By Allah, Al-Hasan bin `Ali led large battalions like mountains against Muawiya. `Amr bin Al-As said (to Muawiya), "I surely see battalions which will not turn back before killing their opponents." Muawiya who was really the best of the two men said to him, "O `Amr! If these killed those and those killed these, who would be left with me for the jobs of the public, who would be left with me for their women, who would be left with me for their children?" Then Muawiya sent two Quraishi men from the tribe of `Abd-i-Shams called `Abdur Rahman bin Sumura and `Abdullah bin 'Amir bin Kuraiz to Al-Hasan saying to them, "Go to this man (i.e. Al-Hasan) and negotiate peace with him and talk and appeal to him." So, they went to Al-Hasan and talked and appealed to him to accept peace. Al-Hasan said, "We, the offspring of `Abdul Muttalib, have got wealth and people have indulged in killing and corruption (and money only will appease them)." They said to Al-Hasan, "Muawiya offers you so and so, and appeals to you and entreats you to accept peace." Al-Hasan said to them, "But who will be responsible for what you have said?" They said, "We will be responsible for it." So, whatever Al- Hasan asked they said, "We will be responsible for it for you." So, Al-Hasan concluded a peace treaty with Muawiya. Al-Hasan (Al-Basri) said: I heard Abu Bakr saying, "I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) on the pulpit and Al-Hasan bin `Ali was by his side. The Prophet (ﷺ) was looking once at the people and once at Al-Hasan bin `Ali saying, 'This son of mine is a Saiyid (i.e. a noble) and may Allah make peace between two big groups of Muslims through him."
The Virtue of Peacemaking in Islam
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (2704) demonstrates the profound Islamic principle of prioritizing communal harmony over political victory. When Imam al-Hasan ibn Ali faced Muawiya with formidable armies, the wiser course of peace prevailed through divine wisdom and prophetic foresight.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
The classical scholars explain that Muawiya's concern for preserving Muslim lives, protecting women and children, and maintaining social order reflects genuine Islamic leadership. His statement "who would be left with me for the jobs of the public?" shows responsibility toward community welfare.
Imam al-Hasan's acceptance of peace, despite military advantage, exemplifies the Prophetic teaching that "the best of people are those who bring peace between others." His practical approach in securing guarantees before treaty ratification demonstrates wise leadership.
Prophetic Validation of al-Hasan's Role
The concluding portion where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) declares al-Hasan as "Saiyid" (noble leader) and foretells his role in reconciling Muslim factions provides divine sanction to this peace initiative. This demonstrates that sometimes stepping back from conflict serves greater communal interests.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Islamic jurisprudence derived from this incident establishes that peace treaties between Muslim factions are permissible when they prevent bloodshed and preserve communal stability. The scholars of usul al-fiqh cite this as a precedent for prioritizing maslaha (public interest) over individual rights to leadership.