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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Sulh Al-hasan the Peace Treaty of Al-hasan Chapter 8: the Members of the Army In his book 'al-Irshad p. 169, al-Mufid said: "Al-Hasan sent Hujr b. 'Adi to order the leaders (Ummal) to set out and to call the people together for war (jihad). They were slow to (answer) him and then they came forward.

(Al-Hasan) had a mixed band of men: some of them belonged to his Shi'a and to his father's; some of them were members of the Muhakkima (i.e., Kharijites) who were influenced by (the desires of) fighting Mu'awiya with every means (possible); some of them were men who loved discords and were anxious for booty; some of them were doubters; others were tribal supporters who followed the leaders of their tribes without reference to religion." [1] I (the author) say: From what we have just said, we have known that the number of al-Hasan's army was about twenty thousand fighters or little more.

However, we do not know in detail the way used to form this army. However, I think it was the primitive way which was not based on the succeeding, acquired improvements. It was the way which the Muslim communities followed during the first centuries A.H. It was the way that did not stipulate any qualities necessary for accepting the soldier or the fighter (mujahid). It did not stipulate personal abilities and age, nor did it stipulate compulsory military service as it is in the present time.

For the Muslim person who was able to carry the weapon had a religious motive. Thus he took part in jihad willingly when he heard the summons to it in the way of Allah. This motive made him feel his religious obligation. So he was ready to sacrifice his life in the way of Allah. Otherwise, he was unable to [1] Also see: Al-Arbali, Kashif al-Ghumma, p. 161. Al-Majlisi, Bihar al Anwar, vol. 10, p. 110. carry out his religious duty. For the worldly desires would suppress this feeling in him.

Moreover, they would have deprived him of his share of the reward and booty if Allah had predetermined victory and booty for that war. Modern military laws force people to carry out military service, summon them in certain years, and examine their limited abilities. These laws were not known at that time. Besides they disagree with the Islamic law that is general and tolerant. Islam is certain correct facts so that the people obey it.

In other words the laws of this religion do not force anyone to carry out any obligation.