However, Imam Ali (a.

However, Imam Ali (a.s.) rejected them saying: "Let me alone, and go in search of someone else.."(100) Imam Ali (a.s.) refused to be a captive of emotions, as it was probable that the hatred of some people against Uthman was responsible for kindling similar feelings towards him, as well as aggravating the trend against him. Imam Ali (a.s.) wanted voluntary acceptance of his Imamate.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (a.s.) was not of those who could be induced by post and position and thus, be responsive to the people as soon as they rushed to him. The whole caliphate did not have the worth of the wing of a mosquito to him. Actually the entire earthy world, in his sight, equalled not more than "a goat's sneeze," as he put it. Leadership is worthless if it does enable one to establish right and abolish wrong. Therefore, he did not respond, at first, to the pressure of the people.

He wanted to subject them to a test to make sure that they had the capacity to receive his programs and take to his plans, should he accept the rule. So, despite the fact that the sacred capital, the "Illuminated Madinah" insisted on choosing him and expressed its persistence in actual demonstrations and crowded gatherings, so much so that the desire became unanimous, he was not pressed to accept hastily.

📌At last, finding the people still persisting in pledging their allegiance to him, he accepted the caliphate on certain conditions, which had to be wholeheartedly agreed to. Spelling out what he needed in his mission, he demanded: "...Remember that if I accept your caliphate I shall make you follow the religion according to my own rulings and judgements.

I shall not accept suggestions from anyone, nor will I bother about the discontentment and anger of dissatisfied persons..."(101) The whole nation responded by hurrying to announce their submission to his conditions, extending their hands, and pledging their allegiance and obedience to him. So, Imam Ali (a.s.) agreed to face fully his responsibilities of leading the Islamic nation, thought and practice.

The first task was to remove all forms of deviation which had grown into Islamic life, and to bring the nation back to the original Divine course. To attain this he had to act according to a strict and comprehensive program, and to have others to act correctly in implementing it. It was a task where his government had many problems to confront, especially in political and economic fields: 1.

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