Statesmanship of Imam Ali (peace be upon Him)

The way of governance and statesmanship in Islam, and the relationship between the government and the society, is on the basis of equality, justice, respect, consideration of everyone’s rights, attention towards freedom of individuals, lovable cooperation and eradication of unnecessary formalities.

          In Islam, such an individual has to be the ruler whose authority is much more and much serious than others. The ruler performs his duties like a kind brother and trustworthy servant, and does not regard the rule as a medium of fulfilling his animalistic desires, arrogances and pride. The ruler cannot prefer himself or his relatives over others or live a lavish life; or make Caesars or Cyrus his ideal in life; or he cannot withdraw more than his right from the “House of wealth”, and cannot distance himself from the people with these actions. The ruler must be so close to the people that whoever, at whichever post or rank, wishes to attend his meeting or sit along with him, should not be humiliated by others.

          The governance in Islamic society must be a bright source of Islamic justice and it must be clean and pure from all sorts of oppression and self – interests.

          The rule of Imam Ali (peace be upon Him) depicted all these principles and was the brightest manifestation of the governance by all the human meanings, and it stood as the introducer of the true spirit of Islamic justice and equality. Ali (peace be upon Him) was the only one who was aware of the Islamic teachings and motives after the Prophet (peace be upon Him and His Progeny). He was the mirror which displayed the entire system of Islam, the Islamic justice and all the Islamic programs. Therefore, his rule was also the depicter of Islamic concepts in the government and politics and social departments and honor of the principles of freedom and equality. He was the statesman who used to meet his demands by himself.

          Whenever Imam (peace be upon Him) went to the Bazar and purchased anything, he used to carry it himself back to his house. At times, when the Muslim “house of wealth” was under his authority, he used to keep his sword for sale.

          His holiness always accompanied the weak and helpless people and was always sympathetic towards them; he personally looked after the solution of their actions, complaints and oppressions. He ate bread made of barley and refrained from eating delicious dishes, and always said:

          “Cure your soul with contention, if not, it will request you for more than what it is sufficient for it”. [1]

          Imam Ali (peace be upon Him) used to stitch patches to his clothes and wear patchy dresses, and said:

          “Such dresses make them submissive to Allah and kind – hearted towards others and the faithful Muslims can conveniently follow the example”.[2]

          When Imam Ali, marching the head of his army towards Syria, reached Ambar, the landlords of the place came out to meet him in zeal of their love, faithfulness and respect, no sooner had they seen Imam Ali they got down from their horses and started running in front of him. Imam Ali (peace be upon Him) asked the reason of their strange actions. They replied that it was their custom to show their love and respect for their rulers (statesmen) in that way. Imam Ali replied: “By Allah, by your action you do no good whatsoever to your rulers but you tire yourself and put yourself in toils in this world and in trouble in the next”.[3]

          When one of the people, began to walk with him while Amir al – Momineen was on horseback, so Amir al – Momineen, peace be upon him, said to him: “Get back because the walking of a man like you with one like me is mischief for the ruler and disgrace for the believer.”[4]

          It means that such behaviour and honour, makes the rulers and statesmen proud and it encourages them to become arrogant and haughty, while it destroys the dignity, glory and self – respect of a believer.