Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Buali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2
Level Four Seminary, Hamedan Sisters Seminary Research Center, Hamedan, Iran
3
Master's degree, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Hamedan Seminary, Hamedan, Iran
10.22081/scs.2023.66158.1223
Abstract
The manner in which human beings interact with others depends on their worldview, intellectual foundations, and religious, educational, social, and behavioral teachings. Different schools of thought, based on their origins and principles, provide particular frameworks for dealing with allies, opponents, and enemies. Among these, the instructions of Islam—and particularly the teachings of Amir al-Mu’minin (Peace be upon him)—present specific imperatives and strategies for engaging with opponents and adversaries. This study, employing a descriptive–analytical method, aims
to construct a comprehensive systemic framework concerning interaction and engagement with opponents and enemies from the perspective of Amir al-Mu’minin. In addition to conceptual clarification and establishing the necessity of understanding opponents, the analysis of Imam ʿAli’s (Peace be upon him) words, actions, and related historical texts demonstrates that, while dividing opponents into internal and external groups, three main imperatives—insight and accurate timely understanding, realism and acceptance of truth, and rationality—govern such relations. Moreover, six strategic principles can be delineated for interacting with opponents and enemies: peace-seeking, guidance, avoidance of treaty violation, deceit and betrayal, respect for ideas and beliefs, respect for human dignity, and fair punishment and justice. Presenting these imperatives and strategic principles of interaction with opponents and enemies, grounded in Alawite teachings and organized within a systematic framework, constitutes one of the main innovations of the present study.
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