Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 2 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 285
that they were wronged in any way, he should set things right. If
their argument is confused or false, he should explain to them;
when 'Ali (&) explained to the Kharijites what was wrong with
their argument, many of them came back to the ranks of the main
body of ~uslims.'~~ If they recant, all well and good; otherwise
it is an obligation upon him and the Muslims to fight them.'''
8. If the Muslim malcontents do not stop showing obedience to the
ruler, they do not gather together in a place where they stay
together away fiom everybody else, and they are just individuals
who can be easily controlled, then they are to be left alone and
not fought. They should be subject to just and fair mles with
regard to their rights and dutie~.'~
9. Muslim transgressors should not he fought in ways that will
cause widespread ruin and destruction, such as using fire,
catapults that hurl heavy or burning objects, or other such
weapons. (Unless it is necessary to do that, such as when they
fortify themselves in a place and cannot be defeated otherwise.
In that case, it is permissible for the d er to attack them with
catapults and fire, according to the view of ash-ShZa'i and Abn
~aneefah."') Their houses should not be burned, and their trees
should not be cut down, whereas all of that is permissible in the
case of fighting the disbelievers and polytheists.
10. It is not permissible to seize booty from their wealth or to take
their women and children captive, because the Prophet (g) said:
"It is not permissible to take the wealth of a Muslim unless he
gives it willingly.""' It was narrated that 'Ali (&) said on the
day of the Camel: "Whoever recognises anything of this wealth
that belongs to him, let him take it.""'
This was one of the reasons why the Kharijites opposed him.
They said: "He fought and did not take his opponents'