Laylat al-Harir

Laylat al-Harir (Arabic:لَیلَةُ الهَریر, "the Night of Groaning") was a night near the end of the Battle of Siffin when fierce fighting broke out between the army of Imam Ali (a) and the forces of Mu'awiya, resulting in many casualties on both sides. That night, Imam Ali's army came close to victory, and he delivered a sermon urging his companions to remain steadfast.

On the following day, as the fighting continued, al-Ash'ath b. Qays—one of Imam Ali's commanders—argued that it was no longer wise to continue the battle. When Mu'awiya learned of his stance, he used the moment to avoid defeat and ordered that copies of the Qur'an be raised upon spears, putting forward the proposal of arbitration.

Introduction

Laylat al-Harir was one of the nights of the Battle of Siffin, during which the army of Imam Ali (a) and the forces of Mu'awiya engaged in fierce combat, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Historical sources report that the fighting was so intense that spears were broken, arrows were exhausted, and the warriors continued the battle with swords and stones.

According to Allama al-Majlisi, this night was called Laylat al-Harir because of the cries and lamentations of the warriors and the pressure placed upon Mu'awiya; the term "harīr" refers to the whimpering of a dog in the cold.

Laylat al-Harir corresponded to Safar 11, 37/July 29, 657, or according to another report, Rabi' I 10, 38/August 28, 658. Some historical sources also mention that one of the nights of the Battle of Qadisiyya was referred to by the same name.

Sermon of Imam Ali (a)

Main article: Sermon of Laylat al-Harir

Imam Ali (a) delivered a sermon on Laylat al-Harir. After praising and glorifying God, he addressed his soldiers, saying:

"You see to what point matters between you and your enemies have come, and to what end they have been drawn. Nothing but the last breath remains in the enemy, and their affairs have been thoroughly shaken. You exerted great effort at the beginning of this struggle; now that matters are nearing their end, you must allow no weakness to enter within yourselves, and entrust your hearts to the decree and judgment of God. You see how those who stand upon falsehood strive with all their might. You, by the grace of God, are upon the side of truth, and therefore your effort must be even greater. Know that tomorrow morning we shall advance to battle, so that the flame of discord may be extinguished.”

He then prayed for the victory of his army.

Position of al-Ash'ath b. Qays

According to historical sources, on the day following Laylat al-Harir, when the fighting resumed and the army of Imam Ali (a) was close to victory, al-Ash'ath b. Qays, one of the commanders in Imam Ali's army, declared that continuing the battle was not in their best interest.

When Mu'awiya learned of al-Ash'ath's position, he ordered that copies of the Qur'an be raised upon spears and called for arbitration. After Mu'awiya's forces raised the Qur'an on their spears, al-Ash'ath approached Imam Ali (a), objected to him, and urged him to accept the proposal of arbitration.