GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF A WELFARE STATE LAID DOWN BY IMAM ALI (A.S) ********************************************************************************************** The conclusion one draws after going through the letter of Imam Ali ibn-e-Abu talib (a.s) to Maalik-e-Ashtar, his Governor in Egypt leads us to the certain principles of governance of his liking and the principles are : !-There should not be any discrimination of people on thebasis of religion, tribe, wealth and social status. 2-Justice,Equality, economic fair play, inclusiveness and moral accountability should be the hallmark of public policy and governance. 3-Poor, deprived and destitute must find their rightful place on the economic and public agenda before the government. 4-Government, with regard to poor, should play proactive and pro-poor roles in such a way that it should reach out to the needy people. 5-Public resources should not be used for private purpose. 6-Tax base is more important than tax rate and tax revenue. 7-Tax revenue should be primarily used for financing public welfare and it should never be wasted in pomp and glory of the rulers. The above mentioned principles are in fact time tested and these are even highly relevant even today. These reflect moderation on one side and humanism on the other. Both Imam Ali (a.s) and Maalik-e-Ashtar, however, were victims of circumstances.Neither Ashtar could reach Egypt to assume Governorship of Egypt Nor Imam Ali (a.s) get sufficient time to implement his grand vision of the ideal welfare state.....Maalik-e-Ashtar was poisoned on the way to Egypt to assume his responsibility of Governorship by the Muawiyah....and Imam Ali (a.s) was entangled in internal strife....Given the sincerity of the purpose and committment to the cause of public welfare and extremely cautious Governance of Imam Ali (a.s), the Muslim world would have been definitely a much better place to live had Imam Ali (a.s) and His trusted like Maalik-e-Ashtar got sufficient time to consolidate themselves....This is thus a tragedy of enormous significance which paved the way for taking over of Islam by Kings, emperors and their pomp and shows, conduct and behavior,
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 19:33:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015