Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi T6lib 609
binding upon you by the covenant of Allah, do not try to nullify it
unlawfully, because your patience in bearing something that is
dacult for you, while hoping for relief and good consequences, is
better than committing an act of betrayal for which you fear bad
consequences and that will bring the punishment of Allah."
Based on this text, the governor may undertake the following duties:
- Signing peace deals with neighbouriug states and nations.
- Preparing for war and taking necessary precautions.
(These first two items - being prepared for war and
signing peace deals -will involve many activities such as
exchanging letters and delegates, exchanging visits and
holding dialogues.)z91
- Fulfilling covenants, which is one of the basic principles
of the Islamic religion that every Muslim must adhere
to.292 Adhering to covenants and deals, according to Amir
al-Mu'mineen 'Ali, was not only something theoretical
that was written on paper; rather it was a practical matter in
real life. Allah warned against breaking covenants in many
verses in the Qur'an. Allah (g) says: dAnd fulfil the
Covenant of AUah [Bay'ah: pledge for Islam] when you
have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have
confirmed them - and indeed you have appointed Allah
your surety. Verily, Allah knows what you do) (Qur'an 16:
91). Allah also said: &d fulfil [every] covenant. Verily,
the covenant will be questioned about.) (Qur'an 17: 34)
2.3.5. Maintaining internal security
Maintaining internal security is done by following peaceful
methods. Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) wrote to some of his
workers: "Some of the chiefs of your people complained about your