Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

608 Governors at the time of 'Ali ibn Abi Tilib
governor, and there are conditions to which he must adhere
when selecting commanders for the m y. It is essential to take
care of the commanders so that they will all focus equally on
fighting the enemy.288 Your compassion towards them will
make their hearts inclined towards
2.3.4. Drawing up foreign policy in war and peace
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) , . said to his governor MZlik al-
Ashtar: "Do not reject a peace deal that your enemy calls you to if it is
pleasing to Allah, for in a peace deal there is rest for your troops, relief
from your distress and security for your land. But be very careful with
your enemy after the peace deal, for his aim may be to stab you in the
back. Be smart, for there is no room for thinking positively of your
enemy. If you reach a deal with your enemy and have a covenant with
him, then make sure that you fulfil the terms of the deal. Be honest
and sincere, and adhere to the deal regardless of the cost; there is
nothing among the obligations of Allah, that all people are agreed to
venerate despite the differences in their views and inclinations, that is
more important than fulfilment of covenants. Even the polytheists
among themselves adhere to fulfilment of covenants when they have
a deal that excludes the Muslims, because of what they realise of the
evil consequences of treachery. So never betray your covenants, and
never betray your enemy, for no one has the audacity to challenge
Allah except one who is ignorant and doomed. Allah has made a
covenant in His name a source of security among people by His
mercy, and He has made a covenant like a sanctuary in which they
seek protection and under the shade of which they find comfort. So
there should be no evildoing or treachery and no betrayal, and do not
enter a covenant that may involve ambiguity.290 Do not resort to
misinterpretation after agreeing and confirming. If you have
committed yourself to something that is difficult for you but is