Self Control (Hazrat Musleh Maud’s (ra) Narration)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has also narrated this account of Hazrat Ali (ra) fighting against this Jew in a similar manner. He writes:
“Hazrat Ali (ra) once took part in a battle and came up against a very fierce opponent who very few people could challenge. Hazrat Ali (ra) fought against this strong Jewish solider for many hours. After many hours of fighting, Hazrat Ali (ra) managed to take the opponent down and knelt on his chest and decided to cut his neck with his dagger, when suddenly, he spat at Hazrat Ali (ra). Hazrat Ali (ra) immediately let him go and stood to one side. The Jewish solider was astonished and said, ‘That is strange; we have been fighting one another for many hours and finally you took me down and now you have suddenly let me go. What a foolish act you have committed.’
“Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, ‘I have not acted in a foolish manner, in fact when I took you down and you spat on my face, my heart became filled with anger as to why you spat at me. But with this, I also thought that up till now, whatever I was doing was for the sake of God, but now if I continue to fight against you, then I shall be killing you due to my personal anger.’”
[In other words] Hazrat Ali (ra) stated, “This could be owing to my personal anger rather than for the sake of attaining the pleasure of God.”
“‘Therefore, I deemed it appropriate that I should let you go. When my anger subsides, I will continue to fight against you.’”
(Ahmadiyyat Dunya Mein Islami Talim or Tamadun Ka Sahih Namuna Pesh Karne Ke Liye Qaim Ki Gayi Hai, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 16, p. 132)