ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Nahjul Balagha Part 2, Letters and Sayings Letter 25: Instructions to assessors and collectors of Zakat Amir al-mu'minin used to write to whoever he appointed for the the collection of zakat and charities. Ash-Sharif says: We have recorded a few portions of it here to show that he always erected the pillars of right and created examples of justice in all matters, small or big, delicate or serious.

ومن وصية له (عليه السلام) كان يكتبها لمن يستعمله على الصدقات و إنما ذكرنا منها جملاً هاهنا ليُعلَمَ بها أنه (عليه السلام) كان يقيم عماد الحق، ويشرع أمثلة العدل، في صغير الامور وكبيرها، ودقيقها وجليلها. Move on with the fear of Allah Who is One and has no partner. Do not frighten any Muslim. Do not pass over his lands so as to make him feel unhappy. Do not take from him more than Allah's share in his property.

When you go to a tribe, you should get down at their watering place instead of entering their houses. Then proceed towards them with peace and dignity till you stand among them. Then salute them and do not be remiss in greeting them, then say to them, "O servants of Allah, the vicegerent of Allah and His caliph has sent me to you to collect from you Allah's share in your properties. Is there anything of His share in your properties?

If so, give it to His vicegerent." انْطَلِقْ عَلَى تَقْوَى اللهِ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَلاَ تُرَوِّعَنَّ مُسْلِماً، وَلاَ تَجْتَازَنَّ عَلَيْهِ كَارِهاً، وَلاَ تَأْخُذَنَّ مِنْهُ أَكثَرَ مِنْ حَقِّ اللهِ فِي مَالِهِ.

فَإِذَا قَدِمْتَ عَلَى الْحَيِّ فَانْزِلْ بِمَائِهِمْ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ تُخَالِطَ أَبْيَاتَهُمْ، ثُمَّ امْضِ إِلَيْهِمْ بِالسَّكِينَةِ وَالْوَقَارِ، حَتَّى تَقوُمَ َيْنَهُمْ فَتُسَلِّمَ عَلَيْهِمْ، وَلاَ تُخْدِجْ بِالتَّحِيَّةِ لَهُمْ، ثُمَّ تَقُولَ: عِبَادَ اللهِ، أَرْسَلَنِي إِلَيْكُمْ وَلِيُّ اللهِ وَخَلِيفَتُهُ، لاِخُذَ مِنْكُمْ حَقَّ اللهِ فِي أَمْوَالِكُمْ، فَهَلْ لِلَّهِ فِي أَمْوَالِكُمْ مِنْ حَقّ فَتُؤَدُّوهُ إِلَى وَلِيِّهِ؟ If someone among them says "No", then do not repeat the demand.

If someone speaks to you in the affirmative, then go with him without frightening him, threatening him, pressuring him or oppressing him. Take what he gives you such as gold or silver (coins). If he has cattle or camels do not enter upon them save with his permission, because their major part is his. Therefore, when you get there do not enter upon them like one who has full control over them or in a violent manner.

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