[8] In one of his most passionate sermons after assuming the caliphate...

[8] In one of his most passionate sermons after assuming the caliphate, Imam Ali (AS) emphasized unity among the various groups of people. After outlining his plans for reforming the political and economic foundations of society, he said: “O people, remain in your homes and pursue peace and reconciliation among yourselves” . [9] Remaining at home was meant to eliminate the roots of discord among people, preventing small gatherings that could lead to boasting, quarrels and hatred.

By eliminating sedition, peace and harmony could take root. Thus, the Imam (AS) said: “Stay in your homes and reconcile among yourselves” . [10] At the end of his life, the Imam (AS), referring to the words of the Prophet (PBUHH), again stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation: “I advise you, all my sons, my family, and everyone to whom my words reach, to fear God, to arrange your affairs well, and to reconcile with one another.

I heard from your grandfather, the Prophet (PBUHH), who said: Reconciling between people is better than years of prayer and fasting” . [11] Shaykh al-Tusi, after narrating this will of the Imam (AS), wrote: “Hatred and enmity uproot faith and destroy bonds of affection” . [12] From the narrations, it is clear that the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS), earnestly tried to prevent fighting in the Battle of Jamal and the shedding of Muslim blood.

Also, it has been quoted that he handed the banner to Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah and, from dawn to noon, continued calling the opposing side to peace, reconciliation, and return to the covenant of allegiance. Reforming Oneself as a Prerequisite to Reforming Others In another statement about reconciliation, Imam Ali (AS) points to a fundamental principle, that one must first correct one’s own behavior before attempting to reform others.

The Imam (AS) said: “How can one who has not reformed himself reform others?” [13] In Nahj al-Balagha, the necessity of social unity, its reasons, and the importance of cooperation among people are frequently discussed. Among them is this saying of Imam Ali (AS), quoting the Prophet (PBUHH), who placed reconciling people above prayer and fasting.

This is because one of the most important goals of Islamic law is to gather people under the banner of Islam, guiding them collectively toward God and organizing religious life. Obviously, this is contrary to conflict and hatred towards each other.