Grand Ayatollah Shirazi urges leaders to emulate Imam Ali’s justice and humility, reject luxury
The Supreme Religious Authority, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, has called for reflection on the life of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and emulating his example, particularly by rulers in various countries around the world, especially in Islamic nations. The Grand Marja emphasized the necessity of abandoning a life of luxury and extravagance, and instead living at the level of the general populace, as the Commander of the Faithful did.
This was part of a series of remarks published on the official website of his office on the occasion of the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) on the 21st of Ramadan. His Eminence stressed the just approach that the Commander of the Faithful followed in managing the affairs of the nation, which was an extension of the governance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi said: “The head of the greatest government on the face of the earth, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), died in debt and possessed nothing; thus, Imam Hasan (peace be upon him) spent a long period of time settling the debts of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). This was also the way of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), as millions would come to him and he would distribute them, and then when his death approached, he said: ‘O Ali, you are the executor of my debt.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) passed away while in debt and his armor was pawned. This is too well-known to mention. These matters require reflection, and we must follow the example of these pure ones (peace be upon them).”
The Supreme Religious Authority consistently emphasizes the importance of following the path of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in managing the affairs of the country and the people, pointing out that their governments were the highest and most sublime models for the entire world in justice and benevolence.
