Addressing his army...

Addressing his army, `Ali said, “When you defeat the Army of the Camel, do not kill the wounded and the captives, nor follow the deserters, nor expose people’s private parts, nor cut anyone’s ears or noses, nor loot anyone’s property except what they leave in the battlefield.” The enemy’s defeat was certain. Yet, no order of attack was issued. The Army of the Camel attacked the right wing of `Ali’s army, pushing them back.

It was at this moment that the order of attack was issued and the Army of the Camel suffered a disgraceful defeat, this is `Ali’s kindness towards the enemy and his mercy on people in the battlefield. Does history remember a ruler to have behaved like this towards the rebels? Previous…