Just leadership in early Islam: the teachings and practice of Imam Ali

Book section : Chapter

According to Ali ibn Abi Talib (d. 661 ce)—the first imam after the Prophet Muhammad according to the Shia, the fourth caliph according to the Sunnis, and one of the most revered leaders in Islam—true leadership is contingent on a leader’s justice. Although political acumen, military strategy, and administrative skills are also crucial to the success of an individual’s leadership, the most important qualification by far is the virtue of justice. Luminaries across human history have deemed justice a cornerstone of leadership, but there are many brands of justice. What is Imam Ali’s understanding of just leadership? As argued in broad strokes in this chapter, a just leader for Ali is one who possesses a composite of several qualities. A just leader is not simply one who is fair and equitable to all his subjects. That is only the beginning. A just leader also possesses wisdom, shows compassion to the weak, shuns corruption, and promotes pluralism. Most importantly, a just leader is at all times conscious of their accountability to God.

Authors: Qutbuddin, T

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Host title: The Arts of Leading: Perspectives from the Humanities and the Liberal Arts
• Pages: 78-92
• Chapter number: 5
• Place of publication: Washington, DC, USA
• Publication date: 2024-12-02
• Edition: 1
• EISBN: 9781647124847
• ISBN-10: 1647124824
• ISBN-13: 9781647124823
• Language: English
• Subtype: Chapter