The Prophet (S) said...

The Prophet (S) said: “Lenience will beautify anything it accompanies and will disfigure anything it leaves[^2].” Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “Habituate your heart to mercy for the subjects and to affection and kindness for them. Do not stand over them like greedy beasts who feel it is enough to devour them, since they are of two kinds, either your brother in religion or one like you in creation. They will commit slips and encounter mistakes. They may act wrongly, willfully, or by neglect.

So, extend to them your forgiveness and pardon, in the same way as you would like Allah to extend His forgiveness and pardon to you, because you are over them and your responsible Commander (Imam) is over you while Allah is over him who has appointed you through what He has given to you of the knowledge of His Book and the practices of His Prophet (S).” Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “The lenient can win anything he wants from people[^3].” Lenience is of no value unless it is done to the virtuous people.

The evildoers who disturb the social peace do not deserve any sort of lenient treatment. Aspects of Lenience Aspects of lenience can be shown through the words and deeds of the rulers. Hence, the ruler must use good wording and avoid obscenity. He must treat the subjects with kindness through sympathizing with their pains and tragedies and hurrying for helping them in misfortunes and crises. Finally, the ruler must try his best to save the subjects from heavy taxes.

Results of Lenience Lenience creates the subjects’ love for their rulers and save them from the need for flattering and hypocrisy. God praised His Messenger Muhammad (S) for his lenience: “Only through the Divine Mercy have you (Muhammad) been able to deal with your followers so gently. If you had been stern and hardhearted, they would all have deserted you a long time ago.

(3:159)” (D) Selection of the Retinue A ruler, no matter how well-qualified he is, cannot dispense with supporters who help him do his duties properly. Such supporters, in fact, have a great effect in guiding and conditioning the ruler’s morals and opinions. From this cause, it is important for the ruler to select well- qualified and decent retinue so that they will positively help him and contribute in achieving the subjects’ pleasure.

(E) Settlement with the Officials Because most of them take pride in their authorities, officials usually challenge and treat people arrogantly and neglect their duties.