Amr ibn Abd al-Wud


Amr ibn Abd al-Wud was a champion of the Quraish tribe, said to have been worth over one thousand soldiers. He is most well known for his role during the Battle of the Trench and was killed by Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Battle of the Trench

During the battle of the trench in 627 AD, the Quraysh veterans grew impatient with the deadlock. A group of militants led by ‘Amr ibn ‘Abd Wudd and Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl attempted to thrust through the trench and managed to effect a crossing, occupying a marshy area near the hillock of Sala. 'Amr challenged the Muslims to a duel. In response, Ali ibn Abi Talib accepted the challenge, he was waiting to kill Amr but Amr had no interest in killing a boy and was sent by Muhammad to fight. Both the fighters got lost in the dust as the duel became intense. When Ali got Amr to the floor he said as leaders you are meant to accept challenges, one is to become Muslim and the second is to carry on fighting him. Finally, the soldiers heard scream which hinted decisive blows, but it was unclear which of the two was successful. The slogan, 'Allahu Akbar' from the dust confirmed Ali's victory. The confederates were forced to withdraw in a state of panic and confusion. Although the Confederates lost only three men during the encounter, they failed to accomplish anything important.