Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 318

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَ قِيلَ لَهُ:

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, was asked:

بِأَيِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ غَلَبْتَ الْأَقْرَانَ

With what did you overpower your adversaries?

فَقَالَ عليه السلام:

He answered:

مَا لَقِيتُ رَجُلًا إِلَّا أَعَانَنِى عَلَى نَفْسِهِ .

Whenever I confronted a person he helped me against himself.

قال الرضى يومئ بذلك إلى تمكن هيبته فى القلوب.

as-Sayyid ar-Radi says: Amir al-mu'minin is pointing out his striking of awe in the hearts. 80

 

80. The man who is over-awed by his adversary is sure to be defeated because in facing a foe physical prowess is not enough but steadfastness of heart and strength of courage is also necessary. When the adversary loses courage and feels sure that he will he defeated then he will certainly be defeated. This is what happened to the adversary of Amir al-mu'minin; he was so affected by his acknowledged reputation that he was sure of death, in consequence of which his spiritual power and self confidence came to an end and eventually this mental state dragged him to his death.