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COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL’S INSTRUCTIONS TOMALIK-E-ASHTAR, GOVERNOR OF EGYPT
by Tahawwur Ali
The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), the appointed “Maula”
by the Almighty at Ghadeer-e-Khum, accepted the patent Khilafat
on the stormy insistence by the Muslims, issued a comprehensive
instruction regarding governance. This may be perfect guidelines
for any modern executive of any type of government.
His instructions may be divided into the following categories:
1. The Richest Treasure
2. The Common Man
3. The Counselors
4. The Different Classes of People
5. The Army
6. The Real Guidance
7. Chief of The Justice Department
8. Subordinate Judiciary
9. Revenue administration
10. Clerical Establishment
11. Trade and Industry
12. The Poor
13. Open Conferences
14. Communion with God
15. Aloofness not Desirable
16. Peace and Treaties
17. Last instructions
In such a short writing, it is not possible to discuss every
category in details; selected items shall be highlighted as his
knowledgeable stamp will be seen at every topic. In “The Richest
Treasure”, the Divinely Appointed Imam (a.s.) says: “The fact is
that the public speak well of only those who do good. It is they
who furnish the proof of your actions. Hence the richest
treasure you may covet would be the treasure of good deeds.
Keep your desires under control and deny yourself that which you
have been prohibited from, for, by such abstinence alone, you
will be able to distinguish between what is good to them and
what is not.
Do not behave with the people like a barbarian, and do not
appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Let your
mind respect through your actions the rights of God and the
rights of man. For, otherwise, you will be doing injustice to
yourself and injustice to humanity. Thus both man and God will
turn unto your enemies.
In “Common Man”, The Best Judge in Ummah directs: “Maintain
justice in the administration and impose it on yourself and seek
the consent of the people, for, the discontent of the masses
sterilizes the contentment of the privileged few and the
discontent of the few looses itself in the contentment of the
many. Remember, the privileged few will not rally round you in
moments of difficulty: they will try to side-track justice, they
will ask for more than what they deserve and will show no
gratitude for favors done to them. So live in close contact with
the masses and be mindful of their welfare.
Keep him at a distance one who peers into the weaknesses of
others. After all, masses are not free from weaknesses. It is
the duty of the ruler to shield them. Try to remove those
weaknesses which have been brought to light. God is watchful of
every thing which is hidden from you. To the best of your
ability cover the weaknesses of the public and God will cover
your weaknesses. Do not make haste in seeking confirmation in
tale-telling, for; the tale-teller is a deceitful person
appearing in the garb of a friend.
In case of “Real Guidance”, he says: “Turn to God and His
Prophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain as to what you
have to do. There is the commandment of God: “O People of the
faith! Obey God and obey His Prophet and those from among you
who hold authority over you.”
For the selection of “Chief Judge”, Imam Ali says: “Select the
best man, who is not obsessed with domestic worries, who does
not err too often, who dose not turn back from the right path
once he finds it, who does not decide before knowing full facts,
one whom flattery cannot mislead, who will not grow restive over
arguments, who will be strictly impartial. Once you find the
man, pay him handsomely enough to keep him away from
temptations.
In case of “Subordinate Judiciary”, he says: “Beware, the utmost
carefulness should be exercised in these selections. Confirm
them after approved apprenticeship and probation.
Never select men for responsible positions out of regard for
personal connections or undue influence that might lead to
injustice and corruption. Keep a watchful eye on them without
their knowledge.
In case of “Poor”, the Chief Caretaker of the poor warns the
Governor saying: “Beware, Fear God when dealing with the
problems of the poor who have none to patronize, who are
indigent and helpless and are greatly torn in mind. Not
withstanding their miseries, they do not go about begging. For
God’s sake, safeguard their interests. Make such provisions for
these people so it shall not oblige you to offer an excuse
before God on the Day of Judgment, for it is this section of the
people more than any other which deserves benevolent treatment.
As for the “Open Conferences”, the Mushkil-Kusha of the
oppressed, says: “Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically,
be conscientious of The Divine Presence there, have a heart to
heart talk with them. Make sure that no police or other law
enforcement officers are present so that the oppressed may speak
fearlessly. I have heard the Prophet of God saying that no
nation or community will occupy a high position in which the
strong do not discharge their duties towards the weak. Do not
get annoyed by the strong language they may use. What ever you
can give to them, give them and clearly explain that which you
cannot do.
Regarding “Communion with God”, the Imam al-Muttaqeen advises
him: “Do not forget to set aside the best of your time for
Communion with God, although every moment of yours is for Him
only. While leading congregational prayers, make it short enough
so that old and disabled may be comfortable.
His last instructions were: “It is imperative on you to study
carefully the principles which have inspired just and good
rulers who have gone before you. Give close thought to the
example of our Prophet (s.a.w.s.), his Traditions, and the
Commandments of the Book of God and whatever you might
have assimilated from my own way of dealing with things.
I seek the refuge of the might of the Almighty and His limitless
Blessings, and invite you to pray with me that He may give
us together the grace willingly to surrender our will to
His Will, and to enable us to acquit ourselves before Him and
His creation. I seek of God the culmination of His
Blessings and pray that He may grant you and me His Grace
and the honor of martyrdom in His cause. Verily, we have to
return to Him. I invoke His Blessings on the Prophet of
God and his pure Progeny.
Reference: Nahj-ul-Balagha
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