Mathematical Modeling of the Strategy of the Early Islamic Wars Using Game Theory with Emphasis on the Battle of Siffin

Abstract

Mathematics has been applied to all sciences; and religious and military sciences are no exception, and mathematics can be used highly to design different war operations and solve battlefield equations to gain relative or absolute superiority over the enemy. We can also see clearly the application of mathematics in the Game Theory of war in abundance. In this applied research, conducted in a library method, the challenges between the army of Amir al-Mu'minin, ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (as) and the army of Muʿāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān in the Battle of Siffin have been modeled using Game Theory and the strategies of each of these two fronts are compared. <br /> Finally, in order to examine the war utility, we seek to find the strategic equilibrium point between them. So, we obtain and discuss the utility function for each party's set of strategies in the battle of Siffin.