We learnt about the bravery and dauntlessness of Imam Ali (AS) in the battle field but we should not omit this point that if a man is brave, ferocious, and dauntless but he does not possess the qualities of mercy and generosity then that bravery and gallantry has no value. The bravery of Imam Ali (AS), when he stepped into the battle field, was such that he did care and was attentive to the injured, thirsty and hungry ones. He would attack an aggressive enemy and kill him but when he came across an injured thirsty and hungry enemy he would save him from thirst and hunger and if he was injured then he would extend his treatment.
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (AS) did fiercely fight the enemy but never killed him while he was in a thirsty or hungry condition and he never destroyed and dismantled the houses of the enemy. Because he considered all these acts as against the norms of nobility and generosity. This is the reason, why having taken the river water from the control of the Muawiyah's forces in the battle of Siffin he ordered his warriors to let the water free for all and sundry and do not resist against the army men of Muawiyah if they wanted to use the water.
The army men of Imam Ali (AS) objected and said "the enemy having taken the water's control in their hand had stopped us from using it. So that they wanted us to submit to them through this way. We would better do the same to them."
Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (AS) replied, "No we will fight the enemy manly and we consider this act against the human nobility and generosity. If we do the same what they did then what would be the difference between them and us? Beware, works are for God and we should not take steps against His wish and will."
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