A’mr Ibn A’bd Wudd was a warrior who, in battle, was a match for a thousand soldiers. In the battle of Ahzaab, he challenged the Muslim soldiers to fight him but none possessed the courage to stand up before him till Imam A’li (a.s.) presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa.w) and sought permission to fight him. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said to Ali, “Do realize that this is A’mr Ibn A’bd Wudd.” Imam A’li (a.s.) humbly stated, “(And) I am A’li Ibn Abi Talib,”and then proceeded towards the battle-field and stood before A’mr. After a fierce encounter, Imam A’li (a.s.) eventually knocked him down and sat on his chest. Witnessing this, the entire Muslim army importuned the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.): “O’ Messenger of Allah, order A’li (a.s.) to kill A’mr immediately.” “Leave him alone for he is more aware of his deeds than anyone else,” replied the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) When A’li (a.s.) had severed the head of A’mr, he brought it to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), who questioned him (peace be upon him), “O’ A’li! What caused you to hesitate before killing A’mr?” He said, “O’ Messenger of Allah! When I had floored him, he abused me, as a result of which I was overcome by rage. I feared that if I were to kill him in that state of anger, it would be for consoling myself and pacifying my soul. So I stepped away from him till my fury subsided when I returned to sever his head from his body only for the happiness of Allah and in obedience to Him.” It was because of this sincerity and invaluable combat on the part of Imam Ali that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
ضَرْبَةُ عَلِيٍّ يَوْمَ خَنْدَق أَفْضَلُ مِنْ عِباَدَةِ الثَّقَلَيْن
“The strike of the sword of A’li on the day of the battle of Khandaq is superior to the worship of all men and jinn.” ( Pand-e-Taareekh, vol. 5, pg. 199; Anwaar al-Nu’maaniyyah; A’in al-Hayaah.) Reference : Anecdotes for Reflection – Part 1