The Messenger of Allah (S) arranged his rows properly and gave his banner to Ali...

The Messenger of Allah (S) arranged his rows properly and gave his banner to Ali, and the Ansaris simultaneously charged the infidels and put them to flight, but instead of pursuing this advantage, companions of the Prophet began to plunder the booty and became careless of the battle. Khalid, according to his orders, entered the mountain pass defended by Abdullah, who rained such a shower of arrows on him that he was compelled to retreat.

Abdullah’s men now became very impatient, and said to him, “Why do we stand here idle while our companions are gathering spoils in which we shall have no share?” “Fear God,” he replied, “The Prophet has charged us on no account to abandon our position.” His men however, with the exception of twelve, deserted their post to plunder one by one.

During the engagement Talha bin Abi Talha of the Bani Abdul Darr the Quraish standard bearer, called to the Prophet, saying, “You fancy you shall send us to Hell by your swords and that we may send you to Paradise by ours. If any of your party wishes a speedy passage thither, let him come to me, and I will dispatch him on his journey.” No one ventured to accept this challenge but Ali, who was chanting an ode: “O Talha, if are like you claim to be, you have horses and we have swords.

So come and confront us so that we may know which of us is more serious about what we claim. The lion who will attack you has come with a cutting sword, whose edge is never blunted. Allah and the Prophet are his helpers.” Talha asked, “Who are you, boy?” “I am Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.).” “O valiant one, I know, no one dares to confront me except you.” Then he attacked Imam Ali (a.s.) who stopped his blow with the shield and then gave such a blow that both his thighs were dismembered.

He fell down flat and the standard dropped from his hands. When Ali (a.s.) came to cut off his head, he pleaded for mercy and he returned. Muslims asked why he did not finish him off. He said that he will not survive the blow he had given him. The standard was taken up by Abu Saeed, son of Abu Talha and the standard fell on the ground. Uthman, another son of Abu Talha picked the standard and was also sent to Hell by Imam Ali (a.s.) and the standard fell to the ground.

Then Manafa, the third son, bore the standard and he was also dispatched to Hell and the standard fell down. Then came Harith, the fourth son of Abu Talha and he was also killed by the Holy Imam (a.s.).