Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 2 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Ttlib 65
against them." Al-A'war said: "Do they have the same rights and
duties as us?, He said: ''~es."'~~
1.4.5.c. Abu Salhah ad-Da'lini, one of those who
asked questions of Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&)
Abu Salhah said: "Do you think these people have valid
grounds for their demand of vengeance for 'Uthmin, if they are
seeking Allah thereby?' 'Ali said: "Yes." Abu Salsmah said: "Is
there any valid reason for you to delay that (the seeking
vengeance)?" 'Ali (&) ,., said: "Yes. If there is something that cannot
be done, then the ruling concerning it should be based on precautions
and what is in the people's best interests." Abu Salhah said: "What
is our situation and theirs if we end up fighting tomorrow?" 'Ali
(&) said: "I hope that no one who is sincere towards Allah among
us or them will be killed except that Allah will admit him to
paradise."200
1.4.5.d. M2lik ibn Habeeb asked questions of
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi TSlib (&>)
M2lik said: "What will you do if yon meet these people (in
battle)?"Ali (4) said: "It has become clear to us and to them that
what is best is to refrain from that. If they give us allegiance, all well
and good, but if they and we insist on fighting, then there is nothing
we can do about it." M2lik said: "If we start fighting, what is the
situation of those among us who are slain?" 'Ali said: "Whoever is
sincere towards Allah will benefit from that, and it may he his
~alvation."~~'
The aim of Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) was to set things
straight and put an end to the fitnah. Fighting was not something that
he was considering; if it happened, it would be because he could not
help it. With regard to whoever was killed on either side, his ultimate
fate would depend on his intention, regardless of whether he fought