The fundamental objective of modern management is
increased profitability by increasing productivity and the best combination of
men, material, and knowhow.
Islamic management concentrates on Divine ownership
of our lives. Imam Ali (a.s.) when given chance to rule the Ummah had shown the
glimpses of Islamic management. When he appointed Malik al-Ashtar governor of
Egypt, he compiled a directive to him. Surprisingly, the
Secretary General of United Nation, Koofi Annan referred to this directive
encouraging the Muslim members to review Imam Ali’s directive to Malik
al-Ashtar.
The sermon of Imam Ali may be seen in sermon # 53
of Nahjul Balagha.
The Sermon starts with the phrase, “This letter is
from Ali, the servant of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful.” He specified
servant first and commander later. This reflects the chain of command; the governor is accountable to the
Imam and the Imam is accountable to Allah. This eliminates the thoughts of autocracy
or complete independence from any controlling power. It exhorts anyone towards spiritual
impurity and forces one to remember that he is a servant of Allah and act accordingly.
He further stresses Malik to fear Allah. Help Allah from your heart, hands, and
tongue. Because Allah had promised to assist those who serve Him. Control your emotions.
Avoid those activities which are prohibited. Cultivate love and kindness
towards the people. Never behave with people like furious animals. Never make
decisions when you are angry. Never show superiority complex saying that you
are the boss. Never think of confronting Allah exaggerating your power because Allah
lowers the Proud ones. Be careful with your behavior specially relating to your
relatives. Be watchful of the rights of the people. Do not have a miser as your
advisor who is miser or a coward. All such qualities point towards ignorance. Have
truthful people around you. Train them not to falsely praise your deeds. Never
treat righteous and bad character people at par as this will discourage the
righteous ones. Do not discontinue the proper customs and traditions. Always
consult the wise in the affairs of the state. Recognize a good work done by
your people. Suitably compensate the judges so they can perform well without
any influence from outside. Appoint after carefully testing and examining them
impartially. Be fearful of Allah over the affairs of the poor, handicapped and
those who deserve help but do not openly ask for it. Keep an eye over the
affairs of the orphans and widows.
Do not set aside for yourself any facility which is
meant for commoners. Control your tongue, and your power in deciding any matter
in haste. Always keep your promise and never remind people about your favors.
Do not have people around you who are inquisitive about other people and try to
find faults with them. Such people may interfere with your decisions about
other people in your administration. Do not have a person who was with the
previous administration and assisted in oppression of innocent people. Leaders
depend on advisors and may make or break an administration.
Spare time for praying in seclusion for Allah.
In the modern world every city or town is populated
by people of different faiths; whether Muslim or non-Muslim, a ruler should be
impartial. This exhibits his humanity in dealing with people. The wording he
used emphasize his judicial independence; “People are of two
types either they are of the same faith as you or they are an equal in humanity!”
“People make mistakes. Hence forgive them as you want Allah to forgive you.
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