But the Jmam did not only refuse to praise him...

But the Jmam did not only refuse to praise him, but also reproached him for having acted contrary to his order instructing him to abstain from such acts, while it was permissible to seize the enemy's property only in case of a war and the enemy's use of arms. Such spoils, too, were to be confined to the clothes, weapons, mounts and military equipment of the enemy.(180) Thus we see that in those periods two opposite policies were adopted in the world of Islam.

A) Policy of Imam 'Ali "Fight with warmongers only. Do not usurp people's quadrupeds, even if you be compelled to go on foot. Do not consume the waters of springs and wells in various inhabited places unless their people agree; even then consume what remains above their demand, and never to excess. Do not abuse a Muslim, and do not oppress allies, even if they are not Muslims. You can shed a person's blood only according to what is right and lawful.

You cannot seize the property of enemy fighters except what they have brought with them for fighting, such as horses and weapons."(181) B) Policy of Mu'awiyah "Kill anyone who does not hold your opinion or belief. Destroy all the inhabited places and plunder their property. Forcefully seize the property of everyone who is rich and does not obey us. Do not abstain from molesting people.

Kill 'Ali's supporters, and even spare no woman or chiLd."(182) An Analysis of the above policies Of the above two policies, obviously the policy which orders the plunder of property must vanquish the policy which enjoins a respect for people's property; for, naturally it seems easier to wm a war in which no recognition of laws and regulations are observed. Because they would resort to every mean act to gain victory.

But for those binds by the laws of Islam, who recognize virtue and humanness there exists limitations. This is not, of course, a true victory, but an apparent and transient victory which the first group obtain in attaining their goal because they abstain from no action however wrong it may be, whereas the second group are bound by humane laws which forbid certain actions.

The army of the Imam showed negligence towards the limitations which existed in the Islamic Alawite front, and did not respond positively to the divine and right-seeking call of the Imam, since in the war which was ahead of them they had no expectation but death.