During the reign of Imam Ali (a), he appointed his close companion and confidante Mālik al-Ashtar as the governor of Egypt. He gave him an executive order that would guide him in his rule. Though Mālik would not see the day of ruling Egypt, as he was assassinated before he arrived in the troubled province, the letter of Imam Ali to Mālik would become one of the most significant pieces of literature in the space of just governance and servant-leadership.
Let the most beloved matters to you be those that are the most central in the preservation of rights, the most universal in the implementation of justice, the most unifying in obtaining the agreement of the subjects. For the displeasure of the public undermines the satisfaction of the elites. And the displeasure of the elites can be forgiven with the satisfaction of the public.
No one among the subjects is more burdensome to the ruler in times of ease, less helpful in distress, more disliking of equitable treatment, more importunate in asking favors, less thankful when given, less appreciative of reasons at the time of refusal, and weaker in endurance at the time of the discomforts of life than the elites. It is the general public of the community who are the pillars of the religion, the power of the Muslims and the shield against the enemies.
Your leanings should therefore be towards them and your inclination with them.46
This discourse divides people into two types with respect to their relation to the ruler: the general populace and the elites.
The interests of the general populace and the elites may conflict, so he instructs him to lean towards the general populace. What is more, he commands him to incline towards them, advising him that his heart and affection should be aligned with the general populace. If the common people incline towards something, he instructs him to lean towards their side, aiming to earn their satisfaction and goodwill. Of course, all of this must be within the bounds of Sharia regulations and what pleases Allah. However, when they see something that doesn't contradict Sharia, and the elites perceive differently, Imam Ali (a) orders him to lean towards their side.
The elites, generally speaking, are more burdensome and demanding, and less understanding and cooperative. The general populace, on the other hand, are just looking for a dignified life.
The common people play a crucial role in supporting the governor during times of adversity. Unlike the elites, who often prioritize their own interests over fairness and justice, the common people uphold these principles and stand firmly by them. Their support forms the backbone of the religion and the unity of Muslims.
In moments of crisis, such as the recent challenges posed by the ISIS issue, it was the common people who demonstrated unwavering loyalty, adhering to religious edicts and rallying behind religious authorities without any expectation of personal gain.
Their commitment was evident through their sacrifices, both in terms of volunteering to take up arms and defend their homeland, as well as their unwavering support elsewhere.
Many among them displayed remarkable courage, venturing into dangerous territories without hesitation to defend their beliefs and principles. In contrast, the elites, driven by self- interest, often fail to stand with the common people during times of adversity. Their reluctance to support the greater good highlights the stark contrast between their motivations and those of the common folk.
The lesson drawn from these observations is clear: it is imperative to foster a genuine connection with the common people, recognizing their importance and treating them with dignity and respect. Rather than elevating the elites above them, leaders should prioritize the needs and concerns of the common populace. This involves empathizing with their struggles, offering support in times of need, and embracing them as integral members of society.
Ultimately, the guidance provided by Imam Ali (a) underscores the significance of nurturing strong bonds with the common people. Whether in positions of governance or leadership, it is essential to cultivate trust and solidarity with the masses, ensuring that they feel valued and supported in their endeavors. By doing so, leaders can foster a sense of unity and cohesion within society, paving the way for collective progress and prosperity.