Abi Talib (a.

Abi Talib (a.s.), informing him about the secrets of Mu‘awiya.”[^10] 8.3 Rectifying the Enemies Imam Ali (a.s.): “The one who rectifies his enemy, has [indeed] augmented his company.”[^11] Imam Ali (a.s.): “The one who corrects the opponents will achieve his goal.”[^12] Imam Ali (a.s.): “The pinnacle of prudence is rectifying the opponents and putting up with the enemies.”[^13] Imam Ali (a.s.): “Rectifying the enemies with nice words and decent behavior is more convenient than confronting them and fighting against them with pain and suffering.”[^14] Imam Ali (a.s.): “Doing good to the wicked would rectify the enemy.”[^15] Imam Ali (a.s.): “The sages used to say in the past, ‘It is befitting to frequent houses of others for ten purposes: first, to the House of Allah for performing the rituals [of Hajj], discharging Allah’s right, and fulfilling His obligatory commands;… and nine, to the houses of the enemies so as by tolerance their turbulence would calm down and by leniency and visitation their enmity would resolve their enmity.”[^16] Imam Ali (a.s.): “Refraining from persecuting [others] would rectify the hearts of the enemies.”[^17] Imam Ali (a.s.): “Shake hands with your enemies, even though they dislike it, for it is one of the things to which Allah has enjoined his servants, [where] He says***, (Repel [evil] with what is best.

[If you do so,] behold, he between whom and you was enmity, will be as though he were a sympathetic friend.

But none is granted it except those who are patient and none is granted it except the greatly endowed.*** [^18] ) [^19] Imam Ali (a.s.) – from the Aphorisms attributed to him: “If your enemy pretended friendship and honesty to you, accept it with warm friendship, for if he goes on with this [attitude] and gets accustomed to it, his friendship will turn sincere.”[^20] 8.4 Compromise Accompanied by Sagacity Imam Ali (a.s.): “I found compromise more beneficial than combat so long as it is not weakening to Islam.”[^21] Imam Ali (a.s.): “Of all the benevolence, guiding to peace and compromise is the best.”[^22] Imam Ali (a.s.) - in his instructions to Malik al-Ashtar: “Never reject a peace to which your enemy calls you and in which is God's pleasure, for in peace there is ease for your soldiers, relaxation from your cares and security for your land.

But be cautious, very cautious, with your enemy after (having made) peace with him, for the enemy may have drawn near in order to take advantage of (your) negligence.