Historical Explanation of Amir Al-Mo'menin’s (AS) Endeavor in Preserving the Shiite Human Resources (Case study: Imam's political testaments in Nahj al-Balaghah)

According to Shiites, with the Prophet's decease (PBUH), Ali ibn Abi Talib's caliphate - who was the immediate Imam after him - was snatched from him. According to him, he inevitably found a solution and to endure the current situation and save his companions' lives who believed in his Imamate; prioritized the unity of the Muslim Ummah over his right. Ali ibn Abi Talib's struggles to preserve the lives of the Shiites continued after the end of Saqifa gathering until he was elected to the caliphate with Muslims' unparalleled presence on his doorstep. By the historical analysis of Nahj al-Balaghah, the present study tries to answer the question: What advice did Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) to the Shiites in general during his caliphate, especially in the last days of his life, to maintain the Shiite human resources? This study's findings indicate that, when Shiites were confronted with emerging political issues and crises, Imam advised them to adhere to three strategic pieces of advice that had political nature to preserve the Shiite human resources. First, forbidding them from fighting the Kharijites after his death. Second, their commitment to piety in the face of Mu'awiyah and the Umayyads' governors and supporters. Third, their complete adherence to the political, social, and doctrinal policy of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).