Counsel in the Political Thought of Imam Ali (PB UH)

Counsel means advisement, consultation and expediency; and in the political thought of Imam Ali (PBUH) it means welcoming other's views and thought. 'Politic's means "direction and guidance and contriving people's matters". Imam Ali (PBUH) believes the most trustable and stable support is counsel. No wise man is independent from consulting wise, well-intentioned, pious, rational and watchful people, and scholars and veterans. Counsel has many effects including: 'giving personality to others', ' florescence of talents', 'identifying rational and well-intentioned people', 'reducing inaccuracies', 'preventing autocracy', 'developing the reason and culture of people', 'respecting people', 'sharing other's intellects', 'having God's aid and victory', 'preventing jealousy and reproof and incorrect criticisms', 'honor of the individual and society', 'raising brave, just and responsible people and individuals who demand their right'. One of the important discussions in counsel is the characteristics of consultant. The consultant should have the following characteristics: wise, well-intentioned, learned and aware, experienced, pious, and rational; and should not have the following characteristics: niggardliness, fear, cupidity, unawareness, obstinacy, and being liar.