Ali's Conduct of Wars

Ali's instructions for the conduct of war

Ali was a successful and skilled military general. Some of the instructions that he issued to his Generals and the army about the conduct of wars are on record, and show his great military insight.

Instructions to his son Muhammad Hanifa

At the Battle of Siffin, Ali entrusted the flag of command to his son Muhammad Hanifa. Ali issued him the following instructions: "O son, let mountains move from their places, but you should not move from the place that has been assigned to you in the battlefield. Install your feet firmly on the ground as though a nail has been driven into it. Let your one jaw of teeth rest firmly on the other jaw. Keep an eye on the rear of your enemy. Enter the battle with firm determination that you have sold your head to God. With all this, always think that success lies in the hands of God. Above all never raise your hand against the sick, women, the aged, and children. Even if they abuse you, it behooves you to give them refuge. Never mutilate the limbs of the enemy or any other person. Give decent burial to the dead bodies of your enemies."

Instructions to the Generals of the border forces

Ali issued the following instructions to the Generals of the forces in operation in the border areas: "It is the duty of the Officer Commanding that if he has attained a high office, he should not thereby change his attitude to his subordinates. On the other hand, the greater the bounties that God has conferred on him, the greater should be his kindness to the people under his charge. It is your right on me that, except for war, I should not keep any secrets from you. It is incumbent on me that but for the matters enjoined by the Shariah, I should consult you in all affairs of the State, and should not deprive you of any of your right. If I protect your rights, it is obligatory on you that you should obey me, and should not hesitate to respond to my call for action. Do not be overawed by the difficulties that stand in the way of the vindication of Truth. If you do not act accordingly, you will lower yourself in my estimation, and you will be liable to be called to account for your lapse. You will have to face punishment on that score. Take note that I will not spare you, and will not allow you any concession. As I deal with you, you should in turn deal with your subordinates on similar lines. Such mutual understanding will keep the affairs in order."

Treatment for the rebels

Ali issued the following instructions to a General in the matter of the treatment to be accorded to rebels: "If the rebels repent and return to obedience, then accept their repentance and do not be harsh with them. If they persist in their revolt, and are not prone to listen to reason, then suppress them with the aid of the people who are loyal to you. See that you depend only on these people who are sincere to you. Do not care for those who are in different. It is better not to own a person who is not with you whole-heartedly. It is better that such men should remain sitting and should not stand up."

Instruction to the army

Ali issued the following instructions to the army: "When you camp in the battlefield, your camp should be at the base of a mountain, a hillock, or on the bank of a rivet or canal, so that this may insure your safety. Post guards at the top of the mountain, hillock or any other strategic place, so that the enemy may not attack you while you are unaware. Keep in mind that the vanguard of the force and its scouts are like the eyes and ears of a person. Make suitable arrangements for securing intelligence. See that there is no disunity in your ranks. When you are in camp, or on the march, behave as one body. Make proper arrangements for watch and ward during nights. Your guardsmen should remain alert. You should be watchful even in your sleep, and you should wake up and take up arms at the slightest indication of danger."

Strategy for crisis

In the case of a crisis, Ali laid down the following strategy to be adopted: "If in a battle there is a critical time, and you have to fall back, do not forget to make such retreat a step for attacking the enemy again with redoubled force. Do not lose heart. Be stout hearted. Be prepared. Keep swords ready. Suppress voices. Maintain silence for that is the way to overcome a crisis."

Prayers of Ali

When starting operations in a battle, Ali would pray to God in the following terms: "O God, our hearts are inclined to You. Our heads bow before You. We look to You for help. We are fighting in Your Way, against the people who are fighting for selfish ends. We seek Your aid. All victory belongs to You."