Tahdhib al-Riyasa wa Tartib al-Siyasa
- Author died
- 630 AH
- Editions
- Maktabat al-Manar
Tahdhib al-Riyasa wa Tartib al-Siyasa (Refining Leadership and Ordering Governance) is a treatise on Islamic political ethics, statecraft, and governance by the Shafi'i jurist Muhammad ibn Ali al-Qal'i (d. 630 AH / 1233 CE) .
Structure and Contents
The author arranged the work into two primary divisions (qismayn), beginning with an introductory treatment of the necessity of the Imamate and the requirement of public obedience to rulers :
- The First Section: Compiles thematic chapters containing maxims, aphorisms, and sayings of sages and eloquent figures . It delineates the praiseworthy qualities required of holders of authority, condemns their opposing vices, and discusses what actions rulers must pursue or avoid to ensure favorable outcomes .
- The Second Section: Gathers historical narratives and anecdotes concerning caliphs, viziers, governors, and emirs . These accounts illustrate models of justice, equity, benevolence, clemency when possessing power, recognition of merit, acceptance of counsel, and heedfulness of admonitions, alongside their learning, dignity, forbearance, eloquence, generosity, and courage .
The text opens substantively with a chapter on the doctrinal and practical obligation of appointing an Imam, establishing that human affairs in both religious and worldly realms cannot function without governance . It proceeds to address the rewards earned by just rulers and the spiritual burdens borne by unjust rulers, drawing upon hadiths, prophetic traditions, and reports from companions and early figures .
Publication
The work was edited by Ibrahim Yusuf 'Ajju and published by Maktabat al-Manar in Jordan (1405 AH / 1985 CE) .
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