Nehjul Balagah Detailed Explanation Nehjul Balagah Detailed Explanation : 36

Detailed Explanation — Letter (36): What Amirul Momineen (peace be upon him) wrote in response to the letter of his brother Aqeel Ibn Abi Talib, in which an army sent to an enemy is mentioned.

In Letter (36), Amirul Momineen (peace be upon him) responds to his brother Aqeel Ibn Abi Talib's letter, mentioning an army sent against an enemy. This letter was written during a time when the Islamic state faced significant challenges, particularly from the Quraysh. The Quraysh had initiated hostilities against Amirul Momineen, similar to their earlier opposition to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). In this letter, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) describes the success of his army, which managed to drive the enemy away.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) condemns the Quraysh for their misguidance and rebellion. He emphasizes that they have shown no regard for his kinship and have usurped the authority that rightfully belonged to him. This highlights the deep-rooted animosity of the Quraysh and the lengths they would go to for their interests.

Regarding warfare, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) expresses that those who have justified war should be fought against. This stance reflects his unwavering commitment to his principles. He reassures his brother not to worry about the possibility of becoming weak or discouraged, regardless of how many people abandon him.

A key message in this letter is that one must always stand firm on their principles, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) presents himself as a resilient figure capable of enduring the hardships of time. His statement about not showing signs of sadness indicates the qualities a leader should possess.

The practical takeaway from this letter is that we must be aware of our responsibilities and never demonstrate weakness in front of adversaries. The teachings of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) remain a guiding light for Muslims today, reminding us to always stand firm for our faith and principles.