Ali ibn Abi Talib Quotes
If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to subdue him.
Ali ibn Abi Talib, 600?-661, 4th Islamic Caliph, One Hundred Sayings
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There are some who see Israeli behavior after they were victorious in defeating the Arab attacks and attempted invasions.
Francis of Assisi
The British Governor was genuinely anxious to avoid bloodshed and the American Revolution. However, the conflict had been brought about by the actions of the British Parliament and the Kings ministers, and Gage did not have the power or authority to alter the issues of the fundamental conflict—taxation, colonial government, economics, self determination. While he offered pardons, in this proclamation he specifically exempted Samuel Adams and John Hancock of whom he said “whose offences are of too flagitious a nature …”
This quotation has no substantive merit per se. However, it is sometimes cited to illustrate that Jefferson commonly acknowledged the influence of God on man’s state of affairs. The views of Jefferson and other founding fathers on the place of religion and separation of church and state are often difficult to fathom because the oratory of politicians, then and now, often made reference to God both out of sincere belief and out of oratorical style or even hypocrisy of tailoring a presentation to a particular audience. In this quotation Jefferson appears to be a deist who acknowledges the influence of God on political affairs of man. However see as an example, {605115} which shows that Jefferson personally was not a devout Christian believer and probably even an atheist.
Benezet was a Huguenot whose family had been persecuted in France. He identified with the cause of Blacks, Indians and Acadians. He was also one of the first leaders of the American Peace Movement.
There is a corollary to this proverb, that frequently reflects itself in Arab culture. It is that one who is not strong must never concede. To concede out of strength is manly and noble. To concede out of weakness is cowardly and base. Middle Eastern International politics is totally irrational to Westerners when a badly defeated country of group will often not even meet with the victors to discuss peace or terms of surrender. It is the victors only who can make concessions without losing dignity and respect.
Ali ibn Abi Talib was a cousin, son-in-law and companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who ruled as the fourth caliph from 656 until his assassination in 661. He is one of the central figures in Shia Islam and is regarded as the rightful immediate successor to Muhammad as an Imam by Shia Muslims.
