It is the longest set of instructions (in the Nahj al-Balaghah).

It is the longest set of instructions (in the Nahj al-Balaghah). Among all his letters it embraces the largest number of good qualities. Part One: Introduction (3) This is that with which Imam Ali (PBUH) the servant of God and Commander of the Faithful, charged Malik ibn al-Harith al-Ashtar in his instructions to him when he appointed him governor of Egypt: To collect its land tax,(4) to war against its enemies, to improve the condition of the people and to engender prosperity in its regions.

He charged him to fear God, to prefer obedience to Him (over all else) and to follow what He has directed in His Book-both the acts He has made obligatory and those He recommends (5) for none attains felicity but he who follows His directions, and none is overcome by wretchedness but he who denies them and lets them slip by. (He charged him) to help God-glory be to Him-with his heart, his hand and his tongue (6), for He-majestic is His Name-has promised to help him who exalts Him (7).

In addition, He charged him to break the passions of his soul and restrain it in its recalcitrance, for the soul incites to evil, except inasmuch as God has mercy (8). Part Two: Commands and Instructions Concerning Righteous Action in the Affairs of the State Know, O Malik, that I am sending you to a land where governments, just and unjust, have existed before you. People will look upon your affairs in the same way that you were wont to look upon the affairs of the rulers before you.

They will speak about you as you were wont to speak about those rulers. And the righteous are only known by that which God causes to pass concerning them on the tongues of His servants. So let the dearest of your treasuries be the treasury of righteous action. Control your desire and restrain your soul from what is not lawful to you, for restraint of the soul is for it to be equities in what it likes and dislikes. Infuse your heart with mercy, love and kindness for your subjects.

Be not in face of them a voracious animal, counting them as easy prey, for they are of two kinds: either they are your brothers in religion or your equals in creation. Error catches them unaware, deficiencies overcome them, (evil deeds) are committed by them intentionally and by mistake. So grant them your pardon and your forgiveness to the same extent that you hope God will grant you His pardon and His forgiveness.

For you are above them, and he who appointed you is above you, and God is above him who appointed you.