"THE PRAISED ONE" THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMED PBUH. PART 8

  THE BATTLE OF UHUD

The people of Quraish, hoping to avenge their defeat at Badr, approached their leaders and requested support in terms of strength and finances. All the businessmen donated their profits to help organize a large army to defeat the Muslims. Among these leaders, who were eager to avenge the death of their people, were Abu Safyan bin Harb, Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl, Safwan bin Umayyah, and Abdullah bin Abi-Rabi. They utilized all their resources to launch an army three times the size of the one they sent to the Battle of Badr. They also sought the support of other tribes, including the Kinana and Tihamah tribes, and succeeded in gaining their alliance.

Jubayr bin Al-Mut'im, another leader, instructed his Abyssinian slave Wahshi, who was skilled in spear fighting, to kill Hamza, the Prophet's uncle, in revenge for his uncle's death, promising to set him free if he succeeded. Hind, Abu Safyan's wife, also encouraged Wahshi, promising to clothe him in gold and silk if he accomplished the task, as Hamza had captured her brother and father.

The Quraish had completed their preparations and launched an army of three thousand warriors, including seven hundred mailed soldiers, two hundred mounted cavalry, and three thousand camels. They also brought along fifteen women to boost their morale on the battlefield. The army was led by Abu Safyan bin Harb, assisted by Khalid bin Al-Waleed and Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl, with their flag raised by Abd Ad-Dar.

As the Quraish planned to set out, Al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle and a Muslim living in Makkah, sent a message to the Prophet (pbuh) informing him of the Quraish's plans. The message was received while the Prophet (pbuh) was at the Quba mosque, and he quickly rushed to Madina. The Prophet (pbuh) convened a meeting with the Muslims, both emigrants and Ansar, and successfully put his army on high alert. All of them were armed, even during prayer, due to the emergency.

Sa'd bin Mu'adh and a group of companions volunteered to protect the Prophet (pbuh) by guarding him and watching his house overnight. The Prophet (pbuh) also dispatched some companions to patrol and monitor the enemy's movements. On Friday, 6th Shawwal, 3 A.H., the Quraish army set out, taking the western road to Ainain, which is closer to the Uhud mountain. The Muslim patrol team sent news of the Quraish movements to the Prophet (pbuh), who then convened another meeting. He told them that he had dreamt that some of his men and a member of his household had been killed in the battle and suggested that they should stay in Madina and defend themselves there.

However, a hypocrite, Abdullah bin Ubai, supported the Prophet's idea but with ulterior motives. Hamza and most of the companions suggested that they should go out and fight the enemy outside, which the Prophet (pbuh) accepted since they were the majority. On that day, the Prophet (pbuh) led the Jumu'ah prayers, boosting their morale with his noble and sweet talks. He added, "If you remain steadfast, Allah will help you with His power." After the prayers, he entered his house with Abu Bakr and Umar and donned two armors. Meanwhile, a large number of people waited for him outside.

The noble prophet pbuh then divided his companions into three groups.

• AlMuhajireen battalions to be led by Musab bin Umay.
• Al-Ansari-Aws battalion to be led by Said bin Hudair.
• Al-Ansari-Khazraj battalion to be led by. Al-hubab bin Al-Mundhir.

The Muslims, numbering only 1,050 horsemen, set out to Uhud. Their number was three times lesser than that of the Quraish army. On their way, they met an army of Jews who offered to help them, but the Prophet (pbuh) refused since they were not believers. At a place named Ash-Shaikhan, the Prophet (pbuh) paraded the army. When they reached Ash-Shawt, after performing the dawn prayer, Abdullah bin Ubai, the hypocrite among the Muslims, refused to continue with their journey and took about one-third of the army with him back to Madina. This was because the Prophet (pbuh) did not agree to his suggestion that they should stay in Madina and fight.

The Muslim army, now reduced to 700, continued on. The hypocrite withdrew from the battle at the point where the Prophet (pbuh) and his army were closer to the disbelievers, such that they could see each other. The number of disbelievers was so huge that all the paths leading to Uhud were blocked except a small and short path. The Prophet (pbuh) asked Abu Khaithama to lead them through the short path. They camped right below the hillock of Uhud at the slope of the valley, facing Madina and the enemy.

The Prophet (pbuh) paraded his army once again, making them stand in front of the mountain. He selected 50 archers and placed them on top of the mountain, facing their backs, and told them, "Keep the enemies away from us with your arrows and do not let them attack us from behind, whether we are winning or losing." The Prophet (pbuh) gave a sword to Abu Dujanah, and the battle started. Though the enemy's number was huge, they were tired from the journey, and the Muslims had been positioned well, so the Muslims were winning.

Despite the encouragement from their leaders, women, and poets, the Muslims were in the upper hand. As the battle was ongoing, Hamza, the Prophet's uncle, was busily fighting the enemy when Wahshi targeted him. Wahshi narrated, "I was watching Hamza while he was killing men with his sword. I aimed my spear until I was sure it would hit the mark and held it at him. He came towards me but fell. I left him until he died, then I took my spear and went back to the camp because I did not want to kill anyone but him to gain my freedom."

The Muslims had the advantage and were winning, killing as many of the disbelievers as they could. However, when the disbelievers realized they were being defeated, they started to retreat. Seeing this, 40 of the Muslims who were placed on top of the mountain ran to their camp to collect their belongings, as the disbelievers had left them behind. Khalid bin al-Walid, one of the commanders of the disbelievers, saw this and instructed his army to return and attack the Muslims from behind. This was a significant blow to the Muslims, and everything turned upside down for them. They started to lose the battle, and the disbelievers killed many more of them.

There were even rumors that the Prophet (pbuh) had been killed. Meanwhile, some of the disbelievers targeted the Prophet (pbuh), but he was protected by a number of companions who died one after the other until the battle was over. At one point, he (pbuh) shouted, "Who will die for us?" Five Ansars volunteered and stood in front of the Prophet (pbuh), fighting until they were all killed. Then Abu Dujana positioned himself in front of the Prophet (pbuh). When the battle was over, Abu Dujana was found dead, killed by many arrows targeted at the Prophet (pbuh), who had been seriously injured in his cheek. Talha also protected the Prophet (pbuh) very well, to the extent that the Prophet said to him, "Talha, after this job, is eligible for paradise."

With this defeat, it seemed that Quraish had avenged the Battle of Badr. Abu Safyan called out loudly to his people, "You have done well; victory in war goes by turn today in exchange for Badr!" The Prophet (pbuh) heard this and asked Umar to reply, "Allah is Most High and Most Glorious, we are not equal, our dead are in paradise, and yours in hellfire." The Muslims started to retreat and climbed the mountain, but the disbelievers were still following them, aiming to kill the Prophet (pbuh). The Muslims tried as much as they could to drive them away. On this account, the Prophet (pbuh) told Sa'd, "Drive them off." He (pbuh) repeated it, then Sa'd took an arrow and shot three times, killing one person each time, which made them return to their camp and prepare to leave.

Before they left, they mutilated the bodies of the dead Muslims, cutting off their noses, ears, genitals, and other parts of their bodies. Hind, the wife of Abu Safyan, even opened the chest of Hamza, took out his heart, and chewed it, but later spat it out. When the disbelievers left, the Prophet (pbuh) went back to the war field to see the dead bodies of his people. On this day, the Prophet lost close relatives and friends, such as his uncle Hamza, Mus-hab bin Umay, and others, just as he had dreamt of before the battle. He stood by them and asked his companions to be in a mood of prayer, so they stood in lines, and then he said to Allah, "My Lord, forgive my people, for they have no knowledge."

This prayer was for those who took off from the mountain to look for things. So Allah replied,

وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفۡسٍ اَنۡ تَمُوۡتَ اِلَّا بِاِذۡنِ اللّٰهِ كِتٰبًا مُّؤَجَّلًا ؕ وَ مَنۡ يُّرِدۡ ثَوَابَ الدُّنۡيَا نُؤۡتِهٖ مِنۡهَا ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ يُّرِدۡ ثَوَابَ الۡاٰخِرَةِ نُؤۡتِهٖ مِنۡهَا ‌ؕ وَسَنَجۡزِى الشّٰكِرِيۡنَ

"And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world - We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter - We will give him thereof. And we will reward the grateful." (Quran 3:145).

And to the dead he pbuh said, “There will not be a moment as sad to me like this day” He then asked Allah's grace, provisions, mercy upon them.

Allah replied, 

وَلَا تَحۡسَبَنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ قُتِلُوۡا فِىۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ اَمۡوَاتًا ‌ؕ بَلۡ اَحۡيَآءٌ عِنۡدَ رَبِّهِمۡ يُرۡزَقُوۡنَۙ

فَرِحِيۡنَ بِمَاۤ اٰتٰٮهُمُ اللّٰهُ مِنۡ فَضۡلِهٖ ۙ وَيَسۡتَبۡشِرُوۡنَ بِالَّذِيۡنَ لَمۡ يَلۡحَقُوۡا بِهِمۡ مِّنۡ خَلۡفِهِمۡۙ اَ لَّا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُوۡنَ‌ۘ

“Do not think that those, who were killed for Allah's sake are dead. Nay, they are alive. With their lord they have provisions. They are jubilant because of that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of his bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those that have not yet joined them because they have nothing to bear or grieve over “ Quran 3.169-170. Then they were buried at the same place they died as martyrs. 

PRE-BATTLE OF THE TRENCH

The Muslims had suffered significant losses, creating weaknesses in their army and making them vulnerable to attacks. Their enemies saw this as an opportunity to end Islam and launched several attacks on the Muslims.

One such attack was by the leaders of the Banu Asad bin Khuzaimah tribe, Talha and Salamah, who prepared an army to attack the Muslims. However, the Prophet (pbuh) learned of their plan through Allah's grace and selected 150 men led by Abu Salamah to take them by surprise. They successfully attacked the tribe, taking their belongings and forcing them to flee their homeland without killing them. On their way back, Abu Salamah died from an injury he suffered in the Battle of Uhud.

In Muharram, 4 A.H., Khalid bin Safyan Al-Hudhali organized a group of men to raid the Muslims, but the Prophet (pbuh) learned of their plan and dispatched a group of men led by Abdullah bin Unais to stop them. They succeeded in killing the leader of the rebels, and the Prophet (pbuh) rewarded Abdullah by giving him a stick and saying, "This will serve as a sign of recognition for you and me on the Day of Resurrection." According to narrations, Abdullah kept the stick with him until his death and requested that it be placed in his shroud.

In Safar, 4 A.H., a tribe called Udal and Qara came to the Prophet (pbuh) in Madina and told him that there were Muslims in their homeland who needed guidance. The Prophet (pbuh) sent six companions with them, although another narration says they were ten. Unfortunately, the tribe killed all of them except two, who were sold as slaves to the Makkans and later killed.

On another occasion, Amir bin Malik from a tribe outside Madina came to the Prophet (pbuh) and was invited to embrace Islam. Amir requested that the Prophet (pbuh) send some of his companions to their village. The Prophet (pbuh) expressed concerns about their safety, but Amir promised to protect them. The Prophet (pbuh) sent 70 companions with Amir, but when they reached a place called Ma'una Well, Amir failed to keep his promise, and all the companions were killed except their leader, Ka'b bin Zaid bin Najjar, who was wounded. It is narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) prayed against these people for thirty days.

Invasion on bani Nadeer,

The Prophet (pbuh) visited the Banu Nadeer, one of the Jewish tribes in Madina, to resolve a murder case. He was accompanied by Umar, Ali, Abu Bakr, and others. The Banu Nadeer asked them to sit beneath a wall while they prepared for the meeting. However, they had sinister intentions, tying a large rock on top of the wall, planning to kill the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions. Allah revealed their plan to the Prophet (pbuh), who immediately ordered his companions to leave.

Due to this incident and other open displays of hatred and attempts to harm them, the Muslims expelled the Banu Nadeer from Madina under the cover of night. This event marked a significant turning point in the relations between the Muslims and the Jewish tribes in Madina.

Najd invasion

The Second Badr invasion occurred when the Quraish met the Muslims at Badr, intending to fight. However, they were intimidated by the strong Muslim army and decided not to engage in battle.

Additionally, there was the invasion of Dumat Al-Jandal, who planned to raid Madina. However, the Prophet (pbuh) learned of their intentions and took measures to stop them.

These events, along with other invasions, ultimately led to the Battle of Ahzab (Trench). This battle was a significant confrontation between the Muslims and their enemies, who had united to attack Madina. The Muslims, however, were well-prepared and successfully defended their city.

THE BATTLE OF AHZAB/THRENCH

The Battle of Ahzab is also known by different names, such as the Battle of the Trench and the Confederate, which reflects the severity of the threat it posed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions.

The Jews, including the Banu Nadir and Banu Kanuka, who had broken the treaty and caused significant problems for the Muslims, were expelled from Madina. However, they did not go far and instead settled in Khaibar, hoping that the enemies of the Muslims would defeat them and allow them to return. Their plans failed when the Makkans and other tribes' attempts to raid the Muslims were unsuccessful.

The Jews then held a meeting with their people who were still in Madina, the Banu Qurayza, and agreed to take back their land from the Muslims. To achieve this, they planned to attack with a large army. They went to Makkah, encouraged the Makkans to attack the Muslims, and promised their full support. They succeeded in recruiting an army of over 24,000 soldiers, led by Abu Safyan, which included many tribes from around Arabia.

This army gathered at the outskirts of Madina, planning to attack from outside while the Jews would attack from within. This coalition of tribes was known as the Confederates. The sheer number of the Confederate army caused fear among the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions.

Note: The number of Confederates is disputed, with some sources citing 4,000 and others 24,000, which is the majority view. However, it is possible that the Arab tribes could have sent a large army, given that the Makkans alone had sent over 3,000 fighters to the Battle of Uhud. Ultimately, Allah knows best.

At this critical stage, the Prophet (pbuh) summoned his companions to deliberate on how to respond to the impending battle. Some suggested fighting to the best of their ability, as that seemed to be the only option. However, Salman Al-Farsi, a companion who had converted from idolatry to Christianity, then to Judaism, and finally to Islam, observed that Madina was surrounded by mountains and suggested digging a trench at the unguarded spot where the enemies would likely attack. His suggestion was well-received, and they agreed to implement it.

The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions worked tirelessly to dig the trench, despite their hunger and fatigue. It is narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) would tie a stone to his stomach to suppress his hunger pangs. Each group of ten companions was allocated a section of forty yards to dig.

During the digging process, several prophetic signs appeared. Jabir bin Abdullah, noticing the Prophet's (pbuh) hunger, slaughtered a sheep, cooked some barley, and sent it to him. The Prophet (pbuh) collected the food, called all the companions, and they ate together until they were satisfied, with some food still remaining.

Additionally, a Muslim woman presented a handful of dates to the Prophet (pbuh), who then dropped them on his cloak and invited all the companions to eat. Miraculously, the dates seemed to increase as they ate.

The most remarkable incident during the digging process was when a rock stood out as an obstacle. Despite their efforts, the companions couldn't break it. Salman Al-Farsi suggested diverting the trench around the rock, but the Prophet (pbuh) insisted on breaking it. He took a pickaxe, told everyone to step back due to the splinters, and said, "BISMILLAHI AL-RAHMANI AL-RAHIIM" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). With one strike, the rock cracked, emitting a bright light. Salman narrated that he saw the light himself.

The Prophet (pbuh) then shouted, "ALLAHU AKBAR! (God is the Greatest) I have been given the keys to Rome; its red palaces have been illuminated for me, and my nation has vanquished." With a second blow, the rock broke, and he exclaimed, "Allah Akbar! I swear by Allah, I have been given the keys to Syria; I can see its palaces."

With a third blow, the rock shattered, and a special light was seen by all the companions. The Prophet (pbuh) then said, "Allah Akbar! I swear by Allah, I have been given the keys to Yemen; I can see the gates of San'a from my place. I can also see other cities of the world where the banner of Islam will flutter one day." All the companions shouted in unison, "Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!" (God is the Greatest! God is the Greatest!)

The Muslims were motivated by these revelations, and indeed, the keys to Islamic victory were found as a result of Salman's innovative idea. As the Muslims completed digging the trench, their enemies arrived at a place called Al-Aryal and Uhud, unaware of the trench. They were surprised to see the trench, and even Abu Safyan himself said, "This is not the behavior of the Arabs."

The enemies tried every possible means to cross the trench, but no matter how hard they tried, the Muslims pushed them back with their arrows. This continued for several days, and things became extremely difficult for the Muslims due to the harsh weather and food shortage. There was no face-to-face fight, only arrow shooting.

Meanwhile, the Jews (Banu Qurayza), who had a treaty with the Muslims to defend each other in war, turned against them. They were waiting for the Quraish to cross the trench so that they could attack from within. They stopped and broke all food supplies connected to the Muslims.

The Prophet (pbuh) prayed to Allah to help them win their enemies. Allah accepted the prayer and sent a heavy sandstorm to blow in the location of the enemies. The storm blew their tents away, and they could not light a fire. The Prophet (pbuh) then sent Hudhayfa ibn al-Yaman to cross the trench and check on the enemies. He sat near them, but since there was no fire or light, they could not recognize him. He heard Abu Safyan commanding his people to leave, saying, "We have had enough! Our horses and camels are dying, the tents keep blowing away, most of our equipment has been lost, and we cannot cook food. There is no reason to stay!"

Hudhayfa then returned to tell the Prophet (pbuh). Early in the morning, the Muslims rejoiced at the enemies' departure. However, it was not yet over. Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet (pbuh) and told him to punish the Jews (Qurayza) for betraying and turning against them despite their treaty. The Prophet (pbuh) then turned his companions towards their location and besieged them for twenty-five days until they gave up and asked the Prophet (pbuh) to allow them to be judged. The Prophet (pbuh) asked their own man, Sa'd ibn Muad (the leader of the Aws tribe), to judge them. Sa'd ibn Muad had converted to Islam in the early years and had been wounded during the battles. He was just and had helped the Jews over the years. He requested to judge them by their own book and law, which demanded that they be executed, and their children and women be captured. In other narrations, they were banished.

A few days later, Sa'd ibn Muad died of his wounds. Angel Gabriel appeared at midnight and asked the Prophet (pbuh), "Who is this dead man?" When he arrived, the doors of heaven opened, and the throne of Allah shook. In the morning, the Prophet (pbuh) learned that Sa'd was dead. Those who worked at his grave saw some light in his grave. The Prophet (pbuh) said three times, "SUBAHANNALLAH! ALLAHU AKBAR!" (Glory be to Allah! God is the Greatest!) and explained that the grave was tight for this man, but Allah had made it easy. In another narration, the Prophet (pbuh) explained that the land was overcrowded by angels, each one present to receive Allah's blessings due to the death of the pious man Sa'd ibn Muad.

THE TREATY OF HUDAYBIYYA

From that moment on, after the Jews (Bani Qurayza) were cleared, Madina became a city full of Muslims, an Islamic city. Several invasions took place against other tribes, and military campaigns were launched to ensure strong security for the Muslim community. Every attempt made on the life of the Prophet (pbuh) was unsuccessful, as the assassins always ended up embracing Islam. The number of Muslims increased daily, with people coming from all directions of Arabia, and captives also converted due to the good treatment they received. As a result, the Muslim army grew in size, increasing from 300 in the Battle of Badr to 700 in the Battle of Uhud and eventually to 3000 in the Battle of Ahzab.

One night, the Prophet (pbuh) had a dream in which Allah commanded him to embark on Umra (lesser pilgrimage to the Ka'ba). As mentioned earlier, one of the ways the Prophet (pbuh) received revelations was through dreams. When he shared the dream with his companions, they were overjoyed. 1400 companions prepared to embark on the Umra, but they were unarmed, indicating to the disbelievers that they came in peace.

As the Muslims approached Makka, the Makkans learned of their arrival and sent an army to prevent them from entering the city. The Prophet (pbuh) heard this and changed their route to the south of Makka to avoid meeting the Quraish army. When they arrived at a place called Hudaybiyya, south of Makka, the Prophet's (pbuh) horse knelt down and refused to move further. The Prophet (pbuh) realized that Allah was sending a message through the horse, so he asked his companions to camp there.

After setting up camp, they discovered that the spring had no water, so the Prophet (pbuh) asked a companion, Najiyah, to pour a bowl of water into the hollows and stir it with his arrow. After Najiyah stirred the hollows, water started pumping out. The Prophet (pbuh) then sent messengers to inform Quraish that they had come to perform Umra and return peacefully, but Quraish refused to allow them to enter Makka.

The Prophet (pbuh) then sent his son-in-law, Uthman ibn Affan, as a messenger. However, Quraish again refused to allow them entry, and Uthman's delayed return caused worry among the Muslims, who swore to avenge him if anything happened. But Uthman appeared shortly, unharmed. Some of the Quraish army wanted to attack the Muslims, but they were caught and released by the Prophet (pbuh) on the condition that they would not try such a thing again.

Later, Quraish sent Suhayl ibn Amr to the camp to negotiate a treaty with the Muslims. The terms of the treaty, agreed upon by the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers and Suhayl ibn Amr, the representative of Quraish, were as follows:

Firstly, the Prophet (pbuh) asked Ali ibn Abu Talib to write "BISMILLAHI RAHMANIRRAHIIM" (In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful) at the top of the paper. However, Suhayl rejected this and suggested writing "BISMIKA ALLAHUMMAH" (In thy name, O Allah) instead. The Prophet (pbuh) agreed, and Ali wrote accordingly.

Secondly, the Prophet (pbuh) asked Ali to write, "This is a treaty between Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, and Suhayl ibn Amr." Suhayl objected again, saying, "I don't recognize you as the Messenger of Allah. If I did, I wouldn't be here." The Prophet (pbuh) agreed again, and Ali wrote, "A treaty between Suhayl and Muhammad ibn Abdullah."

The terms of the treaty included:

- A cessation of hostilities for a specified period

- The Muslims would return to Madina without performing Umra and could return the following year to perform the pilgrimage for three days

- Those who wanted to leave Islam and return home would be allowed to do so, but children could only join the Muslims with their parents' permission. This meant that some Muslims with the Prophet (pbuh) would have to return to Makka.

- The saddest part was that Suhayl's son had joined the Prophet (pbuh) earlier but was not allowed to join the Muslims in Madina. He cried bitterly.

- The treaty also stipulated that any Quraish prisoners captured by the Muslims would be returned, but any Muslim captives would not be returned to the Muslims.

All these terms were agreed upon by both parties, and the treaty was signed. The Muslims were unhappy with these terms and felt that the treaty should not have been signed. However, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) knew what he was doing, and as we can see, the terms may seem to favor the disbelievers, but that is not how Allah and his Prophet (pbuh) saw it.

Umar was equally angry and disturbed to an extend that he asked the prophet pbuh ”Are you not a prophet and are we not on a straight path? so how should we suffer for doing good?". Then Allah revealed an Aya.

اِنَّا فَتَحۡنَا لَكَ فَتۡحًا مُّبِيۡنًا

“Verily, we have given you (o Muhammad pbuh)manifests victory”  Quran 48:1.

And Umar was happy once again. Before they left for Madina, the Prophet (pbuh) shaved his hair and slaughtered his animal, then asked his companions to do the same, as their Hajj had been accepted. When they arrived in Madina, all the Muslims who did not have their parents' permission were sent back to Makka, and those who had permission were also asked to evacuate Makka and move to Madina, as stated in the treaty. However, the Muslims who were sent back did not return to Makka but instead settled on the outskirts of the city. They were joined by those who had their parents' permission and a number of early Muslims who had migrated to Abyssinia to seek asylum from the just King Negus. Day by day, their numbers grew. And Allah's plan is the best; these Muslims began to worry the Quraish caravans, so the people of Quraish asked the Prophet (pbuh) to come and take them, as they could no longer stay with them. So the Prophet (pbuh) sent for them.

As mentioned earlier, this treaty provided an opportunity for the Muslims, as Islam could now be propagated peacefully in and around the Arabian lands. So the Prophet (pbuh) started sending letters to kings all over Arabia and other lands.

THE SPREAD OF ISLAM BEYOND ARABIA

The Treaty of Hudaybiyya served as a catalyst for the spread of Islam worldwide. One of the treaty's clauses stipulated a ten-year ceasefire, ensuring a decade of peace. If Islam had been allowed to spread peacefully from the outset, there would have been no need for battles. Upon examining the early stages of Islam, we notice that Allah never permitted Muslims to kill others. With the treaty in place, the Prophet (pbuh) seized the opportunity to send messengers with letters to kings and rulers across various lands, including Africa and beyond the River Euphrates. These messengers were carefully selected based on their experience and knowledge.

They were given a silver seal which they wrote on them,

ٱللَّٰهُ

رَسُولُ

مُحَمَّدٌ

In the seventh year A.H., messengers were dispatched to authenticate the credentials of the prophets and deliver invitation letters to various kings and rulers. In summary, these letters emphasized that:

• Allah is one and Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and messenger.
• There is no salvation except through submission to Allah.
• The kings should direct their people towards Allah.
• If they accept the letter in good faith, they will find peace in this world and the hereafter.
• If they reject the letter, they will lose their kingdoms and be losers in the hereafter.

The letters were tailored to each king's specific circumstances, taking into account their throne's power and religious affiliations. Some kings, convinced by the authenticity of the letters, believed in the Prophet (pbuh). For instance, Dr. Hameedullah (Paris) recently verified the authenticity of the letter sent to the King of Ethiopia (the Negus) using modern technology. While many letters were sent, I will only narrate a few examples.

A letter to Abyssinian/Ethiopian king

Ibn Ishaq narrated that below include some of the credentials in the letter sent to Abyssinia,

"This letter is sent from Muhammad, the prophet of Allah to Negus Al-Ashama, the king of Abyssinia(Ethiopia). 

Peace be upon him who follows true guidance and believes in Allah and his Messenger. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah alone with no associate, He has taken neither a wife nor a son, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I call you unto the fold of Islam; if you embrace Islam you will find safety.

قُلۡ يٰۤـاَهۡلَ الۡكِتٰبِ تَعَالَوۡا اِلٰى كَلِمَةٍ سَوَآءٍۢ بَيۡنَـنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ اَلَّا نَـعۡبُدَ اِلَّا اللّٰهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهٖ شَيۡـــًٔا وَّلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا اَرۡبَابًا مِّنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِ‌ؕ فَاِنۡ تَوَلَّوۡا فَقُوۡلُوا اشۡهَدُوۡا بِاَنَّا مُسۡلِمُوۡنَ

Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will).

Should you reject this invitation, then you will be held responsible for all the evils of the Christians of your people."

The Prophet (pbuh) sent Amr bin Omaiyah Ad-Damari with a letter to the King of Ethiopia, the Negus. At that time, Ethiopia was a Roman country, and its people believed in Jesus. The Prophet (pbuh) included a reference to Jesus in the letter, expressing gratitude for the King's protection of his brother Jaafar and the other Muslims. The letter also requested that the King allow the remaining Muslims to migrate to Madina.

The King, the Negus, accepted and believed in the Prophet (pbuh), stating that the Bible had foretold the rise of a prophet from among the Arabs. He testified to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) and sent a reply. Later, the Prophet (pbuh) announced the King's death to his companions, and they prayed for him.

The successor of the King was also sent a letter, but he did not reply, leaving it uncertain whether he converted to Islam or not.

A letter to Egypt

The Prophet (pbuh) sent Hatib bin Abi Balta'a to deliver a letter to the Vicegerent of Egypt, Muqawqas, and Alexandria. At that time, the people of Egypt were primarily Jews, and they recognized the name of the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned in their books as "AHMED". Therefore, they instantly believed in him.

Muqawqas then sent the Prophet's (pbuh) messenger, Hatib, back with a reply and some gifts.

A letter To Chosroes,Emperor Of Persia

Abdullah bin Hudhafa As-Saahmi was chosen to deliver the letter to the Emperor of Persia. When he arrived, the king requested that the letter be taken away from Abdullah, but he refused, saying, "The Prophet (pbuh) asked me to hand the letter to the king myself." He was then allowed to submit the letter to the king personally.

The emperor asked his translator to read the letter, which began: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, to the Emperor of Persia." However, the king tore the letter into pieces after reading only the heading.

He then ordered his soldiers to lock Abdullah up, which they did. But somehow, Abdullah managed to escape. When the Prophet (pbuh) was informed about what had happened, he said, "May Allah tear his kingdom into pieces."

The king then sent a message to the governor of Yemen, commanding him to capture Muhammad (pbuh) and bring him to him. The governor quickly sent two soldiers for this purpose. When they arrived, the Prophet (pbuh) told them to go back and tell their superior to accept Islam, or his kingdom would collapse just like the emperor's. The Prophet (pbuh) also told them that the governor's own son would overthrow him.

The two messengers returned and conveyed the message to their superior. Shortly after, a letter arrived stating that the emperor had been killed by his son. The governor then believed in the Prophet (pbuh).