Supreme Religious Authority calls on those in power to be conscious of citizens' demands and sufferings, strive to respond to them

In Friday’s Sermon delivered by sheikh Abdul-Mehdi Elkerbela’i at the Imam Hussain Shrine on November 22, 2019, the Shia Muslim Supreme Religious Authority called on those in power to feel mercy, altruism, and kindness toward the Iraqi people and to feel for their sufferings and grievance and strive to respond to their demands.

Elkerbela’i said, “We would like to mention part of Imam Ali’s (Peace Be Upon Him) entrustment of Egypt to Malik Eleshter (May God Be Pleased with Him) as ruler over it; this may hopefully be a reminder and enlightenment to those in power.”

He added, “Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) said, at that time, to Malik Eleshter, ‘Let your heart feel mercy, altruism, and kindness toward those over whom you rule.’ “

Elkerbela’i indicated that Imam Ali talked to Eleshter about the fundamentals and components of fair governance that ensure continuation, stability, and prosperity.

Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) advised that a ruler ought to let their heart feel kindness and mercy toward those over whom they rule in order to be conscious of them and to strive to provide them with what they need, Elkerbela’i mentioned, noting that if a ruler is rude and unkind, there will be a barrier between the ruler and people’s sufferings and grievance — and that will beget many issues and disturbances.

Elkerbela’i pointed out that Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) used various terms: mercy, altruism, and kindness. He used Mercy to indicate cooperation with people in all circumstances, Altruism to support those who serve people, and Kindness to show that some people need to be treated kindly and guided righteously without harming them.

 

Editing: Wela’ EsSeffar

Translation: Mohammed Elobaidi

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