Due to his bravery, Hazrat Ali was popularly called Asadullah, the Lion of Allah.
In the battle of Khaibar against the Jews, the Muslims tried to conquer the strongest Jewish fort, Qumus, but were not successful in the beginning.
Then Rasulallah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Tomorrow, I will give the command to such a brave person who loves Allah and His Prophet, and whom Allah and His Prophet love.” Everybody had a great desire to be that fortunate man. The people were rather surprised when, the next morning, Rasulallah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, called Hazrat Ali, who was ill and his eyes were sore. Rasulallah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, applied his saliva over the eyes of Hazrat Ali (, may Allah be pleased with him.); they were cured immediately. Then he gave the command, and advised him, “Firstly, call them towards Islam. Even if one man is guided towards Islam because of you, it would be better than red camels.”
Following the advice of Rasulallah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,, Hazrat Ali invited the Jews towards Islam. Instead of accepting the Right Path, they sent their commander Marhab, a great warrior of Arabia and one of the bravest men of his time. He challenged Hazrat Ali to fight. Hazrat Ali (, may Allah be pleased with him.) accepted the challenge and slew him in one attack. His famous sword cut Marhab’s body into two pieces.
He showed great bravery in each and every battle he fought, thus he was famous throughout Arabia. He was one of the greatest warriors of Arabia.
