Imam Ali’s Letter to Malik Al Ashtar (5)
Story by Jessica Mbamah
Malik_al_Ashtar was one of the especial companions of Imam_Ali a.s and one of the powerful leaders of Iraq. He was one of the commanders of the army of Imam ‘Ali (a) who was forethoughtful in politics and strong in battle. He participated in the Battle of Jamal and the Battle of Siffin and eventually he was appointed by Imam ‘Ali (pbuh) as governor_general in Egypt. However, he was martyred before arriving to Egypt.
READ ALSO: Imam Ali’s Letter to Malik Al Ashtar (4)
The famous treaty of Malik al-Ashtar is a letter that Imam ‘Ali wrote to him while he was in Egypt.
Part 5
Do not treat the good and the bad alike. That will deter the good from doing good, and encourage the bad in their bad pursuits. Recompense everyone according to their deserts. Remember that mutual trust and goodwill between the ruler and the ruled are bred only through benevolence, justice and service.
READ ALSO: Imam Ali’s Letter to Malik Al Ashtar (3)
So, cultivate goodwill among the people; for their goodwill alone will save you from troubles. Your benevolence to them will be repaid by their trust in you, and your ill-treatment by their ill-will.
Do not disregard the noble traditions established by our forbears, which have promoted harmony and progress among the people; and do not initiate anything which might minimize their usefulness. The men who had established these noble traditions have had their reward; but responsibility will be yours if they are disturbed.
READ ALSO: Imam Ali’s letter to Malik al-Ashtar (2)
Try always to learn something from the experience of the learned and wise, and frequently consult them in state matters so that you might maintain the peace and goodwill which your predecessors had established in the land.
READ ALSO: Imam Ali’s letter to Malik Al Ashtar (1)
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