البصرة فاجعلهم رقیقاً، فقال: لا. فقالوا: فکیف تحل لنا دمائهم وتحرّم علینا سبیهم.It is a consensus among the narrators that what Ali (a.s.) found in [the Battle of] Jamal, including weapons, riding animals, slaves and other things, he divided them among his companions. They said to him: “Divide the people of Basra between us as slaves.” He (a.s.) said: “No.” Then they said: “How can the shedding of their blood be lawful to us, but taking them as captives cannot?!”1
When the physical and mental fatigue of the troops who had fought for two years without receiving any spoils and financial benefits is accompanied with the misconception of the illegitimacy of the war against people of the Qibla, along with other factors of the Imām’s (a.s.) loneliness, the result would obviously be nothing but disobedience. Thus, Imām (a.s.) faced serious problems in controlling and mobilizing his troops towards the end of his government.
C. Losing Eminent Companions
He who manages a society and leads the people is in dire need of competent staff and loyal companions among his administrators in order to enable him to overcome problems and resolve complicated social intricacies. The presence of self-sacrificing talented and dedicated wise men that support the leader by making sacrifices in challenging situations is greatly effective in the managing of the society. The role of such people in removing ambiguities, delivering messages, explaining situations and motivating the forces, those who could indirectly actualize the strategies of the leader in society is extremely significant. Amid the battle of Siffin, the impact of the sermons and valorous speeches delivered by such companions like Mālik al-Ashtar, Hāshim ibn Mirqāl and others is evident and attests to this.
