435. Imām Ali (a.s.) – from an aphorism attributed to him: “As a test and trial, consult your enemy in order to realize the extent of his enmity.”1
436. Imām Ali (a.s.): “He who seeks help from his enemy for his need, will move farther away from it.”2
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Knowing the Right Time [seizing the opportunity] in Encountering the Enemies
437. Imām Ali (a.s.): “Employ [the strategy of] waiting for possibilities and seizing the opportunity in order to gain victory.”3
438. Imām Ali (a.s.): “Do not assault the enemy before you are powerful [enough].”4
439. Imām Ali (a.s.): “Do not disclose your enmity to those over whom you have no power.”5
440. Imām Ali (a.s.): “Do not confront your enemy when he is advancing, as this will help him over you; nor confront him when he is retreating, as his withdrawal will be sufficient for you regarding his affair.”6
441. Imām Ali (a.s.): “It is most destructive to your enemy that you do not inform him that you have taken him as an enemy.”7
442. Imām Ali (a.s.) – from an aphorism attributed to him: “It is most fatal to your enemy that you do not let him know that you have taken him as an enemy.”8
1.. Sharh Nahj al-Balāghah, vol. ۲۰, p. ۳۱۷, h. ۶۳۴.
2.. Ghurar al-Hikam, h. ۸۹۸۴.
3.. Ghurar al-Hikam, h. ۲۳۴۷.
4.. Ibid, h. ۱۰۲۵۸.
5.. Kanz al-Fawā'id,, vol. ۲, p. ۱۸۳, Bihār al-Anwār, vol. ۷۸, p. ۹۳, h. ۱۰۴.
6.. Ghurar al-Hikam, h. ۱۰۳۰۶.
7.. Nathr al-Durar, vol. ۱, p. ۲۹۳.
8.. Sharh Nahj al-Balāghah, vol. ۲۰, p. ۲۸۳, h. ۲۴۴.
