The Muslim commander, Saad bin Waqqas, sent Rabe bin Amir as his representative.

The Muslim commander, Saad bin Waqqas, sent Rabe bin Amir as his representative. The strong will of this Bedouin Arab made Rustom spellbound. When he arrived in the court of Rustom, he saw that Rustom was sitting on a golden throne and rich carpets were spread on the floor with gold-threaded pillows on them. Such deceptive things never awe a man with firm decision and strong will. His determination did not flinch at all that pomp.

When he arrived near Rustom he did not alight from his horse, rather he pushed his animal forward and entered Rustom’s stable in a mounted position. When the servants of Rustom tried to stop him he retorted, “You had invited a delegate from us. I am the representative of the Muslims. If you do not want to see me I will go back.” Then slowly and silently, with complete ease and seriousness, he approached the throne of Rustom.

Walking over the pompous carpets he went forward and sat down on the floor. Then said, “We are not accustomed to such luxury.” When the interpreter of Rustom asked him why the Muslim army had attacked he replied, “Allah Almighty has put a responsibility on us that we should release God’s slaves from all sorts of oppressions and from the evils of other religions and invite them to abide by and accept the just law of Islam. If they accept our invitation we have no enmity toward them.

Otherwise we will fight with them and will either kill or be killed. Either way we reach paradise.” Observing such a strong determination of this Bedouin, Rustom who was struck with awe, said, “Give us some time for corresponding and consulting our elders.” “We can give you three days. More delay is not advisable,” said the Muslim representative. Rustom said, “It seems you are the commander and thus you intend to sign a treaty with us.” He replied, “No. I am merely a member of the Muslim society.

Of course all the Muslims are limbs of a single body. If any one of them gives shelter to others, all the Muslims are bound to concur with it. The Commander of the faithful, Ali (a.s.) orders his son to have firm determination The Battle of Camel was fought between Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and the breakers of the treaty.

For making an attack in this war Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.) had given the flag to his dear son, Muhammad Hanafiyah and to fortify his determination he advised, “Even if the mountains around Basra give way, you should not budge from your place, to retreat. Lighten your teeth. Offer your head on loan to Allah.