23/02/2026
Imam Ali (as) called us citizens. To Machiavelli, we were subjects.
Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian Renaissance philosopher and statesman,notorious for his preference of power over ethics in leadership. His work ‘The Prince’ would serve as a guidebook for those wishing to implement dictatorial authority during their rule.
When drawing parallels between his thinking and the wisdom of our beloved Imam Ali (as), the difference is astronomical.
While Machiavelli would be remembered as a thinker who promoted absolute authority, control and caprice, Imam Ali (as), to this day, is remembered for his humility, fairness and piety.
The covenant he wrote to his companion Malik al-Ashtar, who he appointed as the governor of Egypt at the time. This work taps into the benevolent nature of the Imam, and serves as a vital blueprint that leaders of any collective can follow.
