JIHAD SECTION · 119 – A FIGHT BETWEEN TWO MEN FROM THE OPPOSING SIDES BEFORE THE WAR
According to the narration of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), he said:
Utba ibn Rabi’a advanced towards the battlefield, and his son and brother followed him.
Utba asked, “Who will come forth [to fight]?” Some young men from the Ansar replied, "We will."
Utba asked, "Who are you?" They informed him of their identities.
Utba said, “We do not need you. Rather, we desire to challenge the sons of our uncle.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O Hamza, rise! O Ali, rise! O Ubayda ibn Haris, rise!” Hamza faced Utba, and I faced Shaybah. Between Ubayda and Walid, there were two successive different blows. Each wounded his opponent. Then we turned towards Walid and killed him. We also captured and brought back Ubayda.
EXPLANATION:
This is evidence that it is permissible for one or two people to come forth beforehand to fight in war against the disbelievers, engaging in single combat.