Distribution of ‘Fay’
With regard to the distribution of the spoils received known as “fay”, which are those spoils captured without a physical war taking place, Hazrat Ali (ra) adopted the practice of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra). When these spoils would come to him, Hazrat Ali (ra) would distribute everything and would not save anything from it, except for that which he was unable to distribute that day. He would say, “O material world! Go and deceive someone else [on account of your lure].” Hazrat Ali (ra) would not accept anything from the spoils of “fay”, nor would he give any to his close friends or relatives. He would only assign honest and trustworthy people as governors or to other offices. If he would learn about any dishonesty committed by any of his governors, he would write the following verses to them:
قَدْ جَاءَتْكُمْ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ “[O mankind!] There has indeed come to you an exhortation from your Lord” [Ch.10: V.58]
And also:
اَوْفُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيْزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا النَّاسَ اَشْيَاءَهُمْ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِيْنَ۔ بَقِيَّةُ اللّٰهِ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَمَا اَنَا عَلَيْكُمْ بِحَفِيْظٍ “Give full measure and full weight with equity and defraud not people of their things and commit not iniquity in the earth, causing disorder. That which is left with you by Allah is better for you, if you are believers. And I am not a keeper over you.” [Ch.11: V.86-87]
He would further add, “From the time this letter reaches you, ensure that you safeguard the wealth that is entrusted with you until I send a person to you who can take those possessions from you.”
Hazrat Ali (ra) would then look towards the sky and pray, “O Allah! Verily You know that I never commanded them to commit injustice against Your people, nor did I command them to forsake the rights owed to You.”