The third category remains: thrusting, striking, and single combat. We found this to be the lowest rank of jihad, as established by an incontrovertible proof: every Muslim is certain that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was uniquely distinguished by every excellence. Yet we found that, in most of his deeds and circumstances, his jihad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—consisted of the first two categories: calling people to Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and strategic planning and resolve (1). Physical thrusting, striking, and single combat formed the smallest portion of what he did. This was not out of cowardice; rather, he was the bravest of all the people on earth, in both heart and hand, and the most consummately valiant. He would, however, give preference to deeds in order of excellence, giving the best precedence (2) and devoting himself to it.

We found (3) that at Badr—and elsewhere—Abu Bakr remained at his side and did not leave him. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—had singled him out for this, relying on his judgment in war and taking comfort in his presence. Umar was also occasionally included (in this. Abu Bakr alone held this position, to the exclusion of Alī and all the other Companions, except on rare occasions. Along with that, we then examined) (4) this category of jihad (5)—namely, thrusting, striking (6), and single combat—and found that Alī was not alone in wielding swords (7) in it. Rather, others plainly shared it with him (8), such as Talha, al-Zubayr, Sa'd, and those (9) who were killed in the early days of Islam, such as Hamza, Ubayda ibn al-Hārith ibn Abd al-Muttalib, and Musab ibn