Imam Yahya al-Hādī’s Ethics in Warfare

Anyone who studies the life of Imam Yahya al-Hādī (d. 298 AH) will notice how much he strove to follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) in all aspects of his life. Even in naming his army, he modeled it after the Prophet’s, composed of Muhājirūn (the emigrants) and Anṣār (the supporters). He would never fight a people without first inviting them to the truth, presenting the case against them, and sending envoys to call them to what the Muslims had embraced — to spare lives, repent, and return to what is right if they had broken a treaty. Only if they refused would he fight them, leaving judgment to God.

He was known for great forgiveness and mercy, no matter how often his opponents betrayed or deceived him. He forbade his followers from pursuing a retreating enemy, finishing off the wounded, killing children, women, or the elderly who could not fight, cutting down trees, or mutilating humans or animals.

His courage and strength were always tempered with kindness and justice, even toward his enemies, which led many to pledge allegiance to him wherever he went.

As Abdul Fattah Shayef wrote in his book “Imam al-Hādī as Governor, Jurist, and Struggler”:

“Imam al-Hādī (peace be upon him) devoted his entire life to the noble goal he declared at the beginning of his mission. He lived his whole life in struggle and contentment. He never kept a dirham or dinar for himself, never sought power or kingship, and his actions never contradicted his words. His life remained consistent and sincere, from the moment he rose to uphold the word of truth until he met God.”

(From the booklet “Imam al-Hādī (peace be upon him): A Brief Portrait” by Ustadh Yahyā Qāsim Abu ‘Awāḍah)