Lessons from Nahjul Balagha [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

letters
letter
4

A letter to
one of the commanders of his army.

If our
enemies agree to obey us, it will be as I desire, but if they
adamantly insist upon dissension and revolt, then be ready to
fight against them with the help of your faithful followers. Trust
those who have proved themselves faithful. Do not trust and do not
count upon the help of those who have proved faithless and
disloyal. Remember that the absence of those who do not join us
willingly and sincerely is better than their presence in our
ranks, and their inactivity and lethargy is better than their
participation in our activities.