During the battle of Khandaq (ditch) the Muslims had dug a
wide ditch around Madina for protection.
One of the soldiers from the enemy side called Amr bin
Abdiwaad was very well known for his strength and courage.
He jumped over the ditch and landed amongst the Muslims.
Everybody was terrified. Only Imam Ali (pbuh) came to fight
him.
Soon Imam threw Amr on the ground and sat on him ready to
kill him. Just then Amr spat in Imam’s face.
All those around thought that Imam would kill him faster
because of what he had done but they saw Imam Ali (pbuh) get
off Amr’s chest and walk away. They were surprised to see
how Imam could leave such a dangerous enemy just like that.
Amr attacked again and Imam fought bravely eventually
killing him.
After the battle was over people asked Imam why he had let
Amr go the first time.
Imam replied:
“I wanted to kill him only for Allah. When he spat on me he
made me angry. Had I killed him then I would not have killed
him for Allah only but also to satisfy my anger. So I let him
free. When my anger was controlled, I killed him for Allah
only.”
Excellent Stories Vol 1