In the battlefield, if the opponent lost his sword or was disarmed, Imam Ali (a.

In the battlefield, if the opponent lost his sword or was disarmed, Imam Ali (a.s.) let him go. Imam Ali (a.s.) never chased an enemy who lost his steed or weapon and was unable to defend himself. Talha son of Abi Talha was the bitterest enemy of the Prophet (S) and Imam Ali (a.s.). In the battle of Uhud, he challenged Imam Ali (a.s.) to face him in single combat. Imam Ali (a.s.) invited him to strike first and warded off Talha’s blow.

In return, Imam Ali (a.s.) gave such a blow that Talha fell down and found it difficult to get up. When, instead of killing the fallen Talha, Imam Ali (a.s.) left him and walked away, the warriors shouted that it was the best opportunity to finish off the bitter enemy. Imam Ali (a.s.) replied that he would not kill even an enemy, if such enemy was not in a position to defend himself.

In the battle of an - Nahrawan, an enemy soldier lost his sword in the combat with Imam Ali (a.s.), and was trembling with mortal fear. Imam Ali (a.s.) raised his sword to strike him but stopped when he saw that the enemy had lost his sword.

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “ Run away my friend, for you are now unable to defend yourself .” The soldier said, “ Why don’t you kill me and thus get rid of one more enemy ?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “ We the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) do not kill any person who is unable to defend himself .” The soldier said, “ If what I hear about your generosity is true, let me see if you would give me your sword .” Imam Ali (a.s.) immediately gave his sword.

The enemy soldier now said, “ Who will defend you now against my attack? ” Imam Ali (a.s.) calmly replied, “ O ignorant man! If He so Wills, He will defend me. Neither you nor any one else can cause even the slightest harm to me. If death, which is sure to come, is destined for me now, by God, none can save me .” This reply impressed the soldier so much that he threw the sword, glorified God and accepted Islam at the hands of Imam Ali (a.s.).

There are numerous such incidents where Imam Ali (a.s.) won converts to Islam without waging war, merely on the strength of his character. Mu’awiya, during 39-40 AH, organized the systematic looting, plunder, arson, rape and other harassment of the villages bordering Syria where mostly Jews and Christians lived. Kumail, who was appointed as governor, wrote asking for permission to carry out similar attacks on other villages in retaliation.