ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Faith of Shia Islam Doctrine of Non-participation in Oppressive Government ========================================================== Since our Imams have firmly warned us not to help oppressors, even to the extent of giving them half a date, and not to hope for their lives, the situation of one who cooperates with them and joins their government is indeed a bad one.

Similarly, for one who is in their employment, or is one of the founders of their state, or is devoted to preserving their government. Because: being loyal to an oppressive completely undermines the truth, and rehabilitates and propagates falsehood, iniquity and corruption. This is related from Imam Ja'far Sadiq (A.S).

However, joining the oppressors or their government is permitted by our Imams if, by so doing, we can increase justice and perform the commands of Allah, if it is for the good of the believers, encourage what is right or forbids what is evil. Imam Musa (A.s.) said: Verily, there are among the company of the oppressors those through whom Allah has made bright His path. He gives them the power to protect His friends and to resolve the difficulties of the Muslims.

They are among those who truly believe. They are the guides of Allah and a light among His slaves. Many traditions have been passed down concerning these things, which have clarified the duties of governors and government employees, who should act in accordance with them. For example, (the letter which) Imam Sadiq wrote to Abdullah al-Najashi, the governor-general of Ahwaz. 41.

The Imams call people to Islamic Unity It is well known that the Household of the prophet tried hard to preserve the rites of Islam, to call Muslims to restore its glory, to unify their beliefs, and that they also strived to maintain the brotherhood of Islam and to remove malice and enmity from the hearts of the Muslims. We cannot ignore Imam' Ali's dealings with his predecessors to the Khalifah. He treated them with consideration although he believed that they had taken what was his right.

He agreed with them and kept his peace with them, and refrained from expressing his opinion about his own right in public until after he had attained to it. Then he called together the remaining followers of the Prophet (those who were still alive and who had been present on the day of Ghadir when the Prophet had appointed' Ali as his khalifah), so that they could bear witness to his appointment to the khalifah.