Ghadir Khumm is one of the most important events in the history of Islam that took place in the final days of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH). On the glory of this day it suffices to say that the Almighty God says: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
Generally there are two approaches to politics: politics minus ethics, which is also known as Machiavellian politics; and ethical politics which is Islamic in which violation of ethical rules and values is not allowed. In the former the ends justify the means, while in the latter, the political actor is not allowed to resort to unethical means to achieve his goals.
Imam Ali (as) always ate and dressed in such a simple way that even the poorest could afford better. It was not because he was poor, but it was because he wanted to lead the life of the poorest person and spend all that could thus be spared on the poor. I have noted below certain cases quoted by the historians. These incidents are of the time when he was the ruler of the entire Muslim Empire, except Syria.
Amir al-mu"minln Ali (upon whom be peace) was the son of Abu Talib, the Shaykh of the Banu Hashim. Abu Talib was the uncle and guardian of the Holy Prophet (sawas) and the person who had brought the Prophet (sawas) to his house and raised him like his own son. After the Prophet (sawas) was chosen for his prophetic mission, Abu Talib continued to support him and repelled from him the evil that came from the infidels among the Arabs and especially the Quraysh. Ali was present in all the wars in which the Prophet (sawas) participated, except the battle of Tabuk when he was ordered to stay in Medina in place of the Prophet (sawas). He did not retreat in any battle nor did he turn his face away from any enemy. He never disobeyed the Prophet (sawas), so that the Prophet (sawas) said:
"Ali is never separated from the Truth nor the Truth from Ali."
