A Selfless Advisor

In the history of Islam, the role of Imam Ali (A.S) is multifarious. He is one of the persons who put faith in the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) immediately after declaration of the prophethood. He proved to be a truthful companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) who shared with him the moments of joy, grief and sufferings. His knowledge of Islamic doctrine and law, his love for Islam and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and his heroic role in the early battles of Islam are all hugely applauded. Imam Ali (A.S) acted as an able and selfless advisor to the first three caliphs and conducted himself as a highly revered fourth caliph, though for a very brief period (656-661 C.E). Here is a piece of advice, rendered very sincerely to Umar, the Second Caliph (634-644 C.E), when he asked Imam Ali (A.S) whether he (Umar) should lead the invasion of Roman Empire. Imam Ali (A.S) suggested: “If you command this invasion personally and if you sustain a defeat or if you are killed then there will not remain any line of defense for Muslims and they shall be left without a central power to protect them. Their towns and their provinces will be left defenseless. You appoint an experienced officer to take charge of the invasion and place under him such soldiers who can face hardship, obey orders and have experience of war. If God grants them victory you achieve your aim and if they are defeated you will be at the centre to help Muslim state” [Nahjul Balagha Sermon Nos.137, p.260 and 149, p.270]. Following the huge conquests, the issue of distribution of conquered lands arose upon which Caliph Umar held a consultative meeting. Imam Ali (A.S) along with other companions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) also participated in the meeting. One group favored that the army personnel should be allowed, on a permanent basis, to retain conquered lands. The other group, which included Imam Ali (A.S), dissented. On this occasion, Imam Ali (A.S) remarked: “Leave the land and cultivators as it is so that it becomes a permanent source of economic gains to the masses. If the land is distributed amongst the army personnel, it will remain consolidated in some hands forever”. Supporting Imam Ali (A.S), Mu.adh bin Jabal opined: “if you distribute land (among soldiers) large parts of public lands will go to the army personnel after whom some heir will be single woman or single man to enjoy the entire benefits, while there will remain nothing for the government to spend on border security and maintenance of armies. It is advisable; therefore, that you make such an arrangement as would benefit the present as well as the future generations”. Ultimately, Umar decided to retain the ownership of conquered lands with the state only. The details of this consultative meeting are available in Abu Ubaid’s classical work entitled Kitab al-Amwal. Similarly, on several occasions, Imam Ali (A.S) is reported to have rendered his advice in civilian and juristic matters. Umar is quoted to have once remarked: “Umar would have been nowhere if Imam Ali (A.S) had not been with him” [Nadwi, Sayed Abul Hasan Ali., op.cit. p.97]. Even the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) had recognized this quality of Imam Ali (A.S) for he is reported to have said: “Imam Ali (A.S) is most competent to solve enigmatic problems” [Nadwi, Sayed Abul Hasan Ali., op.cit. p.97]. Imam Ali (A.S) once again proved himself as a selfless advisor to Caliph Othman (644-656 C.E.) when disturbances appeared during the end of his caliphate. Othman asked Imam Ali (A.S): “What are the real causes of this entire disturbance and how to control it? Openly and with all sincerity, Imam Ali (A.S) replied: “Whatever is happening, it is all due to the wrong doings of your governors and high officials”. Othman replied: “I have taken all the care in selecting my governors and Umar would also have done the same, then why this difference?” Imam Ali (A.S) replied: “Yes, it is true but Umar was a strict person and he had retained most of the powers in his own hands, everyone was afraid of his rage, even the most rebellious camel would have been terrorized by him. But, contrary to it you are a tender hearted man. Your governors are taking undue advantage of it and they are exercising their powers ruthlessly without even bringing it to your notice. The general public feels that every action, right or wrong, is being taken under your orders and hence you are considered responsible for it” [Nadvi, Shah Moinuddin., Hazrat Ali Al Murtuza, Idara Isha.at .e-Diniyat (P) Ltd., New Delhi, 1997, pp. 37-38. The author has quoted from Jami. Al-Tibri. p. 2938]. Imam Ali (A.S)’s conscientious statesmanship and his principled political stand even at the most critical times are universally acknowledged. One such was at the time when his assassin fatally wounded him. He asked his close family members to treat the assassin gently, maintaining that "he is also a human being...” The impact of Imam Ali's personal charm, noble qualities, magnetism of character and spell of ideas was so deep, intense and long lasting that its hangover continues even today.

Reference: A Note on Economic Ideas of Imam Ali (A.S.) with Special Reference to his Letter to Malik al-Ashtar