LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BATTLE OF BADR AND UHUD

In Allah’s name, the most gracious the especially Merciful.

The prophet Muhammad Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam delivered his message in a stratagic manner. His message was delivered in three stagies. Thus, inviting people secretly, inviting the people of mkkah publicly and inviting the external communities.

The first stage did not actually cause him difficulty as was base on secret invitations. Later after three years of secret call, the number of muslims increased to an extend that the call could no longer be kept secret again. This was the period the leaders of makkah learnt about the new call and this was when the struggle of the muslims began.

Part of those struggles were series of battles and military expeditions after the muslims hmigration to Madina in order to worship Allah with peace of mind. Among these battles were the battle of Badr, Uhud, Confiderate, Mutah, and others.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT THE BATTLE OF BADR AND UHUD:

Battle of Badr:

According to Azzam and Gouverneur, the following points can be noted about this battle;

1. It was caused by the effort of the emigrant muslims in madina who wanted to imvade a caravan of the makkans led by Abu Safyaan RA. The intent was that they could retreave some of their lost properties taken by the makkans when they were migrating to madina. Abu Safyaan sent for help from the Makkans and a state of War began.
2. It was during this period that Allah gave permission to fight back the wrong doers.
3. The battle took place on the 17th of Ramadan, 2AH.

According to al-Mubarakpuri , we can note the following points;

1. The Muslim had 300-317 soldiers, with only two horses and 70 camels.The people of Quraysh on the other had about 1300 soldiers with 100 horses, 600 camels and enough food supply. Later, Banu Hashim, the prophet Muhammad Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam's clan broke away and they were left with about 1000 soldiers.
2. The prophet Muhammad Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam consulted both emigrant and helpers and so they agreed on their own will to fight for Allah's course. And they as well shared ideas of war strategies.
3. The venue for the battle was called Badr.
4. The muslims positioned themselves and used a war strategy according the prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam directives.
5. After the battle, the Muslims emerged victorious. Fourteen Muslims were killed but Seventy of the polytheists were killed.

The Battle of Uhud:

According to Qutb, the following important points can be derived from the Uhud battle;

1. After the Muslims victory from the battle of badr, most prominent leaders of Quraysh fell and the leadership came to Abu Safyaan. The people of Quraysh out from the sadness of the outcome of the battle of badr were angry and in determination to revenge with a well organized army. They solicited fro support from their allies in addition to the the profit from the Caravan which Abu Safyaan led to Makkah to raised the Army.
2. The prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam suggested at the initial stage that they should be in Madina and defend themselves but a large number of the companions suggested otherwise. That led to the prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam acceptance to go out and meet the Quraish Army.
3. It took place in Shawwal, 3 AH.
4. Quraysh set out with about three thousand soldiers. Whiles the muslims set out with one thousand but Abdullah ibn Ubayy, the head of the hypocrites withdrew about three hundred soldiers on the way and the muslims were left with about seven hundred soldiers.
5. The Muslims positioned themselves according to the Prophet's Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam's directives. Most importantly placing fifty archers men on the mountain to protect the army of the Quraysh from attacking from all directions and asked them never to move out from there in any condition.
6. From the initial stage, the muslims were in a state of wining the battle to an extent that the Quraish Army started to retrieve. Upon seeing them runing, the fifty soldiers put on the mountain descended and rushed to collect the spoils of War. The victory turn around and Muslims suffered for that disobedience. The prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam was even injured but was shielded by a number of his companions who died from the arrows, stones and swords directed to the prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam.

LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE BATTLE OF UHUD AND BADR;

According to the Qutb, the following lessins can be noted;

1. Once all parties make a collective decision after consultations, there should not be any change. The parties must proceed and trust and hope for good results from Allah's.
2. The prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam use to consult his companions on matters whuch revelations were not sent. So there is acceptability in others opinions as a leader.
3. Regarding Uhud's consultations Allah witnessed and heard all the parties who took part in the consultations. Allah knows the thoughts of peoples and He gives them courage to fight. Allah is always with the believers in times of difficulties and in times of ease and he prepared them in a way to seek his help when needed. Therefore, Muslims Should always relly and put apsolute trust in Allah.
4. In the Battle of Badr, Allah granted them victory to multivate or develop their eeman. But in the Battle of Uhud, Allah wanted to test their hearts and clearn their ranks for the preperation of making them steadfast in directing Mankind to Islam.
5. The outcome of the battle of Uhud caused the muslims remembrance of the outcome of the battle of Badr. Thus, the causes of the defeat and victory of the two battles in relation to the obedience to the prophet Muhammad Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam. And also to compare it in their own weakness and strength in their daily life.
6. In addition, there is a finalization when the two battles are compared that Allah determines everything under every situation.
7. The prophet Muhammad Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam and his companions do not have a say in the outcome of the battles but only Allah. They were only instruments of devine will.

SUMMARY

• A collected decision should not be preach by one party, but should progress and relly on Allah for a good outcome.
• Consultations and acceptamce of others opinions are qualities of a good leader.
• One may not be granted only happiness in life. Difficulties mau also occure.
• Rememberance of Allah's favors upon our lives as muslims and relly solely to Allah.
• Allah determines the outcome of everything under all situations.

REFERENCES

Al-Mubarakpuri, The Sealed Nectar(Biography of the Noble Prophet Salallahu-alayhim-wa-salam, The Battle of Badr, Saudi Arabia:1996,pg 210.

Azzam and Gouverneur, The life of the prophet Muhammad, the battle of Badr, pg 46.

Qutb, In the shade of the Quran, Lessens for all muslim generations, A brief account of the Battle of Uhud, pg 159-178.