The christian and Ali's (a.s) cuirass vol .17

The christian and Ali's (a.s) cuirass

At the time of the Caliphat of Imam Ali (a.s) in Kufah, the Imam (a.s) lost his cuirass which was later found with a Christian.

Imam Ali (a.s) took him to the court, lodged a complaint against him: "This cuirass is mine; neither I sold it nor I gave it as a present to anyone; for the time being, I have found it with this man.

The Judge asked the Christian: "The Caliph has laid his claim, so what is your reply?

He answered: "This is my nevertheless I do not object to Caliph's claim. It is possible that the Caliph might have mistaken.

The judge turned towards Ali (a.s) and paid: "You are a plaintiff and this man is denying. Accordingly, it is f or you to present a witness in your demand.

Ali (a.s) began laughing and said: "The judge is right, and now I should present the witness, but I have none.

Since the plaintiff has no witness, the judge passed a sentence in favour of the Christian. Thus, he took the cuirass and set off on his way.

After taking a few steps the Christian realized and knew the cuirass did not belonged to him and to whom it belonged. Getting conscience-stricken, he returned and said: "such a manner of rule and conduct is not of an ordinary human being; it is rather the government of the prophets'. He asserted that the cuirass belonged to Ali (a.s). It did not took a long time that he was seen with a firm belief and as a Muslim, fighting in the battle of Nahrawan under the banner of Imam Ali (a.s).' (1)

Notes: 1. Al-Imam Ali The voice of justice and humanity, p. 63.