چکیده:
Philanthropy enjoys a unique position in human relations. Issues related to philanthropy have constantly caught the attention of man throughout human history. The concept of philanthropy and its issues have been time and again reviewed and deliberated upon by scholars and intellectuals. Philanthropy is a capacious word. Writing an article on it, or even authoring a book for that matter, would not suffice to discuss all problems surrounding it, as this requires comprehensive research and ample time. However, among the issues directly associated with philanthropy is that of governance, that is, the manner in which the state treats its citizens, and the degree to which the statesmen respect and stand for human dignity in relation to their subjects. This paper examines the ethical ideals in the practice of Imam Ali particularly as illustrated in his letter to Malik al-Ashtar, and demonstrates the philanthropic principles that statesmen ought to observe vis-à-vis their subjects from the viewpoint of the Imam. Being just with people, consulting them in matters related to the society, being open to criticism, fighting against institutionalised discrimination, being answerable to the masses, establishing peace and security in the society, and the like, are among some philanthropic principles given by Imam Ali which shall be reflected upon.
خلاصه ماشینی:
"In one of his letters to his military commanders, he says, From the servant of God, Ali bin Abi Talib, the Commander of the Faithful, to the territorial garrisons…1 As it is apparent from this statement, the Imam is referring to himself as the slave of God. This implies that the political supremacy could not breed vainglory in the Imam, as his only pride was that he was the servant of God. Further in the letter, he states: The ruler ought not to change [behaviour] against his people due to the acquisition of wealth or endowment with exclusive distinction; rather, what Allah has bestowed on him of His bounties should increase him 1 Sayyid Radi, p.
29 Thus, adherence to the law by the rulers and statesmen, and their holding everyone equal before it, is undoubtedly among the philanthropic ideals in the relation between the statesmen and the citizens which was repeatedly called for and acted upon by Imam Ali. Accountability to the People and Being among Them Among the other important duties of the government officers and one of the undisputable right of the citizens, is that the officials have to be available to people; they should have active presence in public assemblies, respond to the queries of the people, and address their concerns.
The letter of Imam Ali to Malik al-Ashtar on the matter of governance entails all the basic philanthropic ideals and principles necessary for the effective enforcement of justice in the society."