How do you explain Zain al-Abidin's supplication for al-Thughoor (frontiers) people despite them being from…

Answer

In the name of Allah, there is no doubt that Imam Zain al-Abidin (PBUH) and all the Imams sought to protect Muslims against non-believers, to the extent that Imam al-Sadiq (PBUH) permitted the sale of weapons to the army of Banu Umayyad when fighting against non-believers. Therefore, Imam Zain al-Abidin (PBUH) had a special supplication for those who protected the borders of Muslims, which is found in the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya under the title "Supplication for the People of the Frontiers." This means protecting Islam and Muslims against non-believers is a holy religious duty. However, this does not mean compromising any of the principles of the school of thought for those who oppose me in order to gain their love. This is considered a form of flattery towards falsehood. I do not mean to suggest compromising any of the constants of religion and school of thought in order to gain the affection of others. "You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day who befriend those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they are their fathers, their sons their brothers, or their kindred. For those, He has written in their hearts faith, and supported them with a spirit from Him. And He will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. Those are the party of Allah. Indeed, it is the party of Allah that will be successful." (Al-Mujadalah 58:22) Therefore, we must know that it is not in our best interest to flatter those who do not respect us and who are determined to be our enemies and to declare us infidels. Instead, we should invite them to scientific understanding and constructive debate in order to reveal the truth. Allah is Guide.