Imam Ali (A.S.) warns
Malik Ashtar to be very careful about public interest and asks:
- not to give land in
permanent lease to relatives and friends;
- sources of water supply
should never be under the custody of private persons;
- lands, which have
special public utility, should not be reserved for private use.
It is apparent that Imam
Ali (A.S.) was afraid of concentration of wealth in a few hands and its
consequent socio-economic evil effects. Imam Ali (A.S.) asks Malik Ashtar:
“Do not reserve for
yourself anything which is common property to all and in which others have
equal rights”.
After a thorough reading
of Imam Ali (A.S.)'s letter to Malik al-Ashtar, it is possible to learn certain
principles. A few of them are noted as under:
o There should not be any
discrimination of people on the basis of religion, tribe, wealth and social
status.
o
Justice, equity, economic fair play, inclusiveness, and moral
accountability should be the hallmarks of public policy and governance.
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