Prohibition of Running Away from the Battle

Imam Ali (AS) said to his companions in the battle of Siffin, ‘Repeat the attack and be ashamed of running away, for it is a disgrace that remains throughout the generations as a burden on their necks and is a fire on the Day of Reckoning. Therefore, sacrifice your souls for other souls and cheerfully walk to death.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘He who runs away from the battle when faced with two men from the enemy is a deserter indeed, but if he runs away from facing combat with three men, then he is not a deserter.

Imam al-Rida (AS) said, ‘Allah has prohibited running away from the midst of a battle because of what it does in weakening ones religion and degrading the messengers and the just Imams (AS).