Al-Kāfi 5, narration 45

Translation

3. AI-Husayn ibn Muhammad af-‘Ash’ariy has narrated from Mu’alfa’ ibn Muhammad from al-Washsha’ from Aban ibn ‘Uthman from abu Hamzah al-Thumaliy who has said the following: “I once said to Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.), ‘The way Ali (a.s.), dealt with people of Qiblah was different from the way the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, dealt with the pagans.’ He the narrator has said, ‘He (the Imam) became angry and sat in his place;’ then said, ‘He by Allah, did deal with them according to the method of the Messenger of Allah on the day of victory. On the day of al- Basra, Ali (a.s.), wrote to Malik who was on the front line, and commanded him, “You must not hit anyone except advancing attackers, you must not kill the fleeing, you must not hurt the wounded and those who close their doors have immunity.” Malik received the letter of commandment but he placed it in front of himself on the saddle before reading. He then ordered them to fight and they fought until they were pushed into the alleys of al-Basra. He then opened the letter of commandment and ordered to announce the contents of the letter of commandment.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — published with the edition, reproduced verbatim.