Islam: People, and Governance

(Man is)Either a brother to you in faith, or equivalent to you in creation. Th is phrase best describes how Islam looks at humanity. It is the basic notion inthis work, written by Imam Ali, at the beginning of Islam. Islam is wrongfully portrayed by the unlawful actions of certain fanatics as adoctrine of hatred and enmity towards its adversaries, especially since 9/11,2001. Th is work is an attempt to show the bright and civilized face of Islam,as a complete way of life, stressing that man has the right to live in dignity andfreedom. Th e two main pillars in Islam as a divine faith revealed to ProphetMohammad, are: belief in Allah, and doing good deeds. Th is work is a study of a treatise written by Ali ben Abi Talib on governance. Imam Ali, the most faithful disciple of P. Mohammad, his cousin and son inlaw, became the fourth Caliph in the state of Islam, 24 years after the death ofthe Prophet. During his rule, he wrote this treatise, which covers all aspects ofadministration, description of various civil and security establishments designedto serve the daily needs of people, and qualifi cations of the personnel employed. Besides that, the document stresses the basic rights of humanity in freedom anddemocracy, and encourages the pursuit of knowledge. Ali gave that documentto one of his companions, whom he appointed governor of Egypt, to follow itsdetailed instructions in his assignment as a servant of the people.