119. Imām Ali (a.s.) –in his instructions to Mālik al-Ashtar: “The best of your commander of the troops should have such a position before you that renders help to them equitably and spends from his money on them and on their families so that all will converge on one concern, fighting the enemy. Then send a message to them encouraging their self-sacrifice and your honoring of them. Tend to the extension of their livelihood. And attain that by good behavior, attentiveness and kindness. Your kindness to them will turn their hearts to you.”1
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Decisiveness toward Administrators
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Al-Ash`ath ibn Qays2
120. Imām Ali (a.s.) –in his letter to al-Ash`ath ibn Qays, his governor in Azerbaijan: “Certainly, your assignment is not a morsel for you, but it is a trust around your neck and you are being observed by your superiors. It is not for you to deal with your subjects as you like or act with save on strong grounds [being instructed]. You have in your hands the funds, which is the property of God to whom belong Might and Majesty and you hold its charge till you pass it on to me. I hope I am not one of the bad rulers for you. Wassalām!”3
1.. Tuhaf al-`Uqul, p. ۱۳۳.
2.. An agent of ‘Uthmān whom the Imām (a.s.) dismissed once he took over the caliphate.
3.. Nahj al-Balāghah, Letter ۵, Waq`at Siffin, p. ۲۰, al-`Iqd al-Farid, vol. ۳, p. ۳۲۷.
