Imam Ali's Arguments against his Opponents in Nahj al-Balagha

Imam Ali would use a special type of argument against his opponents in the spheres of intellectual, doctrinal and political issues. His arguments were in a way that no opponent would be able to respond. In other words, based on the speeches and beliefs of his opponents, he would argue against them. This method is seen in his arguments against Muawiya, Abu Bakr, Umar, Abu Musa Ash’ari, Qa’edin, Talha and Zubayr, as well as Kalib Jaramy and Ash’ath Kendi. Besides, he used the same method in rejecting the arguments of Muhajerin and Ansar who had gathered in Saqifa to seize the power of caliphate as their own right. Imam’s style was such that no one could reject. Never would Imam argue just based on his own beliefs without paying attention to his opponent’s speeches and beliefes.