Ali ibn Abi Talib (as), as the leader of Muslims, wrote to his governor in Egypt (Malik al-Ashtar): “Habituate your heart to mercy for the subjects and to affection and kindness for them [those you rule]. Do not stand over them like greedy beasts who feel it is enough to devour them, since they are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity. They will commit slips and encounter mistakes. They may act wrongly, wilfully or by neglect. So, extend to them your forgiveness and pardon, in the same way as you would like God to extend His forgiveness and pardon to you, because you are over them and your responsible Commander is over you while God is over him (Ali) who has appointed you. He (God) has sought you to manage their affairs and has tried you through them.”
Ref: Nahj al-Balagha – Letter 53
