Imam Ali (a.

Imam Ali (a.s.) was looking at it when Ibn Abbas said, " O' Amir al-Mu'mineen, I wish you would resume your sermon from where you left it." Upon which, Imam (a.s.) replied, "O' Ibn Abbas! It was like the foam of a camel which gushed out but subsided." Ibn Abbas says that he never grieved over any utterance as he did over this one because Amir al-Mu'mineen (a.s.) could not finish it as he wished to.

REGARDING BAITUL MAAL On the second day after his election as Caliph, Imam (a.s.) went to the mosque and spoke to the people saying: " Praise to the Almighty and salutations to Muhammad and his pure progeny! O people, some of you have taken from the Baitul-Maal more than what you deserve, filling your pockets with the wealth of people, buying properties, farms and gardens, purchasing horses and riding on them with great pride.

In reality, you have gained nothing but curses in this world and the severe punishment in the hereafter. But you must know I will give back the rights of the oppressed people to them and return the rights of those who deserve them. " From now on, all Muslims are equal and I will distribute an equal share from Baitul-Maal for all. It is my hope that those I have spoken of will not complain that I did not give them their rights.

As from today any sort of preferences, even being the companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.), will be null and void. The Almighty will surely reward whoever has given service to Islam, but that will not be a criteria of creating differences between them and other Muslims. Baitul- Maal is a common wealth for all Muslims and will be used for social projects and government administration. What remains will be distributed equally amongst the people.

"Whoever accepted the invitation of Allah (S.W.T.) and His Prophet (s.a.w.w.), believes that Islam is the true word of God and prays facing the Qibla, is considered a Muslim, equal to all other Muslims. Yes! Whoever attains Taqwa, will be considered high and his position will be elevated in the eyes of Allah (S.W.T.). They will receive abundant rewards in the hereafter, but not in this world." Imam Ali (a.s.) then looked around and declared: " Come tomorrow whether you are Arab or non-Arab.

All are equal and there is no preference in regards to race, color or tribe. You will all be given your equal share." The next day Imam Ali (a.s.) distributed the wealth equally. Those who had never been given a share found themselves with their rightful amount.