Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 2 of 2

284 'Ali's anitude towards the Kharijites and Shia
branch or a stick, he would he shamed because of that, he and his
descendants after him."'02 It was narrated that Abu Umhah al-
B&hili (&) said: "I was present at Siffeen, and they did not
finish off anyone who was wounded, kill anyone who was
fleeing, or strip anyone who had been killed of his weapons." lo3
4. The way in which captured transgressors are to be treated
depends on the circumstances. If it is certain that the prisoner
will not go back to fighting, then he is to be released. If there is
no such certainty, then he is to be detained until the war is over,
at which time he is released. It is not permissible to detain him
after that, whereas it is permissible to keep the disbeliever
caPtive.lo4
5. When fighting other Muslims, it is not permissible to seek help
from the polytheists or from people of the Book living under
Muslim rule. When fighting apostates and hostile non-Muslims,
it is permissible to seek their help.lo5
6. A truce should not be made with Muslim opponents specifying a
fixed period of time, nor should a peace deal be made with rhem
in return for money. If a truce is made with them, it is not
binding, and if the Muslim leader is not able to fight them, he
should wait until he has the power to do so. If he makes a peace
deal with them in return for money, it is not valid; the money
should be examined and the source checked. If it came from their
zaka and fay', it should not be returned, but it should be
distributed to those who are entitled to the zak& and fay'.
However, if it came from their own wealth, it is not permissible
to take possession of it; it must be returned to them.lo6 'Ali ( w + )
did not regard the wealth of those who fought him in the Battle
of the Camel as permissible.
7. If the Muslims rebel against the ruler on the basis of what may be
a valid reason, he should communicate with them. If they say