Abih, Imam Ali (as) reprimands Ziyad against corruption: “I...

Abih, Imam Ali (as) reprimands Ziyad against corruption: “I truthfully swear by Allah that if I come to know that you have misappropriated the funds of the Muslims, small or big, I shall inflict upon you such punishment which will leave you empty-handed, heavily backed, and humiliated…” (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 20) . He advises his governors to establish justice and eradicate corruption.

In advice to Malik Ashtar when the latter was appointed the governor of Egypt, the Imam (as) writes: “Do justice for Allah and do justice towards the people, as against yourself, your near ones and those of your subjects for whom you have a liking because if you do not do so you will be oppressive, and when a person oppresses the creatures of Allah then, instead of His creatures, Allah becomes his opponent, and when Allah is the opponent of a person He tramples his plea; and he will remain in the position of being at war with Allah until he gives it up and repents.

” (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 53). He strictly forbade his governors and officers against accepting bribes and gifts: “Any ruler who hides himself from people’s needs, Allah will also hide Himself from him and his needs on the Judgment day; and if he accepts gifts, he would be a traitor; and if he accept bribes, he would be a polytheist.” [1] In Al-Kafi, related by Abu Mikhnaf: “A group of the Shi’ites came to Imam Ali (as) and said: ‘O Amir al-Mumineen!

Would that you distributed these assets among the dignitaries and chiefs and give them priority to us so that things settle down. Then you would return to the best of features that Allah has accustomed you to; that is, making equal distributions, and practicing justice among citizens.’ Amir al-Mumineen (as) said, ‘Woe on you! You are commanding me to seek support by doing injustice and inequity to the Muslims over whom I have been chosen as a guardian.

By Allah, I will not do that as long as the world keeps going on and as long as I see stars in the stars. By Allah, even if it were my property, I would distribute it equally among them; how would it be when the property is theirs?’” [2] Many people who previously were with Imam Ali (as) deserted him and joined ranks with his enemies only because they could not withstand his justice.