Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

396 The oath of allegiance to 'Ali, his characteristics & his way of life
Another example of his justice in ding was narrated by al-
Qurashi from his father, who said: "We were standing at the gate of
the palace when 'Ali (4) came out to us. When he saw us, we
stepped back out of respect; when he had passed, we walked behind
him. While he was like that, a man called out: 'Help for the sake of
Allah (;&)!' There were two men fighting. He punched one on the
chest and then the other, and told them to move away from one
another. One of them said: '0 Amir al-Mu'mineen, this man bought a
sheep from me, and I stipulated to him that he should not give me any
faulty dirhams. He gave me a faulty dirham, so I returned it to him,
and he slapped me.' 'Ali(4)
said to the other one: 'What do you
say?' He sajd: 'He is telling the truth, 0 Amir d-Mu'mineen.' He
said: 'So give him what he stipulated.' Then he said to the one who
had slapped him: 'Sit down,' and he said to the one who had been
slapped: 'Settle the score.' He said: 'Or pardon, 0 Amir d-
Mu'mineen?' 'Ali (&) said: 'It is up to you.' When the man left,
'Ali (&) said: '0 Muslims, grab him (the other one).' They caught
him, and he was carried on a man's back as you would carry a
schoolboy, and he was given fifteen lashes. 'Ali (&) said: 'This is a
punishment because yon transgressed against him.' According to
another report he said: 'This is the right of the ruler."'298
This report is regarded as a wonderful example of humility
because Amir d-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) came out of his house to go to
the marketplace and check on the people's situation, and he himself
solved their proble~ns. This is the kind of sublime behaviour that
makes the presence of the rnlers felt in the real life of the people,
whether that is done by the caliph or someone of lower rank. It is not
essential to do it every day, but it is sufficient to make people feel that
the rulers are with them to deal with their problems and to reassure
people that no one is going to transgress against them or their due
rights, and that they can regain their rights if they are violated. It also
discourages anyone who thinks of transgressing against the people's