Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tcilib 397
rights. Over and above that, it deters anyone who thinks of
transgressing against the rights of Allah (g).
This strong bond between the rulers and the people may be
manifested in different ways, as suited to the ways of life in different
eras. No one should say that what Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) did
is something that was possible in his era but is far-fetched in the time
we are living in, because it does not matter how it is done. What
matters are the aims and goals by means of which a happy life is
guaranteed for the Muslims, and that is achieved by paying attention
to the rights of Allah (%) first of all, and then the rights of the people,
both general and specific. The fact that Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali
(&) ordered that the punishment be carried out on the transgressor,
even though the one who was transgressed against pardoned him, is
indicative of his understanding of the goal of Islam, which is to
preserve security and spread peace among the believers. Thus Islam
seeks to deter those who are inclined to violate the rights of others,
because they know that the punishment will be carried out on them
even if their victims let them off.299
Another example of 'Ali's justice was narrated by '&im ibn
Kulayb from his father, who said: "Some wealth from sfa ah an^^^ was
brought to 'Ali ibn Abi T2ib (&), and he divided it into seven parts.
Within that was a loaf of bread. He divided it into seven parts, and on
each share of the treasure he put a piece of bread. Then he drew lots
to determine which of them would be given first."301
With regard to the principle of equality followed by Amir al-
Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi T2ib (&) in his state, it is regarded as one
of the general principles that are confirmed by Islam. Allah (s) says:
40 mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and
made you into nations and tribes, that yon may know one another.
Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that [believer] who
has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqoon (the pious)]. Verily,
Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.# (Qur'an 49: 13)