3/13
Punishing the Treacherous among the Administrators
137. Imām Ali (a.s.) –when he found out about the treachery of Ibn Harma who was in charge of the Ahwāz market, he wrote to Rafā`a: “When you read my letter, dismiss Ibn Harma from the market, cut him off from the people, put him in jail and inform the public. Write to your administrators and let them know about my opinion concerning him. Do not be negligent or extreme regarding him or you will perish in the eyes of God and I will dismiss you in the worst of ways. I seek God’s refuge for you from this happening to you.
On the coming Friday, take him out of jail, give him thirty five lashes and take him around in the markets. If someone brings a witness against him, make him swear an oath with his witness and then pay him from the assets of Ibn Harma. Order him to be taken to jail degradingly, shamefully and by shouting
at him; tie his feet with a rope and bring him out at the time of prayer. Do not prevent anyone who might bring to him food, drink, clothes or a mattress. Do not let anyone approach him, to inculcate to him animosity or make him hopeful of being freed. If it was proved to you that someone inculcated something to him that could harm to the Muslims, punish him with a lash and put him in jail until he repents.
During the night take the prisoners out into the courtyard to breathe fresh air, except for Ibn Harma, unless he is feared to die in which case also let him out into the courtyard. After thirty days, if you see in him strength, give him thirty five lashes besides the previous thirty five lashes. Write to me about what you did in the market and whom you have chosen after that traitor. Cut off the salary of that traitor.”1
