To tax collectors

To his collectors of (land) tax

From the servant of Allāh ‘Alī, Amīr al-mu’minīn to the tax collectors:

So now, he who does not fear where he is going, does not send forward for himself that which could protect him.

You should know that the obligations laid on you are few, while their reward is much. Even if there had been no fear of punishment for revolt and disobedience, which Allāh has prohibited, the reward in keeping aloof from…

Behave yourselves justly with the people and act with endurance with regard to their needs, because you are the treasurers of the people, representatives of the community and the ambassadors of the Imāms.

Do not deprive anyone of his needs and do not prevent him from (securing) his requirements. For the collection of tax (kharāj) from the people do not sell their winter or summer clothes, nor cattle with which they work,…

Do not deny good counsel to yourself, good behaviour to the army, succour to the subjects and strength to the religion of Allāh. Strive in the way of Allāh as is obligatory on you, because Allāh the Glorified, desires us…