205. Imām Ali (a.s.) – in his instructions to Mālik al-Ashtar: “Then do good to traders and craftsmen (or examine their affair). Know, nevertheless, that in many of them, there are shameful miserliness, detestable avarice, hording of benefits and arbitrariness in sales. They hoard goods for profiteering and fix high prices for the merchandise. This is a source of loss to all and a stain upon rulers. So prohibit hoarding, for the Messenger of God (s.a.w.) prohibited it. Let selling be openhanded one with justly balanced scales and prices, not harmful to either party, the seller or the buyer. Whoever lets himself be tempted to hoard after you have forbidden him (to do so), make an example of him and punish him, but not excessively.”1
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Levying Taxes
206. Imām Ali (a.s.) – in his letter to the tax collectors: “In the Name of God the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful. From the servant of God Ali, Commander of the Faithful to the tax collectors: So now, he who does not fear where he is going (viz. the Hereafter) does not send forward for himself that which could protect him; and he who follows his desires and surrenders to them (despite of his knowledge of benefits that exist in the hereafter), will soon be among the regretful.
Know that the most felicitous person in the world is he who withdraws from what he knows is detrimental to him; and the most wretched person is he who follows passions. So take heed!
Know that whatever good you forward [to the Hereafter] will belong to you; apart from that, whatever you send forth, you would like that there would be a long distance between you and that. God warns you to beware of [disobeying] Him and God is the most Affectionate and the most Merciful to His servants. Certainly the loss of what you were negligent of, would return to you. And what you have demanded, is little, and Allah’s reward is great.
If there were no punishment to be feared of in doing injustice and aggression that has been prohibited, there certainly is enough reward in avoiding it, leaving no excuse for anyone to give it up. Be merciful so that you may be granted (His) Mercy. Do not torture servants of God; and do not task them beyond their capacity. Be fair to people and be patient in fulfilling their needs, since you are the treasurers of the subjects. Do not keep doorkeepers for yourselves; and do not prevent anyone from gaining access to you to pursue his case. Do not take anyone for anyone else except he who has guaranteed for him. Make yourselves patient regarding the joys [of life]; and beware of postponing tasks and repelling goodness, for certainly there is regret in doing so. Wassalām!”2
1.. Nahj al-Balāghah, Letter ۵۳, Tuhaf al-`Uqul, p. ۱۴۰.
2.. Waq`at Siffin, p. ۱۰۸, Al-Mi`yār al-Mawāzin, p. ۱۲۲, also cf., Nahj al-Balāghah, Letter ۵۱.
