The Rights of People to be Observed by the Rulers
Mohaqeq Nayeeni studies Islamic jurisprudence in contrast with the despotic government: Government is a trust in nature for applying power for the benefit of people not for personal whims. The authority of the sultan or the ruler is confined to this.” In a despotic government, people are treated like orphans and minors.[i]
Various sections of Nahjul-Balagha cite the rights of people that are to be observed by the rulers:
a- The ruler has achieved blessings and facilities through the government, therefore, power should not make him change his behavior.
b- He must consult people except in urgent matters and Islamic precepts. In other words, he must consult people in the public affairs as the Holy Qur’an says: “…and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them …”
c- He must pay people from public treasury without being stingy.
d- He must be well-wisher.
e- He must do his best in education and upbringing of people.[ii]
References:
Mirzay-e Nayeeni, Hossein, Tanbih al-Ommah and Tanzih al-Mellah on the Principles of Legitimacy of the Government in View of Islam, with an Introduction by Ayatollah Taleghani, Tehran, 1955
[i] Mirzay-e Nayeeni, Tanbih al-Ommah and Tanzih al-Mellah, Pp. 8-14
[ii] Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 34 and Letter 50, Mostafa Jafarpisheh Fard, Intellectual Challenges of the Theory of Islamic Jurisprudence, 68
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Equality of Religious Leader with General Public unlike Despotic Ruler
Observing the Rights of People by Ruler in Islamic Jurisprudence System unlike Despotic System
