(نامه امام علي (ع) به مالک اشتر (متن انگليسي)
Imam Ali's Letter to MalikAshtar
This script reads: "Ali Ibn Abi Talib, radiya' llah Ta'aala anhuwa-Karrama wajhahu." (Ali Bin Abi Talib, may God Almighty be pleased with himand honor him.) The script is Tawqi', structured into the shape of alion.
The Richest Treasure
Be it known to you, O, Malik, that I amsending you as Governor to a country which in the past has experienced both justand unjust rule. Men will scrutinize your actions with a searching eye, even asyou used to scrutinize the actions of those before you, and speak of you even asyou did speak of them. The fact is that the public speak well of only those whodo good. It is they who furnish the proof of your actions. Hence the richesttreasure that you may covet would be the treasure of good deeds. Keep yourdesires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibitedfrom, for, by such abstinence alone, you will be able to distinguish betweenwhat is good to them and what is not.
Develop in your heart the feeling oflove for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing tothem. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate toyourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state areof two categories. They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren inkind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some indeeddo commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. Andthen there is God even above him who has given you the position of a Governor inorder that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them. And you will be judged by what you do for them.
Do not set yourself againstGod, for neither do you possess the strength to shield yourself against Hisdispleasure, nor can you place yourself outside the pale of His mercy andforgiveness. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over anypunishment that you may mete out to any one. Do not rouse yourself to anger, forno good will come out of it.
Do not say: "I am your overlord and dictator, and that you should, therefore, bow to my commands", as that will corrupt yourheart, weaken your faith in religion and create disorder in the state. Shouldyou be elated by power, ever feel in your mind the slightest symptoms of prideand arrogance, then look at the power and majesty of the Divine governance ofthe Universe over which you have absolutely no control. It will restore thesense of balance to your wayward intelligence and give you the sense of calmnessand affability. Beware! Never put yourself against the majesty and grandeur ofGod and never imitate His omnipotence; for God has brought low every rebel ofGod and every tyrant of man.
Let your mind respect through your actions therights of God and the rights of man, and likewise, persuade your companions andrelations to do likewise. For, otherwise, you will be doing injustice toyourself and injustice to humanity. Thus both man and God will turn unto yourenemies. There is no hearing anywhere for one who makes an enemy of God himself. He will be regarded as one at war with God until he feels contrition and seeksforgiveness. Nothing deprives man of divine blessings or excites divine wrathagainst him more easily than cruelty. Hence it is, that God listens to the voiceof the oppressed and waylays the oppressor.
The Common Man
Maintainjustice in administration and impose it on your own self and seek the consent ofthe people, for, the discontent of the masses sterilizes the contentment of theprivileged few and the discontent of the few looses itself in the contentment ofthe many. Remember the privileged few will not rally round you in moments ofdifficulty: they will try to side-track justice, they will ask for more thanwhat they deserve and will show no gratitude for favors done to them. They willfeel restive in the face of trials and will offer no regret for theirshortcomings. It is the common man who is the strength of the State andReligion. It is he who fights the enemy. So live in close contact with themasses and be mindful of their welfare.
Keep at a distance him who peersinto the weaknesses of others. After all, the masses are not free fromweaknesses. It is the duty of the ruler to shield them. Do not bring to lightthat which is hidden, but try to remove those weaknesses which have been broughtto light. God is watchful of everything that is hidden from you, and He alonewill deal with it. To the best of your ability cover the weaknesses of thepublic, and God will cover the weaknesses in you which you are anxious to keepaway from their eye. Unloose the tangle of mutual hatred between the public andthe administration and remove all those causes which may give rise to strainedrelations between them. Protect yourself from every such act as may not be quitecorrect for you. Do not make haste in seeking confirmation of tale-telling, for, the tale-teller is a deceitful person appearing in the garb of a friend.
TheCounselors
Never take counsel of a miser, for he will vitiate yourmagnanimity and frighten you of poverty. Do not take counsel of a coward also, for, he will cheat you of your resolves. Do not take counsel of the greedy too: for he will instill greed in you and turn you into a tyrant. Miserliness, cowardice and greed deprive man of his trust in God.
The worst of counselorsis he who has served as a counselor to unjust rulers and shared their crimes. So, never let men who have been companions of tyrants or shared their crimes beyour counselors. You can get better men than these, men gifted with intelligenceand foresight, but unpolluted by sin, men who have never aided a tyrant in histyranny or a criminal in his crime. Such men will never be a burden on you. Onthe other hand, they will be a source of help and strength to you at all times. They will be friends to you and strangers to your enemies. Choose such men alonefor companionship both in privacy and in the public. Even among these, showpreference to them who have a habitual regard for truth however trying to you attimes their truth may prove to be, and who offer you no encouragement in thedisplay of tendencies which God does not like his friends to develop.
Keepclose to you the upright, and the God fearing, and make clear to them that theyare never to flatter you and never to give you credit for any good that you maynot have done: for, the tolerance of flattery and unhealthy praise stimulatespride in man makes him arrogant.
Do not treat the good and the bad alike. That will deter the good from doing good, and encourage the bad in their badpursuits. Recompense every one according one's deserts. Remember that mutualtrust and good will between the ruler and the ruled are bred only throughbenevolence, justice and service. So, cultivate good-will amongst the people; for their good-will alone will save you from troubles. Your benevolence to themwill be repaid by their trust in you, and your ill-treatment by their ill-will.
Do not disregard the noble traditions set by our forbearers which havepromoted harmony and progress among the people; and do not initiate anythingwhich might minimize their usefulness. The men who had established these nobletraditions have had their reward; but responsibility will be yours if they aredisturbed. Try always to learn something from the experience of the learned andthe wise, and frequently consult them in state matters so that you mightmaintain the peace and good-will which your predecessors had established in theland.
The Different Classes of People
Remember that the people arecomposed of different classes. The progress of one is dependent on the progressof every other; and none can afford to be independent of the other. We have theArmy formed of the soldiers of God, we have our civil officers and theirestablishments, our judiciary, our revenue collectors and our public relationofficers. The general public itself consists of Muslims and Zimmis and amongthem of merchants and craftsmen, the unemployed and the indigent. God hasprescribed for them their several rights, duties and obligations. They are alldefined and preserved in the Book of God and in the traditions of his Prophet.
The army, by the grace of God, is like a fortress to the people and lendsdignity to the state. It upholds the prestige of the Faith and maintains thepeace of the country. Without it the state cannot stand. In its turn, it cannotstand without the support of the state. Our soldiers have proved strong beforethe enemy because of the privilege God has given them to fight for Him; but theyhave their material needs to fulfil and have therefore to depend upon the incomeprovided for them from the state revenue. The military and civil population whopay revenue, both need the co-operation of others -the judiciary, civil officersand their establishment. The Qazi administers civil and criminal law; the civilofficers collect revenue and attend to civil administration with the assistanceof their establishment. And then there are the tradesmen and the merchants whoadd to the revenue of the state. It is they who run the markets and are in abetter position than others to discharge social obligations. And then there isthe class of the poor and the needy, whose maintenance is an obligation on theother classes. God has given appropriate opportunity of service to one and all; and then there are the rights of all these classes over the administration whichthe administrator has to meet with an eye on the good of the entire population, a duty which he cannot fulfill properly unless he takes personal interest in itsexecution and seeks help from God. Indeed it is obligatory on him to impose thisduty on himself and to bear with patience the inconveniences and difficultiesincidental to his task.
The Army
Be particularly mindful of the welfareof those in the army who in your opinion, are staunchly faithful to their Godand Prophet and loyal to their chief, and who in the hour of passion canrestrain themselves and listen coolly to sensible remonstrance, and who cansuccor the weak and smite the strong, whom violent provocation will not throwinto violent temper and who will not falter at any stage.
Keep yourself inclose contact with the families of established reputation and integrity with aglorious past, and draw to yourself men brave and upright in character, generousand benevolent in disposition; for such are the salt of society.
Care forthem with the tenderness with which you care for your children, and do not talkbefore them of any good that you might have done to them, nor disregard anyexpression of affection which they show in return; for, such conduct inspiresloyalty, devotion and goodwill. Attend to every little of their wants notresting content with what general help that you might have given to them, forsometimes, timely attention to a little want of theirs brings them immenserelief. Surely these people will not forget you in your own hour of need.
Itbehooves you to select for your Commander-in-chief one who imposes on himself asa duty, the task of rendering help to his men, and who can excel in kindnessevery other officer who has to attend to the needs of the men under him, andlook after their families when they are away from their homes; so much so, thatthe entire army should feel united in their joys and in their sorrows. The unityof purpose will give them added strength against the enemy. Continue to maintaina kindly attitude towards them so that they might feel attached to you. The factis that the real happiness of the administrators and their most pleasant comfortlies in establishing justice in the state and maintaining affectionate relationswith the people. Their sincerity of feeling is expressed in the love and regardthey show to you, on which alone depends the safety of the administrators.
Your advices to the army will be of no avail, unless and until you showaffection to both men and officers, in order that they might not regard theGovernment as an oppressive burden or contribute to its downfall.
Continueto satisfy their needs and praise them over and over again for what servicesthey have rendered. Such an attitude, God willing will inspire the brave tobraver actions and induce the timid to deeds of bravery.
Try to enter intothe feelings of others and do not foist the mistake of one over another and donot grudge dispensing appropriate rewards. See to it you do not show favors toone who has done nothing but merely counts on his family position; and do notwithhold proper rewards from one who has done great deeds simply because heholds a low position in life.
The Real Guidance
Turn to God and to Hisprophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain as to what you have to do. There is the commandment of God delivered to those people who He wishes to guidearight: "O people of the Faith! Obey God and obey His prophet and those fromamong you who hold authority over you. And refer to God and His prophet wheneverthere is difference of opinion among you. To turn to God is in reality toconsult the Book of God; and to turn to the prophet is t follow his universallyaccepted traditions.
Chief Judge
Select for your chief judge one fromthe people who is by far the best among them -one who is not obsessed withdomestic worries, one who cannot be intimidated, one who does not err to often, one who does not turn back from a right path once he finds it, one who is notself-centered or avaricious, one who will not decide before knowing full facts, one who will weigh wit care every attendant doubt and pronounce a clear verdictafter taking everything into full consideration, one who will not grow restiveover the arguments of advocates and who will examine with patience every newdisclosure of fact and who will be strictly impartial in his decision, one whoflattery cannot mislead or one who does not exult over his position. But it isnot easy to find such men.
Once you have selected the right man for theoffice, pay him handsomely enough, to let him live in comfort and in keepingwith his position, enough to keep him above temptations. Give him a position inyour court so high none can even dream of coveting it and so high that neitherback-biting nor intrigue can touch him.
Subordinate Judiciary
Beware! The utmost carefulness is to be exercised in his selection: for it is this highoffice which adventurous self-seekers aspire to secure and exploit in theirselfish interests. After the selection of your chief judge, give carefulconsideration to the selection of other officers. Confirm them in theirappointments after approved apprenticeship and probation. Never select men forresponsible posts either out of any regard for personal connections or under anyinfluence, for, that might lead to injustice and corruption.
Of these selectfor higher posts men of experience, men firm in faith and belonging to goodfamilies. Such men will not fall an easy prey to temptations and will dischargetheir duties with an eye on the abiding good of others. Increase their salariesto give them a contented life. A contented living is a help toself-purification. They will not feel the urge to tax the earnings of theirsubordinates for their own upkeep. They will then have no excuse either to goagainst your instructions or misappropriate state funds. Keep to watch over themwithout their knowledge, loyal and upright men. Perchance they may develop truehonesty and true concern for the public welfare. But whenever any of them isaccused of dishonesty and the guilt is confirmed by the report of your secretservice, then regard this as a sufficient to convict him. Let the punishment becorporal and let that be dealt in the public at an appointed place ofdegradation.
Revenue Administration
Great care is to be exercised inrevenue administration, to ensure the prosperity of those who pay the revenue tothe state; for it is on their prosperity depends the prosperity of others, particularly the prosperity of the masses. Indeed, the state exists on itsrevenue. You should regard the proper upkeep of the land in cultivation as ofgreater importance than the collection of revenue, for revenue cannot be derivedexcept by making the land productive. He who demands revenue without helping thecultivator to improve his land, inflicts unmerited hardship on the cultivatorand ruins the State. The rule of such a person does not last long. If thecultivators ask for reduction of their land cess for having suffered fromepidemics or drought or excess of rains or the barrenness of the soil or floodsdamaging to their barrenness of the soil or foods damaging to their crops, then, reduce the cess accordingly, so that their condition might improve. Do not mindthe loss of revenue on that account for that will return to you one day manifoldin the hour of greater prosperity of the land and enable you to improve thecondition of your towns and to raise the prestige of your state. You will be theobject of universal praise. The people will believe in your sense of justice. The confidence which they will place in you in consequence will prove yourstrength, as they will be found ready to share your burdens.
You may settledown on the land any number of people, but discontent will overtake them if theland is not improved. The cause of the cultivator's ruin is the rulers who arebent feverishly on accumulating wealth at all costs, out of the fear that theirrule might not last long. Such are the people who do not learn from examples orprecedents.
Clerical Establishment
Keep an eye on your establishment andyour scribes; and select the best among them for your confidentialcorrespondence such among these as possess high character and deserve your fullconfidence, men who may not exploit their privileged position to go against youand who may not grow neglectful of their duties and who in the drafting oftreaties may not succumb to external temptation and harm your interests, or failto render you proper assistance and to save you from trouble, and who incarrying out their duties can realize their serious responsibilities, for he whodoes not realize his own responsibilities can hardly appraise thereprehensibilities of others. Do not select men for such work merely on thestrength of your first impressions of your affection or good faith; for as amatter of fact; the pretensions of a good many who are really devoid of honestyand good breeding may cheat even the intelligence of rulers. Selection should bemade after due probation which should be the test of righteousness. In makingdirect appointments from people, see to it that those selected possess influencewith the people and who enjoy the reputation of being honest; for such selectionis agreeable to God and the ruler. For every department of administration, letthere be a head, whom no trying task might cause worry and no pressure of workannoy.
And remember that every weakness of any one among your establishmentand scribe which you may overlook will be written down against you in yourscroll of deeds.
Trade and Industry
Adopt useful schemes placedbefore those engaged in trade and industry and help them with wise counsels. Some of them live in towns, and some move from place to place with their waresand tools and earn their living by manual labor. Trade and Industry are sourcesof profit to the State. While the general public is not inclined to bear thestrain, those engaged in these professions take the trouble to collectcommodities from far and near, from land and from across the sea, and frommountains and forests and naturally derive benefits.
It is this class ofpeace loving people from whom no disturbance need be feared. They love peace andorder; indeed they are incapable of creating disorder. Visit every part of thecountry and establish personal contact with this class, and inquire into theircondition. But bear in mind that a good many of them are intensely greedy andare inured to bad dealings. They hoard grain and try to sell it at a high price; and this is most harmful to the public. It is a blot on the name of the rulernot to fight this evil. Prevent them from hoarding; for the Prophet of God -Peace be upon him - had prohibited it. And see to it that trade is carried onwith the utmost ease, that the scales are evenly held and that prices are sofixed that neither the seller nor the buyer is put to a loss. And if inspite ofyour warning, should anyone go against your commands and commit the crime ofhoarding, then deal him appropriately with severe punishment.
The Poor
Beware! Fear God when dealing with the problem of the poor who have non topatronize, who are forlorn, indigent and helpless and are greatly torn in mind -victims of the vicissitudes of Time. Among them there are some who do notquestion their lot in life not withstanding their misery, do not go aboutabegging. For God's sake, safeguard their rights; for on you rests theresponsibility of protection. Assign for their uplift a portion of the stateexchequer (Baitul-mal), wherever they may be, whether close at hand or far awayfrom you. The rights of the two should be equal in your eye. Do not let anypreoccupation slip them from your mind; for no excuse whatsoever for thedisregard of their rights will be acceptable to God. Do not treat theirinterests as of less importance than your own, and never keep them outside thepurview of your important considerations, and mark the persons who look downupon them and of whose conditions they keep you in ignorance.
Select fromamong your officers such men as are meek and God fearing who can keep youproperly informed of the condition of the poor. Make such provision for thesepoor people as shall not oblige you to offer an excuse before God on the Day ofJudgment; for, it is this section of the people more than any other whichdeserves benevolent treatment. Seek your reward from God by giving to each ofthem what is due to him and enjoin on yourself as a sacred duty the task ofmeting the needs of such aged among them as have no independent means oflivelihood and are averse to seek alms. And it is the discharge of this dutythat usually proves very trying for ruler, but is very welcome to societieswhich are gifted with foresight. It is only such societies or nations who trulycarry out with equanimity their covenant with God to discharge their duty to thepoor.
Open Conferences
Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically inan open conference and, conscious of the divine presence there, have aheart-to-heart talk with them, and let none from your armed guard or civilofficers or members of the police or the Intelligence Department be by yourside, so that the representatives of the poor might state their grievancesfearlessly and without reserve. For I have the Prophet of God saying that nonation or society will occupy a high position in which the strong do notdischarge their duty to the weak. Bear with composure any strong language whichthey may use, and do not get annoyed if they cannot state their case lucidly, even so, God will open you his door of blessings and rewards. Whatever you cangive to them, give it ungrudgingly, and whatever you cannot afford to give, makethat clear to them in utmost sincerity.
There are certain things which callfor prompt action. Accept the recommendations made by your officers for theredress of the grievances of the clerical staff. See to it that petitions orapplications that are submitted for your consideration are brought to yournotice the very day they are submitted, however much your officers might try tointercede them. Dispose off the day's work that very day, for the coming daywill bring with it its own tasks.
Communion with God
And do not forgetto set apart the best of your time for communion with God, although every momentof yours is for Him only, provided it is spend sincerely in the service of yourpeople. The special time that you give to prayer in the strict religious senseis to be devoted to the performances of the prescribed daily prayers. Keepyourself engaged in these prayers both in the day and in the night, and to gainperfect communion, do not as far as possible, let your prayers grow tiresome. And when you lead in congregational prayer, do not let your prayer be so lengthyas to cause discomfort to the congregation or raise in them the feeling ofdislike for it or liquidate its effect: for in the congregation there may beinvalids and also those who have to attend pressing affairs of their own.
When I had asked of the Prophet of God on receiving an order to proceed toYaman, how I should lead the people there in prayer, he said -perform yourprayers even as the weakest among you would do; and set an example ofconsideration to the faithful.
Aloofness not desirable
Alongside of theobservance of all that I have said above bear one thing in mind. Never for anylength of time keep yourself aloof from the people, for to do so is to keeponeself ignorant of their affairs. It develops in the ruler a wrong perspectiveand renders him unable to distinguish between what is important and what is not, between right and wrong, and between truth and falsehood. The ruler is after allhuman; and he cannot form a correct view of anything which is out of sight. There is no distinctive sign attached to truth which may enable one todistinguish between the different varieties of truth and falsehood. The fact isthat you must be one of two things. Either you are just or unjust. If you arejust, then you will not keep yourself away from the people, but will listen tothem and meet their requirements. On the other hand, it you are unjust, thepeople themselves will keep way from you. What virtue is there in your keepingaloof? At all events aloofness is not desirable especially when it is your dutyto attend to the needs of the people. Complaints of oppression by your officersor petitions for justice should not prove irksome to you.
Make this clear toyourself that those immediately about and around you will like to exploit theirposition to covet what belongs to others and commit acts of injustice. Suppresssuch a tendency in them. Make a rule of your conduct never to give even a smallpiece of land to any of your relations. That will prevent them from causing harmto the interests of others and save you from courting the disapprobation of Godand Man.
Deal justice squarely regardless of the fact whether one is arelation or not. If any of your relations or companions violates the law, meteout the punishment prescribed by law however painful it might be to youpersonally; for it will be all to the good of the State. If at any time peoplesuspect, that you have been unjust to them in any respect disclose your mind tothem and remove their suspicions. In this way, your mind will get attuned to thesense of justice and people will begin to love you. It will also fulfill yourwish that you should enjoy their confidence.
Peace and Treaties
Bear inmind that you do not throw away the offer of peace which your enemy may himselfmake. Accept it, for, that will please God. Peace is a source of comfort to thearmy; it reduces your worries and promotes order in the State. But Beware! Be onyour guard when the peace is signed; for, certain types of enemies propose termsof peace just to lull you into a sense of security only to attack you again whenyou are off your guard. So you should exercise the utmost vigilance on yourpart, and place no undue faith in their protestations. But, if under the peacetreaty you have accepted any obligations, discharge those obligationsscrupulously. It is a trust and must be faithfully upheld and whenever you havepromised anything, keep it with all the strength that you command, for whateverdifferences of opinion might exist on other matters, there is nothing so nobleas the fulfillment of a promise. This is recognized even among non-Muslims, forthey know the dire consequences which follow from the breaking of covenants. Sonever make excuses in discharging your responsibilities and never break apromise, nor cheat your enemy. For, breach of promise is an act against God, andnone except the positively wicked acts against God
Indeed divine promisesare a blessing spread over all mankind. The promise of God is a refuge soughtafter even by the most powerful on earth; for there is no risk of being cheated. So, do not make any promise from which you may afterwards offer excuses toretract; nor do you go back upon what you have confirmed to abide by; nor do youbreak it, however galling it may at first prove to be. For, it is far better towait in patience for wholesome results to follow than to break it out of anyapprehensions.
Beware! Abstain from shedding blood without a valid cause. There is nothing more harmful than this which brings about one's ruin. The bloodthat is willfully shed shortens the life of a state. On the Day of Judgment itis this crime for which one will have to answer first. So, beware! Do not wishto build the strength of your state on blood; for, it is this blood whichultimately weakens the state and passes it on to other hands. Before me and myGod no excuse for willful killing can be entertained.
Murder is a crimewhich is punishable by death. If on any accord the corporal punishment dealt bythe state for any lesser crime results in the death of the guilty, let not theprestige of the stage stand in any way of the deceased relations claiming bloodmoney.
Last Instructions
Do not make haste to do a thing before itstime, nor put it off when the right moment arrives. Do not insist on doing awrong thing, nor show slackness in rectifying a wrong thing. Perform everythingin its proper time, and let everything occupy its proper place. When the peopleas a whole agree upon a thing, do not impose your own view on them and do notneglect to discharge the responsibility that rests on you in consequence. For, the eyes of the people will be on you and you are answerable for whatever you doto them. The slightest dereliction of duty will bring its own retribution. Keepyour anger under control and keep your hands and tongue in check whenever youfall into anger, try to restrain yourself or else you will simply increase yourworries.
It is imperative on you to study carefully the principles whichhave inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you. Give close thoughtto the example of our prophet (peace be upon him), his traditions, and thecommandments of the Book of God and whatever you might have assimilated from myown way of dealing with things. Endeavor to the best of your ability to carryout the instructions which I have given you here and which you have solemnlyundertaken to follow. By means of this order, I enjoin on you not to succumb tothe prompting of your own heart or to turn away from the discharge of dutiesentrusted to you.
I seek the refuge of the might of the Almighty and of Hislimitless sphere of blessings, and invite you to pray with me that He may giveus together the grace willingly to surrender our will to His will, and to enableus to acquit ourselves before Him and His creation; so that mankind mightcherish our memory and our work survive. I seek of God the culmination of hisblessings and pray that He may grant you and me His grace and the honor ofmartyrdom in His cause. Verily, we have to return to Him. I invoke His blessingson the Prophet of God and his pure progeny.
This script reads: "Ali Ibn Abi Talib, radiya' llah Ta'aala anhuwa-Karrama wajhahu." (Ali Bin Abi Talib, may God Almighty be pleased with himand honor him.) The script is Tawqi', structured into the shape of alion.
The Richest Treasure
Be it known to you, O, Malik, that I amsending you as Governor to a country which in the past has experienced both justand unjust rule. Men will scrutinize your actions with a searching eye, even asyou used to scrutinize the actions of those before you, and speak of you even asyou did speak of them. The fact is that the public speak well of only those whodo good. It is they who furnish the proof of your actions. Hence the richesttreasure that you may covet would be the treasure of good deeds. Keep yourdesires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibitedfrom, for, by such abstinence alone, you will be able to distinguish betweenwhat is good to them and what is not.
Develop in your heart the feeling oflove for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing tothem. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate toyourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state areof two categories. They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren inkind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some indeeddo commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. Andthen there is God even above him who has given you the position of a Governor inorder that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them. And you will be judged by what you do for them.
Do not set yourself againstGod, for neither do you possess the strength to shield yourself against Hisdispleasure, nor can you place yourself outside the pale of His mercy andforgiveness. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over anypunishment that you may mete out to any one. Do not rouse yourself to anger, forno good will come out of it.
Do not say: "I am your overlord and dictator, and that you should, therefore, bow to my commands", as that will corrupt yourheart, weaken your faith in religion and create disorder in the state. Shouldyou be elated by power, ever feel in your mind the slightest symptoms of prideand arrogance, then look at the power and majesty of the Divine governance ofthe Universe over which you have absolutely no control. It will restore thesense of balance to your wayward intelligence and give you the sense of calmnessand affability. Beware! Never put yourself against the majesty and grandeur ofGod and never imitate His omnipotence; for God has brought low every rebel ofGod and every tyrant of man.
Let your mind respect through your actions therights of God and the rights of man, and likewise, persuade your companions andrelations to do likewise. For, otherwise, you will be doing injustice toyourself and injustice to humanity. Thus both man and God will turn unto yourenemies. There is no hearing anywhere for one who makes an enemy of God himself. He will be regarded as one at war with God until he feels contrition and seeksforgiveness. Nothing deprives man of divine blessings or excites divine wrathagainst him more easily than cruelty. Hence it is, that God listens to the voiceof the oppressed and waylays the oppressor.
The Common Man
Maintainjustice in administration and impose it on your own self and seek the consent ofthe people, for, the discontent of the masses sterilizes the contentment of theprivileged few and the discontent of the few looses itself in the contentment ofthe many. Remember the privileged few will not rally round you in moments ofdifficulty: they will try to side-track justice, they will ask for more thanwhat they deserve and will show no gratitude for favors done to them. They willfeel restive in the face of trials and will offer no regret for theirshortcomings. It is the common man who is the strength of the State andReligion. It is he who fights the enemy. So live in close contact with themasses and be mindful of their welfare.
Keep at a distance him who peersinto the weaknesses of others. After all, the masses are not free fromweaknesses. It is the duty of the ruler to shield them. Do not bring to lightthat which is hidden, but try to remove those weaknesses which have been broughtto light. God is watchful of everything that is hidden from you, and He alonewill deal with it. To the best of your ability cover the weaknesses of thepublic, and God will cover the weaknesses in you which you are anxious to keepaway from their eye. Unloose the tangle of mutual hatred between the public andthe administration and remove all those causes which may give rise to strainedrelations between them. Protect yourself from every such act as may not be quitecorrect for you. Do not make haste in seeking confirmation of tale-telling, for, the tale-teller is a deceitful person appearing in the garb of a friend.
TheCounselors
Never take counsel of a miser, for he will vitiate yourmagnanimity and frighten you of poverty. Do not take counsel of a coward also, for, he will cheat you of your resolves. Do not take counsel of the greedy too: for he will instill greed in you and turn you into a tyrant. Miserliness, cowardice and greed deprive man of his trust in God.
The worst of counselorsis he who has served as a counselor to unjust rulers and shared their crimes. So, never let men who have been companions of tyrants or shared their crimes beyour counselors. You can get better men than these, men gifted with intelligenceand foresight, but unpolluted by sin, men who have never aided a tyrant in histyranny or a criminal in his crime. Such men will never be a burden on you. Onthe other hand, they will be a source of help and strength to you at all times. They will be friends to you and strangers to your enemies. Choose such men alonefor companionship both in privacy and in the public. Even among these, showpreference to them who have a habitual regard for truth however trying to you attimes their truth may prove to be, and who offer you no encouragement in thedisplay of tendencies which God does not like his friends to develop.
Keepclose to you the upright, and the God fearing, and make clear to them that theyare never to flatter you and never to give you credit for any good that you maynot have done: for, the tolerance of flattery and unhealthy praise stimulatespride in man makes him arrogant.
Do not treat the good and the bad alike. That will deter the good from doing good, and encourage the bad in their badpursuits. Recompense every one according one's deserts. Remember that mutualtrust and good will between the ruler and the ruled are bred only throughbenevolence, justice and service. So, cultivate good-will amongst the people; for their good-will alone will save you from troubles. Your benevolence to themwill be repaid by their trust in you, and your ill-treatment by their ill-will.
Do not disregard the noble traditions set by our forbearers which havepromoted harmony and progress among the people; and do not initiate anythingwhich might minimize their usefulness. The men who had established these nobletraditions have had their reward; but responsibility will be yours if they aredisturbed. Try always to learn something from the experience of the learned andthe wise, and frequently consult them in state matters so that you mightmaintain the peace and good-will which your predecessors had established in theland.
The Different Classes of People
Remember that the people arecomposed of different classes. The progress of one is dependent on the progressof every other; and none can afford to be independent of the other. We have theArmy formed of the soldiers of God, we have our civil officers and theirestablishments, our judiciary, our revenue collectors and our public relationofficers. The general public itself consists of Muslims and Zimmis and amongthem of merchants and craftsmen, the unemployed and the indigent. God hasprescribed for them their several rights, duties and obligations. They are alldefined and preserved in the Book of God and in the traditions of his Prophet.
The army, by the grace of God, is like a fortress to the people and lendsdignity to the state. It upholds the prestige of the Faith and maintains thepeace of the country. Without it the state cannot stand. In its turn, it cannotstand without the support of the state. Our soldiers have proved strong beforethe enemy because of the privilege God has given them to fight for Him; but theyhave their material needs to fulfil and have therefore to depend upon the incomeprovided for them from the state revenue. The military and civil population whopay revenue, both need the co-operation of others -the judiciary, civil officersand their establishment. The Qazi administers civil and criminal law; the civilofficers collect revenue and attend to civil administration with the assistanceof their establishment. And then there are the tradesmen and the merchants whoadd to the revenue of the state. It is they who run the markets and are in abetter position than others to discharge social obligations. And then there isthe class of the poor and the needy, whose maintenance is an obligation on theother classes. God has given appropriate opportunity of service to one and all; and then there are the rights of all these classes over the administration whichthe administrator has to meet with an eye on the good of the entire population, a duty which he cannot fulfill properly unless he takes personal interest in itsexecution and seeks help from God. Indeed it is obligatory on him to impose thisduty on himself and to bear with patience the inconveniences and difficultiesincidental to his task.
The Army
Be particularly mindful of the welfareof those in the army who in your opinion, are staunchly faithful to their Godand Prophet and loyal to their chief, and who in the hour of passion canrestrain themselves and listen coolly to sensible remonstrance, and who cansuccor the weak and smite the strong, whom violent provocation will not throwinto violent temper and who will not falter at any stage.
Keep yourself inclose contact with the families of established reputation and integrity with aglorious past, and draw to yourself men brave and upright in character, generousand benevolent in disposition; for such are the salt of society.
Care forthem with the tenderness with which you care for your children, and do not talkbefore them of any good that you might have done to them, nor disregard anyexpression of affection which they show in return; for, such conduct inspiresloyalty, devotion and goodwill. Attend to every little of their wants notresting content with what general help that you might have given to them, forsometimes, timely attention to a little want of theirs brings them immenserelief. Surely these people will not forget you in your own hour of need.
Itbehooves you to select for your Commander-in-chief one who imposes on himself asa duty, the task of rendering help to his men, and who can excel in kindnessevery other officer who has to attend to the needs of the men under him, andlook after their families when they are away from their homes; so much so, thatthe entire army should feel united in their joys and in their sorrows. The unityof purpose will give them added strength against the enemy. Continue to maintaina kindly attitude towards them so that they might feel attached to you. The factis that the real happiness of the administrators and their most pleasant comfortlies in establishing justice in the state and maintaining affectionate relationswith the people. Their sincerity of feeling is expressed in the love and regardthey show to you, on which alone depends the safety of the administrators.
Your advices to the army will be of no avail, unless and until you showaffection to both men and officers, in order that they might not regard theGovernment as an oppressive burden or contribute to its downfall.
Continueto satisfy their needs and praise them over and over again for what servicesthey have rendered. Such an attitude, God willing will inspire the brave tobraver actions and induce the timid to deeds of bravery.
Try to enter intothe feelings of others and do not foist the mistake of one over another and donot grudge dispensing appropriate rewards. See to it you do not show favors toone who has done nothing but merely counts on his family position; and do notwithhold proper rewards from one who has done great deeds simply because heholds a low position in life.
The Real Guidance
Turn to God and to Hisprophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain as to what you have to do. There is the commandment of God delivered to those people who He wishes to guidearight: "O people of the Faith! Obey God and obey His prophet and those fromamong you who hold authority over you. And refer to God and His prophet wheneverthere is difference of opinion among you. To turn to God is in reality toconsult the Book of God; and to turn to the prophet is t follow his universallyaccepted traditions.
Chief Judge
Select for your chief judge one fromthe people who is by far the best among them -one who is not obsessed withdomestic worries, one who cannot be intimidated, one who does not err to often, one who does not turn back from a right path once he finds it, one who is notself-centered or avaricious, one who will not decide before knowing full facts, one who will weigh wit care every attendant doubt and pronounce a clear verdictafter taking everything into full consideration, one who will not grow restiveover the arguments of advocates and who will examine with patience every newdisclosure of fact and who will be strictly impartial in his decision, one whoflattery cannot mislead or one who does not exult over his position. But it isnot easy to find such men.
Once you have selected the right man for theoffice, pay him handsomely enough, to let him live in comfort and in keepingwith his position, enough to keep him above temptations. Give him a position inyour court so high none can even dream of coveting it and so high that neitherback-biting nor intrigue can touch him.
Subordinate Judiciary
Beware! The utmost carefulness is to be exercised in his selection: for it is this highoffice which adventurous self-seekers aspire to secure and exploit in theirselfish interests. After the selection of your chief judge, give carefulconsideration to the selection of other officers. Confirm them in theirappointments after approved apprenticeship and probation. Never select men forresponsible posts either out of any regard for personal connections or under anyinfluence, for, that might lead to injustice and corruption.
Of these selectfor higher posts men of experience, men firm in faith and belonging to goodfamilies. Such men will not fall an easy prey to temptations and will dischargetheir duties with an eye on the abiding good of others. Increase their salariesto give them a contented life. A contented living is a help toself-purification. They will not feel the urge to tax the earnings of theirsubordinates for their own upkeep. They will then have no excuse either to goagainst your instructions or misappropriate state funds. Keep to watch over themwithout their knowledge, loyal and upright men. Perchance they may develop truehonesty and true concern for the public welfare. But whenever any of them isaccused of dishonesty and the guilt is confirmed by the report of your secretservice, then regard this as a sufficient to convict him. Let the punishment becorporal and let that be dealt in the public at an appointed place ofdegradation.
Revenue Administration
Great care is to be exercised inrevenue administration, to ensure the prosperity of those who pay the revenue tothe state; for it is on their prosperity depends the prosperity of others, particularly the prosperity of the masses. Indeed, the state exists on itsrevenue. You should regard the proper upkeep of the land in cultivation as ofgreater importance than the collection of revenue, for revenue cannot be derivedexcept by making the land productive. He who demands revenue without helping thecultivator to improve his land, inflicts unmerited hardship on the cultivatorand ruins the State. The rule of such a person does not last long. If thecultivators ask for reduction of their land cess for having suffered fromepidemics or drought or excess of rains or the barrenness of the soil or floodsdamaging to their barrenness of the soil or foods damaging to their crops, then, reduce the cess accordingly, so that their condition might improve. Do not mindthe loss of revenue on that account for that will return to you one day manifoldin the hour of greater prosperity of the land and enable you to improve thecondition of your towns and to raise the prestige of your state. You will be theobject of universal praise. The people will believe in your sense of justice. The confidence which they will place in you in consequence will prove yourstrength, as they will be found ready to share your burdens.
You may settledown on the land any number of people, but discontent will overtake them if theland is not improved. The cause of the cultivator's ruin is the rulers who arebent feverishly on accumulating wealth at all costs, out of the fear that theirrule might not last long. Such are the people who do not learn from examples orprecedents.
Clerical Establishment
Keep an eye on your establishment andyour scribes; and select the best among them for your confidentialcorrespondence such among these as possess high character and deserve your fullconfidence, men who may not exploit their privileged position to go against youand who may not grow neglectful of their duties and who in the drafting oftreaties may not succumb to external temptation and harm your interests, or failto render you proper assistance and to save you from trouble, and who incarrying out their duties can realize their serious responsibilities, for he whodoes not realize his own responsibilities can hardly appraise thereprehensibilities of others. Do not select men for such work merely on thestrength of your first impressions of your affection or good faith; for as amatter of fact; the pretensions of a good many who are really devoid of honestyand good breeding may cheat even the intelligence of rulers. Selection should bemade after due probation which should be the test of righteousness. In makingdirect appointments from people, see to it that those selected possess influencewith the people and who enjoy the reputation of being honest; for such selectionis agreeable to God and the ruler. For every department of administration, letthere be a head, whom no trying task might cause worry and no pressure of workannoy.
And remember that every weakness of any one among your establishmentand scribe which you may overlook will be written down against you in yourscroll of deeds.
Trade and Industry
Adopt useful schemes placedbefore those engaged in trade and industry and help them with wise counsels. Some of them live in towns, and some move from place to place with their waresand tools and earn their living by manual labor. Trade and Industry are sourcesof profit to the State. While the general public is not inclined to bear thestrain, those engaged in these professions take the trouble to collectcommodities from far and near, from land and from across the sea, and frommountains and forests and naturally derive benefits.
It is this class ofpeace loving people from whom no disturbance need be feared. They love peace andorder; indeed they are incapable of creating disorder. Visit every part of thecountry and establish personal contact with this class, and inquire into theircondition. But bear in mind that a good many of them are intensely greedy andare inured to bad dealings. They hoard grain and try to sell it at a high price; and this is most harmful to the public. It is a blot on the name of the rulernot to fight this evil. Prevent them from hoarding; for the Prophet of God -Peace be upon him - had prohibited it. And see to it that trade is carried onwith the utmost ease, that the scales are evenly held and that prices are sofixed that neither the seller nor the buyer is put to a loss. And if inspite ofyour warning, should anyone go against your commands and commit the crime ofhoarding, then deal him appropriately with severe punishment.
The Poor
Beware! Fear God when dealing with the problem of the poor who have non topatronize, who are forlorn, indigent and helpless and are greatly torn in mind -victims of the vicissitudes of Time. Among them there are some who do notquestion their lot in life not withstanding their misery, do not go aboutabegging. For God's sake, safeguard their rights; for on you rests theresponsibility of protection. Assign for their uplift a portion of the stateexchequer (Baitul-mal), wherever they may be, whether close at hand or far awayfrom you. The rights of the two should be equal in your eye. Do not let anypreoccupation slip them from your mind; for no excuse whatsoever for thedisregard of their rights will be acceptable to God. Do not treat theirinterests as of less importance than your own, and never keep them outside thepurview of your important considerations, and mark the persons who look downupon them and of whose conditions they keep you in ignorance.
Select fromamong your officers such men as are meek and God fearing who can keep youproperly informed of the condition of the poor. Make such provision for thesepoor people as shall not oblige you to offer an excuse before God on the Day ofJudgment; for, it is this section of the people more than any other whichdeserves benevolent treatment. Seek your reward from God by giving to each ofthem what is due to him and enjoin on yourself as a sacred duty the task ofmeting the needs of such aged among them as have no independent means oflivelihood and are averse to seek alms. And it is the discharge of this dutythat usually proves very trying for ruler, but is very welcome to societieswhich are gifted with foresight. It is only such societies or nations who trulycarry out with equanimity their covenant with God to discharge their duty to thepoor.
Open Conferences
Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically inan open conference and, conscious of the divine presence there, have aheart-to-heart talk with them, and let none from your armed guard or civilofficers or members of the police or the Intelligence Department be by yourside, so that the representatives of the poor might state their grievancesfearlessly and without reserve. For I have the Prophet of God saying that nonation or society will occupy a high position in which the strong do notdischarge their duty to the weak. Bear with composure any strong language whichthey may use, and do not get annoyed if they cannot state their case lucidly, even so, God will open you his door of blessings and rewards. Whatever you cangive to them, give it ungrudgingly, and whatever you cannot afford to give, makethat clear to them in utmost sincerity.
There are certain things which callfor prompt action. Accept the recommendations made by your officers for theredress of the grievances of the clerical staff. See to it that petitions orapplications that are submitted for your consideration are brought to yournotice the very day they are submitted, however much your officers might try tointercede them. Dispose off the day's work that very day, for the coming daywill bring with it its own tasks.
Communion with God
And do not forgetto set apart the best of your time for communion with God, although every momentof yours is for Him only, provided it is spend sincerely in the service of yourpeople. The special time that you give to prayer in the strict religious senseis to be devoted to the performances of the prescribed daily prayers. Keepyourself engaged in these prayers both in the day and in the night, and to gainperfect communion, do not as far as possible, let your prayers grow tiresome. And when you lead in congregational prayer, do not let your prayer be so lengthyas to cause discomfort to the congregation or raise in them the feeling ofdislike for it or liquidate its effect: for in the congregation there may beinvalids and also those who have to attend pressing affairs of their own.
When I had asked of the Prophet of God on receiving an order to proceed toYaman, how I should lead the people there in prayer, he said -perform yourprayers even as the weakest among you would do; and set an example ofconsideration to the faithful.
Aloofness not desirable
Alongside of theobservance of all that I have said above bear one thing in mind. Never for anylength of time keep yourself aloof from the people, for to do so is to keeponeself ignorant of their affairs. It develops in the ruler a wrong perspectiveand renders him unable to distinguish between what is important and what is not, between right and wrong, and between truth and falsehood. The ruler is after allhuman; and he cannot form a correct view of anything which is out of sight. There is no distinctive sign attached to truth which may enable one todistinguish between the different varieties of truth and falsehood. The fact isthat you must be one of two things. Either you are just or unjust. If you arejust, then you will not keep yourself away from the people, but will listen tothem and meet their requirements. On the other hand, it you are unjust, thepeople themselves will keep way from you. What virtue is there in your keepingaloof? At all events aloofness is not desirable especially when it is your dutyto attend to the needs of the people. Complaints of oppression by your officersor petitions for justice should not prove irksome to you.
Make this clear toyourself that those immediately about and around you will like to exploit theirposition to covet what belongs to others and commit acts of injustice. Suppresssuch a tendency in them. Make a rule of your conduct never to give even a smallpiece of land to any of your relations. That will prevent them from causing harmto the interests of others and save you from courting the disapprobation of Godand Man.
Deal justice squarely regardless of the fact whether one is arelation or not. If any of your relations or companions violates the law, meteout the punishment prescribed by law however painful it might be to youpersonally; for it will be all to the good of the State. If at any time peoplesuspect, that you have been unjust to them in any respect disclose your mind tothem and remove their suspicions. In this way, your mind will get attuned to thesense of justice and people will begin to love you. It will also fulfill yourwish that you should enjoy their confidence.
Peace and Treaties
Bear inmind that you do not throw away the offer of peace which your enemy may himselfmake. Accept it, for, that will please God. Peace is a source of comfort to thearmy; it reduces your worries and promotes order in the State. But Beware! Be onyour guard when the peace is signed; for, certain types of enemies propose termsof peace just to lull you into a sense of security only to attack you again whenyou are off your guard. So you should exercise the utmost vigilance on yourpart, and place no undue faith in their protestations. But, if under the peacetreaty you have accepted any obligations, discharge those obligationsscrupulously. It is a trust and must be faithfully upheld and whenever you havepromised anything, keep it with all the strength that you command, for whateverdifferences of opinion might exist on other matters, there is nothing so nobleas the fulfillment of a promise. This is recognized even among non-Muslims, forthey know the dire consequences which follow from the breaking of covenants. Sonever make excuses in discharging your responsibilities and never break apromise, nor cheat your enemy. For, breach of promise is an act against God, andnone except the positively wicked acts against God
Indeed divine promisesare a blessing spread over all mankind. The promise of God is a refuge soughtafter even by the most powerful on earth; for there is no risk of being cheated. So, do not make any promise from which you may afterwards offer excuses toretract; nor do you go back upon what you have confirmed to abide by; nor do youbreak it, however galling it may at first prove to be. For, it is far better towait in patience for wholesome results to follow than to break it out of anyapprehensions.
Beware! Abstain from shedding blood without a valid cause. There is nothing more harmful than this which brings about one's ruin. The bloodthat is willfully shed shortens the life of a state. On the Day of Judgment itis this crime for which one will have to answer first. So, beware! Do not wishto build the strength of your state on blood; for, it is this blood whichultimately weakens the state and passes it on to other hands. Before me and myGod no excuse for willful killing can be entertained.
Murder is a crimewhich is punishable by death. If on any accord the corporal punishment dealt bythe state for any lesser crime results in the death of the guilty, let not theprestige of the stage stand in any way of the deceased relations claiming bloodmoney.
Last Instructions
Do not make haste to do a thing before itstime, nor put it off when the right moment arrives. Do not insist on doing awrong thing, nor show slackness in rectifying a wrong thing. Perform everythingin its proper time, and let everything occupy its proper place. When the peopleas a whole agree upon a thing, do not impose your own view on them and do notneglect to discharge the responsibility that rests on you in consequence. For, the eyes of the people will be on you and you are answerable for whatever you doto them. The slightest dereliction of duty will bring its own retribution. Keepyour anger under control and keep your hands and tongue in check whenever youfall into anger, try to restrain yourself or else you will simply increase yourworries.
It is imperative on you to study carefully the principles whichhave inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you. Give close thoughtto the example of our prophet (peace be upon him), his traditions, and thecommandments of the Book of God and whatever you might have assimilated from myown way of dealing with things. Endeavor to the best of your ability to carryout the instructions which I have given you here and which you have solemnlyundertaken to follow. By means of this order, I enjoin on you not to succumb tothe prompting of your own heart or to turn away from the discharge of dutiesentrusted to you.
I seek the refuge of the might of the Almighty and of Hislimitless sphere of blessings, and invite you to pray with me that He may giveus together the grace willingly to surrender our will to His will, and to enableus to acquit ourselves before Him and His creation; so that mankind mightcherish our memory and our work survive. I seek of God the culmination of hisblessings and pray that He may grant you and me His grace and the honor ofmartyrdom in His cause. Verily, we have to return to Him. I invoke His blessingson the Prophet of God and his pure progeny.
منبع :نهج البلاغه امام علی (ع) ، خطبه 53
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