Thus, once we lack the position the so-called honour also disappears.

Thus, once we lack the position the so-called honour also disappears. There are however few exceptions in history. Abdullah son of Ahmad ibn Hanbal (the Imam of Hanbalis) said: “One day I was sitting with my father where a group of people were discussing the Caliphate of Abu-Bak, Omar, Othman and Ali.

When my father noticed that their conversation was taking long he turned around and said: “Indeed, the caliphate did not give any honour to Imam Ali, rather he honoured the position of caliphate.”(6) Indeed, such was the position for Imam Ali (a.s) as Sir William Muir said: “It was rather thrust upon him than sought.”(7) During his leadership he was informed that the army of Muawiah had invaded a village and seized the torments of a Jewish lady.

He felt so grieved and anguished with the news that he said: “If any Muslim dies of grief after all this he is not to be blamed but rather there is justification for him before me.”(8) Imam Ali (a.s) was the head of the then-vast Islamic country. Nevertheless, he went to the market with his servant Qanbar to buy two shirts, one for himself and one for his servant. He bought the shirts but gave the more elegant and expensive one to Qanbar and kept the simpler one for himself.

When Qanbar surprisingly complained that he was a leader and it would be more suitable for him to wear the more elegant one, Imam Ali (a.s) replied: “But you are younger and it’s more becoming on you and I can manage with the one I have chosen.” Where on earth can humanity find such leaders? The Muslim Shia has such an exceptional role model and unless they live on that line they cannot reclaim that Imam Ali (a.s) is their Imam. His judicial system was one of the most just in existence.

Thus, all citizens irrespective of their background felt safe to call to the court whoever they had a complaint about. The story of Imam Ali (a.s) as the leader of the country and a Jewish subject on the issue of stolen armour is well known.

To cut a long story short, Imam Ali (a.s) was so just during his political leadership that he is titled by even non-Muslim historians “The Voice of Human Justice.” Others have regarded his justice as the actual cause of his martyrdom as tyrants and mischief makers could not tolerate and live with his justice. 5. Imamul Mutasadiqeen (The Imam of the Charity Givers) Man’s duty in Islam is twofold.