Nahjul Balagha Part 1, The Sermons

Sermon 40: A true statement to which a false meaning ...

When Amir al-mu’minin heard the cry of Kharijites that “Verdict is only that of Allah” he said:

A true statement to which a false meaning is attributed. It is true that verdict lies but with Allah, but these people say that (the function of) governance is only for Allah. The fact is that there is no escape for men from ruler good or bad. The faithful persons perform (good) acts in his rule while the unfaithful enjoys (worldly) benefits in it. During the rule, Allah would carry everything to end. Through the ruler tax is collected, enemy is fought, roadways are protected and the right of the weak is taken from the strong till the virtuous enjoys peace and allowed protection from (the oppression of) the wicked.

Another version

When Amir al-mu’minin heard the cry of the Kharijites on the said verdict he said:

I am expecting the verdict (destiny) of Allah on you.

Then he continued:

As for good government the pious man performs good acts in it, while in a bad government the wicked person enjoys till his time is over and death overtakes him.

Alternative Sources for Sermon 40

(1) Al-Shafi`i, Kitab al-'umm;

(2) al-Tabari, Ta'rikh, VI, 41;

(3) Abu Talib al-Makki, Qut, I, 530;

(4) al-Ya`qubi, Ta'rikh, II, 136;

(5) al-Baladhuri, Ansab, 352, 355, 361, 377;

(6) al-Mubarrad, al-Kamil, II, 131.