Manners in Society

Not permitting disagreement to undermine mutual respect The civil wars, which took place after the death of Uthman, were unfortunate episodes in Islamic history. Yet they were waged, not by base, ignoble individuals, but by people of the highest character. Many incidents, which took place in the heat of battle, testify to the chivalry of the combatants. During the war between Ali and Muawiyah, for instance, it was common for the two armies to fight one another during the day, then help in burying each other’s dead by night. Similarly, while Imam Husayn’s army was engaged in hostilities against the forces of Yazid, the two armies would join one another for prayer at the appointed time. Usually, Imam Husayn would lead the prayer and be followed both by his own men and those of the opposing army. (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)