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A Study of the Ethical Principles of Political… S. Mikhalev & A. Ahmadi Amin (47
4.2.3. Education and Perseverance in embody specific qualities, including
Leadership competence, integrity, loyalty, and foresight,
Imam Ali highlights education and to fulfill their duties effectively.
perseverance as essential for ethical and In Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali
effective leadership. Leadership, in his outlines three primary responsibilities for
view, demands continuous growth and agents: Protecting people from
adaptation. Education extends beyond aggression, theft, and violence, as
formal learning, emphasizing intellectual emphasized in his letter to Malik al-
curiosity, self-awareness, and moral Ashtar (Sharīf al-Raḍī, Letter 53).
refinement. Leaders committed to Ensuring economic freedom by
learning are better equipped to make preventing arbitrary government actions
ethical decisions, adapt to societal and safeguarding fair resource
changes, and guide their teams distribution (Sharīf al-Raḍī, Letter 27).
effectively (Sharīf al-Raḍī, Saying 80). Supporting a predictable and fair
Perseverance complements education judicial system that ensures justice for
by fostering resilience and steadfastness all segments of society (Nahj al-
in pursuing justice and overcoming Balagha, Sermon 216).
challenges. Imam Ali advises, “Do not These responsibilities illustrate that
let difficulties deter you from pursuing justice is not merely a theoretical ideal
what is right, for perseverance is the but a practical obligation that underpins
key to success” (Sharīf al-Raḍī, effective governance. By adhering to
Aphorism 183). It ensures leaders these principles, agents contribute to
remain focused and principled despite maintaining social harmony and
adversity. Together, education and upholding the moral vision of leadership
perseverance create a virtuous cycle, presented by Imam Ali.
enabling leaders to adapt, inspire trust, Incorporating these ethical teachings
and maintain integrity. These principles into contemporary leadership practices
remain highly relevant for navigating ensures that governance not only meets
modern leadership challenges and the immediate needs of society but also
fostering long-term success. fosters long-term stability and equity.
Therefore, Imam Ali’s teachings in Nahj Imam Ali’s timeless wisdom provides
al-Balagha provide a detailed framework for a guiding light for political leaders and
the ethical responsibilities of political leaders their agents, enabling them to navigate
and their agents. These teachings emphasize the complexities of governance with
three key ethical principles: personal fairness and integrity.
accountability, unwavering commitment to
justice, and ethical strength. Agents must
