Translation of an Epistle written by a father to his Governor son in the reign of Caliph Mamun al Rashid
Presented to the officials of Pakistan and the Honourable members of both the national and provincial Assemblies of this Country”
Worthy officials and honourable members we take this honour to submit to you with due reverence this translation of the memorable epistle forwarded by God fearing, sagacious and resourceful Tahir Ibn Hussain to his Son, then Governor of Egypt during the reign of Caliph Mamun A-Rashid, and containing valuable hints touching religious, ethical, political and social matters, later on in view of its exquisite merit the epistle was distributed amongst the officials throughout the empire by the express command of the Caliph, and is found recorded in the famous “MUQADDIMAH’ of Allamah Ibn Khaldun, with a remark of genuine praise.
And now that our dear country is about to harbour on the plan of constitution, a very important work to be undertaken at a very grave momenting our history, we most solemnly and respectfully present this valuable piece of advice, a reminiscence of human virtue and our venerable legacy to you in earnest, hoping that the same shall be credited with attention in accordance with the gravity of the moment, not only within the bounds of our own county, but the whole vast world of today as is steeped in misery and is impregnate with acute dangers.
Reproduced by Sayyid Abdul Qadir Azad, Tabligh Officer, Auqaf, and Lahore.
Translated by Allama Muhammad Yousuf Gabriel, Muballigh Auqaf, and Lahore.
Dated March 1971.
Contents of Epistle
Dear son, may the blessings of God Almighty be upon you.
Fear and remembrance of God.
And now, fear God almighty, who broke no partner. Dread his wrath and contemplate incessantly the welfare of those whose wellbeing you are entrusted with, by him. Let not the thought of the last day be ever absent from your mind and remember always the approach of the inevitable hour. Vouchsafe the matters for which you have been made responsible a constant regard, for you shall be inquired concerning such matters on the day of great as size. And keep not these matters confined to your through alone but rather give them a practical shape. In return the providence shall guard you from unpleasant vicissitudes and shall save you from those grievous torments of life which are in store for those who neglect their duty. Remember always that it is a particular favour of providence so kindly bestowed upon you, so that the fortunes and destinies of so many creatures of God have been given in your hand. Treat them kindly therefore and do them justice and endeavour your utmost best at mitigating their miseries. Keep them in their constant regard of their obligations and liabilities, their rights and their duties in exact conformity with the statures of God’s law for their ultimate good. Protect their honour, and their civil and social rights. Take upon yourself to bring ease to them, and felicity. These are the duties incumbent upon you, do therefore all that which in your power to discharge these duties in a manner worthy of your station, and let not your personal pursuits or worldly distractions come in your way to prove hindrance you in your task, which is the foremost to be inquired of you when you are raid from your grave.
Worship:
It is imperative therefore that you punctually offer prayers to best of your ability, and make regular obedience to the beneficent God, taking particular care both as regards the word and the ritual to the minutest detail, and purity both of body and mind. Read the scriptures slowly and elegantly, feeling the presence of God and in a state of reverie. Do not forget your friends in the acquirement of these blessings and see to it that they also follow your example and participate in the prayers and other good deeds, for the prayer cleanse man of sin and all other abominations. Perform all these duties with utmost vigour and remarkable diligence.
Follow the percept and example of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) to the letter or at least as much as it is possible for you in real earnest, and through constant endeavour.
Strict adherence to the teachings of the Holy Quran:
Whenever you, face a difficulty, endeavour to know the will of God in the teachings of the Quran, and act accordingly deviating not in the least from the path ascribed therein. Follow the commandments of God regarding the lawful and unlawful, and never ignore the light both of the Holy Quran and the tradition of the prophet. Whatever step you take in any matter it ought always to be taken merely for the pleasure of God and God only. Discard you whims and never for sake justice merely for your own likes and dislikes. Avoid prejudice and make no distinction between friend and foe in the cause of justice.
Acquire Knowledge, and honour the Learned:
Acquire knowledge, learn jurisprudence and honour the learned and the jurist. Remember that the real merit of man lay in his constraint pursuit of knowledge and the realization of the essence of the knowledge on his part and both learning and importing knowledge to fellow human beings.
Seek Nearness unto God:
Apply yourself continually to such pursuits and such attainments continually as are apt to bring you nearer and nearer into the presence of God , since it is this fact alone that is the sign of God’s favour and of one’s good, and is an unfailing guide towards the goal of man. It is a faithful guardian to protection from the fatality of sin, and if the grace of God be within him, the highroad of divinity is gradually and systematic revealed. The sentiment of respect for him is instilled in the heart of the people in this world and a greater ferity waits him in the life which is to come. When the truth of his rightousness is known to the people they feel pleasure in obeying his commands and develop an implicit dread at the thought of a possibility of his wrath being enkindled. He wins their hearts and gains genuine popularity among them and they remain content in the assurance of his unfailing sense of justice and equity.
Moderation is the key to all good.
Be modest and moderate in your habits, for there exists nothing to imply as sure and unfailing a guaranty of peace and tranquility as this habit of moderation, nor there happens to be any sign greater of man’s real greatness. It is the moderation that leads towards felicity, and the felicity is a sure signs of God’s favour and God’s favour is a blessing unmixed. IN fact religion itself is based on the basis of moderation. The precept and example of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) being explicit example thereof. Moderation endows one with peculiar grace in all the affairs and saves the mortal from the sin of every kind. No word of genuine advice is more directly effective then adherence to moderation.
Honesty, Sincerity:
Perhaps for the next world through honesty, sincerity and moderation, and never allow a chance howsoever meager, of working good to slip from your hands, and work as much good as could plausibly be wrought. Make, honesty, sincerity and moderation your motto and imbibe the true spirit of human sympathy and common welfare, and perpetually exert to gain the greatest good. Keep constantly in your mind the consideration of obtaining God’s pleasure, and forever desire the company of the saintly men of God in the next world. Abide by the principle of honesty and sincerity and all yours affairs shall be set aright. Your powers shall be augmented and your aims and objects achieved.
Trust in God and avoid Suspicion.
Place your trust in God; and the allegiance of your subjects to you shall be safeguarded by the hand of providence. Resort in every matter to God alone and his grace and bounty shall forever remain with you. Whosoever you entrust with a matter, refrain from all sorts of accusations concerning him until you have investigated the matter properly, for it is a sin in the sight of God to accuse the innocent merely on the grounds of suspicion. Create an atmosphere of mutual confidence, expelling every kind of suspicion from the minds, so that they may carry on their work with utmost zeal and conscientious by enough with their minds quite at ease. Do not afford Satan the enemy of God a chance to seduce you. He is always straining his eyes to find a chance to play upon your weakness and turn the things in his favour and against you to work your destruction by insinuating dark feelings of distrust and mistrust into your minds expelling all pleasure and instilling but bitterness. On the other hand an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence shall be a perennial source of friendly amiability an effective agent to run your works smoothly ensuring at the same time the love and affection of your subjects for you. Yet these factors do not mean to exclude the necessity of making inquiry into their affair, nor does it imply in any way your neglect as regards careful investigation of the unpleasant affairs of your colleagues, or that of the welfare of the general populace. Your responsibility as regards your subjects is in fact to be preferred to every other consideration, for it is a duty which has its bearing direct on faith.
Sincerity most essential:
I repeat it once more that in every matter sincerity is indispensable without it every achievement is worthless.
Reward and Award:
You will be questioned on the Day of Judgment about your works. Your good deeds shall be rewarded and your inconsistencies shall also be considered and awarded accordingly. Albeit God has ordained religion a means of honour and safeguard. Whoso adheres to God’s religion, is exalted see therefore that they who happen to be within the bounds of your domain are not left to be careless of religion. Induce them therefore to practice religion last they miss the blessings thereof.
No blessings thereof:
Inflict punishment on those justly sentenced for crimes in exact accordance with the nature of their crimes without mercy. Your kindness in this respect shall amount to fertility quite detrimental to your policy of kindness, otherwise a great asset.
The good effects of abiding by the good example other Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him)
Following the example of the Prophet in every matter to the last detail and avoid heresy and doubt. By doing this not only your faith shall remain immune to impairing influences of all sorts, but also you shall aim and retain such desired qualities of healthy and subtle sensitivity, patriotism and manli-hood.
Fulfill Your Promise
Always fulfill your promise, at all costs and never go back on your word, otherwise your reputation shall suffer irreparably and the reputation once marred could never be reinstated.
Avoid the Company of the Slanderer.
Refrain from false accusation, hate the very face of the slanderer, and keep him away from your company. A sure sign of the disparagement of your affairs both in this present world. And the next world is the presence of a lie in your company, and the encouragement of falsity on your part, for the sin itself begins with the lie and terminates into the slander. He who is accustomed to listen to the false word of the slanderer is deprived of friendship and his success becomes dubious. Refrain from the company of the liars but incline your heart towards those gifted with talent and honesty and pay respect to the gentle. Console the weak and show affinity to your relatives. But in every matter you consideration should be the pleasure of God and your obedience to him, with a view to obtaining the eternal reward of the next world.
Refrain from Evil desires and committing the wrongs.
Refrain from evil desires, and abstain from committing wrongs and declare openly to your subjects, that you hate the wrong attitudes. Never for once leave the path of justice and champion the cause of truth, and gain the light which may lead to you on the path of religion. Do not become the slave of wrath and keep your temper under control and never depart from the attitudes of clemency and grace. Empty your mind from the least vestige of insolence, conceit and indignation. Never say, “I am the sagacious, or I can do whatever I like” for such an assertion on your part suggests the weakness of your judgment and the lack of your faith in God. Always be sincere and keep your trust in him.
The reason for the seizure of domain.
Know that the real sovereignty belongs to God, and the bestows the same on whatsoever, and takes it back from whosoever he pleases. You shall notice that no felicity is so promptly confiscated then that of the sovereignty and wealth, and the owners of such felicity are soon subjected to severe chastisement. This happen whenever they show ingratitude for the boons of God bestowed upon them. Mind should therefore be kept freeform Greed, and piety alone should be considered as the true wealth. The real wealth of a ruler consists in the prosperity of his subjects.
The best way of spending the treasure:
The treasured wealth brings no profit or increase, and the secret of profit or increase lay in the fact of spending the money in the welfare and well-being of the people, and in maintaining justice and the protection of the life of the subjects and their honour. The wealth thus spent is increased and is sanctified and results in the true prosperity of the state. The wealth should also be spent in the friends of the previous rulers, and look after them. If you shall acquit yourself in a manner worthy of your dignity, God’s bounty shall continue and shall tend to increase. You shall with much case be able to collect revenues from your subjects who shall stand before you with their eyes, downcast due to gratitude. They shall do for you everything with pleasure. See that the luxuries of this world do not turn your attention from the horrors of the Day of Judgment, for luxury entails indolence and indolence begets calamity.
Valuable pieces of Advice:
Whatever you do, do it for God, and expect your reward from him only. His boons for you are great and many, show therefore gratitude to him, and Waver not from his path. He shall thus increase his bounty for you, as is his wont. Never consider the lasts in as insignificant. Judge the envious and do not take pity on the male-violent, nor ever associate yourself with the ungrateful. Never ignore your enemy, nor take the calumniator as truthful. Do not trust the treacherous, nor seek the friendship of the evil. Never follow the arring man, nor ever praise the hyper its. Do not view any human being with contempt, nor disappoint the indigent. Do not view falsity in an agreeable light. Do not allow jesters in your court. Fulfill your promise, and never go back on your word, refrain from pride and affectation, and do not walk with a wagering gait. Fear not the malignant, nor connive at his ill-doings. Consult the learned and value their opinions learn from the wise and experienced, and those who have sagacious views. Never entertain the views of the either the extravagant or the miser, for the harm done by them is great.
Miserable a cause of great confusion:
There is nothing in world more effective in creating confusion and disorder in a state then the miserliness on the part of the ruler. Under the influences of greed the account is unbalanced against the subjects, and the country is doomed. The ruler forfeits the love and goodwill of his subjects when he has set his eyes on the wealth of the people. Make generosity therefore your habit and abide by the same perpetually, keeping your faith in it.
The affairs of the army:
Keep a regular check on the offices of your Army, and spend lavishly on them. If their minds shall be set free from financial problems, and the cruelties of indigence, they shall serve you faithfully, and their hearts shall most willing keep their allegiance to you. What matter of greater credit could there be for a ruler than that he be kind and merciful to his subjects and his army, maintaining justice and equity among them.
Politics:
Never adopt the wrong side of the Politics, and God willing you shall attain success everlastingly. And know that it is the predestined will of God that actually prevails. To depend upon the apparent and external causes and deviate from the straightforward path of immaculate honesty is merely a deception of an unknowing and ignorant mind. The truth and justice is as essential in politics as it is in any other walk of life. It is through just politics that the highways become safe, and the people rest in peace.
Ponder upon the problem and comprehend and take the lessons.
Obedience is rewarded with peace and safety by the providence. Stand fast by the commandments of God and avoid intrigue and seduction. Beware of thee harms of restlenessness, anxiety and peevishness. Be content with your fate. Utilize your experience. Your silence should not be devoid of thought and your speech should be straight forward and truthful. Do justice at your enemy. Investigate in case of doubt to your satisfaction, and weigh the pros and cons thoroughly. Give no consideration to your friendship or your personal ties in the matters of justice. Do not fear the calumny of the calumniator. Exert in patience and perseverance. Subject every matter to a through consideration, ponder over and over, comprehend, digest and take the lesson inferred there from. Submit yourself completely to the will of God and treat your subjects with love and affection. Rely on truth and fortify your soul with faith and be not hasty in killing, for the murder of an innocent person is grievous in the sight of God.
Revenue:
Jealously guard the revenues of the country, for it is the backbone of the country’s economy. It is a sign of grace, and a means of safety and protection for those who pay the same. Keep therefore in your mind the consideration of justice and a equity while spending the revenues of your country and exempt no one from the payment of the dues merely form the consideration of one’s rank or association with you in any way, and put not a burden on any one in excess to his mite. Keep everyone bound to the cause of fiscal justice for it shall in return bring general contentment amongst them and prosperity. Do not forget that in the capacity of Governor you are also the treasurer of the country and the guardian thereof, and the patron. Your position is that of shimmered, who is responsible for his sheep. Do not therefore akin them but only clip the fleece , that is take only out of their surplus, and then spend the whole on themselves, prudently though, and in a sensible way. Appoint always such officers for the collection of revenues and all other duties as are scrupulous men of exact judgment, and remarkable sagacity, shrewdness and experience. And well versed in the matters of politics and the manners of statesmanship and let these officers be free from financial worries.
Trust worthy Observers.
In every city within our domain you must appoint trustworthy observers. Who should convey to you the correct reports regarding the circumstances prevailing within the country, touching all the facts which may be of use to you in redressing the just grievances of the public, but whatever steps you take in the respect, think upon the expected consequences thereof, and consult the matter with men of sagacity an wisdom, and act according to their advice. Weigh the matter beforehand, but if you have decided to act, then stand to it with determination and confidence.
Selection of friends:
When you have adjusted the character of those men who happen to have some merit, and evince a liking for you, then select from amongst them such as you deem fit for your company, and allow them to partake of your magnificence, and treat them in a manner so that they relinquish their dependence on every to other person and place their trust completely in you.
The rights and interests of the humble and helpless:
The humble and helpless who are unable to approach you to submit their complaints, or are ignorant of their rights are deserving of your immediate attention. Appoint the fore some suitable persons to look into their affairs and bring to your notice such matters as deserve your attention, for doing the needful. Do not ignore the orphan and the widow and other indigent people, and issue grants for them from the public treasury. Builds hospitals and dispensaries, and appoint compassionate staff and experience doctors. But however avoid extravagance, for men could in no way find entire satisfaction, no matter to whatever extent they are provided with facilities. The point of their saturation indeed is difficult to obtain, and if the demands exceed the means, there is surety of disarrangement of the Economical affairs.
Audience.
Do not refuse audience to anyone, and keep your doors open on everyone. Receive the people with cheerful countenance and keep your emotions under your control, and converse in a sweet manner. Whatever of the material benefits you bestowed on anyone, do the same in a pleasant manner and do not keep reminding the people about your deeds of generosity, but rather think always that that whatever good you do, you do it purely for the sake of God. Encourage the people to point out to you your inconsistencies during on your face, that you may mend your ways. Trust on God and d other justice.