the three empires and the islamic phoenix 313to be powerful and to have the means to lay down the laws
and to force their implementation.
(13) Immoral economic behaviour, when it occurs, ought to be sup-
pressed and the government should be on the watch for such
conduct and endeavour to eliminate it. One would infer that
this would require setting up a system of control to ensure the
adherence to rules and regulations. But Shah Wali-Allah did
not seem to have elucidated on this.
(14) Government should have no hesitation in facing those power-
ful individuals in society who may grow in power and influence
and wish to force their own way against the law, to fight them
even to the extent of waging a war against them in order to
protect the general interest of society.
(15) Government should have a council of wise men and advisors
and should pay heed to their views with regard to the mainte-
nance of country and society. One would assume that these wise
men and advisors would be from the Ulama" and religious cir-
cles as they more aware than others of the rules of Sharì"ah
and its applications.
(16) Negligence of religion and spread of immoral behaviour among
individuals should be overcome by the government through pro-
viding individuals with the right advice and council.
(17) In terms of government finance, Shah Wali-Allah emphasised
the importance of having a Treasury that is always full. This
would ensure the ability of the government to provide for nec-
essary provisions in war and peace. The Treasury, through gov-
ernment, may resort to various kinds of taxes that should be
levied without overburdening the tax payers beyond what their
income can bear. Taxes can be imposed on those of high wealth
and income, such as property owners whose possessions are
continuously increasing, traders and the owners of industries.
However, Shah Wali-Allah seemed to have advocated a tax
threshold, as he emphasised that taxes should be imposed on
only the extra income beyond what is needed to cover necessities.
(18) In dealing with enemies, the government should endeavour to
have as much information as possible about potential enemies,
weaken their position, and set up, interestingly enough, an espi-
onage system to provide information and assistance.