"……(…..) Certainly, Allah, the Sublime, has made it obligatory on true leaders that they should maintain themselves at the level of low people so that the poor do not cry over their poverty." 24
The management of global issues in the 21st century will require the active participation of all members of the international community. The developing countries with 80 per cent of the world´s population, must be part of a shared vision for this new century. The success or failure of poor people and poor countries in making their way in an interdependent world will have a profound influence in shaping the 21st Century. One should chose to be among the persecuted, rather than the persecutors. 25
The heads of States and Governments representative, gathered together at the United Nations General Assembly in New York between the 6th and the 8th of September 2000, adopted the "United Nations Millennium Declaration".
Allow me to highlight one of the most relevant points that make reference to "dignity, equality, equity, vulnerable people and extreme poverty". - "We recognize that, in addition to our separate responsibilities to our individual societies,, we have a collective responsibility to uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the global level. As leaders we have a duty therefore to all the world´s people, specially the most vulnerable and, in particular children of the world, to whom futures belongs. (Values and Principles, Point I, paragraph 2)
Here is my servant, whom I uphold my chosen, in who my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to nations." 26 As long as there is a contradiction between the stands of righteous and the corrupt ways of worldly societies, there will be those righteous people who will rise up and call society and their rulers to account. This people will put their lives at risk to speak out for the welfare of the community.
"If however, you warn the righteous not to sin, and they do not sin, they shall surely live, because they took warning; and you will have saved your life." 27
All authorities and international actors shall respect and ensure respect for their obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, in all circumstances.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it". 28
The chief concern of any government should be the welfare of its citizens. Therefore the ruler, and hence the government, should be like parent to the people, putting their concerns and needs ahead of his own. The ruler should give his highest consideration to the poor and provide them sufficient means of support. Such a government will be respected by the people, who then will easily submit to its rule.
Guardianship is not to give an order but to give one´s self. 29
Government should operate impartially and with integrity. Its leaders should be honest, moral, and virtuous people, who will no take bribes or act corruptly. Because people look up to a nation´s leaders as role models, they should set a good example for people. "The best deed of a great man is to forgive and forget." 30
Notes:
(24) Ali Ibn Talib (pbuh) Sermon 208, Nahjol-Balagha
(25) Talmud, Baba Kamma 93a
(26) Isaiah 42,1
(27) Ezekiel 3, 21
(28) Matthew 7, 13-14
(29) Nyika Proverb, Kenia and Tanzania
(30) Ali Ibn Talib (pbuh) Saying 201, Najhol-Balagha
