Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Condition of Madinah
The two main idolator tribes of Yathrib were Aws and Khazraj. There was no security of life
and property due to their inter-tribal wars and disputes which affected their economy too. In
order to put an end to their troubles, Aws & Khazraj were almost ready to choose Abdullah Bin
Ubbay of the Khazraj tribe as leader but the arrival of the Prophet (SAW) undermined his
position. Abdullah Bin Ubbay turned as a lifelong enemy of Islam and a new group emerged in
Madinah under his enmity known as Hypocrites. He was the leader of hypocrites. There were
three main Tribes of Jews namely; Banu Qainuqa, Banu Nadir & Banu Quraizah who were
considered prosperous tribes. They used to exploit the idolaters’ tribes, lend money at high-
interest rates, and threaten the Arabs due to their scriptures' prediction.
A warm reception was given by the people of Yathrib upon the arrival of the Prophet (SAW).
Children were singing with happiness. Many people requested Prophet (SAW) to stay with
them. They grabbed the halter of she-camel (Al Qaswah) but the Prophet (SAW) said,
“Let it go its own way. It is under orders.” She-camel stopped at Banu Malik ibn An
Najjar, a plot belonging to two orphan boys, Sahil &and Sohail. Prophet (SAW) stayed in the
house of Abu Ayyub Ansari, the nearest house to the plot, for almost seven months.
Construction of Masjid-e-Nabvi
Method of Adhan
Method to call for prayer, Adhan was introduced to summon the Muslims to the Masjid for
congregational prayer. Some suggestions were to ring the bell, the way of Christians or to
blow horns, the way of Jews. The prophet rejected both ways. Umar (RA) suggested
appointing someone to call out loudly. “Prayer is about to begin.” Prophet liked it. During
this Abdullah ibn Zayd & Umar (RA) both dreamt the same wordings and the Prophet (SAW)
approved it. He appointed Bilal ibn Rabah Al Habashi as the First “Muazzin” of Islam.
Brotherhood
Muhajreen had left their families and belongings in Makkah and now they needed financial
and moral support. Prophet (SAW) established a new bond of Brotherhood between the Ansar
and Muhajirun. Each emigrant was paired with an Ansar –the people of Medina. They were
declared as brothers in faith- It is also known as “Mawakhaat”. The Ansars shared all their
wealth and property with the emigrants and they were even allowed to inherit from them.
The Ansar offered endless support to the emigrants and tried their best to facilitate them. The
emigrants, on the other hand, did not become a burden on the Ansar and soon started living
independently. like Sa’d bin Rabi’a (Ansari) & Abdul Rahman bin Auf (Muhajir). Prophet
(SAW) was being paired with Ali (RA). The Yathrib city was renamed as Madina–tun–Nabi.
After establishing brotherhood, the Prophet (SAW) defined religious, social, and political
relations with Jews to establish peace and friendship. A charter was drawn for the Jews and
various tribes of Madinah known as the “Treaty of Madinah”.
The terms of the charter were as follows:
Conclusion
It completely changed the political, social, and religious life of Madinah. It established political
unity and transformed the city of fighting tribes into a peaceful state.
1st Year after Hijrah – Brotherhood
The formation of a brotherhood between the Muhajreen (Immigrants from Makkah) and Ansar
(Helpers from Madinah), was one of the first blessed steps of Prophet (SAW) in the First year after
migration to Madinah. It was the strongest form of support in the building and establishment of the
new Muslim society in Madinah.
The migrants were not familiar with Medina’s climate, customs and working conditions. They did not
bring anything with them while leaving Mecca. For this reason, they needed to be familiarized with
Medina’s working conditions and with the Muslims of Medina, who came to be called the Ansar (the
helpers) because they offered all kinds of help to them. Therefore, the Messenger of God gathered
the Ansar and the migrants together five months after migrating to Medina. He appointed ninety
Muslims, forty-five of whom were from the Ansar and the other forty-five from the migrants, as
brothers. This brotherhood was based on the principle of helping each other out, both materially and
spiritually.
According to this foundation of brotherhood, leaders of each family in Medina would provide a
Muslim family from Mecca with accommodation and share their belongings with them, and they
would work together. The Prophet did not choose two Muslims to become brothers randomly.
Contrarily, he investigated them carefully and appointed the best matches as brothers. For
instance, there was an exact harmony between Salman al Farisi and Abu’d-Dardaa; Ammar and
Khuzaifa; Talha ibn Ubaydullah and Abu Ayyub, in terms of character, nature, and feelings.
The Ansar, embraced the migrants with love and sincerity even gave asylum to their Muhajirin
brothers in their own homes and comforted them with their wealth. The Ansar offered endless
support to the emigrants and tried their best to facilitate them. The emigrants, on the other hand,
demonstrated the nobility of conduct and did not become a burden on the Ansar and soon started
living independently. It is reported that Saad ibn Rabi (RA) said to ‘Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA),
“I am the richest of all the Ansars, so I want to divide my properties (between us), and I have
two wives, so see which of the two you like and tell me, so that I may divorce her and when
she finishes her prescribed period ( ‘Idda) of divorce, then marry her.”
Abdur Rahman said, “May Allah bless your family and properties for you; where is your
market so that I may make my fortune with my own hands” (Bukhari)
Muhajir Ansaar
The ones who have believed, emigrated and striven in the cause of Allah with their wealth
and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. And it is those who are the attainers
[of success]. (Surah Tawbah 9:20)
Allah has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhajireen and the Ansar who followed him
in the hour of difficulty after the hearts of a party of them had almost inclined [to doubt], and
then He forgave them. Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful. (Surah Tawbah 9:117)
Prophet (SAW) said, “Love for the Ansar is a sign of faith and hatred for the Ansar is a sign
of hypocrisy.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
The brotherhood established yielded positive outcomes in a short time. Various strata of society
got closer to each other with the help of this brotherhood. This brotherhood also abolished
tribalistic pride and enmity. As a result, a society with divine aims, supreme goals, and virtuous
souls emerged.
2nd Year after Hijrah
Battle of Badr
Background
Causes of Battle
Muslims’ patrolling team led by Abdullah bin Jahsh attacked a small caravan of Quraysh in a place called
Nakhla. They captured some people, killed the chief and brought booty to Madinah which displeased Prophet
Muhammad SAW. This incident instigated Quraish’s anger. As Quraysh was looking for the opportunity to take
revenge, permission was granted to Muslims to fight and defend themselves against any invasion. It was
decided to intercept the Caravan of Abu Sufyan which was returning to Makkah. As Abu Sufyan was informed,
he sent a fast rider to ask Makkans to send well-equipped soldiers to save the caravan and teach lesson to
Muslims. Meanwhile Abu Sufyan changed the route and safely returned to Makkah and called the Quraish back
but Abu Jahl insisted on going ahead.
Prophet (SAW) got the news, He consulted his Companions. Ansar willingly joined the Muslim army.
Muslim army consisted of just 313 men (82 Mahajiroon and 231 Ansar) 2 horses, 70 camels, and 6 coats of
armour. Whereas the Quraish army consisted of 1,000 soldiers led by Abu Jahl with 200 horsemen, 700
camels, 600 armoured soldiers.
Muslims chose the area which was hard and it was sloping ground of hill. Muslims occupied a strategic position,
suggested by a companion Al – Hubab Ibn Al – Mundhir. They were closer to the springs of Badr and were
able to build a reservoir and filled with water. Whereas Quraysh encamped on flat and sandy ground in the plain
of Badr, located 60 miles away from Madinah.
Night before the Battle- Dua of Prophet and divine help from Allah
The Prophet (SAW) Spent the night praying to Allah for victory.
“O Allah if this small band of men perishes, there will be no one alive to worship you. And your faith
will be destroyed forever.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Tranquillity was sent to Muslims due to which they slept well at night before the battle. Rain caused water to
collect in plain areas of enemies.
Battle started with Single combat as the tradition of Arab. Quraysh’s side were Utbah ibn Rabiah, his brother
Sh’aybah ibn Rabiah, and his son Waleed bin Utbah. Muslim side three Ansar men came in front but
Quraysh refused to fight with Ansar, then from the Muslim side, three Muhajiroon came who were Hamza
(RA), Ali (RA) and Ubaydah bin Harith (RA). Hamza (RA) and Ali (RA) both killed their opponent with ease.
Ubaydah (RA) and Utbah had wounded one another. Ali (RA) & and Hamza (RA) ran to Ubaydah’s aid and
killed his opponent. Ubaydah got serious wounds and lost his leg, died on the way back to Madinah.
Prominent Incidents
The Quraish got furious after losing three of their men before the battle had even begun. They charged at the
Muslims and a fierce battle started. The Prophet (SAW) prayed continuously for the success of the believers.
Muslim army seems like a huge army to Quraysh as Allah (SWT) sent 1000 angels to support Muslims.
Then prophet SAW picked up a handful of gravel and threw it in the direction of the pagans and said,
“Confusion seize their faces!”. Just as he threw the gravel, a violent sandstorm blew into the faces of the
enemies as mentioned in the following verse.
“It was not you who threw but Allah” (8:17)
Prophet (SAW) arranged the ranks & and files of the Muslim Army and instructed them to not cast arrows from
a distance. Supported by the invisible army of angels, the Muslims swarmed over the Quraish. Quraish fell one
after another.
The great courage of Muslims made the Quraish flee from the battleground. Two young boys [Mu’adh ibn
Afra and Mu’adh ibn Amr] attacked Abu Jahl. Abdullah bin Masood (RA) cut Abu Jahl’s head and placed it
before the Prophet SAW, who said, “He was the pharaoh of his nation”.
Bilal killed his master, Umayyah Ibn Khalaf. Umar (RA) killed his maternal uncle Asi bin Hashim. Abu Bakr
(RA) faced his son, Abdul Rehman. Prophet (SAW)’s uncle Abbas was captured.
From Quraish, 70 people were dead, including the leader Abu Jahl. 70 were captured. 115 camels, 14 horses
and other goods were collected as spoils of war. Only 14 Muslims were martyred. 6 Muhajiroon and 8
Ansar.
Rich captives were made free on payment of ransom and those who could read and write were to
teach 10 Muslim children in fixed free time to set free.
Outcome
Muslims were victorious. It strengthened Islam and shattered the power of Quraysh. More people converted to
Islam. Banu Qainuqa was expelled for breaking the treaty.
Background
Basic causes were same as for the battle of Badr. Defeat at Badr intensified enmity of Quraish. They
wanted to take revenge for their dead and regain their lost prestige. Abu Sufiyan vowed not to take
bath till he had avenged the defeat at Badr, and he prohibited tribes to express grief over the dead.
Preparation of Quraish
Quraish decided to invest their trade profit to fund the battle. Quraish sent Poets to incite the tribes to
seek the revenge and write abusive poems. Their poets motivated the people by writing instigating
poetry to donate generously. Their women joined their cause. Jews and hypocrites also supported
them.
In the leadership of Abu Sufiyan. They marched towards Uhad with 3000 well equipped Army, 200
Horses. Their right wing Commander was Khalid Bin Walid and left wing commander was
Ikramah Bin Abu Jahl. 5 Women join the army too as Hind- Abu Sufyan’s wife & Utbah’s
Daughter, Ume Hakeem-Abu Jahl’s grand Daughter and Fatimah - Khalid bin Waleed’s sister.
Prophet (SAW) was informed about the preparations of Quraish so he held a council of war. Senior
citizens wanted to remain in Madinah whereas younger men were eager to fight in open. Prophet
(SAW) yielded the opinion of the majority to fight in open.
Prophet (SAW) advanced with One thousand People to Uhad. Abdullah bin Ubbay with his 300
people of deserted the Muslims with excuse that Prophet (SAW) turned down his suggestion
to fight in city.
Prophet (SAW) marched towards Uhad with Left 700 people. First time Muslim women participated.
Fatima (RA), Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (RA), Umm Salamah. Their main duty was to supply water
and dressing the wounded soldiers.
Muslims encamped on the rising ground, Mount Uhad was behind. On top of Uhad hill, there was
a pass at the rear which could be crossed by Quraish cavalry. Prophet (SAW) posted 50 archers to
protect Muslims from a possible attack and instructed them not to leave their position under any
circumstances.
As the battle started, Ali (RA), Talha (RA), Zubair (RA), Abu Dujana (RA) and Hamza (RA) killed
number of prominent Quraish warriors, including their flag-bearer. Muslims fought bravely, killed and
wounded many Quraish warriors.
Quraish were intercepted by Muslim archers when they tried to attack from behind. Due to Muslims’
bravery, Makkans began to retreat, leaving behind a great deal of booty in their camps. Some of the
Muslim’s troops considering this as their victory fell upon the spoils of war in Quraishite Camp.
A Tactical Mistake and attack of Khalid Bin Waleed
Except of 12, the remaining 38 Archers, disobeying the instruction, left the position and got busy
in collecting the booty. Thus, the pass left unguarded.
Khalid bin Waleed took the opportunity and attacked the Muslim Army from the back. A chaos
and panic was created and Muslim army retreated up the Uhad hill. Seeing this fleeing Quraish
resumed fighting and Muslims were trapped between the Makkan soldiers and cavalry.
Prominent incidents
The battle remained indecisive. Quraish decided to retreat back to Makkah. The dead bodies of
Muslim soldiers were mutilated, and the necklace of their organs was made by the women of
Quraysh.
Before leaving the battlefield, Abu Sufyan challenged Muslims for another combat next year.
And declared that this day was in return for Badr.
Bara bin Azib reported” …. Abu Suffyan said, “This is a day of revenge for the day of Badr
and the issue of war is undecided.” (Sahih Bukhari)
70 Muslims Martyred. Quraysh lost only 20 men. Prophet (SAW) forbade the mutilation of
corpses and buried them in a single grave. Muslim Martyrs were also buried in the field of Uhud as
per Prophet's (SAW) instruction.
Outcomes
It lowered the prestige of Muslims. Neighboring tribes broke their alliance. Banu Nadir broke the
alliance and were banished after the incident of Bir Mauna where they tried to assassinate
Prophet (SAW).
Many verses of Surah Al Imran (3rd Surah) comment on this battle, highlighting the mistakes of
Muslims and giving them pieces of advice.
5th Year after Hijrah
Battle of Trench
Background
Preparation of Quraish
Quraish were annoyed by the boldness of Muslims and instigated by Jews, began to prepare and
inflict a decisive defeat on Madinah after the battle of Uhad. A well-equipped army of ten
thousand soldiers, under the command of Abu Sufyan, marched towards Madinah. Due to the
alliance of many tribes with Quraish, the battle is also known as Al- Ahzab - the battle of Allies
or tribes.
Muslims got the news from the friendly tribe Banu Khuza. Prophet (SAW) consulted his advisors
on this critical situation. Salman Farsi (RA) suggestion (A Persian strategy of war to dig a trench)
was welcomed.
Madinah was safe from three sides on the account of mountainous terrain so they decided to dig
a trench on the Syrian route which was unsafe.
Digging of Trench
Three thousand companions along with Prophet (SAW) dug the Trench. Which was deep enough
that no man or horse could cross it. It was completed in almost twenty days despite winter time and
shortage of food. Many miracles and blessings of the Prophet (SAW) were observed during this
period. *Such as a handful of dates were sufficient for all the companions. *Prophet SAW
smashed a hard rock easily with three strikes and predicted future victories of Islam.
Main Events of the Battle
Allies’ army was surprised to see the trench without any entrance. They had no choice but to lay
siege to Madinah. Both armies watched silently each other for few days. Muslims defeated the
Allied army attempts to cross the trench by hurling stones and arrows.
A group of polytheists including Amr bin Abd & Ikramah bin Abu Jahl, managed to cross the
trench through a narrow pass near Mount Sila. Ali (RA) killed Amr and made others to evacuate
in state of panic.
Prominent incidents
Meanwhile, Banu Qurayzah planned to stab the Muslims from the rear. Prophet (SAW) posted a
small army to keep watch on the Jewish movements and to prevent their attack on Muslim
fortresses.
Prophet (SAW)’s strategy to break their unity
Naim bin Masud (RA) of Banu Ghatafan, worked as a secret agent of the Prophet (SAW) and
successfully created discontent between Banu Qurayzah and the allied army. This did not let the
Jews fulfill their plan against Muslims. Quran mentions this dual threat of the Allies and the Jews.
“When they came upon you from above you and from below you, when your eyes were
stupefied with horror and your hearts leaped to your throats, and you began to entertain
diverse thoughts about Allah. (Surah Al Ahzab- 33:10)
The siege was prolonged and lasted for a month and Arabs were not used to fighting for a long
time. Because of the shortage of food and bad weather, a large number of Quraish’s camels and
horses died.
Allah (SWT) sent a severe windstorm to the area where the pagans were camped. The wind blew
down their tents and cooking gear. Their hearts were filled with fear and terror. Quraysh hurriedly
left, leaving their possessions.
Allah says in the Quran. “Believers, call to mind Allah's favor to you when enemy hosts
invaded you. Then We sent against them a wind and hosts that you did not see
although Allah was observing all that you were then doing”. (Surah Al Ahzab- 33:9)
Outcomes
Disbelievers faced a humiliated defeat which was a serious blow to the prestige and trade of
Quraysh. It was the last military action of Quraish. Muslim power was recognized throughout Arabia.
Muslims lost only nine men. Banu Qurayzah was punished according to their own law of Tawrah.
There was a great effect on nearer tribes & Islam spread rapidly. Believers’ faith in Allah increased.
Muslims learned new strategies for war. The aid of Allah (SWT) came once again as Muslims
remained obedient and united. The versatile qualities of the Prophet (SAW) as a military leader
were observed.
References:
Cambridge O level Islamiyat by Dr. Saqib Muhammad Khan Dr. Habib-ur- Rehman