ON THE BATTLEFIELD
[THE BATTLE OF BADR]
During that time, a country's power and superiority were measured by the number of societies and countries it controlled, as well as its military strength. Although the Makkans did not control many countries nor were they considered strong in war, they held a position of superiority and respect among the Arab lands due to the Ka'ba being situated on their land. The Ka'ba was a sacred site that attracted people from all over Arabia during the pilgrimage season, and this made Makkah a coveted prize for other Arabian countries. They envied Makkah's prestige and wanted to conquer it to gain control over the Ka'ba. As mentioned earlier, Abraha, a king, had attempted to destroy the Ka'ba but failed due to Allah's protection.
When the disbelievers in Makkah heard about the progress of the Muslims in Madinah, they suspected that the Muslims would soon attack them. They began to plot and persecute the remaining Muslims in Makkah. The polytheists in Makkah sent an ultimatum to the leader of the polytheists in Madinah, ordering him and his followers to either murder or expel the Prophet (pbuh) from Madinah, otherwise, they would send a strong army to fight them. They also sent a warning message to the Prophet (pbuh). With this message and information from a reliable source about the polytheists' plans, the Prophet (pbuh) took measures to protect himself and his followers. He asked his companions to protect him, and Sad bin Abu Waqas volunteered. Aisha (r.a.) narrated that one night, Allah's Messenger asked his companions to protect him, and Sad bin Abu Waqas stepped forward.
He protected him; pbuh house until Allah sent a revelation.
يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الرَّسُوۡلُ بَلِّغۡ مَاۤ اُنۡزِلَ اِلَيۡكَ مِنۡ رَّبِّكَ ؕ وَاِنۡ لَّمۡ تَفۡعَلۡ فَمَا بَلَّغۡتَ رِسٰلَـتَهٗ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ يَعۡصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَهۡدِى الۡقَوۡمَ الۡـكٰفِرِيۡنَ
"O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." Quran 5:67.
The polytheists, both in Madinah and Makkah, were plotting to destroy Islam. The Jews were also scheming against the Muslims. Not only was the Prophet (pbuh) in danger, but the entire Muslim community was at risk. The polytheists in Makkah, those in Madinah, and the Jews were all conspiring against the Muslims. However, they were unaware that Allah knows all about their plots and even what they were thinking. Allah is all-knowing and all-aware of their secrets and intentions.
Allah SWT; the most high, most merciful granted the Muslims permission to fight back who ever will try to attack them.
اُذِنَ لِلَّذِيۡنَ يُقٰتَلُوۡنَ بِاَنَّهُمۡ ظُلِمُوۡا ؕ وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلٰى نَـصۡرِهِمۡ لَـقَدِيۡرُ
"permission to fight is given to those believers against the disbelievers ,who are fighting them and because they have been wronged, And surely Allah is able to give them(believers)victory.
“Quran(22:39).
Not only this aya marked the permission to fight the disbelievers, (Quran2:190-195) and others.
The Muslims then under the leadership of the prophet pbuh started a military campaign. All the various streets heading towards Madina and nearby towns were watched closely and every plot was revealed by Allah.
During the Muslim migration to Madina, most of them left their belongings behind to avoid drawing attention to their departure. They abandoned their properties, regardless of their nature, to ensure a peaceful exit. However, these properties were seized by the disbelievers. Later, the Muslims learned about a large caravan traveling from Syria, led by Abu Safyan, a leader of the polytheists and a member of the Quraish tribe. The Muslims saw this as an opportunity to retrieve some of their belongings and decided to act. Abu Safyan, however, got wind of their plan and sent a message to his people in Makkah, requesting help. In response, the Quraish tribe set out with a thousand men, two hundred horses, and their women, who boosted their morale with songs. Abu Safyan learned about the Muslims' camp location and changed the caravan's route. He then sent a message to the Makkans, telling them to return, as the caravan was now safe. However, they were arrogant, stubborn, and eager to destroy the Muslims. It was the month of Ramadan, and the Muslims were fasting. Unaware of the Quraish tribe's plans, they set out with only 305 people, mostly Ansar (helpers), three horses, and 70 camels. It was when they arrived at a place called Badr, a camp where the Madenese received information about caravans, that they learned about the Quraish tribe's large army approaching them.
The initial reason for invading the caravan had now changed. The Prophet (pbuh) and two of his emigrants, Abu Bakr and Umar, were ready to fight. The Prophet (pbuh) wanted to hear the Ansars' opinion, and Sad bin Muad spoke up, "We believe in you and acknowledge that what you have brought is from Allah. We have given you our word, and we are with you, even if you take us to the sea." These words greatly inspired the Prophet (pbuh) and the emigrants.
The Muslims took position facing the valley, with the wells behind them, and dug a reservoir to fill with water. They then blocked the wells, forcing the disbelievers to bypass the valley and fight the Muslims to access water. The disbelievers took position on the other side of the valley. When the Muslims learned about the disbelievers' numerical superiority, some lost hope. However, a night before the battle, rain fell on both sides, which was disastrous for the disbelievers but served as a moral booster and strength enhancer for the Muslims.
The rain on the disbelievers' side was heavier, making the ground soft and difficult to march on. In contrast, the rain on the Muslims' side was moderate, which helped to harden the sand and make it easier to march on. This natural phenomenon gave the Muslims an advantage in terms of mobility and terrain, while the disbelievers struggled with the slippery and soggy ground.
It's interesting to note how the rain seemed to favor the Muslims, making it easier for them to move around and prepare for battle. This could be seen as a sign of divine intervention or a natural advantage that boosted the Muslims' morale and physical ability to fight.
With this Allah said;
اِذۡ يُغَشِّيۡكُمُ النُّعَاسَ اَمَنَةً مِّنۡهُ وَيُنَزِّلُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً لِّيُطَهِّرَكُمۡ بِهٖ وَيُذۡهِبَ عَنۡكُمۡ رِجۡزَ الشَّيۡطٰنِ وَلِيَرۡبِطَ عَلٰى قُلُوۡبِكُمۡ وَيُثَبِّتَ بِهِ الۡاَقۡدَامَؕ
“when we made the slumber fall upon as a reassurance from him and sent down water from the sky upon you, in order that he might purify you, and remove from you the fear of Satan and strengthen your hearts and make firm your fret thereby” (Quran 8:11)
In the morning, Friday 17th of Ramadan 2 A.H(march 17th AD) the two army drew closer to one another and stood in line. The prophet pbuh raised his hand and prayed to Allah. "O Allah, here come Quraish full of vanity and pride, who oppose thee and call thy Messenger a liar. O Allah, if this little Muslims perished today, there will be no one left in the land to worship you."
On the morning of Friday, 17th of Ramadan, 2 A.H. (March 17th AD), the two armies drew closer to each other and stood in line. The Prophet (pbuh) raised his hands and prayed to Allah, saying:
"O Allah, here come the Quraish, full of vanity and pride, who oppose You and call Your Messenger a liar. O Allah, if this small group of Muslims perishes today, there will be no one left in the land to worship You."
The prophet pbuh's prayer is never rejected and so Allah truly helped the Muslims. Allah answered;
اِذۡ تَسۡتَغِيۡثُوۡنَ رَبَّكُمۡ فَاسۡتَجَابَ لَـكُمۡ اَنِّىۡ مُمِدُّكُمۡ بِاَلۡفٍ مِّنَ الۡمَلٰۤٮِٕكَةِ مُرۡدِفِيۡنَ
وَمَا جَعَلَهُ اللّٰهُ اِلَّا بُشۡرٰى وَلِتَطۡمَٮِٕنَّ بِهٖ قُلُوۡبُكُمۡۚ وَمَا النَّصۡرُ اِلَّا مِنۡ عِنۡدِ اللّٰهِؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِيۡزٌ حَكِيۡمٌ
“when Ye sought help of your lord and he answered you. saying, I will help u with a thousand of the angels,rank on rank. Allah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts might thereby be at ease. Victory comes only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is mighty ,wise "(Quran 8:9-10).
The battle commenced when the Quraish people attempted to access the wells behind the Muslim lines. However, a few of them who approached were shot and killed. The disbelievers then sent three of their warriors forward, and the Prophet (pbuh) responded by sending Hamza, Ali, and Ubayda. Shortly after, Hamza and Ali defeated their opponents, while Ubayda and his opponent wounded each other.
Emboldened by their leader Abu Jahl, the disbelievers advanced, confident in their superior numbers and experience. However, the Prophet (pbuh) observed that despite being outnumbered, his people were resolute in their determination to fight. He commanded them to form a line and use their arrows first, instructing them to hold off using their swords until the disbelievers drew closer.
As the disbelievers approached, the Muslims unleashed a hail of arrows, felling many of them. The disbelievers continued to advance, but the Muslims held their ground, using their arrows effectively until they were able to engage in close combat.
As the battle became more difficult, the prophet pbuh kept on praying to Allah regularly for help until his cloak fell. Abu bakar went and took it from the ground and covered him, he then told the prophet pbuh that, "You have prayed enough and that Allah will surely keep his promise.”
Allah the most powerful reviled to the prophet,
اِذۡ يُوۡحِىۡ رَبُّكَ اِلَى الۡمَلٰۤٮِٕكَةِ اَنِّىۡ مَعَكُمۡ فَثَبِّتُوا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا ؕ سَاُلۡقِىۡ فِىۡ قُلُوۡبِ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوا الرُّعۡبَ فَاضۡرِبُوۡا فَوۡقَ الۡاَعۡنَاقِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡا مِنۡهُمۡ كُلَّ بَنَانٍؕ
“Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them." (Quran 8:12).
The angels truly descended and helped the Muslims to defeat the disbelievers. For instance, the prophet pbuh fetched a hand full of sand and threw it on the enemy and said, “confusing seizes their faces!."
As he threw the sand, a sandstorm appeared and blew the sand in the eyes of the enemies. Malayka Gebriel reviled.
فَلَمۡ تَقۡتُلُوۡهُمۡ وَلٰـكِنَّ اللّٰهَ قَتَلَهُمۡۖ وَمَا رَمَيۡتَ اِذۡ رَمَيۡتَ وَ لٰـكِنَّ اللّٰهَ رَمٰى ۚ وَلِيُبۡلِىَ الۡمُؤۡمِنِيۡنَ مِنۡهُ بَلَاۤءً حَسَنًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ سَمِيۡعٌ عَلِيۡمٌ
“It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah: when thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but Allah's: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)." (Quran 8:17).
Incidences during the battle,
👌🏼 Umar bin khattab did not spare the life of his uncle Al-As bin hisham who was fighting at the side of the disbelievers.
👌🏼 Abu bakar saw his son Abdul Rahman who was still a disbeliever and shouted "you wicked son, where is my wealth and his son said that, "it has been taken by the wind."
👌🏼 Ukasha bin Mihsan Al-asdi was given a log of wood by the prophet pbuh when his sword broke, this log of wood instantly turned to be a long and sharpen sword. He used this sword in all the battles he took part before his death.
👌🏼 Bilal did not spare his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf.
Indeed, the angels assisted the Muslims in defeating the disbelievers, as confirmed by numerous narrations from both the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and the disbelievers. One such narration is the story of Al-Abbas bin Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle, who was captured by one of the Ansar. When he was brought before the Prophet (pbuh), he said, "O Messenger of Allah, I was not captured by this man, but by a man who was most handsome and rode a piebald horse. I don't see him among you now." The Muslim claimed to have captured him, but the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Be quiet, Allah strengthened you with the help of a noble angel."
Meanwhile, Iblis (Satan), who was always with the disbelievers, confusing them and leading them to fight the Muslims, fled to the sea upon seeing the angels' assistance to the Muslims. Two Ansar Muslims went in search of Abu Jahl, the leader of the disbelievers, and killed him after torturing him. They then showed their blood-stained sword to the Prophet (pbuh), who praised Allah, acknowledging that Abu Jahl was a significant barrier to the growth of Islam.
In the end, the Muslims emerged victorious, with 14 Muslims killed (6 emigrants and 8 Ansars) and 70 disbelievers killed, including many of their leaders. The same number were taken as prisoners. The Prophet (pbuh) ordered that the prisoners be treated well until their families came to claim them.
Mus'ab bin Umayr was passing by and saw an Ansar tying up his brother, Abu Aziz. Musab told the Ansar to tie him securely, as their mother was wealthy and would pay a substantial ransom for him. Abu Aziz asked Musab to help him, but Musab replied that the Ansar was his brother, not him.
Later, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered his companions to dispose of the disbelievers' corpses in an abandoned well. On the third day, the Prophet (pbuh) visited the well and stood over the corpses, saying, "What an evil tribe you were regarding your prophet! You belied me, while others believed in me. You let me down, while others supported me. You expelled me, whereas others sheltered me. Would it not have been better for you if you had believed?"
Umar saw the Prophet (pbuh) talking to the dead and asked him why he was doing so. The Prophet (pbuh) replied, "By Him in whose hands is Muhammad's soul, you do not hear better what I am saying than they do." This response highlights the Prophet's ability to communicate with all creation, including the dead, and the importance of conveying the message of Islam to all.
THE BATTLE OF BADR, REACTION
The Prophet (pbuh) sent Abdullah bin Rawahah and Zaid bin Harithah to inform the Muslims in Madina about the victory. However, when they arrived, the Jews and hypocrites spread false news that the Prophet (pbuh) had been killed, as they saw Zaid riding the Prophet's she-camel. The messengers clarified the truth and shared the news of the victory, which caused the Muslims to rejoice and praise Allah.
Meanwhile, a minor dispute arose among the Muslim warriors regarding the distribution of the spoils of war. The Prophet (pbuh) received a revelation from Allah and decided to take one-fifth of the spoils and distribute the rest equally among the warriors.
On their way back to Madina, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered the execution of two prisoners, An-Nadr bin Al-Harith and Uqbah bin Abi Muait, who had severely tortured and killed Muslims in Makkah and had also mistreated the Prophet (pbuh).
The Muslim army was warmly received by their brothers at a suburb of Madina, Ar-Rawha, and from there, they entered Madina. This led to many Madenese accepting Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) consulted with Umar and Abu Bakr regarding the prisoners, and Abu Bakr suggested collecting ransom for their release, while Umar recommended executing them.
The prophet pbuh then received a revelation which says,
فَاِذَا لَقِيۡتُمُ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا فَضَرۡبَ الرِّقَابِ ؕ حَتّٰٓى اِذَاۤ اَثۡخَنۡتُمُوۡهُمۡ فَشُدُّوۡا الۡوَثَاقَ ۙ فَاِمَّا مَنًّۢا بَعۡدُ وَاِمَّا فِدَآءً حَتّٰى تَضَعَ الۡحَـرۡبُ اَوۡزَارَهَا ۛۚ ذٰ لِكَ ۛؕ وَلَوۡ يَشَآءُ اللّٰهُ لَانْـتَصَرَ مِنۡهُمۡ وَلٰـكِنۡ لِّيَبۡلُوَا۟ بَعۡضَكُمۡ بِبَعۡضٍؕ وَالَّذِيۡنَ قُتِلُوۡا فِىۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ فَلَنۡ يُّضِلَّ اَعۡمَالَهُمۡ
“Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost." (Quran 47:4)"
The revelation from Allah permitted the Muslims to accept ransom from those who could afford it. The amount was set between 4000 to 1000 dirhams, depending on the prisoner's financial status. For those who couldn't pay, the Makkans, being more educated than the Madenese, were required to teach ten Madenese how to read and write in exchange for their freedom.
Zainab, the Prophet's daughter, offered a necklace as ransom to free her husband, Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi', but the Muslims refused. Instead, they released him on the condition that Zainab would migrate to Madina, which she did.
The disbelievers returned to Makkah with shame and feared the reaction of their people upon learning about the defeat. In Makkah, Abdullah Al-Khuza and Abu Safyan bin Al-Harith shared the outcome of the battle and the role of the Angels in helping the Muslims. Abu Lahab, upon hearing this, began to beat and torture a Muslim named Abu Rafi', which angered a Muslim woman who struck him. Seven days later, Abu Lahab died and was buried by his son three days later.
The people of Makkah were devastated by the news of the defeat, the killing of their relatives, and the capture of others. They shared tears and desired revenge in every household.
HATRED FROM THE JEWS AND OTHERS
As the news of the Muslim victory spread, the enemies of Islam became increasingly vigilant and eager to exact revenge. The Makkans were particularly desperate to avenge their defeat, while the Jews grew concerned about the growing strength and numbers of the Muslims, fearing it would threaten their own safety.
Despite the peace treaty between the Muslims and Jews, the latter began to misbehave, treating the Muslims poorly in marketplaces and localities. They constantly sought to stir up trouble and create problems between the Muslims.
On one occasion, they even managed to spark a misunderstanding among a group of Muslims, which was eventually resolved through the wise counsel of the Prophet (pbuh).
The Jews' behavior was marked by hypocrisy, as they would pretend to convert and believe in Islam during the day, only to disbelieve and plot against the Muslims at night. Their provocative and harmful actions continued both in secret and in public, posing a significant challenge to the Muslim community.
THE QAINUQA
The most wicked among them were the Qainuqa, one of the three Jewish tribes that broke their covenant with the Muslims. They resided in the quarters of Madina, were the most influential among the Jews, and were skilled in blacksmithing, goldsmithing, and weapon-making. They would jeer at Muslims, hurt those who frequented their bazaar, harass Muslim women publicly, and cause trouble among the Muslims. This behavior continued until it became unbearable to the Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) gathered them and advised them to stop their actions, but they refused, telling him that he should not feel courageous just because he had defeated the Makkans, for they were more experienced in warfare.
Despite this, the Prophet (pbuh) advised the Muslims to be patient and not to retaliate. However, one day, a Muslim woman was humiliated by a Qainuqa man, who uncovered her genital. A Muslim man witnessed this and beat the Jew to death, and the surrounding Qainuqa men then beat the Muslim man to death. The Muslims were called to help, and this created an atmosphere of war.
On Shawwal 16, 2 AH (Saturday), the Prophet (pbuh) marched his army to the Qainuqa locality and laid siege for 15 days. Allah cast fear into their hearts, and they were all captured by the Muslims. A fake convert and hypocrite, Abdullah bin Ubai Salul, interceded on their behalf, and the Bani Qainuqa handed over their materials, wealth, and were released and banished from Madina. They went to Syria and stayed there for a while.
YAHUUDU BANI NADEER
With the banishment of the Qainuqa tribe from Madina due to their wicked behavior towards the Muslims, the remaining two Jewish tribes were now on alert. Meanwhile, the disbelievers in Makkah were still plotting to avenge their defeat. The tension between the Muslims and their enemies continued to escalate, with the Jews in Madina wary of suffering a similar fate as the Qainuqa, and the Makkans seeking revenge for their loss. This created an atmosphere of heightened alertness and preparedness among the Muslims, as they stood ready to face any future challenges or threats from their adversaries.
As-Sawiq invasion,
Abu Safyan, determined to avenge the defeat at Badr and bring joy to his people, led an army of 200 men to Madina. However, they failed to launch an attack in the afternoon and instead sought the company of the leader of the Yahuudu Bani Nadeer tribe. Under the cover of night, they raided Al-Uraid, a suburb of Madina, where some Muslims were working. The army destroyed palm trees and killed several Muslims before fleeing. When the Prophet (pbuh) received news of the attack, he set out with his companions to pursue them, but they were unable to catch up.
Meanwhile, Ka'b bin Al-Ashraf, a prominent Jew, was also seeking to harm the Muslims. He used his wealth and influence to support the Makkans in their attacks against the Muslims. He even traveled to Makkah to boost the morale of the enemy army and help them prepare for battle. His actions caused significant trouble, and the Prophet (pbuh) called upon his companions to eliminate him, describing him as an enemy of Allah. Mohammed bin Maslamah and a group of companions, including Abu Na'ilah, Ka'b's foster brother and a Muslim, volunteered to carry out the task. They successfully set up and killed Ka'b, fulfilling the Prophet's request.
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