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Prevention of Extravagance in Public Property
261. Imām Ali (a.s.): “The rulers’ generosity in using public property of the Muslims is injustice and treachery.”1
262. Imām Ali (a.s.) – addressing `Abdullah ibn Zam`a, one of his followers who came to him during his caliphate to ask for some money: “This money is neither for me nor for you, but it is the booty gained by the Muslims and the acquisition of their swords. If you had taken part with them in their fighting you would have a share equal to theirs, otherwise the earning of their hands cannot be for other than their mouths.”2
1.. Ghurar al-Hikam, h. ۴۷۲۵.
2.. Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon ۲۳۲, Manāqib Ali ibn Abi Tālib, vol. ۲, p. ۱۱۰, Ghurar al-Hikam, h. ۳۷۰۲.
