Imam Ali

Valor, Justice, and Strategy: Iran Through the Lens of Imam Ali (as)

Imam Ali

Such a historic win indeed draws parallels to history itself, for it is no secret that Iran adheres to the rules and ethics of war set by the Shiite first caliph, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). A ferocious warrior with valor that sent shivers down the enemy’s spine. Imam Ali (AS) was known for his principles and values, which shone brighter than his bravery during wars, especially during the battles of Jamal and Siffin.

This led to the Battle of Jamal, known as the Battle of the Camel. Thousands marched against Imam Ali. (AS) The same man they begged to become the next caliph after Uthman—the same man who protected the one they were seeking revenge for, the same man who was closest to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Despite the very debunkable accusations, he stood firm, unwavering in the face of endless vilifications. When his plea not to launch a war was ignored, he marched with his army towards Basra.

Imam Ali sought negotiations (AS), ordered his men to only fight when attacked, forbade harming the wounded, refused to let his soldiers chase those who fled, and even protected the prisoners. Aisha, the woman on the camel, was escorted with dignity despite her open vengeance against him.

The Battle of Siffin followed suit. After the perpetrators of war received a crushing defeat at Jamal, Muawiyah, under the pretext of avenging Uthman’s death, fought against Imam Ali and launched both physical and psychological warfare. When Imam Ali’s army regained control of the river, he restored access to water for both the enemies and his forces—a clear example of his humanitarian principles during war. He sought to avoid bloodshed through dialogue before fighting a defensive war, forbade foul language and cursing, prohibited mutilation of the dead, did not surrender to Muawiyah despite discord among his own army, and presented exemplary resilience and resistance in the face of crippling hypocrisy.

The war waged against Iran was framed on the basis of oppressing women, denying citizens freedom, and producing nuclear weapons. The ulterior motive, however, was evident: the US, through media, repeatedly lamented that Iran “needs to be rescued.” Back in Jamal, the haters of Uthman were avenging his death; today, the very manufacturers and abusers of nuclear weapons are accusing a nation that refuses to bow to their whims. Imam Ali (AS) never paid allegiance to any elected caliph, standing firm on his morals and staying on the path of the truth no matter how excruciatingly difficult it was.

Just like the lessons they derive from the one they follow ardently—Imam Ali (AS)—Iran has displayed exemplary humanity on all fronts. When US-Israeli strikes deliberately targeted a school and killed 168 children, Iran fought back by targeting US bases across the Middle East.

When the enemy destroyed water plants, power stations, and universities, Iran did not retaliate by targeting areas and factories that sustain human life. Instead, Iran sought to weaken the very base of these relentless attacks. When neighboring Arab countries deported Shia residents and citizens, Iran did not mirror these inhumane acts and continues to provide shelter to Gulf citizens living in the country to this day.

Despite being ignored, shunned, and vilified for 25 years, Imam Ali (AS) ran the caliphate with justice, high ethics, morals, and values that shine to this day. He even formed battalions and fought the wars waged against him with courage and humanity. Iran today, despite living under sanctions for decades on end, has emerged with powerful weapons and valor that remind the perpetrators of the fearless warrior who rattled the enemy with every stride.

Iran continues to win the battle on all fronts. Psychologically, it has unmasked the men in suits as predators through innovative Lego animation just like Imam Ali (AS) who unmasked the hypocrites through ethics and morals. Physically, it has preserved humanity, which echoes the values of their master, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Strategically, it has shamed the filthy-rich, widely
adored sell-out Arab leaders, hanging their heads low in sheer shame, unafraid, unapologetic, knowing that they are answerable to none but the Lord, as taught by the one who feared none but the Lord, Ali ibn Abu Talib (AS).

Moe from this Writer

 

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