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A Study of the Ethical Principles of Political… S. Mikhalev & A. Ahmadi Amin (43
3. Ethical Requirements of a Political the moral duty to uphold the rights of all
Leader Regarding Ordinary Citizens citizens, particularly the vulnerable.
Imam Ali, in his collection of sermons, Imam Ali defines justice as "placing
letters, and sayings known as Nahj al- things in their proper order" (Sharīf al-
Balagha, laid out a comprehensive Raḍī, Aphorism 437), which implies not
ethical framework for political leaders. only legal fairness but also the appropriate
His teachings emphasize the allocation of resources and
responsibilities of rulers towards ordinary responsibilities. True justice, he argues, is
citizens, focusing on the principles of achieved when each individual is given
justice, fairness, compassion, and their due, based on their unique
humility. In Nahj al-Balagha, Imam circumstances and needs (Husserl, 1970).
Ali repeatedly stresses the importance Imam Ali’s teachings reflect his
of governance that benefits all citizens, belief that justice must guide
particularly the most vulnerable, while leadership, especially in times of
ensuring that leaders maintain ethical conflict when fairness must underpin
integrity and humility in their rule. decisions and actions (Radelet, 1989).
A key theme in Imam Ali’s (Sharīf al-Raḍī, Letter 27).
teachings is the importance of ethical This illustrates his commitment to
behavior at all levels of governance. balancing the treatment of the powerful
He emphasizes that leaders should treat and the weak, ensuring that no one can
all individuals with dignity and respect, exploit their position for personal gain
regardless of their social or economic while safeguarding the marginalized
status (Ansari Qomi, 2010). The from injustice.
greatness of a leader lies not in their Justice, as envisioned by Imam Ali, is
power or position but in their ability to not simply about equality in treatment but
assume responsibility for both major involves recognizing and addressing the
and minor affairs, to act justly in both specific needs of different societal groups.
public and private actions, and to Leaders must actively pursue justice as a
uphold the rights of all citizens, social objective to create a just and
especially the marginalized (Schmitter, equitable society. Imam Ali views justice
2012). as the foundation of a stable state and the
3.1. Execution of Justice in Leadership ultimate goal of governance (Aristotle,
Justice is the cornerstone of Islamic 2009). To achieve this, rulers are tasked
leadership as outlined by Imam Ali. with ensuring that all individuals have
His understanding of justice extends equal access to their rights and
beyond mere adherence to the law, opportunities, free from discrimination or
encompassing fairness, compassion, and favoritism. His teachings continue to offer
