocrats) through Quran and Prophet (separation of power and duty).
Imam Ali’s Rule and Governance
Life of Simplicity
Imam Ali (a) always ate and dressed in such a simple way that even the poorest could afford better.
No Political/Economic/Financial Favors Based on Relationship
Imam Ali’s nephew came asking for an advanced installment from Islamic treasury but Imam Ali (a) refused and when the young man persisted, he said: "No, my son! Not until all the others get their share." (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 221)
No Elitism from Public Officials
Ibn Hunaif, was his trusted disciple, and a faithful follower. He was governor of a province and was once invited to a function which was followed by a sumptuous dinner. When Imam Ali (a) heard of this, he sent him a very strong letter, criticizing his action. He wrote: "You went to a dinner where only rich people were invited and the poor were scornfully excluded". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 45)
The Common Masses Are Not Preys for Rulers
"You should not behave like a beast with your subjects. They are respectable people and should be treated respectfully. You are representing me, and your treatment would be taken as that of mine. Your first consideration should be the welfare of those over whom you rule and then to treat them with due respect". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 18)
Right of Non-Muslims To Be Treated with Equity and Justice
"The farmers complain about your harsh, contemptuous and cruel treatment. Their complaints require careful consideration. I feel that they deserve better treatment than what was meted out to them, give them a better chance to approach you and treat them kindly and politely. They may be heathens and polytheists but being our subjects, and human beings, they do not deserve to be driven away from us and treated harshly". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter a19)
No Political Favor Through Incentives
Once Imam Ali was passing through Ambaz with his army. The rich men of the province, as was the custom of those days, came out to greet him. They offered the best Persian horses as presents and requested his permission to serve his army. He met them courteously but politely refused to accept the gifts and said, "You have paid your taxes, to receive anything more from you, even when you offer it voluntarily and willingly, is a crime against the State." (Nahj ul Balagah)
Right of Non-Muslims
Imam Ali (a) says that as a caliph and a ruler, he promises safety and security of life, property, honour, social status and religious freedom of Armanian Christians. This order should be obeyed by his officers and by his successors. The Christians should not be maltreated or looked down because they are non-Muslims. So long as they do not try to betray and injure the cause of the State of Islam, they should not be molested but should be allowed to practice their religion and to trade freely and openly. They should not be overtaxed, should not be humiliated and should not be forced out of their homes, lands, and trades. Their priests should be treated with due respects, their monasteries should be protected, and they should be allowed to carry on their lectures, teachings and preachings as usual and their religious ceremonies should not be banned. If they want to build their places of worship then fallow and unclaimed lands should be allotted to them. One, who disobeys this order is going against the orders of Allah, and the Holy Prophet (s) and will deserve His Wrath. (Letter of Imam Ali to the Christians of Azerbaijan)
Extravagant Diplomatic Formalities Are Anti-Islamic
Once when Harith ibn Suhayl, the Governor of Kufa, was riding through the city, saw Imam Ali (a) also on a ride. He got down from his horse to accompany the Imam on foot. Imam Ali (a) stopped his horse and said, "It does not behoove a man to lower himself before anybody but Allah. Please mount back on your horse. Even if you had not been an officer of the State, I would not have allowed you to lower yourself like this, the sight of such humiliation of man before man never pleases me. It is the worst form of tyranny which can be practiced." (Life f Imam Ali)
Abu Bakr’s Inaugural Speech
Protection of The Weak
The weak among you will be strong with me till, God willing, his rights have been vindicated; and the strong among you shall be weak with me till, if the Lord wills, I have taken what is due from him.
Constitution of Quran and Prophet are Sovereign
Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet, when I disobey Him and His Prophet, then obey me not. And now rise for prayers; may God have mercy on you."
The Islamic Ruler is Accountable to People
Help me, if I am in the right; set me right, if I am in the wrong;
Umar’s Inaugural Speech
Support for the Weak and Threat to The Oppressors
For those who practice tyranny and deprive others of their rights, I will be harsh and stern, but for those who follow the law, and are devoted to religion, I will be most soft and tender. I will not tolerate any person make any excess. He who commits any tyranny, him I will sternly call to account. I will be harsh and stern against the aggressor, but I will be a pillar of strength for the weak and the meek. They will find in me their best friend.
The Islamic Ruler is Accountable to The People
Friends you have some rights on me, and I tell you of these rights, so that you may be in a position to call me to account. These rights are:
Firstly, that I should not exact any tax or other levy from you not authorized by law;
Secondly, that whatever taxes are lawfully realized from you are spent in your best interests;
Thirdly, it is incumbent on me that I should protect the frontiers of your land;
Fourthly, it is my duty to promote your prosperity and look after your interests;
Fifthly, it is my obligation to do justice.
Help me with your sound advice. If I follow the right path laid down by God and His Prophet follow me. If I deviate, correct me. Strengthen me with your advice and suggestions. Let us pray for the glory of Islam.
Opening Remarks
Imam Ali’s Rule and Governance
- Life of Simplicity
- No Political/Economic/Financial Favors Based on Relationship
- No Elitism from Public Officials
- The Common Masses Are Not Preys for Rulers
- Right of Non-Muslims To Be Treated with Equity and Justice
- No Political Favor Through Incentives
- Right of Non-Muslims
- Extravagant Diplomatic Formalities Are Anti-Islamic
- Protection of The Weak
- Constitution of Quran and Prophet are Sovereign
- The Islamic Ruler is Accountable to People
- Support for the Weak and Threat to The Oppressors
- The Islamic Ruler is Accountable to The People
Opening Remarks
This short discussion sheds light on the first religio-political leadership (theocracy) in Islam. They primarily consisted of three individuals held in the highest esteem by Shias and Sunnis respectively right after Prophet of Islam (PBUH). The Shias believe Imam Ali is the successor of Prophet and first Imam of Islam while as Sunnis believe Abu Bakr, Umar and Ali are all caliphs (Imams) of Islam. It should be noted that their virtuous practices emanated from Islam and they are the channels to realize these noble values of Islam in the political and public arenas.
This paper only discusses the practical aspects and policies of their Islamic rule and governance. It is noteworthy to see that in Islamic rule the ultimate authority lies in the Quran and Prophet (The Shariah Law). Accountability of Muslim rulers are judged and scrutinized by a competent body (theocrats) through Quran and Prophet (separation of power and duty).
Imam Ali’s Rule and Governance
Life of Simplicity
Imam Ali (a) always ate and dressed in such a simple way that even the poorest could afford better.
No Political/Economic/Financial Favors Based on Relationship
Imam Ali’s nephew came asking for an advanced installment from Islamic treasury but Imam Ali (a) refused and when the young man persisted, he said: "No, my son! Not until all the others get their share." (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 221)
No Elitism from Public Officials
Ibn Hunaif, was his trusted disciple, and a faithful follower. He was governor of a province and was once invited to a function which was followed by a sumptuous dinner. When Imam Ali (a) heard of this, he sent him a very strong letter, criticizing his action. He wrote: "You went to a dinner where only rich people were invited and the poor were scornfully excluded". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 45)
The Common Masses Are Not Preys for Rulers
"You should not behave like a beast with your subjects. They are respectable people and should be treated respectfully. You are representing me, and your treatment would be taken as that of mine. Your first consideration should be the welfare of those over whom you rule and then to treat them with due respect". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 18)
Right of Non-Muslims To Be Treated with Equity and Justice
"The farmers complain about your harsh, contemptuous and cruel treatment. Their complaints require careful consideration. I feel that they deserve better treatment than what was meted out to them, give them a better chance to approach you and treat them kindly and politely. They may be heathens and polytheists but being our subjects, and human beings, they do not deserve to be driven away from us and treated harshly". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter a19)
No Political Favor Through Incentives
Once Imam Ali was passing through Ambaz with his army. The rich men of the province, as was the custom of those days, came out to greet him. They offered the best Persian horses as presents and requested his permission to serve his army. He met them courteously but politely refused to accept the gifts and said, "You have paid your taxes, to receive anything more from you, even when you offer it voluntarily and willingly, is a crime against the State." (Nahj ul Balagah)
Right of Non-Muslims
Imam Ali (a) says that as a caliph and a ruler, he promises safety and security of life, property, honour, social status and religious freedom of Armanian Christians. This order should be obeyed by his officers and by his successors. The Christians should not be maltreated or looked down because they are non-Muslims. So long as they do not try to betray and injure the cause of the State of Islam, they should not be molested but should be allowed to practice their religion and to trade freely and openly. They should not be overtaxed, should not be humiliated and should not be forced out of their homes, lands, and trades. Their priests should be treated with due respects, their monasteries should be protected, and they should be allowed to carry on their lectures, teachings and preachings as usual and their religious ceremonies should not be banned. If they want to build their places of worship then fallow and unclaimed lands should be allotted to them. One, who disobeys this order is going against the orders of Allah, and the Holy Prophet (s) and will deserve His Wrath. (Letter of Imam Ali to the Christians of Azerbaijan)
Extravagant Diplomatic Formalities Are Anti-Islamic
Once when Harith ibn Suhayl, the Governor of Kufa, was riding through the city, saw Imam Ali (a) also on a ride. He got down from his horse to accompany the Imam on foot. Imam Ali (a) stopped his horse and said, "It does not behoove a man to lower himself before anybody but Allah. Please mount back on your horse. Even if you had not been an officer of the State, I would not have allowed you to lower yourself like this, the sight of such humiliation of man before man never pleases me. It is the worst form of tyranny which can be practiced." (Life f Imam Ali)
Abu Bakr’s Inaugural Speech
Protection of The Weak
The weak among you will be strong with me till, God willing, his rights have been vindicated; and the strong among you shall be weak with me till, if the Lord wills, I have taken what is due from him.
Constitution of Quran and Prophet are Sovereign
Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet, when I disobey Him and His Prophet, then obey me not. And now rise for prayers; may God have mercy on you."
The Islamic Ruler is Accountable to People
Help me, if I am in the right; set me right, if I am in the wrong;
Umar’s Inaugural Speech
Support for the Weak and Threat to The Oppressors
For those who practice tyranny and deprive others of their rights, I will be harsh and stern, but for those who follow the law, and are devoted to religion, I will be most soft and tender. I will not tolerate any person make any excess. He who commits any tyranny, him I will sternly call to account. I will be harsh and stern against the aggressor, but I will be a pillar of strength for the weak and the meek. They will find in me their best friend.
The Islamic Ruler is Accountable to The People
Friends you have some rights on me, and I tell you of these rights, so that you may be in a position to call me to account. These rights are:
Firstly, that I should not exact any tax or other levy from you not authorized by law;
Secondly, that whatever taxes are lawfully realized from you are spent in your best interests;
Thirdly, it is incumbent on me that I should protect the frontiers of your land;
Fourthly, it is my duty to promote your prosperity and look after your interests;
Fifthly, it is my obligation to do justice.
Help me with your sound advice. If I follow the right path laid down by God and His Prophet follow me. If I deviate, correct me. Strengthen me with your advice and suggestions. Let us pray for the glory of Islam.
