Explain how the advice contained in the "Letter of Ali ibn Abi Talib to Malik al-Ashtar" is important and should be used in domestic and/or international affairs. Reference two or three sections (give: p.123 and topic eg: judges) of the Letter and detail their significance, how the President should act upon the advice and what would be the potential consequences.

The advice contained in this letter is important and should be used in domestic and/or international affairs.

Malik al-Ashtar was a high ranking commander in the army of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and was given the responsibility of leading an army to quell a rebellion.

It is important to take Ali's advice because it will minimize harmful consequences if the President was to judge a matter based on personal opinion alone. This is because, were he to do so, he might be risking his job as well as alienating his constituents. 

The letter of Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri to Abu Basir al-Khuzai who was appointed as a judge for the first time is presented in a book written by Sayyid Qutb called "Fi Dhilal al-Qur'an" (Vol.3 p. 1471).

The advice contained in the letter can therefore be used in domestic and/or international affairs. The advice could be used domestically by following what Allah has revealed.

Step-by-step explanation

Malik al-Ashtar was a high ranking commander in the army of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and was given the responsibility of leading an army to quell a rebellion. Before Malik left for battle, Ali gave him the following advice:

The advice contained in this letter is important and should be used in domestic and/or international affairs. The main thrust of Ali's advice is that you should judge according to what Allah has instructed you. You should not act on your own personal opinions or view matters as you see fit. Instead, you should judge according to what Allah has instructed or reveal to those who have no access to it (as much as possible).

It is important to take Ali's advice because it will minimize harmful consequences if the President was to judge a matter based on personal opinion alone. This is because, were he to do so, he might be risking his job as well as alienating his constituents. The main positive aspect of using this method is that it will avoid detrimental consequences of making hasty decisions and prevent the formation of 'Khawarij' who encourage Muslims not to follow the leadership of a Muslim ruler even if the latter does not observe Shariah. Whereas, according to Abu Ala al-Maqdisi in his Al-Dawliya: "The rule of judges is based on the rules of Allah and His Messenger, so any judge should be careful to avoid judging in accordance to their own opinions and opinions which are contrary to them."

The Letter of Ali ibn Abi Talib to Malik al-Ashtar, which is found in chapter 26 of the Final Resolution, is not the only example where a Ummah leader has presented advice for the President. For example, Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri (d.432) was chosen by Ali to serve as a judge and he gave similar advice as Ali gave to Malik: "Rulers rule according to Islamic law, and the Shariah is their prime objective." The letter of Mu'awiyah al-Qushayri to Abu Basir al-Khuzai who was appointed as a judge for the first time is presented in a book written by Sayyid Qutb called "Fi Dhilal al-Qur'an" (Vol.3 p. 1471).

The advice contained in the letter can therefore be used in domestic and/or international affairs. The advice could be used domestically by following what Allah has revealed.