Democracy in the Rule of Imam Ali (PBUH)

From Imam Ali’s (PBUH) viewpoint، the political arena of a truth-oriented government is a meritocratic are in which all members of society should have the opportunity to participate. The government، in fact، is based on people’s will and presence. Imam Ali (PBUH) considers a government as a means to serve people. The prominent characteristics of his government were avoiding tyranny and emphasis on consultation with people. People in such a government are regarded as the bases of ruling body and solid shields against enemies. According to Imam Ali (PBUH)، getting people’s good intentions is extremely essential and since political power arises from people، they have the right to monitor the process of execution of Islamic principles and rules. Government policy-makings are focused on the mass of people، since they always assist the government in hard times. Political awareness of people plays a significant role in continuity، persistence، and acceleration of reaching goals. The area of ruling is not a realm of secrecy and all people must be notified about the measures taken by the government so that the grounds for political transparency are prepared. Any kind of discrimination and inequality، whether political or economic or social، is rejected، so that a safe environment for optimum flourishing and prosperity of society is created. All of such principles، including the right to express one’s opinions، political participation، tolerance for people، serving the public، making efforts to realize public interests، accountability، transparency، equality، and justice، are characteristics of an Islamic government today. It is noteworthy that these principles were executed in the truth-oriented government of Imam Ali (PBUH).