Peace with Wisdom: Lessons from Imam Ali (A)’s Guidance to Malik al-Ashtar

Introduction:

In honour of the International Week of Science and Peace (9–15 November), it is fitting to reflect on Islam’s timeless commitment to peace and reconciliation. In this spirit, we turn to a profound passage from a letter written by Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to Malik al-Ashtar – a powerful statement on the ethics of peace, vigilance, and responsibility in governance and daily life:

امام علی (ع): وَ لاَ تَدْفَعَنَّ صُلْحاً دَعَاكَ إِلَيْهِ عَدُوُّكَ لِلَّهِ فِيهِ رِضًى فَإِنَّ فِي اَلصُّلْحِ دَعَةً لِجُنُودِكَ وَ رَاحَةً مِنْ هُمُومِكَ وَ أَمْناً لِبِلاَدِكَ وَ لَكِنَّ اَلْحَذَرَ كُلَّ اَلْحَذَرِ مِنْ عَدُوِّكَ بَعْدَ صُلْحِهِ فَإِنَّ اَلْعَدُوَّ رُبَّمَا قَارَبَ لِيَتَغَفَّلَ فَخُذْ بِالْحَزْمِ وَ اِتَّهِمْ فِي ذَلِكَ حُسْنَ اَلظَّنِّ

Imam Ali (as): “Do not reject peace that your enemy offers you, if it pleases God; for in peace there is rest for your soldiers, relief from your cares, and security for your land. But be extremely cautious with your enemy after making peace, for he may draw near only to deceive. Therefore, act with firmness and beware of misplaced trust.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53)

Educational messages of the Hadith for teens

1. Seek Peace Only When It Pleases Allah

True peace is not simply avoiding conflict; it is choosing harmony that earns Allah’s approval. Reconciliation should never mean compromising truth or justice.

Practical Challenge: Before making peace after a disagreement, ask yourself: “Would this decision please Allah, or am I just trying to make things easier for myself?”

2. Seek Strength, Not Surrender

True peace should come from a position of inner strength and moral confidence, not from weakness or fear. Be strong enough that others are drawn to make peace with you.

Practical Challenge: Identify one area of your life – at school, online, or in your community – where you can show strength through kindness and fairness.

3. Stay Alert After Reconciliation

Even after peace is made, remain vigilant. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the lessons learned; wisdom requires awareness of possible deception.

Practical Challenge: Think of a past conflict you’ve resolved – what warning signs or mistakes should you remain aware of next time?

4. Discernment in Friendship

Not every offer of peace or friendship is genuine. Learn to identify and evaluate trustworthiness signs.

Practical Challenge: Reflect on your circle; are all your friends sincere, or are some leading you astray?

Educational messages of the Hadith for parents

1. Teach the Value of Prudence

Guide your children to act with wisdom and foresight, helping them to think before they decide or react.

Practical Challenge: In daily family discussions, ask your children: “What might happen next if we choose this action?”

2. Explain the Dangers of Naivety

Help your children understand that simplicity is not the same as naivety. Share real-life stories of how naïve trust has caused harm.

Practical Challenge: This week, share one story or example (from media or history) showing how misplaced trust led to regret.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking

Develop your children’s ability to question, analyse, and think independently so they do not fall for deception or manipulation.

Practical Challenge: Choose one current issue and discuss it as a family – encourage your children to ask questions rather than accept information blindly.

4. Model Wise Forgiveness

Demonstrate how forgiveness can be balanced with awareness and self-respect. Children learn emotional intelligence from your example.

Practical Challenge: Reconcile with someone in your life while maintaining self-respect, and share that story with your children.

5. Teach Vigilant Trust

Children must learn to be kind yet cautious – to trust wisely, not blindly.

Practical Challenge: Have a conversation with your children about the difference between forgiveness and naivety.

Educational messages of the Hadith for Imams and religious leaders

1. Preach the Merits of Peace

Highlight, based on this hadith, how peace promotes stability, security, and spiritual well-being for individuals and society alike.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one sermon to explaining Imam Ali’s (A) vision of peace as a form of divine strength, not weakness.

2. Guide the Youth against Manipulation

Equip young believers to recognise false calls to peace or tolerance that mask injustice or moral decay.

Practical Challenge: Host an interactive youth session analysing examples of “false peace” in media or politics.