Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tdlib 61 9
The system of deputies continued throughout the reigns of 'Uthrnk
and 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with them both). 'Ali (&) used to
gather the leaders and give them stipends, which they in turn divided
among the people under their
The govemors
benefited from the deputies in the administration of their provinces
with regard to various civil and military matters. They helped to
distribute the stipends to the people, to establish law and order in the
provinces, to search for those who were wanted for justice and others,
to mobilise the people quickly when needed and to consult with the
people. The leaders also played a role in finding out whose name was
to be added to the rolls for receiving stipends and whose name was to
be erased, and various other matters. Thus the deputies were among
the most important employees of the governors in the administration
of their regions, even though, in most cases, they were not fully
devoted to this job; they were no more than people who would help
when needed.
In many cases, the organization of people under the deputies
and leaders was done along tribal lines. When the number of non-
Arabs becoming Muslim increased, and they began to live in the
cities built by the Muslims, the organization of people along tribal
lines began to decline gradually.316 Still, that system was in operation
for most of the time during the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs
(may Allah be pleased with them).317
Also under the authority of the governors were some senior
army commanders whose role was to lead specific sections of the
army; they undertook conquests upon instructions of the govemors.
The commanders would also accompany the governor, who was the
war leader, in various campaigns and help him to organise and lead
the army.318 The commanders of mobilisation came after the
governor; after them came the commanders of the groups of ten, then
the banner carriers, then the commanders and tribal chiefs.319