Overview

In Section 36 of Silsilat al-Dhahab (from Haft Awrang), Jami outlines the ethical responsibilities and essential virtues of the ideal minister (vizier). He argues that while a king relies on religious scholars for spiritual and legal guidance, a righteous minister is indispensable for the practical administration of the state and the welfare of its citizens.

Key Themes

• The Etymology of Wizr (Burden): Jami explains that the word 'vizier' is etymologically derived from 'wizr' (meaning burden). Thus, the core definition of a minister is a selfless bearer of the public's burdens (bar-e khalq) who works to ease their hardships before the ruler.
• Moral and Ethical Standards: The ideal minister must be second in merit only to the king, characterized by honest speech (rast goftari), righteous action (nek kerdari), and a complete rejection of financial corruption or greed (dast az mal-e nik o bad kotah).
• Paternal and Filial Duty to Subjects: The minister mu...