Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 2 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi TElib 159
2.2.3. The night of clamor and Friday
Fighting resumed the same night, with energy that had not
been seen before. The people of Iraq fought with enthusiasm and
high spirits until they pushed the people of Syria back from their
positions. Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) fought fiercely and pledged
to fight to the death.565 It was said that 'Ali (&) led his army in
praying the fear prayer at the time of sunset.566 Ash-Sh2fa'i said: "It
was narrated from 'Ali (&) that he offered the fear prayer on the
night of clamor."567
An eyewitness said: "We fought for three days and three
nights until the spears were broken and the arrows ran out, then we
started using swords. We battled until the middle of the night, until
we reached the point of hand to hand combat. When the swords
became like sickles, we started hitting one another with pieces of
iron, and we could hear nothing except the grunting and groaning of
the people. Then we threw stones at one another, threw dust at one
another, and bit one another with our teeth until morning came on
Friday and the sun rose, although it could not be seen because of the
dust of battle. The banners and flags fell, and the army was worn out;
our hands were exhausted, and ow throats were dry."568
Ibn Katheer said, describing the night of clamor and the
following Friday: "They started fighting one another, and two men
would fight until they were exhausted. Then they would sit down to
rest, each one grunting at the other; then they would get up and fight
again. To AUah we belong, and unto Him is our return. They
continued like that until Friday morning came, and the people prayed
the dawn prayer with gestures while still fighting, until it became
very light outside, and the people of Iraq began to gain the upper
hand over the people of ria."^^^