from the narration of Salamah ibn al-Akwaʿ.

ʿIkrimah ibn ʿAmmār related: Iyās ibn Salamah ibn al-Akwaʿ told me, saying, “My father informed me that his uncle ʿĀmir began chanting rajaz verses for the fighters, whereupon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to him, ‘May your Lord forgive you!’ No one, he added, ever received that supplication without being martyred.” ʿUmar then remarked, “Could you not have allowed us to enjoy ʿĀmir a little longer?”

When we reached Khaybar, Marhab came out swaggering with his sword and reciting:

Khaybar well knows that I am Marhab—
Fully armed, a seasoned champion;
When battles rage, I stoke their flame.

ʿĀmir stepped forward to meet him, intoning:

Khaybar well knows that I am ʿĀmir—
Fully armed, a daring warrior.

They exchanged two blows. Marhab’s sword struck ʿĀmir’s shield; as ʿĀmir moved to strike downward, his own blade rebounded upon him, severing the vein of his forearm, and he died of it.

Salamah continued: I came out and found a group of the Prophet’s Companions saying, “ʿĀmir’s deeds are void; he has killed himself.” I went to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, weeping. He asked, “What is the matter with you?” I replied, “They say ʿĀmir’s deeds have been annulled.” He said, “Who said that?” I answered, “Some of your Companions.” He said, “They have lied; rather, he will receive a double reward.”

The Prophet then sent for ʿAlī, who was suffering from sore eyes, and said, “Today I shall place the banner in the hand of a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.” I brought ʿAlī, leading him by the hand; the Messenger of Allah spat into his eyes, which were instantly healed, and he handed him the banner.

Marhab emerged once more, chanting:

Khaybar well knows that I am Marhab—
Fully armed, a seasoned champion;
When battles rage, I stoke their flame.

ʿAlī, may Allah be pleased with him, advanced toward him, reciting: