The Companions’ governors during the caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) over the Islamic cities

Abstract

Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (peace be upon him) assumed the caliphate (35-40 AH), and the major Islamic countries were in need of a just, firm, strong, and wise administration. Therefore, the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) appointed a number of new governors from the Companions, and kept some of them in their administrative positions, relying in his selection on the most competent, suitable, and loyal to Islam in managing the affairs of the Islamic state. He (peace be upon him) engaged in a political and military struggle with many parties, especially after the battles of the Camel, Siffin, and Nahrawan were imposed on him, in addition to his confrontation with his opponents from the Umayyads, which greatly affected the stability of the states. Therefore, he recommended his governors to be just with the subjects, take into account the conditions of the people, and adhere to piety. However, some of his governors faced challenges and disturbances, especially in the Levant, Egypt, and Basra as a result of conflicts with his political opponents. Despite these challenges, most of his loyal governors from among the Companions contributed to supporting his caliphate, adhering to his orders, spreading justice, and organizing the affairs of the state.