Salamun alaykum,
Magna Carta imposed by the people:
King John (also known as John Lackland) reigned over the Kingdom of
England and extensive French lands during the period 1199 -1216. He was
abusing his power—especially through heavy taxation, arbitrary justice, and
ignoring feudal rights. In order to limit his royal authority and protect their
rights, his barons forced him to accept the Magna Carta.
In the year 1215, Magna Carta, meaning Great Charter, was the first
document forced onto an English King 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:
Whereas five centuries before Magna Carta was drawn, history records
publication of another governance document. Unlike the Magna Carta of
England that had been imposed upon the Ruler by his subjects, this
document was issued by the Ruler, for the people. This epistle was written
by Imam Ali bin Abi Talib a.s. in the year 658 (38 A.H.) to Maalik ibn Al
Harith Al Ashtar; his Governor of Egypt.
‘Magna Carta’ from Kufa:
This Great Charter was authored by Imam Ali a.s. based in Kufa as the Ruler
of the Muslim domain. The manuscript 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
wellbeing of the people. (Refer: Nahjul Balagha Letter No: 53.)
Two kinds of people:
The contents of this valuable epistle to the governor can also serve to guide
on the interaction between people. Here below is a passage from this letter
outlining an essential 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.”
How does humanity connect today?
We live in a world increasingly marked by injustice, oppression, and division.
Every day, the media confronts us with painful images and reports of
discrimination, violence, massacres, and even genocide. Amid this constant
noise of suffering and conflict, has humanity lost the sacred value of relating
to one another simply as human beings?
In an age of rapid communication, have our hearts grown distant? We are
more connected than ever technologically yet often disconnected morally
and spiritually.
Pause and reflect:
Amiral Mumineen was the embodiment of justice, mercy, humility, and care
for the oppressed—regardless of faith, race, or status.
How do we truly interact with those around us—within our families, our
communities, and wider society?
How far does our kindness reach? How deeply do our compassion and love
penetrate the lives of others?
As we commemorate the auspicious birth of Amiral Mumineen Imam Ali ibn
Abi Talib a.s. Imam Ali (a.s.), what does Imam Ali (a.s.) expect from you
and me as his Shia today?
This birth anniversary is not only a celebration of history, but a call to
responsibility: to reconnect with our humanity, and to live the values Imam
Ali (a.s.) lived and died for.
Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Birth
Anniversary of Amiral Muminin Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (A.S.)
Khushali Mubarak.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Fazle Abbas
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo BA(Hons),Cert. Ed.(DTLLS)
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat