Ali Ibn Abi Taleb remains one of history’s most revered figures for his wisdom, justice, and commitment to ethical leadership. As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, Ali was the fourth caliph of Islam and is remembered for his deep sense of equity, compassion, and duty toward the marginalized. Unlike rulers who sought power for personal gain, Ali governed with a philosophy rooted in fairness, humility, and service. His teachings provide a universal blueprint for ethical leadership, not only for Muslims but for all societies seeking equity and harmony. His legacy, embedded in works such as Nahj al-Balagha, continues to serve as a guiding light for leaders who prioritize justice over dominance.
One of the most significant literary works attributed to Ali Ibn Abi Taleb is Nahj al-Balagha, a compilation of his sermons, letters, and sayings collected by the 10th-century scholar Sharif Razi. The title, which translates from Arabic as “The Peak of Eloquence,” reflects both the linguistic brilliance and the profound depth of the wisdom within its pages. The book is not just a historical text but a timeless guide on governance, justice, and morality.
Nahj al-Balagha covers a vast array of topics, from the responsibilities of rulers to the rights of the oppressed. Ali’s words, filled with insight and moral guidance, continue to resonate across cultures and centuries. His sermons offer invaluable lessons on governance, urging leaders to rule with compassion and justice rather than tyranny and personal ambition. Among these, Sermon 216 stands as one of the most powerful articulations of justice, emphasizing that the strength of the weak lies in justice, and that unchecked power leads to societal decay.
In Sermon 216, Ali Ibn Abi Taleb highlights the interdependent relationship between rulers and the ruled. He argues that a society cannot thrive unless justice is upheld, ensuring the weak are protected and the excesses of the strong are curbed. He declares that true strength does not lie in oppression but in the ability of a leader to balance power with fairness. His words warn against the dangers of unchecked authority and the consequences of abandoning justice.
This principle—that justice is the force that empowers the weak and limits the abuse of the powerful—has shaped civilizations throughout history. Societies that have upheld this vision of justice have flourished, while those that have succumbed to oppression have inevitably collapsed.
History offers numerous examples of civilizations that thrived when justice was maintained. One such example is the Islamic Golden Age, where rulers such as Umar Ibn Al-Khattab and later Abbasid caliphs prioritized fairness and social welfare. Under just leadership, science, literature, and philosophy flourished, benefiting not just Muslims but the wider world. When justice was abandoned in favor of corruption and tyranny, the same empire saw its downfall.
On the other hand, oppressive regimes have repeatedly led to social upheaval. The French Revolution of the late 18th century arose because the monarchy and aristocracy ignored the suffering of the lower classes. The unchecked power of the elite led to economic despair, social unrest, and ultimately, revolution. Similarly, the fall of the Soviet Union can be attributed to the failure to provide justice to its citizens—mass oppression, censorship, and the denial of basic human rights led to internal collapse.
Ali Ibn Abi Taleb’s message is not merely historical; it is profoundly relevant today. In societies where justice is upheld, citizens thrive. Countries such as Norway and Canada, where social policies ensure equity, have high levels of happiness, lower crime rates, and stable economies. These nations prioritize fair governance, proving that societies built on justice empower their people.
However, injustice remains a dominant force in many parts of the world. The plight of the Palestinian people showcases the consequences of oppression. A lack of justice has left millions displaced, with generations suffering under policies that deny them basic rights. Similarly, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where the Rohingya Muslims face systematic persecution, illustrates how injustice not only harms individuals but destabilizes entire regions.
At the same time, movements advocating justice have shown the power of collective resistance. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by Martin Luther King Jr., forced systemic change by standing against racial oppression. The end of Apartheid in South Africa, achieved through the relentless efforts of figures like Nelson Mandela, demonstrates that societies can move toward justice if the people demand it.
If history and contemporary society teach us anything, it is that justice must be actively maintained. Oppression thrives when the weak remain divided, making it easy for the powerful to exploit them. To combat this, the weak must unite, forming strong collectives that are harder to suppress.
Those in positions of power must embrace governance that prioritizes equity and balance. Leaders must recognize that a fulfilled and just society leads to harmony, stability, and progress for all. Ali Ibn Abi Taleb’s message from about fourteen centuries ago serves as an urgent reminder: True strength lies not in dominance but in the protection of the vulnerable and the fair distribution of power. This message was reiterated by Gandhi centuries later.
By embracing this vision of justice, humanity can move toward a world where power is wielded responsibly and society flourishes not through oppression but through fairness and compassion.
