Hadith #2050

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Twist the sides of the spears [while attacking], for this makes the spearheads move with more force.

This Hadith highlights the tactical advice given by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) regarding the effective use of spears in battle.

The word (iltawwa) "اِلْتَوُوا" in the Hadith refers to twisting or turning. It implies a rotational movement of the spear while attacking. This action enhances the force and impact of the spearhead, making it more effective in piercing through the enemy's defenses.

To understand the significance of this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 60, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of preparation and utilizing all available means to defend oneself and fight against the enemies of Allah. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to twist the sides of the spears aligns with this Quranic principle of utilizing one's resources effectively in battle.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and unity among the believers. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to twist the sides of the spears can be seen as a practical application of this Quranic principle. By following the advice of the Imam, the Muslim soldiers would be united in their approach, enhancing their strength and effectiveness in battle.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his advice in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of warfare tactics. By twisting the sides of the spears, the spearheads gain momentum and force, increasing their ability to penetrate the enemy's defenses and cause greater damage.

This advice also highlights the importance of innovation and adaptability in warfare. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized the need to constantly evolve and find new ways to overcome the challenges faced on the battlefield. By employing this technique, the Muslim soldiers would have an advantage over their adversaries, demonstrating the strategic thinking and ingenuity of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The consequences of following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith can be seen in the historical battles fought by the Muslims. The Battle of Badr, for example, was a turning point in Islamic history, where the small Muslim army, under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), achieved a decisive victory against a much larger enemy force.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides valuable insight into the tactical aspects of warfare. By twisting the sides of the spears, the force and impact of the spearheads are enhanced, making them more effective in battle. This advice aligns with Quranic principles of preparation, unity, and obedience. It also reflects the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the field of warfare. Muslims can draw inspiration from this Hadith and apply its lessons in various aspects of their lives, striving for excellence and innovation in all endeavors.