Imam Ali (PBUH) wrote a letter to the commanders of this...

Imam Ali (PBUH) wrote a letter to the commanders of this group (who later were named Nakesin) at Dhi Qar and mentioned the great sins they had committed in Basra, such as killing Muslims and torturing Uthman ibn Hunaif and asked them to stop opposing and to join other Muslims. He sent this letter to Talhah, Zubayr and Aisha through one of his followers named Sa’sa’a bin Sohan; but the letter did not change their minds. They were determined to wage war.

Next time, Imam Ali (PBUH) sent Ibn-Abbas to remind them of the allegiance covenant they had with him. In another letter, in order to attract the enemies, he called Talhah, “Sheikh al-Muhajirin” (The elder of Muhajerin) and called Zubayr “The Unique Rider of Quraysh” On another occasion, Imam sent the well-known companion of the Prophet, Qa’qa’ ibn Amr to the army of Nakesin, who could to some extent convince them toward peace.

When the report of his negotiations was told to Imam, he was surprised by their resistance and sent another letter to them, with Imran ibn Husain as the messenger. In another case, Imam sent Ibn-Abbas to negotiate with Zubayr, hoping to attract him, since he had a tendency toward Imam.

Once more Imam sent Abdullah ibn-Abbas and Zeyd ibn Suhan (whom the Prophet had testified will go to heaven) to Aisha hoping that their esteem would make her remorse; but Aisha in reply to their reasoning, advice and Benevolence said: “I won’t reply Ali anymore, since, in reasoning, I’m not as skilful as him.” Another time, Imam gave a Quran to Ibn-Abbas and told him to remind them, of their allegiance covenant and ask them to accept the holy Quran as the arbitrator.

But they replied: “we have no answer but the swords”. Ibn-Abbas took their answer to Imam and said “They will not reply to you with anything but the sword, so attack them. Before they attack you.” Once more, Imam appeared between two armies, unarmed, riding the horse of the Prophet and called Zubayr. Zubayr came full-armed and stood in front of him. They hugged each other. Then Ali told Zubayr: “Do you remember that once you and the Prophet were passing by me?

The Prophet smiled at me and I also smiled at him. At this moment, you told him: ‘O the prophet of God! Ali won’t stop bragging’. Then the Prophet replied to you: ‘Zubayr! Be quiet!