At a time when the modern world and its myriads of political paradigms and modes of governance have failed to achieve true global justice, many are turning to historical examples of successful leadership to find solutions for today’s never-ending cycles of conflict, bloodshed, and war. 

One of the most powerful and timeless examples is found in the leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, as well as the first Shia Imam and the fourth caliph of Islam. 

One of the most enduring documents from Ali’s leadership is his famous letter to Malik al-Ashtar, whom he appointed as the governor of Egypt in the 7th century.

This historic document serves as a profound guide for ethical leadership and highlights the theme of true justice, which was at the heart of Ali’s rule. 

Through the letter, Ali offers valuable advice on how to govern justly, emphasizing the importance of fairness, integrity, and the well-being of all people, especially the marginalized and oppressed.

Ali’s words to Malik are not merely political directives but are principles that transcend time, urging leaders to serve with humility, act with compassion, and always prioritize the needs of their people.

His vision for governance is one rooted in justice, mercy, and the protection of human dignity, making his advice a timeless blueprint for creating a moral and just society.

Justice as a Foundation of Governance

In his letter to Malik al-Ashtar, Ali ibn Abi Talib places great emphasis on the centrality of justice in governance. For him, justice is not merely a legal or societal obligation but a deeply ingrained moral responsibility that must guide every action of the ruler.

This sets an exceptionally high standard for leadership, where fairness and equity must always take precedence over personal interests, power struggles, or any form of favoritism.

Ali stresses that a ruler’s decisions must not be influenced by external pressures such as wealth, status, or political maneuvering. A ruler should be unwavering in their commitment to justice, irrespective of these external factors. For instance, he instructs:

“Do not let the love of power or fear of people sway you from justice.”

This powerful statement underscores that justice should never be used as a means to consolidate personal power. Instead, decisions should be made based on what is right and fair, rather than to gain favor with influential individuals or to exploit a position of authority for personal gain.

Ali’s advice reflects his belief that true leadership is rooted in unwavering justice, where the ruler’s actions are aligned with moral integrity, rather than external ambitions or pressures.

Justice as a Divine Imperative

For Ali ibn Abi Talib, justice is not only a practical or political matter; it is a divine imperative. As the ruler of a Muslim state, Malik al-Ashtar is not just accountable to his subjects but also to Allah. Ali reminds him that a ruler will be held accountable in the hereafter for how they ruled. 

“Beware, for you are a trustee of God over His creatures, and you will be held accountable for your actions, as you will be judged by Him in the Hereafter.”

This divine aspect of justice brings a sense of duty and seriousness to the ruler’s role. The ruler is not only administering laws or maintaining order but is also fulfilling a sacred trust from God. Ali underscores the notion that the ruler’s actions, or lack thereof, will ultimately determine their standing with Allah.

In this sense, justice becomes a sacred obligation that transcends politics, and it reflects the understanding that every ruler must act in accordance with the principles set by divine guidance. Ali reinforces this point in other sections of the letter by reminding Malik that when ruling, one should always be conscious of God’s expectations.

Equity for All

Ali ibn Abi Talib emphasizes that the ruler must treat all people equally, as “they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.” This powerful statement encapsulates a profound concept of justice that transcends religious, ethnic, or social boundaries. 

This principle is a cornerstone of Ali’s philosophy of governance and ethics, emphasizing that justice is not limited by the faith or identity of individuals but applies to all people, regardless of their background.

Ali’s assertion that all people are either “brothers in faith” or “equals in humanity” speaks to a core aspect of Islamic teachings: the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings. Whether a person is a fellow Muslim or not, their humanity makes them deserving of respect, justice, and fairness.

This idea is deeply embedded in Islam, where all humans are seen as equal before Allah, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. Ali reiterates this point by asserting that a ruler’s responsibility is to treat everyone with fairness and justice, without any bias or favoritism based on religion or personal affiliations.

Protecting the Rights of the Vulnerable

Ali ibn Abi Talib’s leadership philosophy underscores that a ruler is not merely an enforcer of laws but a protector of human dignity. In his letter to Malik, he explicitly states that the ruler must be particularly sensitive to the needs of the marginalized, because they do not have the resources or influence to advocate and speak for themselves.

“Be mindful of the orphans, the weak, and the poor, for they have no one to protect them. It is your duty to safeguard their rights, as you are their protector.”

This quote directly highlights Ali’s view that the ruler’s duty extends beyond political governance and involves active, empathetic engagement with those who are most vulnerable in society. The marginalized, in Ali’s view, deserve special attention and care because they lack the resources and means to defend their rights.

In addition, Ali’s advice reflects a deep sense of empathy—he does not just see the marginalized as subjects to be governed, but as individuals who deserve dignity, care, and protection. This empathy is a key pillar of his conception of justice. 

Justice for Ali is not just about equal treatment, but also about ensuring that those who are disadvantaged are given the specific support and resources they need to thrive.

Avoiding Oppression and Corruption

Ali ibn Abi Talib’s warning against oppression and corruption is a central theme in his letter to Malik al-Ashtar. As a leader, Ali emphasized that the abuse of power—whether through oppression, corruption, or unfair treatment of the people—was one of the most grievous violations of justice.

Ali stresses that the ruler’s authority is a trust from Allah, not a privilege to be abused for personal gain. The ruler’s role is to serve the people, not dominate or exploit them. Power must be exercised with care and justice, and those who abuse it will face consequences both in this world and in the Hereafter.

“Beware, O Malik, for you have been entrusted with the affairs of the people. If you betray this trust and oppress them, you will have to answer before Allah.”

This warning serves as a reminder that power is not something to be used for selfish purposes. The ruler who exploits their authority to oppress the people is betraying the trust that Allah has placed in them. Ali makes it clear that rulers are accountable not just to the people but to Allah, and this accountability transcends any earthly consequences.

He consistently warns against the dangers of oppression, seeing it as a form of injustice that is incompatible with righteous leadership. He highlights the importance of fairness and respect for the rights of all individuals, no matter their social status or background.

“Do not oppress anyone, for oppression brings destruction to the oppressor and injustice to the oppressed. A ruler who oppresses his people is cursed by the heavens.”

This quote reflects Ali’s belief that oppression is not only a moral failure but also a destructive force. It harms both the ruler and the ruled, leading to social instability and divine punishment.

He understood that a society built on oppression is bound to collapse, and no ruler who engages in oppression can expect to have a legitimate and lasting authority.

Ali also warns against corruption, which he views as a betrayal of the sacred trust placed in the ruler. Corruption undermines the ruler’s ability to govern justly, and it leads to the suffering of the people.

Whether through financial exploitation, favoritism, or unethical behavior, corruption erodes the moral foundation of leadership and ultimately harms the entire society.

“Do not allow corruption to creep into your governance, for it will spoil the trust of the people and corrupt your soul. The corrupt ruler will be accountable to Allah for every act of dishonesty.”

This advice underscores that corruption is not just an ethical issue; it is a spiritual one. A ruler who engages in corruption is not only failing in their duties to their people, but they are also jeopardizing their standing before Allah.

Ali’s warning reflects the Islamic principle that good governance must be grounded in honesty, integrity, and transparency.

Compassionate Leadership

While justice is at the heart of Ali ibn Abi Talib’s advice, he also emphasizes the need for compassion. A just ruler should not be harsh or unapproachable but should listen to the grievances of the people with empathy and understanding.

Ali advises Malik to treat people with kindness and mercy, noting that fairness and compassion go hand in hand:

“Your justice must be combined with compassion; fairness with kindness. A ruler who possesses both of these virtues will earn the love of the people and the blessing of Allah.”

Ali’s advice highlights that justice is not about harshness, but about fairness, and fairness should always be tempered by compassion. A ruler who seeks justice without compassion risks alienating the people they govern.

On the other hand, compassion without justice can lead to favoritism or neglect of the law. The two must work together for the good of society.

Contradictions in Western Claims of Justice

While modern societies continue to grapple with the complexities of governance, including debates over the effectiveness and application of Western codes of conduct, Ali ibn Abi Talib’s guidance offers clarity and a moral foundation for leadership rooted in divine guidance. 

His letter to Malik al-Ashtar provides a timeless blueprint for justice that remains remarkably relevant even after 14 centuries. Written in the 7th century, this letter emphasizes fairness, integrity, and the protection of the oppressed—principles that transcend time and culture. 

Many Western governments claim to champion justice and human dignity and equality, yet they have been complicit in or have supported policies and actions that contribute to grave injustices, such as genocide, war crimes, and the suppression of vulnerable populations.

This discrepancy becomes particularly evident in cases where political and economic interests take precedence over moral responsibility. 

Historical instances, like the horrible treatment of indigenous peoples by Western colonial powers such as Britain and France, and the ongoing wars in West Asia, reveal how Western powers, despite their claims of promoting justice, can be indifferent or even actively supportive of regimes engaged in mass atrocities. 

For example, the West’s unwavering support for Israel despite its genocidal war and systematic oppression against the Palestinians illustrate the gap between Western rhetoric on human rights and the realities of their actions or inactions in global conflicts and atrocities.

Ali’s vision of justice, which calls for fairness regardless of political expediency, stands in stark contrast to the contradictions observed in Western governance. His framework for leadership emphasizes that justice should not be swayed by power dynamics, economic interests, or political alliances. 

Instead, it is rooted in an unwavering commitment to human dignity, the protection of the oppressed, and the pursuit of true equity. His principles offer a timeless and moral standard, encouraging leaders to uphold justice as a sacred responsibility, rather than a tool for consolidating power or advancing personal agendas.