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Inspection to Repel the Wrongs Done by the Troops
357. Imām Ali (a.s.): “From the servant of God Ali, the Commander of the Faithful to whomever through whose jurisdiction the army passes, be they collectors of revenue or administrators of the land:
I have sent an army that will pass by you, if God wills. I have instructed them about what God has made obligatory on them, namely that they should avoid molestation and evade harm. I declare before you and based on the covenant I have with you (or those who are under your protection) that I denounce any annoyance committed by the army except when one is compelled by hunger and there is no other way of satisfying it. Then punish those who commit injustice. Prevent those who intend to do wrong to them from their injustice and avert the silly ones among you from harming them [the army] and to intervene in their affairs except in that which I have allowed. I myself am within the army, so refer to me their complaints and any hardship which is caused by them and which you cannot repel except through God and through me. I shall then repel it with the help of God, if He so wills.”1
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Attempts towards Unifying the Muslim Community
358. Imām Ali (a.s.) – in his letter to Abu Musā al-Ash`ari in response to the issue of the arbitration: “Certainly many people changed because they lost so many lasting benefits. Therefore they inclined towards the world and spoke out of desire. I have been struck with wonder in this matter upon which people who are self-conceited have gathered. I am providing a cure for their wound, but I fear it develops into a clot of blood (and becomes incurable). Remember that no person is more covetous than I am for the unity of the nation of Muhammad (s.a.w.) and their
solidarity. I seek through it good reward and an honorable place to return to. I shall fulfill what I have pledged upon myself.”2
1.. Nahj al-Balāghah, Letter ۶۰, Bihār al-Anwār, vol. ۳۳, p. ۴۸۶, h. ۶۹۱.
2.. Nahj al-Balāghah, Letter ۷۸, Bihār al-Anwār, vol. ۳۳, p. ۳۰۴, h. ۵۵۴.
