Ma`rifat Siyasi

Throughout history, the need for a governmental system and social discipline is the reason for not having societies without a government, leadership or political management. On the other hand, the stabling of a good government system is among the factors which contribute to the continuation of a good political government. Islam has also propounded principles, frameworks and guidelines in the area of political authority and governance, according to which politicians and the elite should act. The aim of this paper is to investigate the kind of leadership and governance exercised by Imam Ali as a magnificent example of ‘’good governance’’. In order to achieve this goal, the indexes of good governance are reviewed and then the mentioned principles in the governmental lifestyle of Imam Ali are investigated. The reason foe citing Imam Ali’s government as a good example is that, despite the hard political conditions and state of turmoil which Imam Ali encountered in his caliphate during (35-40 AH) , he offered a clear and precise picture of ‘’government’’ and propounded valuable ideas about the principles of good governance which are considered reliable by every governor and at all times. If we carefully consider Imam Ali’s orders, governmental circulars, speeches and advice to his agents, we will see that his aim was not only forming a government, but also establishing a good political system which observes the principles of Islam to create a good society, because a good government is a ground for building an agreeable life.