Justice and Remembrance: Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali

by Reza Shah-Kazemi

Upon assuming the caliphate, ʿAlī was advised by his cousin, Ibn al-ʿAbbās, to temporarily confirm in power all of ʿUthmān’s governors and, after he had consolidated the new order, to remove them. The Imam’s reply to this proposed strategy was reported as follows: ‘I do not doubt that this would be best for the sake of reconciliation in this world. But there is my obligation to the Truth (alladhī yalzamanī min al-ḥaqq) and my knowledge of ʿUthmān’s governors—so, by God, I shall never appoint one of them.’35 Thus was the die cast: the Imam dismissed Muʿāwiya, together with all of his predecessor’s governors.36 It was clear to the Imam that Ibn al-ʿAbbās’ proposed solution had every chance of success, knowing as he did that all Muʿāwiya wanted was worldly power and would have been content with the prospect of governing Syria, if the Imam had allowed him to do so. While commentators have referred to this incident, which assured the revolt of the governors, as a sign of ʿAlī’s lack of political acumen and his intransigence, it ought instead to be seen as the expression of his disdain for worldly ease, if that ease be purchased at the price of essential principles.