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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Life of Imam Al-hasan Al-mujtaba Chapter Xxiv : Mu’awiya Violates the Stipulations of the Peacemaking Part 1 Nations and peoples, irrespective of their elements and religions, observe fulfilling covenants and carry out stipulations. They do not turn away from what they observe. They comply with social relationships and keep general regulations. As for Islam, it takes great care of this affair.

It emphasizes the care for covenants and the fulfilling of them. Allah, the Most High, says: “And fulfill the promise; surely (every) promise shall be questioned about.”[^1] And He, the Exalted, says: “And if they seek aid from you in the matter of the religion, aid is incumbent on you except against a people between whom and you there is a treaty.”[^2] In this verse Allah, the Most High, summons the Muslims to support their brothers in religion and to take part in war operations when they summon them to that.

He, the Most High, has excluded the Muslims between whom and the polytheists there are a covenant and a treaty. That is because it is not permissible for them to violate that, for covenants are of great importance with Allah.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, says: “The believers (should cleave to) their stipulations.” He, may Allah bless him and his family, says: “If a believer promises, he should fulfill (his promise).” In his document of instructions to Malik al-Ashtar, Imam Ali, the Commander of the faithful, has said: “If you conclude an agreement between you and your enemy or enter into a pledge with him, then fulfill your agreement and discharge your pledge faithfully.

Place yourself as a shield against whatever you have pledged because among the obligations of Allah there is nothing on which people are more strongly united despite the difference of their ideas and variation of their views than respect for fulfilling pledges. Besides, Muslims, even unbelievers have abided by agreements because they realize the dangers that would come in wake of violation (thereof).

Therefore, do not deceive your enemy, because none can offend Allah save the ignorant and the wicked. Allah made His agreement and pledged the sign of security which He has spread over His creatures through His mercy and an asylum in which they stay in His protection and seek the benefit of nearness to Him.” [^1] Qur’an, 17, 34. [^2] Ibid., 8, 72. This is the attitude of Islam toward treaties and stipulations.