Issue No: 161
24th May 2013
13th Rajab 1434 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Imposed by the people:
In the year 1215 Magna Carta, meaning Great Charter, was issued in Latin. This was the first document forced onto an English King- King John- by a group of his subjects. The clauses of the agreement included proclamation by the King for rights pertaining to freedom, respect for certain legal procedures, appeal against unlawful imprisonment and accept that the will of the King could be bound by the law. In summary it was a contract between the Ruler – King - and his subjects where the powers of the ruler were limited.
Issued by the Ruler:
Five centuries before Magna Carta was drawn, history records publication of another governance document. Unlike the Magna Carta of England imposed upon the Ruler by his subjects, this document had been issued by the Ruler to his Governor. This epistle was written by Imam Ali bin Abi Talib a.s. in the year 658 (38 A.H.) to his Governor of Egypt, Maalik ibn Al Harith Al Ashtar.
'Magna Carta' from Kufa:
This Great Charter, authored by Imam Ali as the Ruler based in Kufa, is a summary of the principles of administration and justice for the subjects under his domain as dictated by Islam. It contains such basic principles of the fulfilment of Allah's obligations, the duties and obligations of rulers, dispensation of justice, the protection of human rights without distinction of religion or community, the care of the destitute and the poor and the provision of support to the low and down trodden, the establishment of peace and security and the prosperity and well being of the people.
The letter can be found in the book: Nahjul Balagha Letter No: 53
Two kinds of people:
Here below is a small paragraph from this letter outlining the theme of the whole document:
"Maalik! You must create in your mind kindness, compassion and love for your subjects. Do not behave towards them as if you are a voracious and ravenous beast and as if your success lies in devouring them.
Remember Maalik,that amongst your subjects there are two kinds of people: either they are your brothers in religion or they are human beings like you."
Interestingly the above paragraph was quoted by Kofi A. Annan, the former Secretary General of United Nations, in a speech delivered on 10th December, 1997 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human rights. http://www.un.org/rights/50/dpi1937.htm
Today we live in a world full of strife and oppression. Has man lost the supreme value of relating to one another as human beings?
Reflect on this as you celebrate the auspicious birth date of Amiral Muminin Imam Ali bin Abi Talib a.s.
Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Amiral Muminin Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (A.S.)
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat