Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 623
cousin, Qatham ibn al-'Abbk, in which he said: "There should not
be any envoy between you and the people except your tongue, and no
gatekeeper except your face."330 There are other texts confirming the
nature of the relationship between the leader and his followers and
stating that it should not be based on means or administrative
restrictions or procedures; rather it should be based on face-to-face
talk when there is a need for that.33'
2.4.4. Fighting rigidity
There are some administrative theories and systems which
lead to rigidity, a waste of time and effort, and neglect of people's
rights. Moreover, there are many ideas that no one thinks of
attempting in the first place, because it would take too long to get
approval for them through administrative channels. Hence Amir al-
Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) said that whoever gives in to slow procedures
will neglect rights and duties.?3z
2.4.5. Proper and fair supervision
Supervision is important in any administrative system. Amir
al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) referred to this supervision when he said:
"...and send spies from among the trustworthy and loyal people to
spy on them, for your checking on them secretly would motivate
them to be sincere and kind to the people."333 According to Amir al-
Mu'mineen 'Ali (&), supervision and checking is a mercy and
support to the one who is supervised, so that he will continue to cany
out this work sincerely. Supervision must be done by people who are
sincere and honest, so that their evaluation will be fair and not
affected by whims and desires. This supervision is a helping factor in
achieving progress and motivating individuals to work and to be
honest in their work. Rigid laws have no place in the administrative
thought of Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali when these laws and regulations