The way war and peace are understood in Islamic political thought is a fundamental issue in determining how political actors confront adversaries, choose strategies, and regulate relations with opponents. The central question of this study is: on what principles, foundations, and criteria were Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) views and practical conduct concerning war and peace, considering his theoretical teachings and experience of governing, based? To explain the logic of war and peace in Imam Ali’s thought and political practice, the study employs an interrogative method in examining Nahj al-Balagha and analyzes historical evidence relating to the Battles of Jamal, Siffin, and Nahrawan. Within this framework, teleological and instrumental approaches to war and peace are critically assessed, and the concept of tarīqiyyat (the understanding of war and peace as pathways) is adopted as the preferred analytical approach. The findings indicate that Imam Ali’s approach is based on the idea that war and peace are pathways rather than ultimate ends. They occupy an intermediate level within a hierarchy of objectives and must be understood in relation to the ultimate aims of religion, the philosophy of establishing a religious government, the interests of Muslims, and the administration of justice. Although both peace and war may serve as routes toward these higher objectives, peace has priority. A coercive and military course of action may be pursued only when peaceful means of achieving justice and resolving the conflict have been completely blocked, and after the relevant arguments and warnings have been fully presented.