One of the most profound documents attributed to Imam Ali (a.s.) is his letter to Malik al-Ashtar, upon the Imam appointing him governor of Egypt. This document is often considered a model for good governance and continues to play a major role in international diplomacy. Citing this letter in 2002, Kofi Annan, then Secretary-General of the United Nations, called Imam Ali one of “the fairest governor[s] who appeared in human history”. Yet, in his letter, Imam Ali tells us not to be impressed by such external validation. Imam Ali says, “one who is unaware of the value of his own capabilities will be even more ignorant of the value of others” (pg. 227).
His letter is not just a guide for good governance, but an ethical document that applies to us as individuals. For example, in the above quote, he exhorts us to understand and appreciate for ourselves the treasures we have, such as the guidance of the Imams. When we understand we have value as human beings, because we are created by God as ashraf al-makhluqat, the noblest of creation, we comprehend the value of every part of creation, including recognizing the humanity and value of other people. By extension, we can also understand that Imam Ali is telling us that if we cannot recognize the majesty of the Divine in our own selves, as Divine creation, then we may struggle to recognize God in our everyday lives.
The letter continues, specifically giving guidance to Malik al-Ashtar as a governor, but also providing lessons for believers (mu’mins) to structure the world around them. Imam Ali quotes Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) as saying, “A nation in which the rights of the weak are not wrested in an uninhibited manner from the strong will never be blessed” (pg. 229). For Imam Ali, society exists to serve all of its members, not just the strong and the powerful. He reminds us that God is always on the side of those who are suffering: “For God hears the cry of the oppressed and keeps a vigilant watch over the oppressors” (pg. 221).
Many verses of the Qur’an deal with questions of equity and care of the marginalized. For example, verse 2:177 says in part, “piety is [personified by] those who have faith in Allah and the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets, and who give their wealth, for the love of Him, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller and the beggar, and for [the freeing of] the slaves.” Imam Ali echoes these verses by urging the governor to pay attention to the orphans, the elderly, the needy, the disabled, and those with special needs (pg. 228-229). Imam Ali tells us to recognize our own value as God’s creation in order to recognize the value in others as God’s creation. Here, Imam Ali tells us who we are responsible for in this world. Be responsible for God’s creation, because everyone has worth, and realize that you have worth as God’s creation as well. The Imam is explicit. The Imam reminds us there are two types of people in this world for whom we are responsible: those who are your family in faith and those who are God’s creation (pg. 220).
In his letter, Imam Ali advises Malik Al-Ashtar to ensure that he pays special attention to people who do not have access to the governor because if the regular people are upset, it weakens society, but if the elite are upset, no one is affected but the elite. He goes further to say, “In times of prosperity no subjects are more of a burden… than the elite, and none who are less helpful … in times of trial” (pg. 221). From this section, we understand that the members of society are interdependent, and the voices and needs of the vast majority of people must be tended to in order for society to function well. While Imam Ali is giving guidance to his governor, there are also lessons for believers on how to structure and contribute to the societies in which they live. It is not about charity, but about creating a society that inherently takes care of all of its members.
Imam Ali reminds us that our responsibility is to each other and to create social structures that show the care we have for each other, because we have a responsibility to God. He reminds us to care for the marginalized members of society so that God may forgive us for our shortcomings “for they are more in need of justice from you than any others” (pg. 229).
In his guidance, Imam Ali directs us to an understanding that our relationship with ourselves, and with each other, is intimately tied to our relationship with the Divine. To understand the value that each of us has as Divine creation, to protect and care for all of creation, is a celebration of God’s Mercy and an act of devotion.
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All quoted passages are taken from the Letter to Malik Al-Ashtar found in Appendix II of Justice and Remembrance by Reza Shah-Kazemi.
