In the name of Allah

The All Compassionate, the All-Merciful

22^nd Rabiul-Awwal 1446 (4^th September 2026)

Islamic Universal Association

20 Penzance Place, Holland Park

London, W11 4 PG

www.arafeh.co.uk

 

 

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 150

Last week I had quoted the last paragraph of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Sermon 131 and had explained the responsibilities of a Caliph. However, today I will outline the essential moral, intellectual and ethical disqualifications for seeking political or religious leadership, as provided by the Imam. The said paragraph is quoted below for your ready reference:

 

“You certainly know that he who is in charge of honor, life, booty, (enforcement of) legal commandments and the leadership of the Muslims should not be a miser as his greed would aim at their wealth, nor be ignorant as he would then mislead them with his ignorance, nor be of rude behavior who would estrange them with his rudeness, nor should he deal unjustly with wealth thus preferring one group over another, nor should he accept a bribe while taking decisions, as he would forfeit (others) rights and hold them up without finality, nor should he ignore the sunnah as he would ruin the people.”

 

The Disqualifications for leadership

 

Imam Ali (a.s.) specifies the characteristics that would ruin a nation’s governance:

 

• Miserliness (Greed): A stingy ruler will exploit public funds and covet the personal wealth of citizens.
• Ignorance: An uneducated leader lacks foresight and will inadvertently misguide the population.
• Rude behavior: A harsh, ill-mannered ruler lacks diplomacy and will isolate or alienate the people.
• Injustice with wealth: A ruler who shows favoritism creates deep social divisions and economic inequalities.
• Bribery: Accepting bribes completely destroys the legal system, violating human rights and justice.
• Ignoring the Sunnah: Abandoning the traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) breaks the spiritual backbone of society, leading to utter depravation.

 

The above excerpt thus functions as a blueprint for just governance, emphasizing that political authority is a spiritual trust (amanah) rather than a tool for personal enrichment, fame or systemic oppression. To be continued

Second Sermon

The auspicious birth of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) – Part: 2

Allah (s.w.t.) conferred great favors and blessings on man when he sent the Holy Prophet (s.a.) on earth with guidance and the religion of truth. He was the greatest Messenger of Allah and he was sincere in his love and compassion and like the sun he exuded warmth. His beneficence and grace were exceptional. He selflessly lived for others and generously helped the poor and needy. He was the light of Allah (s.w.t); like a lamp he illuminated the abyss of darkness and ignorance. From the confines of Arabia, it was his light that reached the farthest of regions and released people from their burden. Although he was highly honorable in lineage, his conduct was extremely modest and he was most tolerant and forgiving despite having the power of retaliation. The adversities and sufferings that he endured illustrate his high tenacity, generous heartedness and commitment. He did not slacken for a moment in discharging his duties nor was he ever disheartened. I quote below relevant Ayahs from the Holy Quran:

 

• “He it is Who has raised amongst the unlettered a messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His Signs, purifying them and teaching them the Book and the Wisdom, although they were before, in manifest straying.” (Ayah 2, Surah Al-Jummah)
• “Indeed, God conferred His favor upon the believers when He raised a Messenger (Muhammad) from among them to recite to them His Signs, and to purify them and to teach them the Book (Quran) and wisdom though before they were in manifest error.” (Ayah 164, Surah Ale-Imran)
• “Lord! Raise up amongst them a messenger from among themselves who shall recite to them Your revelations and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them for You; You alone are the Mighty, the Wise.” (Ayah 129 of Surah Al-Baqarah)

 

Thus, it can be noted from the above Ayahs that the Holy Prophet (s.a.) came during the era of darkness and ignorance, when people were sunk in iniquity, immorality and transgressions. He guided people to the right path and pursued Allah (s.w.t.)’s mission in the following manner:

 

1. He recited the signs and revelations of Allah (s.w.t.) to the people.
2. Thereafter he purified and sanctified them and raised their awareness from sensual to spiritual.
3. After he paved the way, he taught them the Holy Quran which contains the truth and wisdom.
4. Finally, he showed them how to apply the truth in a practical way.