The most distinguished
personality of Islam and Humanity after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is commander to
faithful Imam Ali (a.s). Life of this true servant of Islam was and still is
for advancement of Islam. Great warrior, a great judge, great humanitarian and
the most pious person of his time. History of great men is a fountain from
which one generation after other has been able to rejuvenate their faith and
life. Imam Ali (a.s) greatness was not just confined to battle field, he was
matchless in the matter of faith, piety, purity, eloquence, magnanimity, help
for the deprived and the oppressed and support for truth. And still after passage
of time his life still serves as a beacon of light for us and extremely useful
for making our lives inspiring.
It was aim of Umayyad Clan
to convert government into kingship and was working towards this goal already.
People who were in ruling position or had some sort of power were of the view
that caliphate was their special right. Tribal biasness, formation of groups,
bribes etc were considered lawful in order to strengthen their hold on
caliphate. Against the teachings of Islam they considered that a ruler was
master of lives, property and honor of people they ruled. Hence creating
opportunity for corrupt government representatives to exploit common men. Heads
and people ruling under them considered common people as goats and sheep; on
whom they could put heaviest load and beat as much as they want. During rule of
third caliph, Umayyad governors had free hand to attain whatever their heart
desired. Behind this core objective was to strengthen grip of Umayyad clan on
caliphate. For this heavy bribes were given to well known dignitaries for
winning their support. Free hand was given to those in power to punish those
who stood against their agenda. Those who stood with them were honored and
those who stood against them were punished. Government was hence established on
a new principle. Behind all this was Umayyad Clan who never had accepted
Islam. Due to fear they had accepted Islam. But history shows that they
never changed their life style even after embracing Islam. Well known
companions of Prophet were either assassinated by unknown killers or were
removed from every position. But those companions of Prophet who co-operated
with them in destroying Islamic teachings were kept in decision making and were
handsomely rewarded.
Conditions were very uncertain
when Imam Ali (a.s) got caliphate. Islamic nation was divided into two groups.
One was ready to sacrifice anything for Islamic values. While the other group
was loyal to Umayyad clan. For strengthening their agenda they even were ready
to kill anyone who created obstructions in their path. Imam Ali (a.s) was not
interested in getting caliphate but for sake of Islam used to assist first and
second caliph as and when required. It is well known to all that whenever
Caliphate faced any issue it used to be Ali ibn Abu Talib who used to solve it.
Despite facing hardships and persecution of his followers the only thing he
wanted was establishment of truth and justice. Kingdom which was established in
name of Islam was transformed into a totally different state with signs of
tyranny. His words regarding that period:
“The time is
extremely incompatible and disagreeable. In these days a righteous person is
considered to be wicked and the refractoriness of the tyrant is on the
increase. This is so because the sky is covered with dark clouds and the signs
of the paths have been obliterated. The people are involved in doubts and
sensuality. They have ears but they are deaf. They have eyes but they are
blind. They are neither steadfast in the battlefield nor reliable in difficult
circumstances”
He knew that
people who were at his door step asking him to accept caliphate will not be
able to accept and tolerate the way he would manage affairs of kingdom. After
assassination of third caliph, well known personalities and common people used
to gather on his door step asking him to accept responsibility. At that time
welfare of common men and social norms were in danger. And hence Imam Ali
(a.s) could not tolerate sitting quietly and watching rights of common people being
sacked by corrupt government officials. He said:
“I was worried and alarmed
lest the foolish and wicked persons should become the rulers of this nation and
make the property of God their plaything and the creatures of God their slaves
and fight with the righteous and make the tyrants their helpers”
It was for
these reasons he considered it essential to accept the responsibility of
caliphate. Ali (a.s) accepted the caliphate with firm determination and
considered it in the interests of the Muslims that he should assume that
office. He said:
“0 People! I am one
of you. I enjoy the same rights which you enjoy. My responsibilities are also
the same as yours. Nothing can invalidate truth. (I.e. a ruler or caliph cannot
change the commands of God”
Ali wrote to one of his governors
as under:
“Your holding this
office does not entitle you to accumulate wealth or to take revenge from any
person. Your only duty is that you should destroy falsehood and revive truth”
For Ali son of Abu Talib
Caliphate did not mean that ruler should live in his palace whereas common
people are left on behest of corrupt representatives. He says:
“Generosity and munificence
is a greater source of love and affection than consanguinity and kinship. There
is no greatness like meekness and no virtue like knowledge”
Ali (a.s) was a man who did not
worship God because he desired forgiveness or because he feared punishment. On
the contrary he worshipped God because He deserved to be worshipped. He wished
that the people should obey the caliph on account of his obedience and not
because of fear or greed of gain.
Moving along with common people
and hearing what difficulties they were facing was a trademark of Imam Ali
(a.s) ruling. Hence governors during his caliphate were constantly reminded
that they belong to same society and hence should move along with common
people. Hence this tradition of rulers moving along with common people is still
compatible in civilized nations today.
