Justice above all: Imam Ali (as) is remembered above all for his justice. As Caliph, he treated the rich and the poor exactly the same.
Refusing his own brother: Once, his own brother Aqil asked him for extra money from the public treasury. Imam Ali (as) refused. He said the public money belongs to all the people, and he could not give his brother more than anyone else.
A ruler like a father: He also said that a ruler must be like a father to his people, kind to them and fair to them. His famous letter to Malik al-Ashtar, his governor of Egypt, is a guide to just leadership that is still studied today.
Example
Justice, not favour: Imagine a teacher who gives full marks only to her own son, and less to others. That would feel unfair. Imam Ali (as) did the opposite — he refused to favour even his own brother. That is justice.
Key Terms
- Adl (عدل) — justice, fairness
- Malik al-Ashtar (مالک اشتر) — a loyal companion of Imam Ali (as), appointed governor of Egypt
- Public treasury (بیت المال) — the money of the state, belonging to all the people
Quran or Hadith
The Quran commands: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice" (4:58). — to be checked.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: None needed. Simple text topic.
- Imam Ali (as) refused to give his own brother extra money from the public treasury.
- A just ruler treats the rich and the poor exactly the same.
- His letter to Malik al-Ashtar is still a guide to fair leadership today.