The eminent Imam has stated in one of his letters...

The eminent Imam has stated in one of his letters, “Those who reside in my government and joined the Umayyads, saw and heard justice and placed it in their hearts, but did not accept it.”(2) From this pithy statement, it is perceived that Imam Ali had treated his time in a way that people could understand justice. In other words, a just government can introduce justice to people by showing evidence of justice.

By virtue of this reason, on the basis of a statement by the same venerable Imam, the best servants of God are those who can make understood justice by their deeds. “The nearest servants to the Lord are those who are more truthful than others though to their detriment, and stick to the truth more than others, though there might be the harm in it.” (3) Although it is hard to be adorned with justice and truth, it is the best way possible to introduce it.

Basically, the politician who can be the representative of justice with his foresight shall prosper. Hence, the reason is no other than justice. In defining the sage, Imam Ali has given the same statement for justice.

It was asked of Imam: “Define the wise man for us.” The Imam said, “The wise man is he who puts everything in its right place.” Then the Imam was asked, “who is ignorant?” the Imam replied, “the same thing I said about the wise man.” (4) This means that the reverse image of the wise man mirrors the ignorant. Definitions of this type, which are sometimes observed in the sayings of the innocent Imams, are polemic definitions, albeit of the superior polemic.

In this type of definition, an affair is not clarified by genus or differentia but by its likes. In the definition cited above, the same polemic method is used. Of course, the Imams have defined concepts by genus and differentia elsewhere. With attention to the function of justice in policy-making, one can perceive why justice is a better concept for some rulers.

For instance, Imam Ali in response to a question said, “Justice puts things in their right places and puts them in categories; justice coordinates the public policy and gives benefit to those who are forgiven: so justice is nobler and superior.” (5) In other words, from charity, one can benefit in times of tumult but what should be done by a ruler or a policymaker is justice. In view of what was said, justice is like reason and practical wisdom.