THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD (PBUH) THE MADEENA PERIOD (Part CD 7-18)
IMAM ANWAR AL AWLAKI
Transcribed by Maria Iqbal
Rasool Allah (saw) says in a hadith by Abu Dawud: If Mutam ibn Adi was still alive and he talked to me about these prisoners of war, I would have released them for him. Rusool Allah (saw) was saying this because he was grateful to Al-Mutam ibn Adi, who was a disbeliever, because of his honesty and his good stand towards Muslims. This shows that Rusool Allah (saw) would act appropriately according to the deeds of a person. So he would deal with good people kindly and he would deal with evil people accordingly.
Now we shouldn’t become very extreme by being incapable of showing anything other than brutality towards the kuffar, or to act in such a way that we are only interested in appeasing the kuffar. A Muslims should judge each situation and act in a wise method of action. A person should overcome emotions, and should stop being worried about what other people think. We should forget about such considerations and do what is right.
So Rusool Allah (saw) said that if this man was alive he would have released the prisoners of war for that man. On the other hand Rusool Allah (saw) specifically chose Uqba bin Abi Muait and Nadar ibn Harith to be executed from among the rest of the 70 prisoners.
Rusool Allah (saw) calls Uqba, and Uqba sais, “How come, O Messenger of Allah, you are choosing me out of everyone else to be killed? O Messenger of Allah, if you are going to kill the rest of the prisoners of war, then kill me with them. If you are going to ransom them, then ransom me with them. How come you are picking me out of everyone else to be executed?” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Because of your animosity towards Allah and his messenger.” So Uqba said, “Who will take care of my children?” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “The fire. O Asim! Pull him forward and behead him.”
Uqba was promptly beheaded by Asim bin Thabit (ra). Rusool Allah (saw) told Ali bin Abi Talib to execute Nadar ibn Harith. These two men were specifically picked out, because of their evilness.
Ibn Kathir (ra) said, “I would comment that these two men were among the most evil of Allah’s servants; the most stubborn, wicked, envious, and disbelieving of men. And they have been very active in satirizing Islam and its supporters. Allah damned them, and he did indeed.”
Uqba bin Abi Muait was the one who saw Rusool Allah (Saw) in sujood next to Al-Ka’aba, and he stepped over his neck with his foot. Rusool Allah (saw) said that he felt at that moment he felt that his eyes were going to pop out, and that he was going to die. Also Uqba was the one who saw Rusool Allah (saw) in rukooh, so he threw the intestines of a camel over his back. And then Fatima (ra) came and removed them. So Uqba was a devil from the Quraish and that is why he deserved this punishment.
Nadar ibn Harith was the one who would go to Persia to learn the stories of Isbandiyar and Ar-Rustum and then he would come back to Mecca and he would invite people to come and listen to his stories claiming that his stories are better than Muhammed’s stories. He would say ask people that: what makes Muhammed more befitting to be a Prophet, when I could tell stories just like him? So he used to sway people away from the majlis of Rusool Allah (saw).
These two men were executed however for the rest; Rusool Allah (saw) gave the sahabah specific instructions, “Treat the prisoners of war kindly.” So Abu Aziz, the brother of Musab bin Umair, he said, “I was with a group of Ansar bringing me from Badr; when they had their lunch and dinner, they gave me the bread and ate the dates themselves, in accordance with the instructions given by Rusool Allah regarding us. Every piece of bread that came in to their hands they passed it on to me. I was embarrassed and would return the bread but they would pass it back untouched.” Bread was the better food, compared to dates. So the Ansar would survive on dates and give a prisoner the breads. So they were treating them a better treatment then they were giving themselves.
Ibn Hisham comments on this, he said, “This Abu Aziz was the standard bearer for the mushrikeen at Badr.” So Abu Aziz wasn’t just a foot soldier. Even then Rusool Allah (saw) had told the sahabah to treat such men well.
Abu Maaz bin Ar-Rabi’a, and Al-Waleed bin Mughaira said pretty much the same thing, “They would walk, while we would ride.” So the prisoners of war were riding while the sahabah were walking. This good treatment was what caused many of the prisoners to be become Muslim. Throughout the battles of Rusool Allah (saw) there are incidents of captives being taken and then they would become Muslims and stay with the Muslims.
Some of these reverts would go to their people first and then go back to Rusool Allah (saw) and become Muslim, just to show that they were not becoming Muslims out of fear of the sword. For example Abu Aziz, he became a Muslim after he saw how he was treated. So akhlaaq is important even with your enemy. The Muslims should treat their enemy with dignity. A Muslim is not cruel, wicked or deceptive. A Muslim treats everyone with honesty, dignity and straightforwardness except those who deserve to be dealt with cruelty; you can’t afford to treat them kindly. Treating them kindly is actually like being fooled by them, because these are people who are going to turn around and harm the Muslims.
Al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttallib, the uncle of Rusool Allah (saw) was asked by Rusool Allah (saw) to ransom himself out. Al-Abbas said, “O Messenger of Allah, I’m a Muslim.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “What was evident was that you were against us, Allah knows best about your accepting Islam.” Rusool Allah (saw) here is setting a rule for us, which is to go by what you see. We do not and cannot know what is in the hearts, only Allah Zaujal is the one who can see the hearts. Rusool Allah (saw) was telling Abbas that, Allah is the one who knows whether he’s Muslim or not. What the Muslims saw was that Al-Abbas was fighting against the Muslims. He was with the enemy, so they looked at that.
Umer bin Khattab (ra), when he became a khallifa he said, “In the time of Rusool Allah (saW) revelation would come down and tell us what is in the hearts of men but now we are going to make our judgments by what we see, if what appears from you is Islam, we will accept that. And if what appears from you is disbelief, we will assume that you are a disbeliever even if you claim that you are otherwise. If your actions are those of a disbeliever, it doesn’t benefit you to say that you are a Muslim. We will go by your actions.”
This is a very important lesson, we should not judge people about what is in their hearts, we can judge them by their actions. At the same time don’t allow people to fool you by claiming they are something while their actions give evidence of the opposite.
So Al-Abbas said, “I don’t have any money.” So Rusool Allah (saw) said, “What about the money that you buried in the ground and you told your wife Umme Fazal, ‘if I am killed then make use of this money.’” Al-Abbas said, “I testify and bear witness that you are a messenger of Allah, no one knew of that treasure of mine, except me and my wife.” Al-Abbas then did pay for his ransom. Allah Zaujal revealed the ayat (14:35sec)
So Allah is telling these men who claimed that are Muslims and paid there ransom; that if they are Muslims, then Allah will replace that money (for ransom) that was taken from you. Al-Abbas said, “I paid 20 oukia of gold, for my ransom, and then Allah Zaujal has given me much more than that.” Meaning Allah had replaced that money that he paid for ransom infact Allah had multiplied it for Abbas (ra).
Abul Aas was the husband of Zainab bint Rusool Allah (saw). So the daughter of Rusool Allah (saw) was married to a disbeliever, this was before the ruling of preventing Muslim women to be married to mushriks. So Zainab then was in Mecca and she wanted to free her husband.
So Zainab (ra) sends an amount of money sufficient to release her husband from captivity, she also sends along with that money a necklace. This necklace was given to her as a gift by her mother Khadija (ra), when she got married. Thus this necklace was Zainab’s wedding gift from her mother. When the necklace falls into the hands of Rusool Allah (saw), it brought back memories of his wife khadija. This necklace touched his heart. So Rusool Allah (saw) told the Ansar who was holding Al-Aas that, “If you should think fit to deliver her prisoner to her, and to return to her what is her’s then do so.” They immediately released Abul Aas without ransom and also sent back the necklace.
Rusool Allah (saw) placed a condition on the release of Abul Aas, and that condition was that Abul Aas will never assist an enemy against the Muslims and that he has to send Zainab to Rusool Allah (saw). Abul Aas was a man of his word. When he went back to Mecca, he allowed Zainab to leave Mecca and go to her father.
Ibn Ishac said about this situation that, “So she continued making plans, when she was ready, her husband’s brother Kinaana ibn Rabi’a brought a camel which she mounted and he taking his bow and quiver led her away, she riding in haudij and it being daytime. Some of the Quraish men discussed this and followed after her catching up with her at dutua. The first to reach her was Habbar ibn Aswad ibn Muttallib, he scared her with his spear as she was there in the haudij and because as they claim she was pregnant at the time, she suffered a miscarriage. Her brother in law then knelt down and took his arrows from his quiver saying, ‘By Allah, if any man comes near me, I’ll put an arrow into him.’ The men drew away from him, and then Abu Sufyan arrived with some other Quraish leaders and said, ‘Put down your arrows so we can talk with you.’ He did so, Abu Sufyan drew near him and said, ‘You have not done well, you came forth with a woman openly going over people’s heads even though you are aware of the injury and damage done to us by Muhammed. When you took away his daughter openly regardless of anyone else, the people thought this was due to the humiliation we had undergone and that this reflected our weakness and incapacity. I swear we don’t want to keep her from her father, and we’re not after revenge. But you’d better return back then you can secretly take her away to her father.’”
So it shows you that these Kuffar of Quraish, they respected women. Unlike the enemies of Allah today, who violate the rights of Muslim women and Muslim children. So anyway Zainab (ra) reached safely to Medina.
Abu Azza was another prisoner of war he said, “O Messenger of Allah you know my state of finances. I am poor and have a family, so be gracious to me.” Abu Azza had daughters to take care of and he was poor. Rusool Allah (saw) was considerate of his situation so he said that, “I am going to allow you to be freed, however my condition is that, you do not support anyone else against me. This time you came out fighting against me in the Battle of Badr, next time you refuse to fight against Muhammed (saw) and the Muslims.” Abu Azza agreed, however in the battle of Uhud, the people of Quraish were able to seduce him into joining them and SubhanAllah again he fell into the hands of the Muslims, them again he tried to use the same excuse, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “I will not let you stroke your beard and say that you have deceived Muhammed twice.”
So Muhammed (saw) wasn’t sentimental, he wasn’t the sort who could be tricked or deceived, he was kind, compassionate, tolerant but at the same time he would not allow Muslims to take advantage of his good qualities to harm the Muslims. Muhammed (saw) ordered the execution at the spot. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “A believer will not be bitten twice from the same layer (source).”
This is an important lesson for the Muslims. Muslims should not be gullible and become a prey by deceptive words. A Muslim should be alert and know that what and who are there to benefit Islam and Muslims and who are there to harm Islam and Muslims.
Suhayl bin Amr one of the nobility, one of the leaders of the Quraish. He was taken as a prisoner of war. He used to speak against Islam, using his fluent and elegant speech. Umer bin Khatttab (ra) said, “O Rusool Allah, let me extract the two front teeth of Suhayl bin Amr, so his tongue will protrude and he will never speak ill of you again.” So Umer (ra) wanted to mutilate his mouth so that Suhayl wont be able to speak properly again, as a lesson for his bad deeds. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “I will not mutilate him, because Allah could mutilate me.” Meaning this is not the Islamic way of treating enemies. Rusool Allah (saw) then said, “Maybe he will take a stand for which you will not criticize him.” So Rusool Allah (saw) was saying that maybe one day this tongue of Suhayl will be used by him, for the good of Islam. SubhanAllah that did happen as stated by Rusool Allah (saw). When Rusool Allah (saw) died and all of the arabs became apostasies. Suhayl bin Amr was the reason for the stead fasted ness of Mecca, he would say, “O people of Quraish! Don’t be the last people to enter Islam and the first people to leave it, whoever we are suspicious of, we will behead him.” These words kept the people of Mecca firm in Islam.
Rusool Allah (saw) told the prisoners of war, who could teach reading and writing that, “If you teach ten children to read and write, that will be your ransom.” This tells us the importance of education and literacy in Islam.
The Ruling of Prisoners of War (POW):
It is up to the Muslim Imam to determine the faith of POW’s.
- choice of executing them
- free them without ransom
- free with ransom
- enslave some of the POWs
So Muslims have their own shari’a we don’t need to follow worldly rules, we have our own Geneva conventions we don’t need to follow anyone else’s Geneva conventions. This shari’a has the hidayat for the Muslims.
Usaid bin Khuzair (ra) went to Rusool Allah (saw) after the Battle of Badr and said, “O Messenger of Allah, we didn’t know that any fighting would have occurred, otherwise we would have followed you.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “You are speaking the truth.” Some of the Ansar stayed behind because they didn’t think that fighting would occur.
What is the status of the people at Badr?
Well the people of Badr carry a special status. Jibrael came to Rusool Allah (saw) and asked him, “What do you consider the people of Badr among you to be?” Rusool Allah (saw) said. “They are among the best of the Muslims.” Jibrael said, “The same is the case with the angels who attended Badr.”
So Badr was a special event not only for the Muslim people but also for the angels who attended it. That is why in our books the people of Badr are considered to be a special class.
Hatib bin Abi Balt’ah committed an act of treason against Allah and His messenger by informing the people of Mecca of the plan of Rusool Allah (saw) to attack them. Umer bin Khattab (ra) went to Rusool Allah (saw) and said,”O messenger of Allah, let me execute him he is a munafiq.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “O Umer probably Allah has looked down at the people of Badr and said, ‘Do whatever you want, because I have forgiven you.’” Rusool Allah (saw) is saying that because of attending Badr, Allah looked at them and told them that you can do whatever you want. When Rusool Allah (saw) said that Umer (ra) eye’s swelled with tears. Hatib bin Abi Balt’ah was one of the Muslims who attended Badr, and because of that he was granted forgiveness.
There is another hadith, “No one who attended Badr or Hudaibiyah will enter into Hell-fire.”
Consequence of the Battle of Badr
Hypocrisy Exposed
There were many people in medina who were not happy to see the Muslims victorious, but they weren’t strong enough to publicly declare that so the went underground. They publicly professed Islam, so outwardly you couldn’t tell the difference between them and the Muslims. They would pray like Muslims, fast like Muslims, an even pay zakat. But deep in their hearts they despise Islam; they hate the Muslims, and wish that Islam would vanish from the face of the Earth. These were the munafiqun, but because Islam was then victorious and the Muslims were strong, they dared not speak their mind.
These munafiqun were then planning underground against the Muslims. These hypocrites were probably the most dangerous enemy of all because they were living with the Muslims and knew everything about the Muslims. These hypocrites would then pass on information to the outside enemies of Islam. Hypocrites are a very difficult enemy to deal with because they don’t go public with their disbelief. Rusool Allah (saw) himself didn’t know about these hypocrites. Allah Zaujal says in the Quran, “you don’t know them We know them...” So even Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t know who they were, until and unless Allah tells him. Allah Zaujal says in AL-BAQARAH (2:14)
And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers."
So the Battle of Badr introduced this new category of people, ‘Al-Munafiqun.’ Umair ibn Wahab was one of the devils of Quraish. He was once sitting with Safwan bin Umayya, next to Al-ka’aba and said, “If it wasn’t for the fact that I am in debt and I have children to take care for, I would go and assassinate Muhammed myself.” So Safwan took advantage of that and he said, “I will pay your debt and I will take care of your children if anything happens to you.”
Wahab ibn Umair agreed with Safwan that he will travel to Medina, with the intent of assassinating Rusool Allah (saw). Umair dipped his sword in poison until it absorbs the poison, and then he went to Medina. He enters Medina and he passes next to a gathering that included Umer bin Khattab (ra). Umer was talking to some men about the battle of Badr, to the men who didn’t attend the battle. Umer (ra) spots Umair ibn Wahab and said, “This enemy of Allah, this dog Umair ibn Wahab is not here for any good.” Umer (ra) stands up and grabs Umair ibn Wahab and wraps the sheath of his sword around his neck. Umer bin Khattab (ra) then takes Umair to rusool Allah (saW) and says, “O messenger of Allah! This enemy of Allah did not come for any good.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Let him go Umer.” Umer (ra) let Umair go, but still Umer (ra) told some of the sahabah outside to be careful and guard Rusool Allah (saw).
Wahab ibn Umair enters and sais, “Good Morning”, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Allah has replaced us with a better greeting than that, Assalam u Alaykum wa rahmatullah.” Umair ibn Wahab said, “You havent been using that for long.” He meant to say that Rusool Allah (saw) recently changed his traditions and customs otherwise he used to say ‘good morning’ just like the Quraish. Rusool Allah (saw) asked, “Why did you come?” He said, “I came to ask for the release of my son.” His son Wahab was a prisoner of war, that was his cover story. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Tell me the truth, why did you come?” Umair said affirmed that he came for the release of his son. Rusool Allah (saw) then said, “So, why are you carrying a sword?” He said, “Woe to these swords! They havent done us any good.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “You are lying, the reason why you came is because you met with Safwan next to Al-Ka’aba and you told him that if it wasn’t for the fact that you are in debt and you have children to take care of, you would come and assassinate me. And then Safwan told you, ‘I will take care of your debt and your children, if anything happens to you. And then you agreed with Safwan that you will keep this issue secret and you will tell nobody about it.”
Umair said, “I testify that you are the messenger of Allah, because no one overheard that conversation between me and Safwan. So only Allah Zaujal could tell you about that conversation.” So Wahab ibn Umair became a Muslim, and he went back to Mecca. On his way back Safwan was telling the people of Mecca, “Soon you will hear news that will make you forget what happened in Badr.” But them Umair ibn wahab comes back declaring Islam. Safwan said, “I’m never going to speak to him again.” Umair ibn Wahab who was a devil of the Quraish then became a dai’a, and instead of persecuting Muslims, he would persecute people who would persecute Muslims. Many people became Muslim through the dawah of Umair ibn Wahab.
Lessons from the Battle of Badr
First: Victory is from Allah
After victory normally soldiers wil be very proud of their training, their skill, their bravery, Allah Zaujal never ever praised the Muslims for their victory. Look at the ayat that commented on the victory. Allah Zaujal says in AL-IMRAN (3:126)
And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise –
And you did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who threw that He might test the believers with a good test.
So the credit goes to Allah. It was Allah Who made this difficult taks easy for the Muslims. It is very important to remember that whatever victory you achieve in life is because of Allah. Whether you are successful in your business, education, family, or even as a dai’a attribute your success to the One it belongs to and that is Allah.
Don’t be like Qarun who said, “I have this wealth because of my knowledge.”
Another ayat mistakenly not mentioned is Allah Zaujal says in AL-ANFAL (8:26)
And remember when you were few and oppressed in the land, fearing that people might abduct you, but He sheltered you, supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things - that you might be grateful.
Allah reminds the Muslims of their situaion before, that they were few, oppressed and lived in fear of abduction. But Allah sheltered, supported, and provided for them.
Miracles that occurred in Badr
· The reducing of number in sight.
· The rain
· The Muslims slept peacefully the night before the battle
· The angels coming down
· Rusool Allah (saw) said that Umaiyya will be killed so his prophecy was fulfilled.
· Okajha had a wooden sword but when Rusool Allah (saw) held it turned into a real sword.
· The killings of the Imams of Kufr, because before the battle Rusool Allah (saw) said that this is where so and so will be killed, and this is where so and so will be killed. These people were killed on the exact spots that were mentioned by Rusool Allah (saw).
· Qatada ibn Numan was hit and one his eye fell out of its socket and was hanging by a nerve. They were about to cut it, but Rusool Allah (saw) told them not to do so. Rusool Allah (saw) held the eye, placed it back in the socket and then wiped it. Qatada said, “That eye became stronger than my other eye.”
· Knowing the where bouts of the money of Al-Abbas
· Revealing the assassination plot that Wahab ibn Umair was planning
All of these miracles happened at the time of Badr. It is true that Quran is the miracle of Muhammed (saw). But he had many other miracles. Most of the miracles of Rusool Allah (saw) occurred in the context of Jihad and also most of the ‘karamat’ of the auliya of Allah Zaujal occur in the context of jihad.
Second: Loyalty to Allah, His messenger and the believers, and disassociating oneself from disbelief.
A few examples from Badr; Abu Bakr was on the Muslim side and his son, Abdur Rahman was on the side of the kuffar. Abdur Rahman ibn Abu Bakr said to his father later when he became Muslim, “O my father, I saw you on the day of Badr but I would avoid you, because I didn’t want to attack you.” Abu Bakr said, “I didn’t see you and if I saw you, I would have pursued you and killed you.”
So Abu Bakr (ra) was willing to fight his own son for the sake of Allah Zaujal. We also spoke of the story of Hudhaifa and his father Utba. Musab ibn Umair and his brother Abu Aziz; Abu Aziz was a prisoner of war. Musab passed by the Ansar who were holding Abu Aziz, he told them, “Tie his hands fast, tighten the ropes on Abu Aziz, because his mother is wealthy and she will ransom him for you.” So SubhanAllah this was the advice that Musab gave to the ones who were holding his brother. Abu Aziz was amazed and said, “Brother! Is this how you treat me?” Musab ibn Umair said, “He is more my brother than you are.” Musab was pointing to the Ansar who was holding Abu Aziz and said, “These are my real brothers you are not, these are my brothers because of Islam, and even though you are my blood-brother but your kufr has separated between us.”
Another issue was that there were some young men of Quraish who were interested in Islam, and became Muslims. Some of them were sons of the noble families of Quraish. Allah knows best what their intention was. Because we all know the youth usually do things because they want to be different, and unique. Often they want to rebel against the norm. These were wealthy young kids who became Muslim such as Ali bin Umaiya bin Khalaf, Abul Qays bin Al- Waleed bin Mughaira, Abu Qays bin Faqih, Al-harith bin Zama’a, and Al-Aus bin Munnabbih; these were all sons of the wealthy men of Quraish. All these men became Muslim, but they couldn’t stand the demands of Islam, the sacrifice that Islam asks from you. These men stayed behind and didn’t migrate to Medina. These were spoilt kids; they didn’t want to go through the hassle of migrating. Even if, it was Allah’s order for the Muslims to do so. Not only did they stay behind but they joined their fathers and their tribes in the battle of Badr.
Ibn Hisham says, “All of them were killed on the battle of Badr.” So the Muslims said: ‘Well these were Muslims, probably they didn’t want to go out and fight but they are Muslims.’
Lets now think… what do you think their faith is. These men who were killed were Muslims. They accepted the kalima, but they didn’t sacrifice enough or didn’t go far enough for Islam. They didn’t migrate and then they ended up being killed in battle of Badr. Maybe they never shot an arrow towards the Muslims, maybe they never struck a sword, maybe they were there because they had to. What do you think there faith was?
Lets look at what Allah has to say.
Allah Zaujal revealed the ayat of surah AN-NISA (4:97)
Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves - [the angels] will say, "In what [condition] were you?" They will say, "We were oppressed in the land." The angels will say, "Was not the earth of Allah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein?" For those, their refuge is Hell - and evil it is as a destination.
Don’t play around with Islam,. Don’t fool around with it. This is a serious religion and you need to be serious. This religion does not accept half-hearted effort, giving it part-time, or following Islam when it is convenient, and doing otherwise when it isnt. Allah Zaujal has promised you jannah (paradise) but you have to pay a price.
In the tafsir of this ayat by Ibn Kathir, he mentions a few narrations one of them is by Bukhari
Ibn 'Abbas told me that there were some Muslims who were with the pagans to increase their number against Allah's Apostle (and the Muslim army) so arrows (from the Muslim army) would hit one of them and kill him or a Muslim would strike him (with his sword) and kill him. So Allah revealed: -- (4:97)
So the Muslims who joined the disbelievers joined the army just to increase their number. They didn’t really go out to fight they just went because they had to, like a soldier responding to the call of duty. So while they were in the army an arrow would come killing one and a blow from a sword would kill another that is how they died. These are the ones whom Allah revealed this ayat about.
So their Islam did not benefit them, because they didn’t make hijra and joined the army of Quraish. Now we need to think very deeply about this incident, because of the implications of it. You don’t want to die and have the angels telling you that your reward is hell-fire.
Third: Seeking assistance from Allah. After Rusool Allah (saw) prepared the army, trained them, gave instructions, chose the best location, lined them up after all of that he went aside and started making dua. That is the meaning of tawwaqqul. Tawwaqqul means that you do your best, you exhaust the worldly means and then you depend on Allah Zaujal. Rusool Allah (saw) did his best, in everything that he was capable of doing and after that he started making dua to Allah Zaujal.
So don’t think that Allah will give you victory if you sit at home, all comfortable in your couch, and then you raise your hands and ask Allah for victory. You have to stand up and do something. This applies to everything.
Once a couple of men were walking lazily pretending as if they were Az-Zuhaad, Umer bin Khattab saw them and said, “Who are these?” They said, “These are the muttaqqilun (the ones who have tawwaqqul on Allah). Umer (ra) went and beat them with a stick and said, “You know the sky doesn’t rain in gold and silver.” So you have to go out and work.
Rusool Allah (saw) mentions in the hadith, “If you have the right tawwaqqul on Allah, Allah will provide for you, like he provides for the birds. They leave in the morning hungry and they come back at evening full.” The birds didn’t stay at home; they went out worked and got their food. So tawwaqqul is that you do your best but you do not depend on your efforts, you do not depend on your intelligence, on your skills, or anything in this world. But you depend on Allah. So we shouldn’t do our best and forget to make dua and we shouldn’t make dua and forget about doing our best. They both go hand in hand.
This is the end of the events of Badr.
CD#8
We already mentioned the hypocrisy which became exposed after the battle of Badr. There was also another group in Medina which posed threat to the newly formed Islamic state which was lead by Muhammed (saw). This group was the Jews.
When we talk about the history of the Muslim and Jewish relations, with reference to the hadith and ayat of Quran, we are not being anti-Semitic, in fact a good portion of the Muslim ummah are Semitic people to start with. We are not racists; we do not claim ethnic superiority over any ethnic group, these are things Muslims shouldn’t do. However we speak about historical truths, and if these historical truths do not abide by the modern rules of political correctness, that isn’t our problem. We Muslims are not going to reject the Quran and the Sunnah in favor of rules of political correctness. So what we will mention now, are actual events that happened.
The events that will be mentioned occurred after Rusool Allah (saw) made an agreement, the covenant which governed the relationship between the Muslims, Jews, and the non-Muslim Arabs in Medina. So in the beginning Rusool Allah (saw) was dealing with the Jews as citizens of Medina. Rusool Allah (saw) did not approach them with any hidden agenda or pre-judgment and hatred. Rusool Allah (saw) treated them as People of the Book who are supposed to be closer to the Muslims than the polytheists. However it was the Jews who started plotting against the Islamic state, it was them, who broke their agreement with Rusool Allah (saw).
There are ayahs in the Quran talking specifically about the Jews. Jews were upset by the arrival of Rusool Allah (saw); this was sensed after the conversation between two leaders of the Jews in Medina; Huyayy ibn Akhtab and Abu Yasir ibn Akhtab.
Safiya (ra) the wife of Rusool Allah (saw) she said, “None of the children of my father or my uncle were more popular with them (her father and uncle, Abu Yasir) both than I was, whatever child of theirs wanted their attention, it was always me they put first. When the Messenger of Allah came to Quba, the village of the Banu Amr bin Awf, my father and my uncle, Abu Yasir, went to him early in the morning and only returned at sunset. So tired out they could scarcely walk, staggering from exhaustion. I raced over to greet them as was my custom, but I swear, neither so much as looked at me; I heard my uncle Abu Yasir ask my father ‘Is that he, then?’” (So he was asking is he the one mentioned in their book? Is he the prophet?) He responded, “Yes, I swear by Allah”, Abu Yasir said, “You recognize him from his character and description then?” Huyayy said, “I certainly do, in the name of Allah.” Abu Yasir says, “So how will you relate to him?” Huyay said, “By Allah, I will be his enemy for as long as I live.”
So first he recognizes that Muhammed (saw) is the prophet of Allah, and he is sure that he is. Rather than saying that he is going to follow him, he says that he will be Muhammed’s (saw) enemy! Why? Well the reason is clear; it is because of envy and jealousy. The prophet ended up being from the Arabs, rather than the Jews. This envy leads to disbelief. Here we are dealing with the worst type of kufr, and that is disbelieving in the truth when you know that it is the truth. Some people disbelieve because they don’t think that Islam is true. They think this is all made up. Then you have some people who know Islam is the truth, nevertheless they still reject it. This was the case with Huyay bin Akhtab.
The Jews would attempt to disunite the Muslims. Ibn Ishaq said, an old Jewish man, Shas bin Qais, was deep in kufr, and he had so much hatred of the Muslims. He saw that Al-Aus and Al-khazraj are united; he saw that they would sit together in the same gathering. Before Islam these two tribes hated each other. They were enemies of each other. Later because of Islam they united. This Jewish man wasn’t very happy to see this he said, “The Aus and khazraj are united in this land, in the name of Allah, we have no place here as long as they are united. Our survival as Jews in Medina is based on the disunity of the Arabs, and as long as they are united we are at risk.” So he tells this young Jewish man who was sitting in that gathering to start reminding them about their days of war, to bring up the battle of Bu’ath, and other battles, and to recite sarcastic verses, which they would use against each other, to instigate a fight among them.
This young man did this; he started to talk about pre-islamic events of the two parties. Slowly he was able to create an unpleasant atmosphere there. Chaos was created and they eventually stood up and challenged each other to fight. They agreed to meet at such and such place for battle. So war was about to start all over again. See how words can cause so much fitnah. That is why Allah Zaujal says in AL-ISRA (17:53)
And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.
Allah asks us to say good words to each other, because Shaitan is there to disunite them. So Muslims should be very careful about what they say.
Anyway the news of the battle between Aus and Khazraj reached Rusool Allah (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) rushed forward and said, “O Muslims fear Allah! Are you to resume the enmity of ignorance, when I am still among you? After Allah has guided you to believe in Islam and submit to Him. Did you forget Allah’s blessing as he has saved you from ignorance and disbelief and planted love and friendliness in your hearts instead of hostility?” So he was asking them if they are going to bring back jahiliya, the pre-islamic times while Muhammed (saw) was with them. Rusool Allah (saw) reminded them that this untiy among Muslims was a favor from Allah. Don’t turn your backs on it. Allah created love among them.
SubhanAllah these words of Rusool Allah (saw) had so much effect on them, they started hugging each other. A while ago they were all getting ready for war, and after Rusool Allah’s (saw) words, they were hugging each other, and asking each other for forgiveness. Allah Zaujal says in AL-IMRAN (3:98) (3:99)(3:100) (3:101)(3:102)(3:103)(3:104)(3:105)
Say, "O People of the Scripture, why do you disbelieve in the verses of Allah while Allah is Witness over what you do?"
Say, "O People of the Scripture, why do you avert from the way of Allah those who believe, seeking to make it [seem] deviant, while you are witnesses [to the truth]? And Allah is not unaware of what you do."
O you who have believed, if you obey a party of those who were given the Scripture, they would turn you back, after your belief, [to being] unbelievers.
So Allah Zaujal says there is only one result of following the People of the Book, and that is that they will revert you back to disbelief. So this is a warning to the Muslims. Following the People of the Book is a one way road.
And how could you disbelieve while to you are being recited the verses of Allah and among you is His Messenger? And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path.
O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.
So Allah asks in ayat 103, the Muslims to be united. He tells them not to me divided, like how Shas bin Qais tried to do. Allah reminds them of their time of Jaahiliya (Ignorance).
And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.
And do not be like the ones who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And those will have a great punishment.
These were some of the verses which are talking about the Jews. Allah also revealed ayat, discussing another problem from the Jews and that was blasphemy. They would speak ill about Rusool Allah (saw), the Muslims, Islam and Allah Zaujal. An ayah was revealed after a conversation between Abu Bakr and a rabbi of the Jews, Finhas. Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) was giving him da’wah (invitation to islam) so Finhas responded by saying, “Your God is poor and we are rich. How can He ask you to give charity, if your God is rich, he wouldn’t be asking them to give him money? That proves that He is in need and we are rich and He needs us.” Abu Bakr Siddiq was quite upset with those words, and started to punch him in the face. Finhas rushes to Rusool Allah (saw) to complain about what Abu Bakr did. Rusool Allah (saw) asked Abu Bakr (ra) why he hit Finhas. Abu Bakr told Rusool Allah (saw) what he said. Finhas denied that he said that so Allah Zaujal reavealed ayat saying AL-IMRAN (3:181) (3:182)
Allah has certainly heard the statement of those [Jews] who said, "Indeed, Allah is poor, while we are rich." We will record what they said and their killing of the prophets without right and will say, "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire.
That is for what your hands have put forth and because Allah is not ever unjust to [His] servants."
The Jews would speak ill about the Muslims so Allah Zaujal said in AL-IMRAN (3:186)
You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.
So Allah Zaujal is telling the Muslims, this is expected, they will make negative statements about Muslims, their newspapers will write blasphemous things about you, and their media will accuse you of things that are not true. But then Allah tells us that their propaganda will not affect Islam and Muslims if the Muslims are patient and have taqwa. Because truth remains and lies vanish.
Jews were disrespectful to Rusool Allah (saw), they came to him once and said, ‘Assam u Alayka yaa Rusool Allah’, now this sounds very similar to ‘Assalam u Alayka’, but they picked out the ‘l’ and would say saam instead of salaam. ‘Asaam u Alayka’ meant ‘May death fall upon you.’ Aisha (ra) was very upset when she heard this, she started saying, Asaam u Alaykum, you sons of monkeys, pigs … she was cursing. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Don’t say that, O Aisha, because Allah Zaujal doesn’t like foul language.” And then Allah Zaujal revealed the ayat in AL-MUJADILA (58:8)
Have you not considered those who were forbidden from private conversation, then they return to that which they were forbidden and converse among themselves about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger? And when they come to you, they greet you with that [word] by which Allah does not greet you and say among themselves, "Why does Allah not punish us for what we say?" Sufficient for them is Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the destination.
So Allah tells us that the Jews would talk among themselves and say, “Why does Allah not punish us for what we say?” So they would then conclude that Muhammed (saw) isnt really the messenger of Allah. Allah said that the Hell fire is a sufficient punishment for them.
The Jews were also supportive to the hypocrites. The jews were the spiritual advisors to the hypocrites. Allah Zaujal says in AL-BAQARAH (2:14)
And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers."
The ‘evil ones’ referred to are the Jews, who the hypocrites used to go to.
Allah Zaujal says in MUHAMMED (47:25) about the munafiqeen (hypocrites)
Indeed, those who reverted back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them - Satan enticed them and prolonged hope for them.
That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down, "We will obey you in part of the matter." And Allah knows what they conceal.
In ayat (47:26) ‘those’ is referring to the Jews. So Allah Zaujal is saying if even if you agree to a small thing in part of the matter NOT all of it, then that is sufficient to classify someone as a disbeliever. So we Muslims need to be very careful about this matter. Not to become a prey by the Jews and the Christians.
Allah Zaujal says in AL-MUJADILAH (58:14) (58:15)
Have you not considered those who make allies of a people with whom Allah has become angry? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to untruth while they know [they are lying].
The people whom Allah is angry with are the Jews, as it is also said in sirah Fatihah.
Allah has prepared for them a severe punishment. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.
They took their [false] oaths as a cover, so they averted [people] from the way of Allah , and for them is a humiliating punishment.
Another thing that the Jews were doing in Medina, is that they were trying to prevent people from becoming Muslim, when Abdullah bin Salam became Muslim, they started accusing him of being a liar, accusing of being unfaithful to his religion. They did not only do that to the Jews like Abdullah bin Salam, but also the Arabs who would become Muslim.
Obviously all of this lead to a confrontation between the Muslims and the Jews. After the battle of Badr, Rusool Allah (saw) went to the Jews of Banu Qunaiqa, who were the closest to the Muslims in terms of location. He spoke to them and said, “O Jews beware of Allah afflicting you as He did Quraish and so accept Islam. You will know that I am a prophet sent with a mission. You find that to be so in your Book and in Allah’s pact with you.” Rusool Allah (saw) was telling them to take heed from how Allah humiliated the Quraish. Rusool Allah (saw) went to warn them, because of all the fitnah they were creating.
There response was, “Muhammed, do you think we are your people? Don’t delude yourself. Just because you did battle with those who lacked knowledge of warfare and so you could take advantage of them, if you fight against us, you’ll find us to be the real men.”
Allah Zaujal said in AL-IMRAN (3:12) (3:13)
Say to those who disbelieve, "You will be overcome and gathered together to Hell, and wretched is the resting place."
Already there has been for you a sign in the two armies which met - one fighting in the cause of Allah and another of disbelievers. They saw them [to be] twice their [own] number by [their] eyesight. But Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Indeed in that is a lesson for those of vision.
So what happened in the Battle of Badr was a lesson, which only people of vision can understand.
One day (after the Battle of Badr), a Muslim woman went to the marketplace. We already know that the jewellery market was controlled by the Jews. So this Muslim woman went to sell or trade some jewellery that she had. She sits next to this store on the floor, and gives it to the Jewish owner of the store. Some Jews gathered and they asked her to uncover her face. She refused to them. The owner of this store goes behind her without her knowing and he pins the bottom of her dress to her back. She couldn’t feel he did that because she was sitting so the bottom of her dress was spread on the ground. But when she stood up part of her body was exposed. This woman screamed. A Muslim who was there saw what happened; he attacked the Jew and killed him. The Jews ganged up against the Muslim and killed him.
This news was delivered to Rusool Allah (saw) immediately. Rusool Allah (saw) called the army and laid siege to their forts immediately. Rusool Allah (saw) laid siege to their forts for 15 days. These Jews who were bragging about their skills, and training compared to the Quraish were then shaking in their forts and were willing to surrender.
Abdullah ibn Ubayy, who was the ally of the Jews in Jaahiliya, goes to Rusool Allah (saw) and tries to appeal for his allies. Obada bin Samit was also their ally. Both Adullah bin Ubayy and Ubada bin Samit were the allies of Banu Qaynuqa. They both went to Rusool Allah (saw).
Obada bin Samit was a good Muslim; he goes to Rusool Allah (saw) and says, “Messenger of Allah, my only loyalty is to Allah, His messenger and the believers. I renounce the alliance with those unbelievers and I am giving them no support, whatsoever.” So Ubada did this, on his own initiative.
While Abdullah bin Ubayy goes to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “Be good to my allies!” Rusool Allah (saw) does not respond to him. Abdullah bin Ubayy goes to Rusool Allah (saw) the second time and says, “Be good to my allies!” Rusool Allah (saw) does not respond back. So Abdullah bin Ubayy puts his hand in Rusool Allah’s (saw) pocket and pulls him. Abdullah refused to let Rusool Allah (saw) go and said, “Be good to my allies.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Let me go!” the narrator of this hadith said that the face of Rusool Allah (saw) became angry, and said, “Woe to you! Let me go!” Abdullah bin Ubayy made his grip tighter and said, “I will not let you go, until you are good to my allies. They are 700 fighters who protected me against all my enemies and now you want to mow them down in one morning! I am a man who fears the turns of fortune.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “They are yours, they are yours.” Rusool Allah (saw) let them free.
So the people of Banu Qaynuqa were set free, they were allowed to leave. The one who would administer their travelling was Obada bin Samit; they travelled to Ash-Sham (Syria). Their money was taken as booty of war; it was distributed among the Muslims. Some ayat were revealed regarding Abdullah bin Ubayy and Obada bin Samit; because they showed the difference in loyalty to their alliance to the Jews. Allah Zaujal says in AL-MAADIAH (5:51)(5:52)
O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you - then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.
So you see those in whose hearts is disease hastening into [association with] them, saying, "We are afraid a misfortune may strike us." But perhaps Allah will bring conquest or a decision from Him, and they will become, over what they have been concealing within themselves, regretful.
Verse (5:52) is talking about Abdullah bin Ubayy, he was worried that a disaster might befall him if his alliance with the Jews is revoked. Somehow he thought that his protection lies with the Jews. Abdullah bin Ubayy did not have tawakkul on Allah Zaujal.
In the rest of the verse Allah says that He will give the believers victory, and that the believers will win against the allies that you think are protecting you. Allah goes on to say in (5:53)(5:54)
And those who believe will say, "Are these the ones who swore by Allah their strongest oaths that indeed they were with you?" Their deeds have become worthless, and they have become losers.
O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allah ; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
Verse (5:54) contains the attributes of the victorious party.
- Allah loves them
- They love Allah
- Humble towards the believers
- Powerful against the disbelievers
- Strive in the path of Allah
- They do not fear the blame of critics
So the victorious party will not care about what the media will say about them, or what the disbelievers, or anyone else say about them. As long as what they do pleases Allah Zaujal then that is enough. Allah says in (5:55)(5:56)
Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].
And whoever is an ally of Allah and His Messenger and those who have believed - indeed, the party of Allah - they will be the predominant.
See Ubada bin Samit was approached by Abdullah bin Ubayy, he said to Ubada, “How are you going to revoke your alliance with these people who have helped you on such and such day…” Ubada said, “Now hearts are different and Islam has erased all of the former alliances and you are holding on to something you will see that it is wrong tomorrow.” So Ubada was telling Abdullah to give up his thoughts because soon he will realize that he has taken the wrong path. Allah confirmed what Ubada said, in the mentioned ayat; that if our loyalty goes to Allah and His Messenger and the believers, then they are the ones who will be victorious in the end.
There was a woman called Asma bint Marwan, she was gathering people to fight aganst the Muslims. Asma would spread lies about the Muslims, so a man called Umair Al-Hatami killed her. This man goes to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “Is that what I did wrong?” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “You have assissted Allah and His Messenger, O Umair. This thing that you did, no two rounds will butthead over.” Meaning that this is a mission in which there should be no dispute about.
Abu Afq Al-Yahudi, was a Jewish man who also would inspire others to fight against the Muslims. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Who will rid us of Abu Afq?” Abu Afq was assassinated by the Muslims.
The most famous assassinations of all was that of Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf. Kaab’s father was an Arab. He got married to a Jewish woman from Banu Nadhir. Kaab thus became a Jew. Kaab was a wealthy man, he was very eloquent and a good poet. He was respected among the Arabs. Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf was leading a media campaign against the Muslims; he was very active in his animosity towards Islam.
After the Battle of Badr, he lamented the battle in form of poetry, in which he expresses his sorrow for the people of Quraish; saying that if this is what happened to the noble men of Quraish then it is better to die. Kaab also made poetry against Rusool Allah (saw) and the Muslims, and would spread the poetry all over the place. Like after Badr, he went to Mecca and spent time with the people of the Quraish, to give his condolences and inspiring them to fight back.
Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf’s poetry would discuss things not tolerable, like he started describing Muslim women and their beauty, he would mention names. For Muslims, the sanctity of Muslim women is highly protected and they have much honour for their women. It is considered very evil among Muslims to violate the privacy of a Muslim woman... Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Who will rid us from Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf because he has harmed Allah and His messenger.” This was so bad that Rusool Allah (saw) wanted this man to be assassinated.
Ibn Ishaq said, “He then returned to Medina, where he composed verses that were suggestive about the Muslim women and criticized the prophet of Allah and His followers.” Musa bin Uqba said, “He harmed the Messenger of Allah by ridiculing him in verses.” So Kaab’s war was a verbal war.
Hassan bin Sabit, the poet of Rusool Allah (saw) was fighting back. Now you might wonder, what is the big deal about poetry? Well at that time poetry was the media of the day. Poetry for the Arabs was how the news was conveyed, how history was written. This poetry was then handed down from one generation to another, it was an oral tradition. The Arabs were not literate. A one line poetry could honour a man or a tribe and one line of poetry could dishonour a man or a tribe. For example there was this tribe, Numair whose reputation was wrecked due to one line of poetry against them.
Poetry then could be fact or fiction but there was no way people know that the information was true or not. That is the case of media today; people believe whatever it tells them, media can ruin a reputation thus majorly affects the minds of people. So Kaab ibn Al-Asharaf was fighting a media war against Rusool Allah (saw).
Muhammed ibn Muslama was an Ansar who volunteered to kill Kaab. So Rusool Allah (saw) assigns to him this mission. Muhammed ibn Muslama goes to Kaab bin Al-Ashraf alone and he says, “This man’s arrival among us was a disaster, the Arabs became hostile to us and united against us. They have cut of our roots, so that our young are deprived and scared. We and our families are suffering greatly.” Muhammed was talking about Muhammed (saw). This was how Muhammed ibn Muslama tried to win over the trust of Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf. Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf said, “I am Al-Ashraf’s son, didn’t I tell you that things would turn out this way?” So Abu Naila said, “What I wanted was for you to sell us some food for which we would give you security, because we are in need of food.” So Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf said, “You pledge your women as a security.” They said no, “We can’t hand over our women to you, when you are such a handsome man.” Kaab then asked them to pledge their sons; they again denied and said, “How can we mortgage our sons to you? Later they would be abused by the people's saying that so and so has been mortgaged for a camel load of food. That would cause us great disgrace.” So Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf said, “Then what do you want to pledge?” They said, “We will give our arms.” Weapons are expensive, so that was a good deal. Muhammed bin Muslama and Abu Naila said this because they didn’t want Kaab bin Al-Ashraf to be suspicious when they bring their weapons. This was all part of the plot.
So they go back and arrange a team of five men and they visit Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf at night at the appointed time, to deliver their weapons and receive the food. Kaab heard the calling of Abu Naila, Abu Naila was the brother of Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf from nursing.
In Islam when a woman nurses two children, then the children are considered as brothers because of breast-feeding. So Abu Naila calls Kaab at night, apparently Kaab had just gotten married, when he stood up to respond to their call his wife said to him, “Where are you going at this late hour of the night.” He said, “This is my brother Abu Naila calling me.” She said, “I can hear blood dripping from his voice.” He said, “This is my brother Abu Naila, and if a man is called to stabbing he should respond.” Kaab meant that even if there is some intention of killing someone, even then a man should respond to that call. But Kaab wasn’t suspicious. Kaab trusted Abu Naila because of the blood relation they had and also because he thought that Abu Naila and Muhammed ibn Musalma were allied with him against Muhammed (saw).
So Kaab goes down and they talk to him for sometime and then they asked Kaab, “How about we go and take a walk in Shaybul Ajoos”, he agreed. So they wanted to take him away from the fort he was living in. Kaab was in a state of war with the Muslims, so he had guards and protection. Abu Naila or Muhammed ibn Muslama depending on the narration puts his hand in the hair of Kaab. He asked Kaab, “What is this beautiful smell coming form you?” Kaab responded that he was with this woman who had this scent on, so anyway Muhammed bin Musalama asked if he could smell it. Kaab said, “Sure.” Muhammed ibn Muslama grabbed Kaab’s hair to smell the scent and Muhammed already agreed that he would give his men a signal, of when to attack. After they walked for a while, Muhammed ibn Muslama asked if he could smell it again and Kaab said, “Go ahead.” This time he grabbed his head and said, “Attack him.” The team started stabbing him with their swords, but apparently Kaab had armor on, so they were not able to kill him. Kaab was screaming very loud and suddenly the lights of the place started lighting up in the fortresses. Muhammed ibn Muslama said, “I had a knife with me and I stabbed him in his lower abdomen and I cut his abdomen open until he fell down and when we realized that the man would die then we left.”
One of them got stabbed by mistake by one of their swords, so while the Muslims were rushing away because they knew that people had awakened because of Kaab’s screams, the man who was stabbed was losing a lot of blood and was getting weaker, so they had to carry him. Rusool Allah (saw) met them in the outskirts of Medina and then he immediately placed his hand on the injury and it was healed.
Lessons from Banu Qaynuqa
· The messenger of Allah waged war against Banu Qaynuqa for the sake of one Muslim woman; to defend her. This tells you how important it is to protect the rights of Muslim women. And now in the World of today, when there are so many calls of women around the World and no one responds that shows that there are no men left. Because a Muslim man will jump to the defense of his sister. This is what Rusool Allah (saw) did, and what the khulafaa did following Rusool Allah’s (saw) sunnat. Like the Khalifa of Banu Abbas, Al Mutasim. When one woman would call for help, he would respond by sending an army to fight the superpower of that time, the Roman Empire.
And part of the reason why Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf was assassinated, was because he spoke disrespectfully about some women in his poetry.
Lessons form the assassination of Kaab ibn Al-Ashraf
· The sahabah took their work seriously. After Muhammed bin Muslama volunteered to kill Kaab bin Al-Ashraf, till three days after that Muhammed bin Muslama lost his appetite and was barely eating. That news was delivered to Rusool Allah (saw) calls him and said, “Muhammed ibn Muslama, what happened?” Muhammed said, “Oh Messenger of Allah, I had given my word, and I’m worried that I wouldn’t be able to fulfill it.”
So Muhammed was worried that he could fail in his mission. He was worried, whether he would succeed, whether his plan was good enough or not. Muhammed ibn Muslama couldn’t eat for three days! Not because he was afraid of dying but because he wanted to make sure that he fulfills his pledge to Rusool Allah (saw). This shows how seriously the sahabah took their word seriously, if they gave their word they had to fulfill it. Now we throw our words right and left, we don’t worry about them or we even forget about them. Making promises is taken very lightly now. Muhammed ibn Muslamah could not eat, drink or sleep. Rusool Allah (saw) told him: You do your best that is what Allah holds people accountable for whether they did their best or not. As long as you do your best Allah Zaujal will accept your deeds. You are not responsible for the outcome of the mission; you are responsible to do your best.
This is a lesson for us, we should do our best. We should try to achieve perfection in anything that we do… this is very important for Muslims today because as I said, we take our words very lightly. It is a sign of a munafiq to make a promise that he doesn’t fulfill.
· Muhammed ibn Muslama had said, “Then allow me to speak about you.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Go ahead.” Muhammed ibn Muslamah felt that in order for his mission to succeed, he would have to speak against Rusool Allah (saw) and that was sanctioned by Rusool Allah (saw).
This tells us that if Muhammed ibn Muslamah was allowed to say things that are kufr, in order for his mission to succeed then a Muslim is allowed to do things that are less than kufr. For example if a Muslim spy is among the enemy’s army, then how will he pray? So some scholars say that if he cannot pray standing then he should pray sitting and if he cannot pray sitting then he can pray moving his finger. If not even that then he can pray with moving his eyes.
So Muhammed ibn Muslamah spoke words that were kufr, he spoke ill of Prophet (saw) but that was allowed. This tells us that there are some special rulings for military operations. If a mission depends on a person hiding their Islamic identity then that is allowed.
· The next lesson: Kaab was a Jew, but ethnically he was an Arab. That shows that our negative attitude towards the Jews is not based on racism, we do not dislike them because of their ethnicity. Our problem is not with the ethnicity; our problem is with the mindset. This mindset which causes them to speak ill against Muhammed (saw), and the Muslims, it causes them to plot against the Muslims and deceives them.
Hitler’s problem for example was racism; he thought that their race was better than that of the Al-yahood.
· Not all battles are held in the battle field, sometimes special operations are needed to inflict harm on the enemies of Allah and this was the case with Kaab bin Al-Ashraf
CD#9
Before we start with the Battle of Uhud, we will mention a few ghazwat and sarayah that occurred after Badr and before Uhud. One of them is Ghazwat ma Kadr and subhanAllah seven days after the battle of Badr; the Muslims were already on the road.
They went to make a pre-emptive attack on Banu Sulaym, a tribe. Rusool Allah (saw) heard that this tribe was getting ready to attack Medina, so Rusool Allah (saw) attacked them first. This was something that repeats throughout the Ghazwat of Rusool Allah (saw), he would hear that people are plotting to attack Medina, so he would then surprise attack before the enemy would. The Banu Sulaym were caught by surprise, they fled and left behind 500 camels, which was good booty for the Muslims. Each soldier ended up with two camels. After this they went back to Medina.
There was another Ghazwat called ghazwat As-Suwayq. Abu Sufyan in attempt to wash away the shame of Badr goes to the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadhir. He stayed as a guest at the place of the head of Banu Nadhir, Salam bin Mushkam. The Quraish got some valuable information from the Jews about how to attack the outskirts of Medina. They found two Muslims over there, which they killed. They destroyed the area took some things and left.
Rusool Allah (saw) pursued them as soon as he heard about this, with two hundred soldiers. Abu Sufyan had two hundred soldiers with him as well, but he kept on running away. They were so terrified that they were throwing their food to lighten the load, so they could run away quickly. So no fighting took place.
Another ghazwat was Ghazwat Dhuimr, there were 450 Muslims, this ghazwat was against a tribe in Najd. Rusool Allah (saw) attacked them because he heard they were planning to attack him. Rusool Allah (saw) goes to their territory to meet them, on the way he (saw) arrests one of their men called Jabar bin Taliba, later on he becomes Muslim. When they reached there, it was raining; the clothes of Rusool Allah (saw) got wet, so he took off his armor and hung it on a tree. He then lay down under the tree so that his clothes could dry. So Jathur, the head of the enemy’s army sneaked in and stood right above Rusool Allah (saw) with is sword in his hand. Jathur woke Muhammed (saw) and said, “Oh Muhammed! Who can save you from me now?”
Rusool Allah (saw) with all confidence said Allah, suddenly Jathur falls back dropping his sword. Rusool Allah (saw) picks up his sword and stands on top of Jathur and sais, “Oh Jathur! Who can protect YOU from me now?” Jathur then pleads to Rusool Allah (saw) to spare his life. Jathur then became Muslim. When Jathur went back to his people, he was asked him what happened, he said, “A tall man stood in front of me and pushed me in my chest, and that was Jibrael (as).” So Jathur who wanted to kill Muhammed (saw) became Muslim, he went back to his people and invited them to Islam…many of them became Muslim. This was one of the miracles that happened.
Then there was a Sariyah lead by Zaid bin Haritha. Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t go with them to Karada. The people of Quraish were having financial problems due to the continuous raids. The Muslims were putting some serious pressure on the Quraish by raiding their caravans. Now the route from Mecca to Syria was jeopardized. Quraish then thought that if the route of Hijaz is not safe then why don’t they go through Najd? So they planned to enter Syria through Najd, which was a long route, which obviously cost more. So Rusool Allah (saw) sent out this sariyah lead by Zaid bin Haritha and a 100 other Muslims to raid it. This was a successful attack, the guards of the caravan ran away and the Muslims took over the caravan.
These skirmishes or small battles served few objectives of Rusool Allah (saw);
- These battles helped the Muslims, rather train the Muslims for Jihad. It is worship just like any other form of worship. If Jihad becomes farz then the training becomes farz too so they were worshiping Allah Zaujal through this training.
- During these battles the sahabah would spend a lot of time with Rusool Allah (saw); traveling, eating, walking with him (saw). Rusool Allah (saw)’s personality was exposed during these journeys as a result the sahabah learnt a lot from him. And this is how the Sunnah of Rusool Allah (saw) was known.
- It taught Muslims how to be members of a group or a jamaah. In a group there is obedience, discipline, sacrifice; so these are characteristics they adopted by traveling for such extended periods with Rusool Allah (saw). It was a lesson for them on how to live part of an ummah. Because Islam is not an individualistic religion, it is a collective religion. A lot of the worship in Islam is done collectively like Salah, Hajj, Umrah and sometimes Jihad.
We now move on to the Battle of Uhud. The reasons for the battle of Uhud were; religious, political, economical, and social reasons.
Religious reasons:
The people of Quraish wanted to stop the advancement of Islam. Allah Zaujal says in AL-ANFAL (8:36)
Indeed, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to avert [people] from the way of Allah . So they will spend it; then it will be for them a [source of] regret; then they will be overcome. And those who have disbelieved - unto Hell they will be gathered.
So it says in this ayah that they were spending their wealth to avert people from the way of Allah. At-tabari says, “They are spending their money to prevent people from becoming Muslim.” And Ash-Shawkani says about this ayat, “The objective of these kuffar in spending their money is to stand between the people in becoming Muslim by fighting Rusool Allah (saw) and moblizing armies for that purpose.”
Now history is repeating itself. Look at how much money the enemy of Allah is spending to fight Islam, billions of dollars are spent. To kill the Awliya of Allah, to capture them and to tarnish the reputation of Islam. Lots of money is spent for that purpose. So the kuffar of today arent very different from the kuffar of Quraish.
Social:
Quraish wanted to wash away the shame of Badr. That was a serious dent in their reputation so they wanted to make up for that.
Economical:
We talked about the many raids on the Quraish, which were putting serious pressure on them. The Quraish were accustomed for them to be respected by all the Arab tribes who would open their way to Yemen and Syria, but things had changed.
Allah Zaujal says SURAH QURAISH (106: 1-4)
For the accustomed security of the Quraysh -
Their accustomed security [in] the caravan of winter and summer -
The caravan of winter was to Yemen and Abyssinia and their caravan to summer was to Syria.
Let them worship the Lord of this House,
Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear.
Because the Quraish refused Allah Zaujal, that accustomed security was gone. Now only one part of their journey was affected and that was from Mecca to Syria. However cutting the route to Syria also affected the route to Yemen. Why? Because the business of Quraish was based on buying products from Syria and selling them in Yemen and vice versa.
So Sufwan ibn Umayya says, “Muhammed and his companions have ruined our trade, while we do not know what measures to take against them, we are at loss. They are constantly threatening the coastal area while its inhabitants are at peace or in alliance with him. Where shall we live? And where shall we stay? If we stay here in our homtown we will be forced to eat from our capital which will soon be consumed. We depend for our lives from our trade with Syria in the summer and with Yemen and Abyssinia in winter.”
So Rusool Allah (saw) was making things very difficult for the Quraish. They were feeling suffocated and this shows you the strategy of Rusool Allah (saw) of not only afflicting physical harm at Quraish in actual warfare but also attacking their economical status.
Political:
The status of Quraish was shakened. This defeat seriously weakened the reputation of Quraish in Arabia. Quraish were seen as the most noble most respected tribe. Quraish were not fought against, becaue they were very poerful. But after Badr things had changed.The Quraish wanted to regain their position again, so there was a political reason.
Quraish assembles an army 3000 strong and they finance that army from the caravan which Abu Sufyan saved. This entire caravan was used to finance the battle of Uhud. Rusool Allah (saw) was constantly receiving information, he had spies all over. Al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttallib (ra) now is working for Rusool Allah (saw) in Mecca. He sends a messagle swiftly to Rusool Allah (saw) in three days, which was impressive looking at the modes of transportation in those days. The Letter was conveyed to Rusool Allah (saw) which told him (saw) the details; of the 3000 in number army and how many horses there were along with other info. So this was the first news that reached Rusool Allah (saw) about the plans of Quraish. And the source of this information was Abbas bin Abdul Muttallib (ra). When the news was delivered he told Ubayy bin kaab, who read the letter, to keep it a secret.
Then Rusool Allah (saw) sends in Mundhir to go and blend in within the army to get information, Mundhir comes back with the same information which was narrated by Al-Abbas. Rusool Allah (saw) also sent Anas and Munis to go and gather information about the Quraish. They too bring back the same news.
Rusool Allah (saw) then goes to the Cheifs of Al-Ansar, Sa’d ibn Rabi’a. He (saw) visits Sa’d at his house and he tells him that the Quraish will attack Medina. Rusool Allah (saw) explained to Sa’d the details and then asks for his opinion. Before leaving Rusool Allah (saw) told Sa’d to keep their conversation a secret.
After Rusool Allah (saw) leaves, the wife of Sa’d ibn Rabi’a goes up to him and sais, “What did Rusool Allah (saw) tell you?” He tells her, “it’s none of your business.” She said she heard everything Rusool Allah (saw) told Sa’d. Sa’d ibn Rabi’a said, “inna lillahi wa innallillayhi raajiun”. This is something to say when you suffer a loss.
Sa’d then went to Rusool Allah (saw) and told him that his wife knows and that just incase the information gets out, I don’t want you to think that I am the one who leaked it. Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “Leave her alone.”
Now we learn from this, that a secret is a secret you cannot tell it to anyone. Sa’d refused to tell his own wife. Also in such grave issues where the security of the Muslims could be in danger, Rusool Allah (saw) would communicate with the sahabah on a need to know basis. Somebody who doesn’t have to know certain information doesn’t have to know it.
So Sa’d ibn Rabi’a didn’t tell anyone even his own wife about their conversation. He didn’t boast to anyone that: Oh the Messenger of Allah (saw) came to me for advice! He didn’t tell anyone he trusts. This point is very important because a lot of times we tend to tell a certain someone everything just because you trust that person; even then you cannot disclose someone else’s secret. If you do then you are being dishonest.
Also it is thought that a husband is supposed to tell his wife everything, that is actually not true. Some issues need to be kept away from the ones who are closest to you. Now I know that many women won’t be happy to hear this but the fact is that majority women are more emotional than men, they cannot handle situations as well as men. I hope that the men don’t take disadvantage of this statement and start hiding information that the wife has a right to know about.
Anyway Rusool Allah (saw) holds a meeting with the sahabah (ra) on what to do. Rusool Allah (saw) gathers them and asks them what they think. There were two opinions.
- We should fight within medina and use it as a fortress. Therefore the women and children will be able to participate by fighting from the roofs. This was the opinion of Rusool Allah (saw) and Abdullah bin Ubayy. Rusool Allah (saW) from a strategic point of view adopted this opinion but Abdullah bin Ubayy adopted it because he was too afraid to go outside Medina.
- While the majority opinion was to go out and meet the enemy in open field. There reasoning is that it is shameful to allow them enter Medina and attack their homes. This was the opinion of especially the ones who did not attend Badr. They realized that they had missed out on a lot so they were very eager to fight. They were afraid that the enemy might not enter Medina if they stayed in Medina. This group put some pressure on Rusool Allah (saw) until he agreed with them.
Rusool Allah (saw) stood up and left the meeting and went inside his house to put on his armor. They felt that they had pressurised Rusool Allah (saw), so they went up to Hamza (ra) and said , “ Go and talk to Rusool Allah (saw), we think that we have presssured him and we are willing to go with what he thinks is the better idea.”
Hamza goes to Rusool Allah (saw), he (saw) comes out and says, “It’s not appropriate for a Prophet to put on his armor and prepare for war and then take it off, until Allah Zaujal judges between him and his enemy.” So here Rusool Allah (saw) was saying that we have taken a decision, and we are going to go ahead with it, we’re not going to change our minds, we’re not going to be indecisive. If a Prophet makes shura and then makes a decision, then he will go ahead with it.
This is a very important lesson for the leader, the leader shouldn’t be indecisive, he leader shouldn’t change his mind every now and then. The leader shouldn’t be wavering back and forth according to who spoke to him last. You should maake shura (consult) listen to different opinions, deliberate, and then make a decision, but when you take the decision, it should be final. Unless there has been a change in information, or something on which the decision was based on turned out to be wrong. Then the decision should be changed. Also followers don’t like to be lead by somebody who is indecisive; especially war soldiers don’t like it, because the lives of the sahabah were on the line. Rusool Allah (saw) gave an example to every leader in such a situation that if you take a decision it needs to be final.
So they decided their destination to be next to the mountain of Uhud. Uhud is a large moutain a few miles outside of Medina. The Muslim army marches, Rusool Allah (saw) asked the sahabah, “Can any one of you guide us through a way that will bring us out to the enemy without them realizing.” Abu Khaitan volunteered. They travelled through the agricultural land rather than the traditional routes that lead out of Medina.
They passed through a farm owned by one of the munafiqeen, Murba bin Qaybi. So when they were walking through his farm, obviously walking through agricultural land, damage was inavoidable. So Murba wanted to stop the Muslim army, and he was blind he said, “If you are the Messenger of Allah, then I do not permit you to enter my garden.” Rusool Allah (saw) ignores him and the army goes forward, so Murba picks up some dirt in his hand and says, “By Allah if I knew I’d strike no one but you Muhammed, I’d hit you in the face with this.” This was a very disrespectful man, the sahabah got so mad, they wanted to kill him. Because cursing Rusool Allah (saw) is such a grave sin that its punishment is death.
But Rusool Allah (saw) told them, “Leave him don’t kill him, this sightless fellow is blind both in his heart and in his eyes.” So they left him alone.
A lesson:
The benefit of the whole supersedes the benefit of the individual in Islam. So the damage done here to the agricultural land is damage done was a damage done to an individual, but it was for the benefit of the whole. So the whole comes before the individual.
Then the munafiqeen withdrew. The Muslim army was 1000. Abdullah bin Ubayy was 1/3rd of the Muslim army, so they were left with 700 soldiers. The munafiqeen withdrew and the justification given by Abdullah bin Ubayy was, “Muhammed listened to the kids and he ignored my opinion.” It was the young sahabah who were urging Rusool Allah (saw) to leave Medina to meet the enemy.
Now SubhanAllah we can see that it is the battlefield that seperates the momin from the munafiq. In a peaceful situation it is hard to differentiate between a momin and a munafiq. A munaiq could be any one even one who is praying with you. A munafiq could also be a mufti or an aalim. But what seperates the believer from the hypocrite is the battlefield. Allah Zaujal says in AL-IMRAN (3:179)
Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good.
This verse was reavealed at the occasion of the battle of Uhud…
Allah Zaujal also says in AL-IMRAN (3:167) (3:168)
And what struck you on the day the two armies met was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers.
And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most Knowing of what they conceal –
So Allah tells us that the hypocrites were retreating because there WAS going to be fighting.
There were two tribes who were almost going to withdraw; Banu Salima and Banu Harith, but Allah Zaujal made them steadfast. Allah says in (3:122)
When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.
So this was a negative thing for these two tribes to do, but Jabbar ibn Abdullah said, “I wouldn’t hope that this didn’t happen because Allah revealed the ayat that He is our ally.” So it was Allah who made them steadfast.
Rusool Allah (saw) refused assistance from the mushrikeen. Some Jews came to help him, he said, “We don’t need the help of disbelievers.” Rusool Allah (saw) also returned the under age in the army. Rafa bin Khatij was turned back, Rusool Allah (saw) wasn’t turning them back by asking how old are you, he would just looked at the army and whoever would seem to young would be turned back. Their youngsters would hide around so Rusool Allah (saw) wouldn’t see them J. Abdullah bin Amr was turned away.
Anyway with Rafa, Rusool Allah (saw) told him that he wasn’t allowed to join the army, he said, “But Rusool Allah, I’m a good archer.” Because of that he was allowed to join. Rafa’s friend Samoor went crying to his foster father saying, “Rusool Allah (saw) allowed Rafa but he doesn’t allow me, when I can beat Rafa in wrestling.” So his foster father takes him to Rusool Allah (saw) and told Rusool Allah (saw) that Samoora actually defeats Rafa in wrestling. Rusool Allah (saw) calls them both and makes them wrestle infront of him, and Samura does defeat Rafa. So Rusool Allah (saw) allows him to join.
So by this we see how important training is to join the army. So these boys who were experts in certain fields were exceptions to the general rule.
The Plan
Rusool Allah (saw) divided the army into three battallions; Al Muhajirun; the standard was given to Musab bin Umair, Al-Aus; standard given to Usaib bin Khuzair and Al-Khazraj; the standard given to Al-Habbab bin Mundhir.
Rusool Allah (saw) had the mountain of Uhud towards his back and when he took a look at the battlefield he realised that there was a potential of attack from the rear. There was a small hill. Rusool Allah (saw) placed 50 of his men on this hill, and he gave them clear instructions. He (saw) said, “Protect our backs, if you see us being killed don’t come to our aid, and if you see us winning do not join us.” And he also said, “If you see the vultures flying off with us, don’t leave until I send you a message, and if you see us victorious over the enemy and trampling them under foot, do not leave until I send you a message.”
So the instruction of Rusool Allah (saw) was very clear, to stay put at their position no matter what, without it the enemy could outflank the Muslims from the side or from the rear. It was obvious that this was a critical position to hold on to.
Rusool Allah (saw) was also teaching the sahabah obedience by telling them not to move until he (saw) sends a message. The enemy was trying to disunite the Muslims, Abu Sufyan sends a message to Al-Ansar, he said, narrated: “Leave us alone to fight with our cousin because we have no purpose in fighting you.” They (ansar) responded, “Now you say this? Isnt it Quraish who sent a letter to Al-Ansar as soon as Rusool Allah (saw) made hijra to them threatening them that they are going to kill your men enslave your women and take your women and take your money? Now suddenly you say that you have no objective in fighting them? This is a lie, it is a trick, and the kuffar did that yesterday and they would do that today.”
They wanted to split the Muslims, so that they could eat them one by one. Just like we see today the claim is that: we are just fighitng the terrorists. That is what they say but once the so-called terrorists are defeated they will then move on to get the rest of the ummah. The Muslims have to unite before they invade other countries.
The Quraish again tried to disuntie the Muslims by sending Abu Amr and Fasiq. Abu Amr was from Al-Aus and he was so loved by them, they named Abu Amr “the priest”. Aby Amr refused to become Muslim, he joined the army of Quraish and left Medina when Islam entered it. When he came out with the army of Quraish he said, “I will go and convinve my people not to go and fight with Muhammed.” Abu Amr was very confident because they loved him so much.
But when he went to meet them, they started cursing at him. So he said, “Some evil has befallen my people after I left.” It wasn’t evil but Islam that changed them. So the second attempt Alhumdullilah too failed.
CD #10
Rusool Allah (saw) held a sword in his hand, and he (saw) asked the sahabah, “Who will take this from me?” So the sahabah (ra) volunteered, but then Rusool Allah (Saw) said, “Who will take this sword along with it’s rights?” Meaning he won’t simply just give away the sword, but the volunteer must also take the sword, along the rights of the sword.
So the sahabah asked Rusool Allah (saw), what are the rights of this sword? Rusool Allah (saw) said, “For you to strike the enemy with it, till it bends.” After hearing this, the sahabah were giving it a second thought. But Abu Dujana (ra) came forward, “I will Oh Rusool Allah (saw), I will fulfill its rights.” Rusool Allah (saw) handed the sword to him.
Ibn Ishaq says, “He took the sword from Rusool Allah (saw) and he took out the red head band and put it on. He then began strutting about between the two lines.” Abu Dujana when he would fight, he would put on a red headband that was the sign that he was going to battle. He would then walk with pride in front of the enemy with pride and you could feel the strength in his walk.
Looking at his walk, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “That is the way of walking that Allah dislikes, except in circumstances like this.” So in this particular situation Allah does like it. A Muslim is not supposed to be arrogant, that’s why we walk with humbleness, but we don’t want to confuse humbleness with weakness. When Rusool Allah (saw) would walk, you could see the strength in Rusool Allah (saw). Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) said, “As if he is coming downhill.” So he was firm when he walked but not arrogant.
But Abu Dujana (ra) was walking with pride at the time of battle in front of the enemy; Allah likes this but only in this situation. Imam Ahmed said, “He did take it (referring to the sword) and cleaved a path with it through the middle of the polytheists, in order to bend it, he wrecked havoc in the ranks of the enemy.”
Abdullah bin Zubair (ra) narrates a story, of a scene that he witnessed on the day of Uhud, he said, every man who met Abu Dujana (ra) was killed. “Among the enemy there was one man who executed every man he wounded”, meaning this man didn’t spare the life of anyone. If that man meets a Musim, the Muslim is dead. “This mushriq and Abu Dujana came ever closer to one another and I prayed to Allah to bring them together and they did meet. They exchanged a couple of blows, the mushriq then struck at Abu Dujana who defended off the blow with his shield which trapped the man’s sword. Then Abu Dujana struck and killed him.”
Kaab ibn Malik (ra) narrates a story; we aren’t sure who he is talking about, he said, “I then saw one mushriq, heavily armored, was striking the Muslims hard and saying, ‘Common you sheep gathering for slaughter!’, but then I saw one Muslim fully armored waiting for him and I went on over behind him to compare the Muslim from the mushriq.” So Kaab was sizing both of them up, he said, “The latter (meaning the mushriq) was better in equipment and form, I kept on waiting until they met, the Muslim then struck the unbeliever a blow with this sword on his shoulder. The sword came right down through to his thigh.” So he hit struck the mushriq on the shoulder and the sword went through tearing apart his torso until the sword came out from under his thigh, cutting him into two.
Kaab ibn Malik (ra) said, “Then the Muslim uncovered his face and said, ‘What about that Kaab?! I’m Abu Dujana.” So Abu Dujana knew that Kaab was watching the match… Abu Dujana was a proud man, and he had every right to be proud.
The Muslims were winning, and the enemy was fleeing the battle ground. And the sahabah said, “We could see the jewelry the women of Arabia used to put on their feet.” This was because the women were tucking up their clothes to run away. So that was it, the enemy was showing their back to the Muslims.
In the Quraish’s army different families had different duties. Like one family would feed the pilgrims, one family had the key to Al-Kaaba, one family had the key to Al-Nadwa (a sort of Parliament of the Quraish), and one family held the banners of war this family was Banu Abbiddal, they were the ones responsible for it, on Badr, and also responsible for it on Uhud.
The banner’s significance was a lot, it was the indication that the war is not over yet. If the banner falls down of a side, that means that side has lost the war, they will not fight anymore. To show the significance of this banner, let us talk about what happened.
Abu Sufyan told Banu Abbidat, “You were incharge of our banner at the battle of Badr and you saw what happened to us, men will only fight for their flags, if once they are lost they withdraw. Either take care of our banner for us, or give it to us, and we will relieve you of it.”
Banu Abbidal fought well under their banner. Banu abbidal lost seven of their men, one after the other. One would hold the banner, he would be killed, the second will hold it, and he would be killed, this went on to seven of their men were killed holding the banner. And then one of their slaves, he was an Abyssinian, he took hold of the banner his arm was severed and he was still trying to hug the banner and saying, “Have I done my part?”
The banner fell on the ground, and that is when the Quraish started to leave the battleground. So they were defeated. Allah Zaujal says: in AL-IMRAN (3:152)
And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission
So even according to the Quran, the Muslims had won initially. But the tides were turning. We already said that the archers were strictly instructed by Rusool Allah (saw) to remain on the hill, not to move until and unless Rusool Allah (saw) sends a message.
In the heat of battle when emotions take over, the mind becomes obscured. When the archers saw that the Muslims were gathering booty, they wanted to go down and join, but their ameer, Amir Abdullah bin Jubayr (ra) said, “Don’t you remember the instructions of Rusool Allah (saw) that we shouldn’t come down until he tells us so?” They said the battle is over and they left, so out of the 50 archers 40 of them disobeyed the order of Rusool Allah (saw).
Khalid bin Waleed was the head of the cavalry of Quraish, he and Akrama bin Abi Jahal detected the weak point which was exposed. They immediately took advantage of that and outflanked the Muslim army and the Muslims were not expecting this. The Quraish saw this, so they too attacked from the front. So the Muslims were sandwiched. This disoriented the Muslim soldiers because they were fighting in both directions. The ranks became disorganized; they weren’t lined up as they should be. That is when the Muslims were defeated and that is when the Muslims were killed.
Rusool Allah (saw) was trying to organize a retreat, but retreats can be catstrophic if they are not organised well. So the enemy now had the upperhand and was attacking in full force. They were approaching Rusool Allah (saw) so Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Whoever will repel them will be my companion in paradise.” So this is how serious the situation had become. One of the Ansar volunteered and he fired his arrows at the enemy until he was killed, then Rusool Allah (saw) asks for a volunteer another time, another Ansari comes up, he was also killed . Again a third Ansari, and then a fourth… the same thing happened until 7 of Al-Ansar died. Allah u Akbar! This is why they get this honor of being called the ‘Ansar’, they didn’t get this title out of nothing, they earned it! You have seven young men, dead under the feet of Rusool Allah (saw). Other than the sacrifice of these people, this also shows the disasterous effect of this battle.
In Bukhari Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) says, “I never heard the Prophet of Allah swear by both of his parents to anyone except Sa’d ibn Malik (ra). At Uhud I heard him (saw) say, ‘Sa’d shoot may my father and my mother be your ransom.’” Allah u Akbar, this is how pleased Rusool Allah (saw) was with the performance Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra). Another hero who was standing next to Rusool Allah (saw) was Talha bin Ubaidullah (ra).
Narrated by Imam Ahmed in Muslim, At the battle of Uhud, Abu Talha (ra) was shooting from directly infront of Rusool Allah (saw), who was shielding himself behind him. As he shot the Messenger of Allah would raise himself up to see where the arrows will strike. Abu Talha says, “as he brought his chest up to its full height, he (saw) would say, ‘let it be so may my father and my mother be your ransom’, O Messenger of Allah! No arrow will hit you, my chest will be in the way of yours.’” Talha would also say, “I am sturdy Oh messenger of Allah, direct me according to your needs, order me to do whatever you want.” These were the companions of Rusool Allah (saw).
Rusool Allah (saw) retreated to the mountain of Uhud, in a crevice in a mountain. Climbing up the mountain was difficult for him, so Talha had to carry him (saw) because Rusool Allah (saw) was injured. When they climbed up the mountain that is when the battle had stopped. The Quraish did not dare pursue the Muslim up the mountain, to fight on the terrain was something the enemy wasn’t prepared to do.
So Rusool Allah (saw) and the Muslims were up on the mountain of Uhud, Abu Sufyan approaches them, he calls on to them, “Is Muhammed alive?” There was no response, he then asked, “Is Abu Bakr alive?” again no response, “Is Umar alive?” no response…so Abu Sufyan was happy and told his people that these men have been killed.
Umar bin Khattab (ra) couldn’t stand it when he said that so he said, “The three men whom you mentioned are alive, to upset you.” So Abu Sufyan replied, “A battle for the battle of Badr, warfare goes in cycles.” Meaning one day you win, one day we win. Aby Sufyan went on to say, “And you will find some bodies mutilated, I did not order that, but it didn’t bother me. Raise up hubul! Raise up Hubul!” Hubul was one of their idols. On hearing Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Arent you going to respond back?” They said, “What should we respond?” He (saw) said, “Say Allah is Higher and more Glorious!” and in arabic it rhymed with what Abu Sufyan was chanting. Abu Sufyan said, “We have an Uzza, you don’t have an Uzza!” Uzza was another idol. Rusool Allah (saw) told them to respond by saying, “Allah is our Master, and you have no Master!”
Allah describes the climbing of the Muslims up the mountain of uhud in AL-IMRAN (3:153)
[Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah repaid you with distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.
Also Allah says in (3:155)
Indeed, those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met, it was Satan who caused them to slip because of some [blame] they had earned. But Allah has already forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.
So Allah is saying is that the defeat at Uhud is not because of their sins but because of Shaitan. Allah also says in (3:154)
Say, "Indeed, the matter belongs completely to Allah." They conceal within themselves what they will not reveal to you. They say, "If there was anything we could have done in the matter, some of us would not have been killed right here." Say, "Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." [It was] so that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.
The munafiqeen will say why are the Muslms getting themselves into trouble? Why are Muslims fighting Jihad? Allah Zaujal is saying that you weren’t killed because of fighting Jihad, it was the time of death which had come for those people, and even if they had been in their homes, the ones who are meant to die would have died. So the people, who blame the death of Muslims on the mujahideen, are wrong. They are following the footsteps of the munafiqeen, when it comes to death it is a decree on Allah that people will die whenever their time will come. It doesn’t make a difference if you go out or stay at home. You will die when Allah wills. The battle of Uhud was a test from Allah to them. Don’t blame battle of Uhud for the deaths of the Muslims.
It is said only 12 men remained around Rusool Allah (saw). Allah Zaujal says in (3:152)
And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.
So Allah tested the believers by giving them victory in Badr, and He tested them by giving the Muslims defeat in Uhud. Ibn Ishaq (ra) said, “The Muslim ranks broke and the enemy gained advantage over them. It was a day of trial and testing in which Allah honored some with martydom. Finally the enemy broke through to Rusool Allah (saw), he (saw) was hit with a rock causing him to fall on his side. His front teeth broke, bashing his face and splitting his lips.” So Rusool Allah (Saw) was badly injured in Uhud.
In Bukhari it says that Fatima (ra) was the one washing him, and Ali (ra) poured water over his wounds. When Fatima (ra) saw that the water was increasing the blood flow, she took a piece of ash, set fire to it, and attached it to the wound. Ashes absorb the water from the wounds and make it dry, that would prevent the blood from flowing, and it is also hot so it might disinfect the wound.
Now we will talk about the shuhadah of Uhud.
70 Muslims were shaheed in the battle of Uhud; it was in the battle of Uhud that the verses of shahadah were revealed. And many of the ahadith of shuhada were stated in this battle. Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib (ra) was the seed of the shuhada at Uhud. Died or dead are not the right words to use but we are using it only to understand, but it is to remember that a shaheed is not dead according to the Quran.
Two of the tabaeen went to visit Wahshi who was old at the time, they wanted to hear the story of the death of Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib (ra). Wahshi said, “I will narrate the story to you as I narrated it to Rusool Allah (saw). When he asked me about it, I was a slave of Jubair ibn Mutam, who’s uncle was Tu’aima bin Udayy who was struck down at Badr. When Quraish went forth to Uhud, Jubair told me, ‘if you kill Hamza in retaliation for my uncle’s death then you will be a free man.’ So I went out with the warriors, I was an Abyssinian and could throw my spear like my countrymen. I rarely missed with it. When the forces met in battle, I went forth looking for Hamza and waited for him. I found amidst the fray like an enormous camel striking out viciously at our men with his sword, nothing withstanding him. I made use of bushes and rocks to get close to him but Siba got to him before me, when Hamza saw him he said, 'O Siba'. O Ibn Umm Ammar, the one who circumcises other ladies! Do you challenge Allah and His Apostle?’ He then struck him a blow so quickly that it appeared to have missed his head. I then aimed my spear carefully and when sure of it, I threw it at him. It struck below his navel and emerged between his legs. He tried to move towards me, but was overcomed I left him with the spear until he died. Then I went over to him retrieved my spear and returned to camp where I stayed I have no business with anyone other than him. I only killed him to get my freedom.’
Rusool Allah (saw) heard the news of the death of his uncle and we cannot imagine how devastating that news was to Rusool Allah (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) asked, “Did anyone see the death spot of my uncle? Where is he?” So one of the sahabah spoke up and said that he did. So the sahabi (ra) and Rusool Allah (saw) went together and when Rusool Allah (saw) sasw him, he cried and choked. Hamza bin Abdul Muttallib’s (ra) stomach was open and his insides were pulled out. So the man who took Rusool Allah (saw) said, “In the name of Allah, he was mutilated.” Meaning this was not the state the man saw Hamza (ra) last when he was killed.
Hind bin Utba the wife of Abu Sufyan, wanted to eat the liver of Hamza (ra). She ordered his liver to be pulled out to eat. So this was the state in which Rusool Allah (saw) saw his uncle in. So we cannot even imagine how sad Rusool Allah (saw) was.
Anyway Wahshi goes on to narrate the story, I went back to Mecca, but then Rusool Allah (saw) opened Mecca, so I had to leave. He said “I reached Mecca and remained there until Messenger of Allah (saw) conquered Mecca, I then fled to Taif where I stayed. When the Taif delegation left to meet Rusool Allah (saw) to accept Islam, I didn’t know what to do. I told people I’ll go to Syria or Yemen or some other country. I was in the state of indecision and anxiety when someone told me, ‘Come on now, I swear he won’t kill anyone who has adopted his religion and testified to the truth.’” Rusool Allah (saw) was known for his forgiveness, forbearance and his mercy. So this man was telling Wahshi that if he becomes Muslim, he will not harm you.
Wahshi goes on, “When he told me that I went to Rusool Allah (saw) in Medina surprising him by standing before him and speaking the testimony of truth. When he saw me, he said, ‘Are you Wahshi?’ I replied, ‘Yes,oh Messenger of Allah.’ He then said, ‘Sit down and relate to me how you killed Hamza.’ So I related it, as I did to you both. When I finished my account he said, ‘Wahshi, can you remove your face from me?’” Rusool Allah (saw) did not want to see the face of Wahshi again, because it will bring back memories of his uncle.
Wahshi said, “So I used to avoid Rusool Allah (saw) wherever he might be, so that he will not see me and eventually Allah all Mighty and All Glorious is He took him to Himself”
Wahshi later on joined in the army that went to fight Musailamah Kadhdhab who claimed to be a prophet. Wahshi said, “I took the spear the spear with which I killed Hamza and when the forces met I saw Musailmah standing sword in hand, while on the other side there was another Muslim trying to attack Musailmah. I studied my spear until I felt good about it and then I let it loose on him and it struck him. While the other Muslim attacked from the other side, it hit Musailamah with his sword and killed him.” So it was Wahshi who struck him first. The other Muslim struck next. The other Muslim was Abu Dujana, the hero of battle of Uhud. Wahshi would say, “If it was I who killed him, then I killed the best of men and I also killed the worst of them.” The best meaning Hamza bin Muttallib (ra) and worst refers to Musailmah.
It was mentioned that Rusool Allah (saw) told Wahshi, “Go and fight in the path of Allah, as you fought against the religion of Allah.” That is how it is in Islam, if you commit a sin, then try to erase it by doing a good deed, because good deeds erase the evil ones. We should always make up for our sins. Umer bin Khattab (ra) said about an argument of his with Rusool Allah (saw), he felt that what he did was wrong, so he said, “After that I remained fasting and giving charity and praying at night to wipe away that sin.” This is part of repentance and how we should approach our sins.
It was Ibn Qamiah, who shot at the cheek, and it was Utba bin Abi Waqas, who hit the lip and the front teeth of Rusool Allah (saw). Abdur Razzaq Sais, “The Messenger of Allah spoke a curse agaisnt Utba bin Abi Waqas saying, ‘Oh Allah may change not come to him, so that he dies as an unbeliever.’”
Ibn Kathir commented, “No change did come over him, so that he did die as an unbeliever bound for hell-fire.”
So what was the reaction to this defeat?
Narrated by Anas ibn Malik (ra), “While Rusool Allah (saw) was wiping the blood off his face, he (saw) said, ‘How could any people prosper, who struck their Prophet and broke his front teeth, while he called people to Allah?’” Allah Zaujal revealed the ayat in AL-IMRAN (3:128)
Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah ], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.
So Allah Zaujal is saying, the faith of these people is not upto you. It is upto Allah Zaujal, whether to cut them down, forgive them or to punish them. They indeed are wrongdoers but it is upto Allah how to deal with them.
So this shows us that even Rusool Allah (saw) did not control the faiths of people, its all in the hands of Allah Zaujal. If this wasn’t even the right of Rusool Allah (saw) then, who are we to claim that role?
The Muslims saw the defeat and heard the rumour that Rusool Allah (saw) was killed. The origin of this rumour was that he was injured, in such a state things get blown out of proportion, and as a result people thought he (saw) was killed. Some of the Muslims on hearing this news said, “We’d better send an envoy to Abdullah bin Ubayy and have him get us a truce from Abu Sufyan. People Muhammed has been killed, go back home before they get to you and kill you.”
The Muslims who said this were defeated, the defeat reached to their hearts, and under the pressure of those moments, they thought that the best way was to go to Abdullah bin Ubayy, who was a hypocrite, since he had good relations with Quraish, he could call for a truce with the Quraish.
The battle of Uhud cannot repeat, but the actions of the people in Badr could repeat by people. So sometimes you find that when Muslims are under pressure, and they feel that they could be defeated in battle, there might be some people who might think of going to the enemy of Allah for help. This is a sign of weakness.
But the Muslims who had the strength of emaan in their hearts had a different reaction. One of the Muhajrun said that, “They passed by one of Al-Ansar, a man who was covered in his own blood, I asked him, ‘Are you aware that Muhammed has been killed?’, the Ansari responded, ‘If Muhammed has been killed then he must have fulfilled his mission, so fight on for your religion, lets die as he died, fighting for Islam.’” So some people cannot be defeated in their hearts even if they are defeated on the battleground. This is the steadfastness that we should learn from the sahabah (ra).
Allah will give everyone their due reward. Some of the Muslims died without getting their reward in this world. Musab ibn Umair (ra) was one of them; he was killed at the battle of Uhud, leaving nothing but a cloak. When they covered his head with it, his feet emerged and when you covered his feet with it his head emerged. Rusool Allah (Saw) ordered his head to be covered with the cloak and some plants over his feet. Some Muslim’s the fruit has already ripened and they are harvesting them. So some people are receiving their reward for their deeds in duniya and some will receive it in Akhirah.
Abdur Rahman ibn Auf was one of the wealthiest of the sahabah (ra), food was served to Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra), he said, “Musab was killed yet he was better than me, a cloak was used as his shroud. Hamza was killed yet he was better than me, while we have been granted earthly favors.” He then wept until his food was cold.
Rusool Allah (saw) came and stood over Musab ibn Umair (ra) and he recited the ayat in SURAH AL-AHZAB (33:23)
Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration –
This ayat means that we have a covenant with Allah. Some people fulfill that promise and died like Musab ibn Umair (ra). And then Rusool Allah (saw) says, “I bear witness that these are Shuhada, so come and visit them, in the name of Whom my soul is in His Hands anyone who gives them salaam up to the Day of Judgement they would respond back to it.” This was narrated by Hakim (ra).
Sa’d ibn Rabi’a (ra) was one of the ansar, Rusool Allah (saw) wanted to know what happened to him. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Who will find out for me, what became of Sa’d ibn Rabi’a? Whether he is alive or dead?” So one of the ansar went looking for him, he saw Sa’d, he was in his last moments. The Ansari told Sa’d that, “Rusool Allah (saw) sent me to you, Are you dead or are you alive?” Sa’d (ra) said, “I am among the dead, inform the messenger of Allah this, Sa’d ibn Rabi’a says to you, ‘May Allah reward you on our account better than he ever rewarded any prophet on account of his nation’, and greet your people from me and tell them, Sa’d bin Rabi’a says to you, ‘you will find no excuse with Allah, if harm comes to your prophet, while you still have one eye to blink.’ ”
Rusool Allah (saw) asked this man to check out the status of Sa’d bin Rabi’a (ra), Rusool Allah (saw) told the man that, “If you find him alive, give him my salaam.” So Rusool Allah (saw) gave Sa’d a message and Sa’d gave Rusool Allah (saw) and the Muslims a message. Those were Sad’s last words. Sa’d asked Allah to reward Prophet Muhammed (saw) better than what Allah rewarded to the other Prophets (pbuh). Sa’d said this before he died. SubhanAllah, Sa’d was asking Allah to reward Muhammed (saw) even though it was because of Muhammed (saw) that Sa’d was then dying.
These Muslims of today are so stingy in giving their lives and wealth, when harm comes to them, if they think it is because of Islam, they will be willing to compromise their religion just to protect their duniya.
If we compare, the lives of ansaris are wrecked, their business is going down, their families suffered. Their entire livelihood is upside down because of giving refuge to Muhammed (saw) and the Muslims. Even then Sa’d ibn Rabi’a (ra) is asking Allah to reward Muhammed (saw). And then Sa’d tells his people that as long as they have life in them, they will have no excuse infront of Allah, even if Muhammed (saw) was pricked by a thorn! If Muhammad (saw) feels any pain while you are alive, you are to blame.. this was his message to his people. These were the ansar, who gave victory to the religion of Muhammed (saw).
Abdullah bin Jahsh (ra) and Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) met before the battle, Abdullah bin Jahsh said, “Lets go and make dua.” So they go together, one of them was going to make dua and the other one is going to say ameen. Sa’d bin Abi Waqas made his dua, he said, “Oh Allah! If I meet the enemy, then enable me to meet a strong fighter, who will fight me and I will fight him and then give me victory over him, and enable me to kill him, and take his armor.” Abdullah bin jahsh said, “Ameen”, Sa’d told him, that its now your turn. Abdullah bin Jahsh said, “Oh Allah! Enable me to meet a strong fighter, who would fight me and I would fight him, and then he would kill me and cut my nose and ear. So when I meet You, You will say ‘why was your ear and nose cut, Oh Abdullah?’ I will say, ‘for You and Your messenger’ and You will say, ‘you are speaking the truth.’” Sa’d bin Abi Waqas said, “Ameen.”
Sa’d bin Abi Waqas was narrating this story to his son and he said, “Oh my son, the dua of Abdullah was better than mine, by the end of the day, I saw his nose and his ear tied to a string. Allah did accept the dua of Abdullah bin Jahsh, and he did meet a strong man, who fought him and killed him. His body was mutilated, his nose was cut and his body was cut, and they were tied in a string.” This dua tells us that it is allowed to ask for death, if it is in Allah’s path.
Another story of a shaheed was of Khaithama (ra), Khaithama (ra) was an old man but he still wanted to fight, even though old men are excused from Qital. Khaithama’s son died as a shaheed in Badr. So Khaithama said, “I missed the battle of Badr, and I was so eager to join, but me and my son drew lots and he was awarded with martydom.” So one of them had to stay behind.
Khaithama (ra) then said, “I saw him last night in my sleep, he looked great and was enjoying the fruits of Jannah, he told me ‘come and be our companion in paradise, I have found what Allah promised me to be true.’ So oh Messenger of Allah! I swear by Allah I am so eager to join him in Jannah. I am old and my bones are soft, so ask Allah, oh Messenger of Allah, to award me shahadah. Allow me to join Sa’d in Jannah.”
So Khaithama (ra) was saying that he was getting old, and that if he doesn’t fight in the battle now, he was afriad he’ll die on his bed rather as dying as a shaheed. Rusool Allah (saw) did make dua for him, and he did die as a shaheed.
Wahab Al- Muzani, he wasn’t from Medina, they were outsiders from a tribe called Muzaina. He and his relatives were shepherds; they came to Medina with their sheep. They came to find Rusool Allah (saw). When they asked where everyone is, they found out that everyone is gone to fight the battle of Uhud. So they left their sheep, to join the battle. They came when Muslims were winning, they started to fight and when the kuffar became stronger, they carried on fighting. Rusool Allah (saw) saw a group approaching them, and he said, “Who will take care of this group?” Wahab Al-Muzani said, “I will”, so he advances and attacks them and he pushes them back. A second group comes in and Al-Muzani comes again and volunteers. He stops the men pushes them back, the third time Rusool Allah (saw) stands up and says to him, “Go and receive the glad tidings of Jannah.” So he went in to fight attacking this huge group, Rusool Allah (saw) saw this and said, “Oh Allah have mercy on him.” Wahab Al-Muzani kept on fighting until the swords shredded him and he was killed. When they found his body he had 20 fatal injuries and Umer bin Khattab (ra) said, “That is the best death I could wish for.” That is how Umar (ra) wanted to die, he had 20 injuries and each one of them was fatal and he was still fighting.
Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) after the battle of Qadisiya was approached by a man from Muzaina, his name was Bilal. Because his relatives didn’t get a share of the booty, so Sa’d asked this man, “Are you a relative of Wahab Al-Muzani?” He said, “Yes, I’m his nephew.” This whole event is happening 13 years later. Anyway so Sa’d said, “On that day when Rusool Allah (saw) was asking for volunteers, it was your uncle who was attacking them all the time. The third time I went and joined him, because I wanted to receive the same reward he would receive because I heard Rusool Allah (saw) say, ‘receive glad tidings of Jannah.’” So Sa’d mentioned how brave and courageous Wahab was until he was killed, so Sa’d said, “No state of death would I love to meet Allah with more than the state of death of Muzani.” Sa’d said, “When he was killed after the battle was over, I saw Rusool Allah (saw) stand on top of his grave when they were digging it and waiting right there until the burial was over, even though Rusool Allah (saw) was exhausted.” Rusool Allah (saw) was injured and he was tired and he could barely stand up but he he stood up on his grave until Wahab (ra) was buried. And then Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Oh Allah be pleased with him, because I am pleased with him.”
Amr bin Jamooh (ra), was another shaheed. Ibn Ishaq said, “My fathers related to me from elders of Banu Salima who said, ‘Amr bin Jamooh was a man who was exceedingly lame, he had four sons who fought battle like lions alongside the Messenger of Allah, when it came time for battle of Uhud, they wanted to restrain Amr saying that Allah has excused him. So he went to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, ‘my sons want to restrain me from going to battle with you, but by Allah I want to step this lame foot of mine into paradise.’ Rusool Allah (saw) told him, it is not obliged for you to fight since he was lame, but then Rusool Allah (saw) told his sons, ‘it is not your duty to restrain him, if he wants to fight let him go, Allah might well grant him martydom.’” And he did die as a shaheed. So it is allowed for a person to go for qital, even if he is excused from battles to fight. This also shows you, how eager the sahaba (ra) were to die as a shaheed.
CD#11
Hanzala (ra) (ra) was one of the Ansar; he got married right before the battle of Uhud. His first night with his wife was the night right before the battle of Uhud. Usually the mujahideen should spent that time at base, but Hanzala (ra) sought permission from Rusool Allah (saw) to allow him to go and spend that night with his wife, so he spends a night with his wife. Early in the morning he wakes up and prays Fajr with the sahabah (ra) and with Rasool Allah (saw). He goes back home, his wife holds on to him, they sleep together, and since it was getting late, he left without making ghusl.
Hanzala (ra) fights the battle of Uhud in that state, Hanzala (ra) was a foot soldier; he attacked Abu Sufyan who had a horse, so Hanzala (ra) was at a disadvantage. One of the enemy soldiers attacked him with his spear, which entered through Hanzala’s torso and comes out from the other side. Hanzala (ra) not giving up, tried to pursue the enemy that struck him, so the enemy attacked him again and hit him another time, and this time the blow killed Hanzala (ra).
After the battle was over Rasool Allah (saw) saw something strange, so he (saw) told someone to go and ask his wife about him. So they go and asked the wife of Hanzala(ra), Jameela was a righteous woman even though she was the daughter of the head of the munafiqeen (Abdullah bin Ubayy). Abdullah bin Ubayy had two righteous children; Jameela and Abdullah. Anyway so they go and talk to Jameela, she told them that, “I slept with my husband and he didn’t make ghusl and he left in a state of ritual impurity.” Rasool Allah (saw) said, “I saw Hanzala (ra) right there between the heaven and earth being carried by the angels and they were washing him with water from paradise in vessels of silk.” SubhanaAllah the angels came down to wash Hanzala (ra), thus he was known as, “The one washed by the angels.”
Another strange thing that occurred was that after Jameela slept with Hanzala (ra), she called in four witnesses to tell them that she had slept with Hanzala (ra). Which was very strange why should a husband and a wife tell other people about their personal life? So they asked her, why she was telling people this? She said, “Because I saw a dream, I saw that the sky opened, Hanzala went through and then the sky closed. So I interpreted that dream to mean that Hanzala would die as a shaheed.”
Now why in the world would a woman who just got married want to sleep with her husband and probably conceive from him when she knows that he will die the next day? It doesn’t make sense, the prudent think to do would be to avoid intercourse so that it would be easier for her to get married after that. Probably this shows that the sahabah had a different mindset than ours. They view the world in a different way, than us, in every matter. So for Jameela, she wanted to have a child with Hanzala because he was going to be a shaheed. She was happy that her husband was going to die as a shaheed. Though she knew life would be difficult for her in this world, but she did it for Allah, and Allah helps His slaves. Jameela ended up marrying Talhah bin Ubaidullah (ra), one of the great sahaba’s of Rusool Allah (saw). She did have a child with Hanzala (ra), his name was Abdullah. She also had a child with Talhah (ra) and his name was Muhammed. Muhammed was the one who was closest to Abdullah. So though Abdullah was an orphan, he got a lot of love from his step-father and half brother. So we should have taqwa and Allah will reward us with something better.
This also shows the love for Allah in the sahabah, even though Hanzala (ra) just got married, he eagerly went to the battle the next morning, and he didn’t just go to show that he was there, but he fought bravely and attained martydom. Brothers who have experienced marriage, if they go back to the day they got married, will probably know how attached to this world you feel during those days.
Abdullah bin Amr bin Haram told his son that, “You are the dearest thing to me in this world after Rusool Allah (saw) and I would have wished you to die as a shaheed, but I want you to take care of your sisters and pay my debt.” That is why his son stayed behind, and he went to fight and he was killed in Uhud. His son Jaber (ra) and his famly gathered around him and were weeping because of the loss of Abdullah bin Haram. Rusool Allah (saw) told them, “Whether or not you weep for him, the angels went on shading him with their wings until you have lifted him up.” So Rusool Allah (saw) was saying that it doesn’t make a difference if you cry or not, Abdullah (ra) is happy and then Rusool Allah (saw) meets Jaber and said, “Shall I give you some glad tidings?” He (saw) said, “Allah greeted your father right there at Uhud, where he was struck down, He (swt) then asked him, ‘What is your wish Abdullah?’ Abdullah replies, ‘Oh Lord! To return me to the world, so that I may fight again for You and be killed once more.’”
No one, absolutely no one wants to go back to the World except for the shaheed, because if the aginy of death, but since for the shaheed the moment of death is nothing but pleasure, they would want to go through it again.
Some of the virtues of shahadah are mentioned in hadith. Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:
The Prophet (saw) said: When your brethren were struck down at the battle of Uhud, Allah placed their spirits in the crops of green birds which go down to the rivers of Paradise, eat its fruit and nestle in lamps of gold in the shade of the Throne. Then when they experienced the sweetness of their food, drink and rest, they asked: Who will tell our brethren about us that we are alive in Paradise provided with provision, in order that they might not be disinterested in jihad and recoil in war? Allah Most High said: I shall tell them about you; so Allah sent down; (Surah Al-Imran verse 169-171)"And do not consider those who have been killed in Allah's path." till the end of the verse
So the shuhada wanted someone to encourage their brothers on Earth to fight in the path of Allah, and not to be reluctant to fight. So Allah Zaujal said that He will, thus the mentioned ayat were revealed (3:169-171).
So these ayat tell us:
1. Shaheed is alive
2. They wanted their brothers to carry on fighting
So this bond of brotherhood was so special between the mujahideen that even after they passed away, they wanted to convey a message to their mujahideen brothers. The shuhadah were so eager to convey this message that Allah (swt) conveyed their message for them.
It has been narrated on the authority of Masruq Who said: We asked 'Abdullah about the Qur'anic verse:" Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they are alive, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord.." (3:169). He said: We asked the meaning of the verse (from the Holy Prophet) who said: The souls, of the martyrs live in the bodies of green birds who have their nests in chandeliers hung from the throne of the Almighty. They eat the fruits of Paradise from wherever they like and then nestle in these chandeliers. Once their Lord cast a glance at them and said: Do ye want anything? They said: What more shall we desire? We eat the fruit of Paradise from wherever we like. Their Lord asked them the same question thrice. When they saw that they will continue to be asked and not left (without answering the question). they said: O Lord, we wish that You may return our souls to our bodies so that we may be slain in Your way once again. When He (Allah) saw that they had no need (other request), they were left (to their joy in heaven). (Muslim)
So SubhanaAllah Allah insisted an answer when Allah saw that they will give no other answer, then they were left to enjoy in heaven.
A story mentioned by Ibn Abi Duniya narrated by Attaf bin Khalid, he said that his aunt related it to him, “I rode one day to the graves of the martyrs, something she often did, and I stopped and prayed for a certain time near to the grave of Hamza. There was no one there in the valley except for the yews standing holding the head of my mount, when I had finished, I made a farewell gesture indicating, ‘peace be upon you’, then I heard the greeting being returned to me emanating from beneath the ground. I am as sure of this as I am, that All-Mighty and Glorious Allah created me and as I know night from day. Every hair on my body stood on end.”
Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Whoever visits the graves of the shuhada of Uhud and gives them salaam, they will respond back to it.”
Al Waqadi says, “When Mauwiya was about to dig the canal, he had a quire announce, ‘anyone who had a relative killed at Uhud should be a witness’, because this canal might cut through some of the graves. He wanted the relatives of he deceased to be there, so they could point out whose grave is it, and move them if necessary.”
Jaber (ra) said, “A man came to me and said, ‘Jaber some of Muawiya’s workers have uncovered your father to sight and part of him is outside the grave.’” So Jaber goes and he said, “When we dug for them I found my father in his grave, lying as though asleep unchanged. We also found that his companion in the grave Amr bin Jamooh, had his hand over a wound and when it was removed, it emitted blood, his spade struck the foot of Hamza and blood came out.” Jaber (ra) said, “We brought them as though they were buried the previous day.”
Ibn Kathir says, “And it is said that the grave of each one of them, may Allah be pleased with them, gave forth a scent of that of musk.” How long after they were buried was this??! 46 YEARS LATER! It was as if they were just buried, the scent of musk was still coming out of their graves.
It is Sunnah to bury a shaheed where they die, and not move to a different location. When some of the sahabah were taking the dead bodies to Medina, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Return them and have them buried at Uhud.” That is where the cemetery of the shuhada is, even though Medina was near so the bodies could have been carried to Medina but Rusool Allah (saw) wanted them buried in the site of the battlefield.
Bukhari narrates that Jaber (ra) said, “The Messenger of Allah would place one place of clothing over each two of the men killed at Uhud, and then would ask, ‘Which one of these had a better knowledge of Quran’, he would then place the one indicated in the grave first saying, ‘I will testify for these at the Day of Judgement.’” It shows how poor they were that they had to share the shroud between bodies.
Probably due to exhaustion they placed more than one person in each grave, and they placed the one who had more knowledge of the Quran first. Rusool Allah (saw) ordered that the shuhada be buried in their blood, (so they shouldn’t be washed), there was no namaaz –e – Janaaza because the shaheed is not dead. They shouldn’t be washed because Rusool Allah (saw) said that, “on the Day of Judgment, these injuries and this blood will be emitting the smell of musk.”
Anyway Rusool Allah (saw) prayed Zuhr sitting down due to the exhaustion of the battle, and then Rusool Allah (saw) asked the sahabah to line up, because he wanted to make dua. Rusool Allah (saw) recited the following dua, narrated by Imam Ahmed, “Oh Allah! To You is due all praise, Oh Allah, there us no grasp in what You have dispersed nor dispersing what You grasp. There is no guiding right those whom You have led astray. Nor any leading astray of those You have guided. There is no giving of what You have prevented, nor any prevention of what You have given. There is no drawing close what You have distanced, nor any distancing what You have drawn close. Oh Allah spread Your blessing your mercy, Your generosity and Your favors upon us. Oh Allah! I ask you those enduring blessings that never change or cease. Oh Allah I ask You for blessings at time of the probation and security and at time of fear. Oh Allah! I seek refuge with You, against the evil of which you have given us, as well as the evil from which you have saved us. Oh Allah have us view faith with favor and endear it to us well, have us view disbelief in morality and disobedience with antipathy. Place us among those who are well-guided. Oh Allah take us to Yourself as Muslims and give us life as Muslims, place us among the virtuous, not the shamed or the demented. Oh Allah do battle with those disbelievers, who give the lie to Your messengers and who oppose them, torment and punish them. Oh Allah do battle against those disbelievers who were given the scripture O God of truth.”
Ibn Ishaq said, “The battle of Uhud took place on Saturday in the middle of Shawwal on the morning of Sunday the 16th of Shawwal, the quire of the Messenger of Allah announced to the people that they should leave in pursuit of the enemy.”
Now the Muslims just came back from battle, they fought the battle on Saturday, and right away on Sunday morning there was an announcement, that they had to pick up their arms and pursue the enemy again. The mujahideen were tired, exhausted, injured; they had just lost 70 of their men in one day. The next day immediately following all this, they were supposed to carry on a fight. This was a big deal. The hypocrites didn’t want to leave for battle, so they started spreading rumors. This was because a rumour was spread that Abu Sufyan and his army were planning another attack, so the hypocrites said things like: Are you crazy?! Abu Sufyan won yesterday, and now they are regrouping and receiving reinforcements and you want to go and fight them again?
These rumors were having their effect, but Rusool Allah (saw said, “We’ll go out and meet them.” Ibn Ishaq said, “The purpose of the messenger of Allah in pursuing was to frighten the enemy, this was by making them aware that they were still powerful and that their losses had not so weakened them, that they could no longer face their enemy.” Rusool Allah (saw) was showing patience, steadfastness in face of danger, and he was showing persistence, these are important qualities Muslims, should have in the fight for the path of Allah. Even if you are defeated, you have to carry on fighting and continue to have faith and trust in Allah Zaujal.
Ibn Ishaq spoke about the outcome of this battle, he said, “The Khuza tribe, both, those of them who were Muslim and those who were unbelievers, were secretly the allies of Rusool Allah (saw) in Tihama, and their understanding with his was that they would not conceal anything that would happen there.” So these were tribes living in Tihama in Hijaz and whether Muslim or non-muslim, they were allies of Rusool Allah (saw), and they would bring information of any movements that would occur in their area.
Ma’bad at that time was a mushriq, a disbeliever, he told Rusool Allah (saw) on his way past Hamra Al-Asad, “Muhammed, we’re deeply sorry at what happened to your men and we hope from Allah to protect you and them.” So even though he was a mushriq, but he was supportive of Rusool Allah (saw) and he expressed his sorrow for the loss of Muslims. Ma’bad then left, while Rusool Allah (saw) was still at Hamra Al-Asad, he met up with Abu Sufyan and his men at Roha, they had decided to return to fight Rusool Allah (saw) and his men. They had concluded, “We have severly damaged the best of his companions and their chieftains and nobles, so should we now go home, before we uproot them completely? We should go back for the rest of them and be finished with them.” This was the plan of the kuffar. When Abu Sufyan saw Ma’bad he asked him, “How are things back up behind you Ma’bad?” he replied, “Muhammed has come out with his men, seeking you in a force the like of which I never saw before. They are truly enraged towards you, he has been joined by those who stayed behind, when you did battle with him and these men much regret what they did. The anger they have towards you is something the like of which I’ve never seen before.” This wasn’t true; Ma’bad was exaggerating the strength of the Muslims. Abu Sufyan said, “What are you suggesting?” He replied, “I swear, I don’t think you’ll be able to leave before you catch sight of the forelock of their cavalry.” Meaning they are coming fast, so Abu Sufyan said, “But we’ve decided to attack the rest of them.” Ma’bad said, “I really do advise you against that, I swear I was so affected by what I saw that I composed some verses on the subject.” Abu Sufyan asked what he composed, Ma’bad said,
“At the noise my mount almost shied
The earth screaming with masses of fine horses
Racing on their riders like noble lions
Men not effeminate in the fray and not poorly armed
I ran on thinking the earth itself moving
As they brought up a leader never to be forsaken
And I said, ‘woe to ibn harith when you meet the plane shakes beneath the lines of men
I warned the people of Mecca very plainly addressing every wise and sane man they have
Of the army of Ahmed, not some mixed rabble
And my warning should not be described as mere hearsay”
When Abu Sufyan heard this, his party was dissuaded and they went back. Ma’bad did a very good job in demoralizing the enemy and sending them back, by convincing them that they have no chance against the Muslims. Allah Zaujal revealed an ayat talking about the munafiqeen who didn’t want to fight in AL IMRAN (3:172-175)
Those [believers] who responded to Allah and the Messenger after injury had struck them. For those who did good among them and feared Allah is a great reward -
Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah , and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."
So the true believers’ response to the statement made by Allah is given in verse no. 173. And that these rumors would actually increase the faith of the true believers as they would say,"Sufficient for us is Allah , and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."
So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah , and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.
No fighting occurred. So they didn’t fight and even then the true believers received the pleasure of Allah.
That is only Satan who frightens [you] of his supporters. So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are [indeed] believers.
So Shaitan would come to us and say, the enemy is strong and the enemy is powerful, look at his weapons, their number, their resources etc, but this will be only from Shaitan, and if we trust Allah then Allah will give us victory.
The only prisoner of war that was taken by the Muslims at Uhud was Abu Azza. Abu Azza was the one captured by the Muslims at the battle of Badr and he told Muslims that he was poor and that he had daughters to take care of. At the time of Badr Rusool Allah (saw) had let him go without any ransom, but Rusool Allah (saw) took an oath from Abu Azza, that he would never fight against the Muslims. Abu Azza agreed to this oath, but in Mecca at the time of Uhud, the Quraish were convincing Abu Azza to fight he refused but they eventually did fool him and Abu Azza did join the army, and SubhanAllah he was caught again.
Abu Azza tries the same trick that he tried during Badr, by saying that he has daughters to take care off and that he is a poor man. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “I will not let you stroke your beard and say that you have deceieved Muhammed twice.” Rusool Allah (saw) ordered Abu Azza to be beheaded and then he said, “A believer will not be bitten twice from the same layer.” So A Muslim should not be naïve and fooled.
In the battle of Uhud, we have examples of good ending and evil ending, ending is what decides our fate in the Akhirah. Azzaman is an example of an evil ending, the man from Medina, he wasn’t interested in Islam, but when the Muslim went out to fight in the battle of Uhud, he joined in and whenever the name of Azzmaan would be mentioned infront of Rusool Allah (saw) he would say, “He is in hell-fire.”But the sahabah saw that he was fighting like a lion and he had killed atleast 7 disbelievers before he fell due to his wounds. This made some of them skeptical thinking: how could this man go to hell-fire when he had fought so hard against the disbelievers. Some of Azzmaan’s people came to him from Medina and congratulated him, so he said, “Why are you congratulating me for shahada? I didn’t fight for the sake of Islam, I fought for the sake of my people.” So this man fought with the wrong intentions, so he ended up going to the Hell-fire. He didn’t fight fi sabi lillah. This is an example of an evil-ending.
Mukhairiq was a jew, he said to his people, “Oh Jews! You have learned I swear by Allah, that it is your duty to help Muhammed to victory.” They said, “This is the Sabbath we’re not going to fight.” So he left them, and he said, “If I should fall, then my wealth goes to Muhammed as he wishes.” So not only does he fight along the Muslims, but he also dedicates his wealth to Muhammed (saw) if he passes away. Mukhairiq was killed, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Mukhairiq is the very best of Jews.” Asuhaili said, “The messenger of Allah, converted Mukhairiq’s property consisting of seven orchards into a ‘waqf’ a charitable endowment in Medina”, and Muhammed ibn kabal Qurazi said, “This was Medina’s very first waqf.” So the first endowment in Medina was that of a Jew.
There is a difference of opinion on whether he embraced Islam or died as a Jew, with the majority of them saying that he did actually embrace Islam and when Rusool Allah (saw) said that he is the best of Jews, he was referring to his ethnicity and not his religion.
And then there was Usairin, who was from Al-Aus, but he wasn’t interested in Islam, he was a mushriq. Usairin had not accepted Islam yet, when he went to Medina during the battle of Uhud, and asked, “Where is Sa’d bin Muadh?” He got the response, “he’s at Uhud.” He then asked where is so and so… and he everytime got the same response, that they’re at Uhud. Usairin said, “If all these people are fighting at Uhud, I’m going to join them.” And he did join the Muslims in Uhud, and he fought and he was wounded. Before he died, some of his relatives, when they saw him, they said, “This is Usairin! As far as we know, he wasn’t isterested in becoming a Muslim. What is he doing here?” They went up to him and said, “Usairin! Did you fight for the sake of Islam, or did you fight for the honour of you people?” He said, “No, I fought for the sake of Islam.” So Usairin was the opposite of azamaan, he then dies.
Rusool Allah (saw) said, “He is in Jannah.” Abu Huraira (ra) asked the people, he would quiz them and ask, “Tell me about a man who entered into Jannah, without praying one prayer to Allah Zaujal?” They wouldn’t know the answer, he would tell them, and “It was Usairin.”
Rusool Allah (saw) said in Bukhari, “He did very little, but he was rewarded a lot.” Therefore shahadah is the one deed that would guarantee the highest level of Jannah, without doing anything else. Here Usairin did not pray did not fast, did not do anything. All that he did was took his shahadah before he died as a shaheed and attained jannah.
Miracles of the Battle of Uhud:
1. The eye of Qatada: this was mentioned as a miracle in the battle of Badr, but it is mentioned as a miracle in Badr and Uhud. This is because there is a difference in opinion between the scholars between where and when it happened.
2. Ubayy bin Khalaf: He was the leader of the hypocrites. Ubayy bin Khalaf used to say, “I am going to kill Muhammed.” When that news reached Rusool Allah (saw), he said, “No, I will kill him.” So in the battle of Uhud, Ubayy ibn Khalaf charges at Muhammed (saw) on his horse. This horse used to be fed special food; like corn and he would say, “I am going to kill Muhammed on you.” So when he was charging at Muhammed (saw), the sahabah said that they wanted to volunteer and stop the attack. But Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t allow them. The Messenger of Allah (saw) picks up a spear and shakes it in his hand, the sahabah flew away, and then Rusool Allah (saw) throws it at Ubayy bin Khalaf who was covered in armor, you could only see his eye. There was a small opening between the helmet and his armor, at his neck, the spear struck him right there and it reached his neck but it couldn’t go through because of the steel armor. Ubayy ibn Khalaf falls from his horse, and he goes back runnning to his people bellowing like a bull screaming. They said, “What’s wrong with you?” He said, Muhammed killed him. They uncovered him, and they didn’t see any injury in his neck, they said, “There is nothing wrong with you, why are you so terrified?” He said, “Because Muhammed told me that he will kill me, if he did nothing but spit on me, I would die.”
SubhanAllah, they believed every word of Rusool Allah (saw) so much. Just because Rasool Allah (saw) said, that he (saw) will kill him, Ubayy thought that it will happen as Rasool Allah (saw) said it.
In another narration he said, “If the pain I am suffering is distributed amongst all the people in Mecca, it will be sufficient to kill them.” And very shortly after, he died. This is a miracle as what Rasool Allah (saw) prophesied came true. This is the only person who we know Rasool Allah (saw) killed in battle, there may be others but Ubayy bin Khalaf is the only one who’s name is known.
Rasool Allah (saw) sais, “Great is Allah’s wrath, against the man whom the Messenger of Allah kills in Allah’s cause.” So the worst of men is the one whom the Messenger of Allah kills.
Abdullah bin Umer said one night when he was travelling, in the same place where Ubayy bin Khalaf was killed, he said, “suddenly I saw flames of fire and then I saw a man being dragged in chains asking for water and the response was, ‘don’t provide him with any water, this is a man who was killed by the Messenger of Allah.” So Abdullah ibn Umer was able to see the torment of Ubayy bin Khalaf. You see, it happens that some men will be able to see the punishment of the kuffar or the pleasure of Muslims. This could happen in dreams, or it could happen in front of you as what happened with Abdullah bin Umer. So some people might be shown scenes from the Unseen by the will of Allah.
The Role of women
Its important to talk about this topic because we want our brothers to have role models and our sisters to have role models among the sahabiyat. Since both men and women are now far away from the lifestyles from the way of the sahabah, these sahabah were the ones who best understood Islam. They were the best generation who were closest to the truth, therefore their way is the best way. Whenever you find that what you are doing or thinking is different from the way of the sahabah, then realise that your way is the wrong way.
The Sahabiyat in the battle of Uhud, used to provide water and medical assisstance. Anas ibn Malik said in Bukhari, “I saw Aisha bint Abi Bakr and Umm Saleem tucking up their clothes and I could see their legs (this is before hijab), and they were carrying buckets of water on their shoulders and they would pour the water in the mouths of the soldiers and then they would go back and fill them again, and do the same.” We can also notice that jihad is a family effort, the women participates the men participates, here you have Aisha (ra) the wife of the leader, Rusool Allah (saw) serving the men of the army. Kab ibn malik said, “Hamana bint jahsh used to provide water to the thirsty and she would give medical assisstance to the injured and Umm Aiman used to provide water to the injured.”
Anas ibn Malik would say, “When Rusool Allah (saw) would go out to fight in battle, he would take with him Umm Saleem and some woman from the Ansar, to serve the army.” This shows you that woman would accompany the army of Rusool Allah (saw). In the time of Umer bin Khattab (ra) he received pieces of cloth, he was handing them out to the women of Medina. So some of the nice cloth was left so someone there said, “Oh Amir ul Mumineen, give this to the daughter of Rasool Allah (saw), your wife.” They were referring to the daughter of Ali (ra), who was actually the granddaughter of Rasool Allah (Saw), she was umm e Kulthum bint Ali bint Abi talib. Umer bin Khattab said, “No, Umm Salit deserves it more, she was one of the women of Al-Ansar who gave allegiance to Rusool Allah (saw) and she was the one giving us water on the day of Uhud.”So Umer (ra) recognized the effort of this woman years later. And in this event an ansari woman deserved recognition for her efforts and this shows us why had Allah called these people the ‘Ansar’.
Fatima also participated, Bukhari said, narrated by Narrated Sahl bin Saud As-Sa'idi: “When the helmet broke on the head of the Prophet and his face became covered with blood and his incisor tooth broke (i.e. during the battle of Uhud), 'Ali used to bring water in his shield while Fatima was washing the blood off his face. When Fatima saw that the bleeding increased because of the water, she took a mat (of palm leaves), burnt it, and stuck it (the burnt ashes) on the wound of Allah's Apostle, whereupon the bleeding stopped.
Not only did the women have supporting roles for the army like; providing water or giving medical assistance, but there are also incidents where women fought with the sword.
An example of this is Nusaybah bint Ka'b al-Maziniyyah (ra), she was a strong woman. She fought along the Muslims in Uhud, and other battles. She even fought in the time of Abu Bakr’s (ra) Khilafa against Musailamah, and when she died her granddaughter who had washed her said, “She had 13 injuries in her body and the worst of them was the scar left behind because of the sword of Ibn Qamiah, (the one who injured Rusool Allah (saw) struck her on her shoulder when she stood infront of Rasool Allah (saw) to defend him.” This injury caused by Ibn Qamiah was so bad that she suffered the pain from it for one year that is how bad it was. She also suffered injuries in other battles like in the battle against Musailamah, in the time of Abu Bakr (ra), the way her injuries of that battle was healed was by pouring boiling oil over them, she (ra) said, “The process of healing was worse and more painful than the injuries themselves.”
SubhanAllah even though she had such severe injuries at Uhud, when Rusool Allah (saw) wanted to go to Hamra Al-Asad the next day, she wanted to go too. But when she stood up she collapsed, she couldn’t go any further. This is how strong the drive in her spirit was (may Allah be pleased with her). When Rasool Allah (saw) went to Hamra Al-Asad immediately when he came back, he sent someone to ask about her, and he came back to Rasool Allah (saw) and said, “She’s getting better” and hearing this Rasool Allah (saw) was very happy. This also shows you, how much the Rasool Allah (saw) cared for the sahabah. He would ask about them, always staying in touch with their life, basically the sahabah were always on his mind.
Examples of the patience of the sahabiyat: Safiya (ra) was the sister of Hamza (ra), and when she received the news that hamza was killed; she wanted to go and take a look at his body. We have mentioned how Hamza’s (ra) body was mutilated so Zubair stops her and she pushes him aside and said, “Why are you stopping me? I have been told how my brother has been mutilated, that was in Allah’s cause, and that fact has comforted us. I will keep myself under control and remain calm, if Allah wills it.” Hamza (ra) was mutilated badly, they cut his nose, his ears, his private parts, and they opened up his stomach and chest, so he was badly disfigured. But Safiya (ra) insisted on seeing him, and Rasool Allah (saw) allowed her, she went and stood over the body of Hamza (ra). Ibn Ishaq said, “She looked at him, said a prayer over him, asked forgiveness for him and spoke the words: ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him do we return.’” This is how she dealt with the calamity of losing her brother and seeing him in that condition.
Another example is Hamra bint Jahsh, she was the sister of Abdullah bin Jahsh. We talked about what happened with Abdullah bin Jahsh (ra), Hamra’s father and her husband Musab bin Umair also died. So she lost the three closest men in her life. When the Muslims came to her they said, “Your father has passed away”, she said calmly, “To Allah we belong, and to Him do we return.” They then told her, “Your brother, Abdullah has died”, she remained calm and said, “To Allah we belong, and to Him do we return.” And then they said, “And your husband Musab bin Umair died”, she then screamed.
Ibn Ishaq narrated when Rusool Allah (saw) saw that, he said, “A woman’s husband has a very special place with her.” And in the narration of Ibn Majah, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “A husband alone has control over his wife’s feelings.” So the husband is special to a wife. So Hamra bin Jahsh broke down when she heard the news of her husband, when they asked her why, she said, “That is because I remembered that my children will be orphaned.” Rasool Allah (saw) made dua for her.
Another example is Addeenarriya, she lost her husband, father and brother. They came to her and said, “Your husband, brother and father were killed.” She said, “And how is the Messenger of Allah?” They said, “He is fine, he is just as you might wish”, she said, “Show him to me, I want to see him.” And when Rusool Allah (saw) was pointed out to her, she said, “Every loss, other than you is trivial.” So she was saying that it doesn’t matter what she loses, whatever she loses is trivial as long as the Messenger of Allah (saw) is fine.
Dear brothers and sisters, we talk a lot about loving Rusool Allah (saw), we talk about sacrifice. These will remain intangible, theoretical concepts until you see how the sahabah lived them. If you want to know what it means to love Rusool Allah (saw), take a look at this woman, she receives the news of the death of her husband, father, and brother, and the only the only thing she thinks about is Rusool Allah (saw). She wanted to see him, to satisfy herself that Rusool Allah (saw) was alive and safe. This is what it means to love Rusool Allah (saw).
CD#12
We all know that Uhud was a defeat, but the amazing thing is that Ibn ul Quyyum thinks otherwise, he says it was a victory for the Muslims. The reason why he said that was because Uhud was a goldmine for lessons to be learned.
Most of the lessons we will see in the light of the Quran; from Surah Al-Imran. Surah tul Anfal was revealed after the battle of Badr and Surah Al-Imran was revealed after the battle of Uhud.
LESSONS FROM THE BATTLE OF UHUD
1. Study history: Allah Zaujal says in (3:137)(3:138)
Similar situations [as yours] have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied.
So go and travel and study history to see what happened to nations before. Look at the conflict between good and evil and see the results. Learn lessons from history.
This [Qur'an] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.
Now we cannot believe in history if we do not believe in the authenticity of the rule of cause and effect. We have to believe that causes do lead to a certain result. If that isn’t the case then there is no benefit in studying history, because when we study history, we are actually looking at causes that lead to certain results. So we need to look at the believers of the early history and compare them with the disbelievers of nations and learn our lessons from them. Allah is telling us to study history to learn the lessons not entertain ourselves.
Studying history is exactly what we are doing now, because we are studying the seerah of Muhammed (saw) and this is the greatest part of history. We are studying the life of the final prophet, who’s message will be carried on till the Day of Judgment..
We have sent you as mercy to all mankind (21:107)
Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Every prophet before me was sent to his specific nation, while I am sent to all mankind.”
Allah Zaujal says in (3:139)
So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.
This was revealed after the defeat at Uhud, when the Muslim spirit was low. Allah Zaujal is telling the Muslims not to weaken or grieve. So Allah is telling the Muslims that if you are true believers then victory is with the them.
Another verse which was revealed after the defeat of Uhud was (3:110)
You are the best nation produced for mankind
This verse didn’t come after, Badr, after Fateh- mecca , or when the Islamic empire was covering 2/3rd of Earth. This was revealed after the worst defeat that the Muslims suffered from at the time of Rusool Allah (saw). This shows that the Muslims are the best nation even if they are weak, oppressed, or defeated. Allah was reminding the Muslims who they are.
Allah Zaujal says in (3:140-143)
If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers –
And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?
And you had certainly wished for martyrdom before you encountered it, and you have [now] seen it [before you] while you were looking on.
There are several lessons in these four verses:
2.’ If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it…’ What does this indicate? Because Muslims had lost the battle of uhud, they lost their morals and were depressed. So Allah was telling them, they what happened to you in the battle of Uhud, happened to the Quraish in the battle of Badr. If you are suffering wounds now, they suffered wounds then. If the Muslims are suffering defeat, then the Quraish suffered a defeat a year ago. Also that if the Quraish’s loss didn’t prevent them from fighting at Uhud, then the wounds of the Muslims at Uhud should not prevent the Muslims from carrying on the fight. So Allah is asking the Muslims not to give up, their spirits must remain high. If some of the Muslims are killed then be patient, if you lost be patient. Have perseverance be steadfast.
3. ‘.. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people..’ So one day the Quraish won, and one day the Muslims won, that is how it is in this life. Winning and Losing is part of life. Ibn Al- Quyyum said, “It was the wisdom of Allah and His way with his prophets and their followers that they would once win, and once loose but in the end they are the victorious.” So the end result is that Islam will win, however until we reach that stage, it will be a win and loose situation. Ibn Al-Quyyum then said, “If the believers always win, then others would join them, and then it wouldn’t be clear, who are the believers and who are not.” So to distinguish between the believers and the disbelievers, there needs to be these alternating conditions between the truth and falsehood. If there wasn’t such a situation then, people would join the Muslims for worldly reasons. Then he said, “And if the Muslims are always losing, then the objective of sending the Prophets will not be fulfilled.” The objective is to spread Islam, throughout the World. So it is not appropriate to always win, and it is not appropriate to always lose. So the losing phase separates the believers from the munafiqeen and the winning phase would spread the religion.
4. ‘..So that Allah may make evident those who believe..’: As we mentioned before, the true test of emaan is Jihad in the path of Allah. That is the true test, and that is where the fakeness shows. So Allah Zaujal is saying is that He wanted to separate the believers from the munafiqeen.
5. ‘..and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs..’: Ibn Al-Quyyum says, “Martyrdom is among the highest levels, in the eyes of Allah Zaujal, and the martyrs are the ones whom Allah drives closer to Him. And how can there be martyrs if Allah Zaujal doesn’t allow the enemy to kill some of the Muslims.” So if shahadah is such a high status then how are people going to achieve it? The only way to achieve it is for Allah to allow the enemy to kill the believers. So this was one of the wisdoms of the battle of Uhud, Allah Zaujal drew towards him 70 shuhada.
6.’And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials..’: Ibn Al-Quyyun has some interesting words, he said, “Allah Zaujal loves some of his servants so much, he reserves for them high places in Jannah. However the deeds of this servant are not sufficient enough to take him up to that level.” So how could that person achieve it? It is by Allah making that person go through trials in this World by suffering hardships and pain, and that is how this person’s status can be raised in Paradise. So Allah Zaujal loved these sahabah so much, but because their deeds are not sufficient enough to take to that level reserved for them in Jannah, Allah Zaujal made them go through battle of Uhud, and suffer the pain, hardship, injury, suffering the sorrow when the rumor spread that Rusool Allah (saw) was killed, and defeat. Ibn Al-Quyyum says, “It’s a purification process”.
7. ‘..and destroy the disbelievers.’: And Allah dislike some of the kuffar so much that Allah has places reserved them in the hell-fire. Allah Zaujal destroys them through their actions in duniya. So the fact that the kuffar defeated the Muslims and the muslim had to suffer so much by the hands of the kuffar, this is actually destruction for the kuffar. For Ibn Qamiah to strike Rusool Allah (saw) and Utba bin Abi Waqas to strike Rusool Allah (saw)… is that good thing for them? Is that something to be happy about? That is the worst thing that ever happened to them in their lives, and they will surely be condemned to hell-fire for eternity for it. So Allah dislike some of the kuffar, and they deserve his damnation and eternal punishment because of the actions that they committed in this World.
So when we see that a certain nation of Kufr, it appears that it has free range to do whatever they want to the Muslims, to kill them, harass them, torture them, throw them in prisons without any charges… we should stop and think, is that good news for them? That is a sign that Allah is angry with those people. That is a sign of what will happen to them on the Day of Judgment. So Allah gives these tyrants chances in this world, so that they can rightfully achieve hell-fire.
We can take the example of Pharoan, how he punished the children of Israel for years, so is that something Pharaon should be happy about? Allah was actually building a case against him, by which he has no way to escape hell-fire. On the Day of Judgment, all that they have done will be presented. Allah know the evil of their hearts, and He makes it manifest with actions, so that they wouldn’t be able to defend themselves.
8. ’Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast.’ Don’t think that you can make it to Paradise without Jihad in the path of Allah, Allah is telling the Muslims, and that they have to go through these stages. You cannot claim your place in paradise, without Jihad in the path of Allah, and consequently it will show your steadfastness. So Allah is telling the Muslim that Islam is not a mystic religion, in which you do a few rituals and then can enter Paradise. Allah will test people in the field; Allah Zaujal has some serious demands for us, because He will then give us Paradise in return. We have to work for paradise. We have to remember that even Rusool Allah (saw) will enter Paradise by the mercy of Allah, so our deeds will never be good enough for paradise that is how amazing Paradise will be. But we are still expected to do our best.
After the battle of Badr, the outstanding victory for the Muslims, the ones who missed it were looking forward to fight at Uhud, a lot of them were asking of shahadah. But that is all desires, something they kept in their heart. That means you can have the intention… but is that intention real? So Allah Zaujal said in the verse above (3:143) In other words, actual fighting was necessary to verify whether their wishes were true or not. SubhanAllah maybe a lot of them weren’t sure what they wanted until they actually got in the battlefield. Many of us may have intentions in our hearts to be a shaheed but does that mean that when we see an opportunity we would actually make an effort to fulfill our intention? This is something only Allah knows, and that is why He brought such situations to make evident what was in their hearts.
9. Treating mistakes: How did Allah treat the mistakes of the sahabah (ra)? Allah Zaujal has never ever praised the Muslims for their victory, even after Badr there was no verse in which Allah was praising the Muslim, infact Allah said in (3:126)
And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Wise –
So Allah didn’t give the Muslims credit for the battle of Badr, also remember when there was a dispute on what to do with the prisoners of war .. Allah revealed (8:68).
If not for a decree from Allah that preceded, you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment.
So After the battle of Badr, Allah said that He could have punished the Muslim, for Allah did not agree to the decision the Muslims took, for the prisoners of war. Allah said that because the Muslims wanted the ransom, they did not execute the prisoners.
This tells us something. After the Battle of Badr, Allah Zaujal wanted to clean the hearts of the Muslims from all diseases. Incase the Muslim were feeling any feelings of pride, or arrogance, that was removed by Allah. Allah reminded the Muslims, that victory was only because of Allah.
While after the battle of Uhud, the Muslims were distressed and their morales were low. Allah Zaujal raised their spirits, by comforting them by telling them that Allah has forgiven the Muslims. The Muslims had a committed a sin by disobeying the Prophet, by coming down that hill and they committed a sin by being hungry for this World… but in the end Allah tells them that He forgave them.
10. Allah Zaujal is turning our attention to the previous mujahideen. Allah Zaujal says in verses (3:146-148)
And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah , nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.
And their words were not but that they said, "Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."
So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.
What can we learn from these ayat? Allah Zaujal is saying that the Prophets before you fought and alsongside them fought religious schlolars. So the scholars should not sit at home, they should stand with their Prophets and fight. After a while when scholars, from all religions, gain respect from the people, they have a certain status is society. Scholars wear special clothes and they act in a special way. This all could be superficious, scholars don’t go through what soldiers go through like they stay away from the dirt, and they don’t have to sleep on hard ground or maybe don’t even have to miss their sleep. They arent used to suffering pain, they at times might forget they are equal to everybody else. Probably Shaitan says to the scholar that, ‘you don’t have to go through all that, you have knowledge, just stay at home and teach people. That would be enough.’ So Allah Zaujal is saying is saying that, that is not the way of the righteous scholars. The righteous one, were in the field with the prophets.
‘..But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah , nor did they weaken or submit..’: So when the schoars lost, they were never affected by this set back. Don’t let is pull you down. Believers have to carry on, and stay steadfast. ‘.. they said, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs..’, This is very important, when you fight for the sake of Allah, you don’t depend on your preparation, you depend on Allah. Muslims should seek forgiveness from Allah. The fighters should make them humble infront of Allah, that is something Allah loves from his servants. So Allah is telling the Muslim ummah what the mujahideen before Muhammed (saw) used to do. This was their way, and after they admit their sins to Allah they would say ‘..plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people..’, and that is when Allah Zaujal has given them the reward of this life and the hereafter.
11. The evil of disobedience: Disobeying Rusool Allah (saw) is a grave sin that is why they lost the battle of Uhud. Allah Zaujal says in AN-NISA (4:59)
Oh you who have believed, obey Allah and Obey the messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day, That is the best way and the best result.
If we have a dispute over any affair, we take it back to Quran and sunnah, that is our reference and after the Messenger of Allah you we the Amir.
12. Preferring this World over Akhirah: The story of this Ummah with the booty of war is a sad one. It started in the battle of Badr, when Allah revealed the verse of surah Al-Anfal and Obada bin Al-Samit said, “these ayat were revealed because we the sahabah disputed over the booty and our manners were not appropriate.”And in the battle of Uhud, the booty was the reason why archers came down. They were eager to participate in collecting the booty, and subhanAllah this problem carried on, yes there were some Muslims who learned their lesson but there were others who didn’t.
What stopped the Muslim conquest in Western Europe was booty! The Muslims, when they entered into Spain, Abdur Rahman Al-Ghafiqi was the ameer of the Muslims and he was leading them into France now. They succeeded in conquering almost two-thirds of France, they were 100 km away from Paris, the capital, and they were almost going to run over France but by the time they reached the outskirts of Paris they were loaded with booty. So then the soldiers instead of thinking of the enemy were thinking of their share of the booty, and that weakened the army. They ended up losing the battle called ‘The Court of Martyrs’. It was given this name because of the huge number of Muslims that were killed; among them was one of the greatest heroes of the Muslim army, Abdur Rahman Al-Ghafiqi. That marked the end of the Muslim advance in Western Europe; from there on it was retreat. The turning point was due to booty.
Abdullah bin Masud (ra) said, “I did not know that there was among us, the companions of Rusool Allah (saw), people who prefered duniya over Akhirah.” Allah Zaujal says, “Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the hereafter.”
So Abdullah bin Masud (ra is saying that he never knew that there were such people among the mumineen! This tells us how Jihad fi sabi lillah exposed so many things which would never have been discovered otherwise.
13. We should hold on fast to our religion: When the rumors spread that Muhammed (saw) was killed, some of the Muslims were trying to find a way to meet with Abdullah bin Ubayy to have him negotiate with the kuffar of Quraish. Allah Zaujal taught us a lesson, He said in (3:144)
Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.
So Allah tells the Muslims that there have been other Messengers before Muhammed (saw) and they are dead now. So Muhammed (saw) is like all of them, and Muhammed (saw) too will die like the others. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? Allah then questions the Muslims, that will they turn to disbelief after the death of Muhammed (saw). Just because Muhammed (saw) died doesn’t mean that we give up our religion. Islam does not depend on personalities, the faith of this religion does not hinge to any person, even if that person is the great and noble Muhammed (saw). So we should never think, or feel that if such and such person is killed the advance of Islam will stop. Victory is not dependant on any leader. That is why Umer bin Khattab (ra) fired Khalid bin Waleed (ra) from his post as the general of the Muslim army. Umer (ra) wanted people to know that victory is not because of Khalid bin Waleed, victory is because of Allah. So the Muslims who depend on particular leader should only depend on Allah.
That is when Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) after the death of Rusool Allah (saw), he said to the people, “Whoever worships Muhammed, Muhammed is dead, but whoever worships Allah, Allah is alive and never dies.”
He who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all: So Allah tells us that, we are the ones who need Allah, Allah does not need us.
14. How did the Prophet (saw) deal with the archers and the hypocrites? Both disobeyed him. He dealt with each differently. Allah Zaujal says in (3:159)
So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
So Allah is telling Muhammed (saw) that your (saw) message of dawah is based on being lenient and soft, not harsh in word or speech, or in his (saw) heart. Allah Zaujal tells Muhammed (saw) to pardon the archers and ask forgiveness for them. SubhanAllah, we lost because of the archers, Rusool Allah (saw) was injured because of them, 70 Muslims were killed because of them and then Allah tells Muhammed (saw) to pardon them, not only that but Allah also wanted him (saw) to ask forgiveness for them.
We talked about the shura (asking for advice), and we said that some of the Muslims, especially the ones who missed the battle of Badr were asking Rusool Allah (saw) to go out and fight outside Medina, this however wasn’t the opinion of Rusool Allah (saw). This was also probably one of the reasons why they lost, nevertheless Allah Zaujal said, “and consult them in the matter.” Even if consultation has lead to defeat at Uhud, Allah is saying don’t let that prevent Muhammad (saw) from making shura again. Shura is the right way to go. That tells us the importance of shura in Islam, and once the decision is made, reliance should be upon Allah. So Muhammed (saw) was asked to pardon, ask forgiveness for the archers and consult the archers.
How did Muhammed (saw) deal with the hypocrites?
And what struck you on the day the two armies met was by permission of Allah that He might make evident the [true] believers.
And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend." They said, "If we had known [there would be] fighting, we would have followed you." They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most Knowing of what they conceal –
Allah exposed what was in the hearts of the munafiqeen, and that was it. They were not punished, they were just exposed. They are some Muslims, in fact some movements which are based on a false hypothesis. There are some Muslims who say: for the Ummah to succeed, and be victorious, we have to invite them all to truth and they all have to obey Allah and avoid sins. As long as there are Muslims who don’t pray, Muslims who are committing sins, we are not going to win, and we are not going to win until the Muslims who pray in Fajr are equal to the ones who pray in Jumaa. They then bring up this incident of this rabbi who went to this holy mosque in Jerusalem and said, ‘Jerusalem will fall in Muslim hands when the people who pray in Fajr are equal to the ones who pray in Jumaa.’ As if it is the rabbis who are receiving revelations from Allah Zaujal.
That is not a correct hypothesis! There will ALWAYS be more Muslims in Jumma compared to Fajr prayers, and there will always be Muslims who commit sins, there will always be Muslims who will not fulfill their obligations. If you are waiting for victory, when all the Muslims are obedient then that will never happen. The proof that this hypothesis is wrong is the fact that 1/3rd of the Muslim army, who were hypocrites, defected and this did not affect the outcome of the battle of Uhud. The munafiqun who departed from the army were not the reason why the Muslims were defeated. This wasn’t mentioned as a reason in the Sunnah and this wasn’t mentioned as a reason in the Quran.
Since there will always be hypocrites among the Muslim Ummah, they will not affect the outcome of the battle between good and evil. The outcome is affected by the core group of Muslims called, ‘Taif Al-Mansoora’. Rusool Allah (saw) has talked about a core group of Muslims called At-Taif Al-Mansoora, this is the saved group, and it is them that have to be on the straight path. If they start sinning then the Muslims will lose. Outcome depends on them, not the entire Ummah. Their disobeying Rusool Allah (saw) on that hill is what led to the defeat of Muslims. It was the action of those 40 Muslims on the hill that lead to defeat; it wasn’t the 300 that left with Abdullah bin Ubayy. Allah Zaujal says in (3:152)
And Allah did indeed fulfil His Promise to you when you were killing them (your enemy) with His Permission; until (the moment) you lost your courage and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed after He showed you (of the booty) which you love. Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He made you flee from them (your enemy), that He might test you. But surely, He forgave you, and Allah is Most Gracious to the believers.
15. You would expect the site of Uhud to bring sad memories to Muhammed (saw), the defeat, the loss of his loved ones including his uncle Hamza (ra). Also the injuries he suffered, but Rusool Allah (saw) was optimistic and he hated pessimism. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Uhud is the mountain that loves us, and we love it.” And Rusool Allah (saw) says, “Uhud is the mountain in Paradise.” Rusool Allah (saw) did associate the mountain of Uhud, with sad memories, but he was not a negative person MashaAllah. We should throw away all our pessimism, whenever we think of the Battle of Uhud, we should think of love for Allah. We should not think of hardship and pain. As a result we should keep in mind that a Muslim should always look at the bright side of things, we should be optimistic.
16. The rules for victory and defeat are in Surah Al-Anfal and Al-Imran: There are many rules in other surahs but we will refer to Al-Imran and Al-Anfal because these two were revealed after Uhud and Badr respectively.
Rules for victory:
- Victory is from Allah: Allah says in (8:10)
And victory is not but from Allah, so it belongs to Him…
- If Allah wants to give you victory, then no power on Earth can stop that from happening, so we should fear no one. He gave victory to Musa (as) even though he was fighting against Pharaoh.. Allah Zaujal sasys in (3:160)
If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.
So we should rely on Allah, if we don’t rely on Allah then He will forsake us.
- Attachment to this world, and prefering it over Akhirah is a reason for defeat, Allah Zaujal said in (3:152)
And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers.
So one of the reasons for losing was the Muslim’s desire for this world, other reasons was disobeying Rusool Allah (saw) and disunity.
· Numbers are not the cause of victory or defeat. Allah Zaujal says in (3:123)
And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful.
While Allah Zaujal says in the Battle of Hunayn in SURAH TAUBAH (9:25)
Allah has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the day of îunayn, when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth was confining for you with its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing.
Even in the battle of Huanyn, the Muslims had lost, even though they were great in number, while many times many small parties have defeated larger parties by the will of Allah. This has even happened before the coming of Muhammed (saw).
· Obeying Allah and his messenger
· Unity
· Perseverance: Allah says in SURAH AL-ANFAL (8:46)
And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
· Preparation: be prepared but don’t depend on preparation. Allah Zaujal asks us to be prepared physically, mentally, spiritually and ofcourse militarily. Allah Zaujal says in (8:60)
And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.
· Steadfastness
· Remembrance of Allah
The last two points steadfastness and remembrance of Allah is mentioned in one verse, Allah Zaujal says in (8:45)
O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allah much that you may be successful.
So Muslims stand firm facing the enemy of Allah and remember Allah to be successful. Allah also says in (8:15)
O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [for battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight].
17. Why were youths such as Samra Ibn Jandab, Rafi' Ibn Khdeij, 'Arabeh Ibn Aus, and Abdullah ibn Umer so eager to fight in the battle of Uhud? One might argue that the reason is that they belonged to a militant society, so that is why these kids wanted to join the battle. That is not necessarily the case because on one hand we have youngsters such as these who wanted to join the army on the other hand 300 troops from the army defected. So it wasn’t about the society. The issue here is imaan. The ones with imaan were eager to join while the ones without it were eager to run away. Abdullah ibn Ubayy and his three hundred men defected from Uhud, they refused to fight, and they also refused to join in many other battles like Tabuk and Khandaq.
18. One can see the characteristics of the munafieen in this battle; they refused to fight in Uhud because of fear of death. When Rusool Allah (saw) came back and he wanted to pursue Abu Sufyan, what is referred to as ghazwat e Hamra Al-Asad, the munafiqeen then wanted to join. But Rusool Allah (saw) refused to allow them, he (saw) only allowed the ones who were present at Uhud. The only reason they wanted to join in Hamra Al-Asad was because they thought there was a good possibility of winning, which would mean they would get booty of war. They hypocrites wanted the worldly benefits of Islam, but they refused to submit to the demands of Islam. So this battle exposed the hypocrites.
When a person follows Islam when it gives worldly benefit and to turns his/her back to Islam when it asks for sacrifice is a sign of hypocrisy. It applies to many situations, and one should check themselves. Do we become excited when an Islamic activity has a worldly benefit? But when it becomes demanding, then do we back off?
For example there are some parents who are very happy about Islam when it talks about the obedience of children to their parents, the rights of the parents, and they love all those ahadith. However when it comes to the part of Islam, when it asks to send your son to fight fi sabi lillah, they don’t want that part, and they don’t want their children to hear that part. We should be careful and not fall into the category of hypocrisy. Allah Zaujal asks us to take Islam in its entirety. When Rusool Allah (saw) took the pledge from the Ansar, he said, “You obey me in times of ease and in times of difficulty.”
Ibn Al Quyyum says that one of the benefits of Uhud is, “to show the servitude of the sahabah (ra), that they are willing to worship Allah Zaujal in times of ease and in times of difficulty. So if they are firm and steadfast on their religion in both situations, that is a sign of true servitude. That is unlike people who only worship Allah in one condition.” So sometimes people worship Allah when things get tough, for example all of those bachelors out there, they would pray in every dua and every sujood, ‘Oh Allah I want to get married.’ They would pray all the time, and soon as they get married they stop making dua. So that is an example of people who worship Allah in only one condition. The example for this is in the Quran, of the people who were stuck in the middle of the ocean, their only hope was Allah. But when Allah saved them, they went back to their idols.
19. Ibn ul-Quyyum also says, “Allaz Zaujal tested them by them being defeated and humiliated and weakened them and that made them humble, and that is when Allah accepted their duas.” Allah accepts dua made in humility and in servitude. Allah Zaujal said in (3:123) And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful. While in Battle of Hunain, as mentioned before because they were dependant on their numbers, the Muslims lost.
20. Ibn ul-Quyyum says, “Uhud was a preparation for the most catastrophic event that would ever happen to the Muslims.” This event was so great that the Muslims needed to go through some sort of training, to be prepared for it, and this event was the death of Rusool Allah (saw).
THESE WERE THE LESSONS FROM THE BATTLE OF UHUD
CD#13
Now, we’ll talk about the events between Battle of Uhud, and Khandaq
Rusool Allah (saw) heard news that Banu Asad are mobilizing forces to attack Medina, these are tribes in Najd and were headed by Tulaiha Al-Azdi. This man is quite fascinating, his story is quite interesting. First he started out by despising Islam and fighting Rusool Allah (saw) and then later became Muslim, later after Rusool Allah (saw) passed away he apostates and claimed to be a prophet! After that he changed his mind and became a Muslim again and died as a mujahid.
So Tulaiha was recruiting men to fight Rusool Allah (saw), while Rusool Allah (saw) was going to attack them by surprise. A saraaya was sent out by Rusool Allah (saw) which was headed by Abu Salama (ra), was injured at the Battle of Uhud. Abu Salama (ra) came back victorious, with a lot of cattle. His (ra) injury which was about to heal, had erupted, so he then died fi sabi lillah.
Another tribe was mobilizing troops to fight against Rusool Allah (saw), and these were Hudai and their leader was Khalid bin Sufyan Ass-Al Hudhali. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Khalid bin Sufyan Ass Al Hudhali is recruiting an army to fight us, so go and kill him.” This order was delivered to Abdullah bin Unais (ra), who was from the tribe of Juhaina. Abdullah bin Unais said, “Can you describe him for me, so that I will know him?” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “If you see him you will tremble.” This could have meant that it will be somebody so powerful that when you see that person you will be tremble because of being scared. Abdullah bin Unais said, “I have never trembled from the sight of anyone”, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “but if you see Khalid bin Sufyan, you will tremble.”
So this tells us that Abdullah bin Unais was the right person to choose, he was a courageous man who didn’t fear people easily. This was a special sign, by which he would be able to recognize who is Khalid bin Sufyan.
So Abdullah bin Unais said, “I carried my sword and went out.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him that he will gather men at Arafat, so Rusool Allah (saw) was gathering men close to Mecca, close to where his tribe lives. That territory was supportive of the Quraish. Rusool Allah (saw) was recruiting an army, to the camp Arafat.
Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I was walking towards this man, and when I saw him, I shivered. So I knew that this man is Khalid bin Sufyan, and he was with some women trying to find a camp ground for them.” So Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said that, “It was time for Asr, and I was worried that my fight with him could preoccupy me from salah.” So he wasn’t sure how long this fight will take, but the problem was how could he pray Asr in the presence of this man? If he prayed openly then Khalid bin Sufyan would recognize that he is a Muslim. So Abdullah bin Unais said, “I was praying while I was walking towards him and my sujood and rukuh would be movement of my head.” Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “When I reached him he said, ‘and who is the man?’” Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I am a Bedouin Arab, who heard about your plans to fight Muhammed so I came to join you.” Khalid bin Sufyan said, “Yes, that is what I am doing. I am gathering forces to fight against Muhammed.” Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I talked to him for a while until I felt confident that I can now attack. And I attacked him with my sword and killed him.” Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I left him with his women crouched over him.”
Abdullah bin Unais (ra) left and enters Medina, Rusool Allah (saw) saw him and said, “May this face succeed.” He made dua for Abdullah bin Unais (ra) and then Abdullah said, “I killed him.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Yes you did, you are speaking the truth.” And then Rusool Allah (saw) calls him in to his house and gives him a stick, so Abdullah bin Unais (ra) takes the stick and leaves. His people met him and asked why Rusool Allah (saw) give you the stick. Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I don’t know, he just gave it to me.” They said, “Go back and ask him, why did he give you the stick?” Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I went back and I asked Rusool Allah (saw), ‘Why did you give me the stick?’” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “This will be a sign between me and you on the Day of Judgment. And on that day a few people will have something to lean on.”
Abdullah bin Unais (ra) said, “I tied that stick to my sword.” That means he always kept it with him, and when Abdullah bin Unais (ra) died, his instruction was to bury that stick with him. That indeed did happen; when he died the stick was wrapped with him in his shroud and buried with him. So that on the Day of Judgment he can have that stick as a sign between him and Rusool Allah (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) has said in a hadith, “And on that day a few people will have something to lean on.” Scholars say that, that ‘something’ is deeds on which people can lean on.
Some people might wonder what all of these political assassinations are that Rusool Allah (saw) was involved in… well that was actually to save the people from blood shed. Rather than facing battle with Khalib bin Sufyan’s tribe, Khaild was killed. The tribe would not have agreed to fight with Rusool Allah (saw) had it not been for Khalid bin Sufyan. Khalid bin Sufyan was a very powerful and influential man who was the cause of the whole problem, and was leading people into evil.
Rusool Allah (saw) sent a group of 10 men for a mission and their leader was Asim bin Thabit (ra), they reached to the land of Banu Lahyan and were ambushed by a 100 archers. So it was 10 vs 100, they fled to a small hill or a rock… the archers had surrounded them and said, “Come down, we pledge to you that we wouldn’t kill you, this is our word.” The ameer said, “I do not accept the pledges of mushrikeen”, so they chose to fight, seven of them got killed.
When the men of Banu Layhan were killing the Muslims they were stripping them naked, so Asim said, “Oh Allah! As I fought for your religion when I am alive, protect my body when I’m dead.” When he Asim (ra) died they wanted to strip them naked, they also wanted to cut off his head. This was because there was a woman whose sons were killed by Asim bin Sabit (ra), so she made an oath that if someone would bring her the skull of Asim bin Sabit (ra), she would pay him 100 camels and she would drink wine in his skull. So these men really wanted cut off his head. Allah Zaujal sent a swarm of wasps to protect the body of Asim (ra). So whenever someone would try to go near his body the wasps would jump on them. So they decided to leave the body and come and claim it the next day. At night Allah Zaujal sent a flood that took the body away and the body disappeared.
The three which were left surrendered, they were tied up in ropes. One of them felt that they would be betrayed; he was able to pull out his hand and drew out his sword. He tried to attack these men of Banu Lahyan, but they kept a distance from him and kept on pelting him with rocks until they killed him. The other two men were sold to the people of Mecca; these two were Khabbab ibn al-Aratt and Zaid bin Ad-Dathina (ra).
The people of the Quraish decided that they were going to kill the two men, they take them outside the sacred boundaries of Mecca and they ask these two men, “Would you wish that Muhammed was in your place, and you are safe with your family?” They responded, “We don’t wish to be safe with our family while Muhammed (saw) is hurt by a thorn, and we would rather die than Rusool Allah (saw) being hurt.” Abu Sufyan said, “I’ve never seen a people who love their leader, more than the people of Muhammed love him.”
Let’s stop for a while a talk about the issue of love for Muhammed (saw). The love of the sahabah for Rusool Allah (saw) was so true and so deep that it was even known to the enemies of Muhammed (saw). So here you have Abu Sufyan, the leader of the enemy of Rusool Allah (saw) admits publicly that he has never seen people love their leader as much as the Muslims love Muhammed (saw). This wasn’t because they used to talk about Muhammed (saw) day and night, the love for Muhammed (saw) radiated from the sahabah’s actions. It was reflected in their deeds.
Anyway both of them were killed and Khubaib was crucified and his body remained on that cross until Umayya bin Amr came and buried him.
Before Khubaib (ra) was crucified, he was held captive in this house of this widow, and they said that it was Khubaib (ra) who killed her husband. So he was in their house and he tells this woman, “Can you bring me a steel blade, so that I can prepare myself for death?” Khubaib (ra) wanted to clean his pubic hair, so she sends him the blade with her child. The child ended up in the lap of Khubaib (ra), when the woman sees her child in Khubaib’s lap and Khubaib (ra) was holding this blade in his hand, the woman got worried. Khubaib (ra) noticed that, and he said, “InshaAllah that is not something I would do.” The lesson here is that even though Khubaib (ra) knew he was going to be killed, that didn’t make him take revenge by killing a child. A Muslim would not take the life of an innocent human being. That woman said, “I have never seen a prisoner better than him, I would come in and see him eating from a plate full of grapes, when there are no grapes in Mecca whatsoever, and I am sure he received those grapes from the angels.” This is what a mushriq woman said.
Another lesson is that even though he knew he was going to die, he still wanted to fulfill the sunnah i.e. shaving his pubic hair. Also before being crucified he sought permission from his killers some time to pray, which was allowed. He prayed two rakaat, and said, “If it wasn’t for you accusing me of being afraid of death, I would have made these two rakaat longer.” He was the first one to start the sunnah of praying two rakaat before death.
So the entire 10 members of this mission were killed. Ibn Abbas (ra) said the hypocrites said, “How sad for those misguided people who died that way, they neither stayed with their families nor did they carry out their master’s mission.” What the munafiqeen were trying to say was that these 10 men are failures; they ended up dying for nothing. The mission wasn’t accomplished and they ended up losing their lives, so what they were saying was that it was better if they had stayed home.
Allah Zaujal revealed the ayat saying in (2:204)
And of the people is he whose speech pleases you in worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents.
This verse is talking about hypocrites… Allah says in (2:207)
And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants.
This is the ayat talking about these ten men, it doesn’t matter whether they achieved their mission or not. They sold themselves for Allah, they gave their lives for Allah, and they will be rewarded by Allah greatly. A lot of things can be said, like the decision took by the 10 shuhada was too rash, and that they should not have unnecessarily taken the step to fight. But the big point here is that the intention of these men was righteous therefore they died fi sabi lillah. Allah holds us accountable for our intention.
Another event took place between Uhud and Khandaq was Bir Mauna. One of the leaders of the tribe of Najd came to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “Islam is spreading among my people, I want you to send me preachers who would call to Islam.” Rusool Allah (saw) sent above 70 men, these men were called ‘Al-Qurra’, the reciters of Quran. They would work during the day by selling wood and during the night at Qiyam ul Layl, reciting Quran. This was their lifestyle, so they went to invite people to Islam. This man who camed from Najd, Abul Barra, promised the security of these men. When Al-Qurra reached their territory, Abul Barra’s nephew Amr bin Tufail invited the men of his tribe to fight against the 70 Qurra. His uncle refuses but he manages to bring up a force sufficient to attack these 70 men.
Amr bin Tufail had already met Rusool Allah (saw) previously, he had said, “Oh Muhammed, I give you three alternatives 1) you become king over the town and I become king over the Bedouin people 2) you make me a khalifa after you 3) I’ll attack you with an army of 2000 men.” Rusool Allah (saw) refused to even negotiate with him, so this was why Amr bin Tufail wanted to attack these 70 men (Al-Qurra).
69 men were massacred, when the news reached to Rusool Allah (saw), he was greatly affected by it. Rusool Allah (saw) was very sad about what happened and the betrayal of these people. So Rusool Allah (saw) started making dua Al-Qunut. Dua Al-Qunut was never done before, this was the first time he said it, and he would say it in Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and isha. In every salah Rusool Allah (saw) would make dua against those people. Against Ri'l, Dhakwan, Lihyan, and Usayya: these tribes that betrayed the Muslim and killed them in cold-blood.
Only of the Qurra’s life was spared and that was Amr bin Umayya Dhamri, they captured him but when Amr bin Tufail found out that he was from Mudhar. The mother of Amr bin Tufail had made an oath that she will free a man from Mudhar. So Amr freed him, to fulfill the oath of his mother.
Urwa narrated: When those (Muslims) at Bir Ma'una were martyred and 'Amr bin Umayya Ad-Dhamri was taken prisoner, 'Amir bin Tufail, pointing at a killed person, asked Amr, "Who is this?" 'Amr bin Umayya said to him, "He is 'Amir bin Fuhaira." 'Amir bin At-Tufail said, "I saw him lifted to the sky after he was killed till I saw the sky between him and the earth, and then he was brought down upon the earth. So that was a miracle that happened with Amr bin Fuhaira (ra).
Haram bin Milhan (ra) was the ameer of the Muslims. Amr bin Tufail was talking to Haram while Amr bin Tufail signaled a man to kill Haram bin Milhan. This man who was signaled was Jabbar, Jabbar sneaks behind Haram bin Milhan and he stabs him with a spear in his back and the blades came out from the chest of Haram. Haram didn’t say: Oh my god I’m dead! Instead his response was shocking to those present, he said, “Allah u Akbar! (Allah is Great) I have won in the name of the Lord of Al-Kaaba.” Those were his last words before he falls down as a shaheed. Now this was a shocking statement to make when he is soaking wet in his own blood.
The man who killed him later on said, when he was telling the story of how he became Muslim, he said, “I stabbed the man from behind and the spear came out from his chest and he said, ‘Allah is great I’ve succeeded by the name of the Lord of Al-Kaaba’ so I went around asking people what he meant by that.” What does he mean I succeeded? I killed him! So they told him, “He’s talking about shahadah.” They then explained to him what a shaheed means and then that is when he became a Muslim. So when he understood why Haram (ra) said that he said, “Yes he truly won.”
So SubhanAllah Haram bin Milhan gave dawah even while dying… and somebody became Muslim because of him. His own assassin became Muslim because of Haram’s (ra) last words.
CD # 14
Hassan bin Thabit (ra) was the head of the media effort for Rusool Allah (Saw). He would respond back to the poetry of the kuffar in poetry to defend Islam. Hassan bin Thabit (ra) had said a lot of poetry talking about the treachery of those tribes in Najd who killed the 70 Qurra. Obviously translating lines of poetry destroys the beauty of it, but he had said some very beautiful things about those events.
Az-Zubair bin Awwam (ra) named his sons after the shuhada, so he named two of his sons after two of the shuhada in Bir Mauna, one of them was Urwa and the other one was Al-Mundhir. Az-Zubair and Talhah were friends, and both of them are two of the ten who were given the glad tidings in Jannah.
Talhah (ra) would name his sons after the anbiya, and Zubair (ra) would name them after the shuhada. Rusool Allah (saw) in that period of time got married to Zainab bint Khuzaimah (ra) and she is called Umm ul- Masakin, the mother of the poor. Why? Because she used to take care of the poor and give them food, give them money.
Zainab (ra) was the wife of Abdullah bin Jahsh (ra) who died in the battle of Badr. We can see here an element of social welfare in the marriages of Rusool Allah (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) wanted to take care of his followers, so he married Zainab (ra) who was a widow. We can see this throughout the life of Rusool Allah (saw) and in the marriages of the sahabah (ra), they didn’t want to leave any woman behind without a husband or a family. This is one of the wisdoms of polygamy. The purpose isn’t to satisfy one’s desires, there are other aspects.
Rusool Allah (saw) also got married to Umm Salama (ra), Umm Salama (ra) was from Quraish. The Banu Makhzum, this was the family of Khalid bin Waleed. Umm Salama’s (ra) husband was an early sahabah; he had made hijrah to al-Habasha and also Medina. In the battle of Uhud he got injured, his injury was starting to heal when Rusool Allah (saw) sent him on another mission.
His injury had gotten worse and he ended up dying, now before that Abu Salama (ra) had a conversation with his wife Umm Salama, he said, “If a husband dies and his wife does not get married after him, they would be brought together again in Jannah, if both of them are destined to go to Jannah.” So Abu Salama (ra) made an agreement with Umm Salama, that, if either of them dies, the one left, will not get married again. Umm Salama agreed, but then Abu Salama (ra) said, “No, I asked Allah Zaujal, if I die that He replaces me with somebody better, who will marry you and will not harm you or hurt you.” Umm e Salama (ra) then said, “And who is better than Abu Salama?” She was saying who in this world is better than Abu Salama. This tells us that they had a very good and loving relationship. When he died, she went to Rusool Allah (saw) and told him, “Abu Salama is dead.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Say, oh Allah forgive me, and forgive him and replace me with somebody better.” She made that dua.
Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) proposed marriage, she refused. Umer bin Khattab (ra) proposed marriage, she refused, and then Rusool Allah (saw) proposed marriage. She said, “Welcome, but tell Rusool Allah (saw) that I am a jealous woman and I have young kids and none of my wali are present.” So she agreed but she wanted Rusool Allah (saw) know her condition, that she is a jealous woman and Rusool Allah (saw) was already married and she had kids they might be a burden for him (saw), and she had no wali to marry Umm Salama to him (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) said, “You said that you have children, Allah will take care of those kids. You said that you are jealous, I am going to ask Allah to take that jealousy away, and the walis who are absent (dead), none of them will refuse to marry you to me.”
In another narration, it said, Umm Salama said, “I agree, but I am getting old.” So Rusool Allah (saw) said, “If you are old, I am older than you.” This shows the intention of Rusool Allah (saw). He (saw) married for the sake of religion. Umm Salama (ra) narrated 338 ahadith. She conveyed this knowledge from Rusool Allah (saw). There is a purpose for everything.
Rusool Allah (saw) married Umm Salama (ra) and said, “I am going to give you furniture equal to that, that I gave to Zainab.” So what was this furniture? We go to American furniture shops and buy all these things for a newly married couple. Let’s see what Rusool Allah (saw) got for Umm Salama, keeping in mind he (saw) is the best of mankind, and all the booty he earned from all those ghazwat, he could have easily spent most of it on his family and nobody would have complained. After all he is the messenger of Allah; he deserved to live in a comfortable fashion.
Rusool Allah (saw) was an example for us, he said, “I will give you no less than what I gave so and so, I will give you two stone mails, two clay jars, and pillow stuffed with leaf.” That was it. He spent three days with her when Rusool Allah (saw) got married to her. He (saw) said, “For a person who is married to more than one woman, as soon as he gets married to the second wife, if she is a virgin then he spends 7 days with her, if she is widowed or divorced then he spends 3 days with her.” So umm e Salama was widowed, that is why he spent three days with her.
Also during that year Al-Hassan bin Ali bin Abi Talib was born, when he was born Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) came to give Rusool Allah (saw) the great news. When Rusool Allah (saw) asked what he named him, Ali (ra) said, “Hard”, Hard means ‘war’, Rasool Allah (saw) said, “No! He is Hassan.” Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t like harsh names like, ‘war’ ‘stone’ or other tough names, thus he changed the name to Hassan. Rusool Allah (saw) made azaan in his ear, and asked Hassan’s mother Fatima to shave his head and then weigh it, and pay the equivalent weight in silver as sadaqat fi sabi lillah. Hassan’s aqeeqah also took place in which two sheeps were slaughtered.
Anyway, so Rusool Allah (saw) called in Zaid bin Thabit (ra) and he tells him, “Oh Zaid, learn the Hebrew language because I cannot trust the Jews.” Rusool Allah (saw) could not trust the Jews to read letter that he received or write back to them. Since Rusool Allah (Saw) was illiterate he had to have people to write letter for him, and read letters he receives. There was some correspondent between Rusool Allah (saw) and the Jews so he wanted a Muslim to read and write for him. Zaid (ra) said, “I learned the Hebrew language in 15 days.” SubhanAllah learning a new language in 15 days, showed how much hard work the sahabah (ra) did. This is a lesson for all those brothers and sisters who want to learn Arabic to understand the Quran. It shouldn’t take us years to plan the next step.
Learning Arabic for Muslims is very important, without this, there will always remain a barrier between us and understanding Islam. Since the original text for Islam, whether it is the Quran or ahadith is in Arabic. If Zaid (ra) learned a foreign language, which is not even necessary as a Muslim, then what about the language that is necessary as a Muslim? This event also tells us that, Muslims need people who are expert in foreign languages. Muslims need to study the literature of other nations, or the famous languages of this World.
GHAZWAT BANU NADHIR
Umayya ad-Dhamri saw two men sleeping under a tree, he asked them who do you belong to; they said so and so tribe. This was the tribe that killed the 70 men (Al-Qurra), so he went aside until they fell asleep and he killed them. He thought that he was doing something right by killing these two men. It turned out that specifically these two men had a peace agreement with Rusool Allah (Saw). So Rusool Allah (saw) said to Umayya ad-Dhamri, “You have killed two men, I have to pay their blood-money.” So one important ruling that should be noticed is that a Muslim does not get killed for a kaafir. So even though Umayya here has killed two men, who shouldn’t have been killed, he was not executed. But the Muslims pay blood money instead.
Remember that Rusool Allah (saw) had a covenant with the Jews, that they would support each other in blood-money. So Rusool Allah (Saw) goes with some of the sahabah (ra) to Banu Nadhir. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “These two men have been killed, so I want you to support me in giving their blood-money.” They agreed. Rusool Allah (saw) sat under this wall of theirs and they pretended that they were going to bring money for Rusool Allah (Saw). They were actually conspiring on how to assassinate Rusool Allah (Saw), they said, “You’re never going to find him in a better position to assassinate than this, he’s right under your wall, have somebody climb up and throw a stone on him and let’s get rid of him once and for all.” So they tried to assassinate Rusool Allah (saw), Rusool Allah (saw) receives revelation from Jibrael (as), so Rusool Allah (saw) stands up and leaves, he doesn’t say anything to the sahabah (ra). So the sahabah (ra) waited for Rusool Allah (saw) and he didn’t show up. So they went to Medina to inquire and Rusool Allah (saw) told them what happened.
Rusool Allah (saw) sends them a letter, he sends Muhammed ibn Muslamah to tell them, “I’m sent by the Messenger of Allah, and he is telling you to ‘leave from my land, because you have betrayed our agreement by conspiring against me, and I give you ten days to leave, anyone scene after that will be executed’.” Now Muhammed bin Muslamah was the ally of Banu Nadhir in their time of jahiliya. They said, “The last person we would have expected to come and deliver this message would be you Muhammed.” Muhammed responded back and said, “Islam has changed us, and our hearts are different, and Islam has abrogated the covenants.” Muhammed was saying that things have changed; all his loyalties now are for Allah only. His covenant with Allah is more important than his covenants with his allies in the time of Jahiliya.
Their initial reaction was to accept it, and leave. But Abdullah bin Ubayy the head of the hypocrites, said to them, “If you stay firm and resist, we will not give up on you. If you fight we will fight along with you, and if you are expelled we will leave with you.” Abdullah bin Ubayy made it very clear that he will stand side by side with Banu Nadhir. Abdullah bin Ubayy said, “I have 2000 men from my people and from our other arabs who are sympathetic to our cause.” This strengthened the Jews, they changed their mind, so they decided to stay and fight. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “The Jews want to fight.”
So Rusool Allah (saw) laid siege to the fortresses of Banu Nadhir. Now banu Nadhir was rich, they had these fortresses and outside they had acres of agricultural land, palm groves, which they depended on for their livelihood. Their plan was to remain in their fortresses until Muhammed (saw), and the Muslims get tired and leave them. They were going to remain inside; they knew they had enough provision to remain inside for some time. As we said a lot of this livelihood was based on palm groves, Rusool Allah (saw) used a strategy that completely baffled the Jews. Rusool Allah (saw) started burning down their palm trees, this drove them crazy. Since their partial survival depended on that land, they thought, what was the point of them staying in Medina if all their agricultural land gets burned?! They said, “Oh Muhammed, you used to forbid causing destruction, and criticized those who did so. Why are you cutting down and burning our date palms?” The reason why they were surprised because they didn’t expect Muhammed (saw) to do this, since he used to prevent causing destruction of property. In Islam there is instruction given by Muhammed (saw) not to cut down trees.
They then surrendered and asked Muhammed (saw) to allow them to evacuate and spare their lives, and allow them to take their wealth. Rusool Allah (saw) gave the following conditions.
· You do not take any weapons with you
· You are only allowed to carry one camel load
· Every three men were given one camel for transportation
The one responsible for their oversight was Muhammed bin Musalamah (ra). Ibn Ishaq said, “They therefore loaded their belongings on their camels to the extent that they could bear. Some of their men tore down their houses and removed the door lintels which they mounted on the back of their camels and took away.” Some were very rich, such as Salam bin Abi Huqaiq, he filled the skin of a bull with gold and silver, and he said, “This is what we have prepared for the ups and downs of this world, and if we are leaving behind our palm groves, we will find palm groves in Khaibar.” Some of them went to Khaibar and some went to As-Shaam, and they had a lot of pride. Banu Nadhir were the very respected among Jewish tribes, they were the most learned ones with the scholars. They didn’t want the Muslims to laugh at their fortune. They wanted to give the impression that they were not sad about what happened.
So when they went to Khaibar, Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr said, “They were received by women and young men, gifts, tambourines, flutes, and girls walking behind them singing boldly and with pride, nothing similar is related of any tribe of people in their era.” Even though Banu Nadhir were defeated in Medina, they were welcomed in Khaibar as heroes. That is because they didn’t want the Muslims to feel sorry for them, for their great loss.
An entire surah was revealed talking about this ghazwat, it was Surah Hashr, ibn Abbas used to call it, “The surah of Banu Nadhir.”
Allah Zaujal said: SURAH HASHR (59:2)
It is He who expelled the ones who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allah ; but [the decree of] Allah came upon them from where they had not expected, and He cast terror into their hearts [so] they destroyed their houses by their [own] hands and the hands of the believers. So take warning, O people of vision.
Allah said, You did not think they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allah, that means that the expectations on both sides was that they Jews will not leave. The Muslims thought that they were too strong while the Jews thought that they, themselves were too strong. But the Muslims did succeed, only by Allah’s will. Allah expelled them. So if any nation is mistaken that they are too strong, or have the best weapons to fight like nuclear bombs or aircraft, Allah reminds them that nothing can happen unless Allah wills it. but [the decree of] Allah came upon them from where they had not expected: See no matter how strong the army is, there will always be some points of weakness, which Allah knows about. Allah Zaujal will attack the enemies of Allah through these points of weakness.
Now how did Allah attack the people of Banu Nadhir? Allah sais: and He cast terror into their hearts [so. If the hearts are terrified, it doesn’t make a difference what arms you have, or how well fortified you are! That is why ibn Al-Quyyum says, “The Romans and Persians had stronger bodies, greater numbers and more arms than the Muslims had. But their hearts failed them when they needed them the most.” When the sahabah (ra) stood in battle in front of the Romans and Persians, they were not as strong as their opponents, their training was definitely less, and they were few in number comparatively and the arms were limited compared to the opponents. However the sahabah emaan in their hearts and that made them steadfast. The enemies of Allah were attached to this world, so they lost. Allah says in (59:3)
And if not that Allah had decreed for them evacuation, He would have punished them in [this] world, and for them in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.
So Allah is saying that if the people of Banu Nadhir didn’t evacuate then the people of Banu Nadhir would have been executed, which would have been worse. That would be their punishment in this world and hell-fire in the here-after. (59:4)
That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah - then indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Allah says this because Banu Nadhir disobeyed Allah and his messenger. Allah Zaujal just, he didn’t punish them for nothing. They were punished because they were standing against Islam. Either an individual or a nation is calling the wrath of Allah. Allah says (59:5)
Whatever you have cut down of [their] palm trees or left standing on their trunks - it was by permission of Allah and so He would disgrace the defiantly disobedient.
Now going back to the issue of Rusool Allah (saw) prohibited destroying property and then he did it himself. First of all this was done by the permission by Allah (- it was by permission of Allah) Why? So that He could disgrace the defiantly disobedient. Rusool Allah (saw) had given instructions that trees should not be cut, women, children, and old men should not be killed. He also said that monks who are in monasteries should not be killed. However, we find that with every one of these rules there are incidents that go against the rule.
Here in Ghazwat Banu Nadhir Rusool Allah (saw) had given orders to burn the palms down, so that went against the ruling of cutting down trees. And then there is what is called ‘bayaat’ and this is called attacking the dwellings at night and the residents are killed. Salama bil Akwa said, “I myself participated in bayaat and I killed the residents of 9 houses with my own hands.”
Islam is a tolerant religion, and it has laid down rules that govern Jihad fi sabi lillah, however whenever the enemy tries to take advantage of these rules and harm the Muslims, these rules are suspended. So if the enemy tries to take advantage of Muslims, then the Muslims are allowed to put those rules allowed. To sum it up, Islam will not let allow its tolerance to be used against Muslims.
In this situation, Rusool Allah (Saw) ordered the trees to be burnt, because Banu Nadhir were planning on a long siege, depending on those trees, while they deserved the punishment because of their betrayal and because of their conspiracy to assassinate Rusool Allah (Saw). Therefore it wasn’t allowed for the Jews to used Muslim rule against Muslims. Allah Zaujal says in (59:6)
And what Allah restored [of property] to His Messenger from them - you did not spur for it [in an expedition] any horses or camels, but Allah gives His messengers power over whom He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Ghanimah is the name given to spoils of war, that are taken by an army after a fight… fai is the booty taken by an army without a fight. So these ayats are talking about fai. Since no fighting occurred with Banu Nadhir, the ruling of what they leave behind goes to Muhammed (saw). While for ghanimah 4 portions out of the 5 portions was given to the fighters. So Rusool Allah (saw) had authority to decide the distribution of the booty.
This was a new source of income, Ibn Ishaq says, “They left their properties for the messenger of Allah, these consisted of their palm trees and their farms. These became his personal property to dispose off as he wished.”
Rusool Allah (Saw) called the Ansar, Aus and Khazraj and said, “If you want, I can split this money among you all and the muhajireen continue living in your houses and working in your farms, or if you want I can distribute this money among the muhajireen only and they would leave your houses and not take any share from your harvest.” The Ansar agreed and told Rusool Allah (saw) to distribute it to the muhajirun and they also said: If you want us to carry on giving them a share of our farms, we don’t have a problem with that either. This shows us the generosity of Ansar (ra).
The muhajirun now moved into the houses of Banu Nadhir, their financial situation was improved. The farms of Banu Nadhir was also split among the muhajirun, only two of the Ansar got a share; Abu Dujana, and Sahl bin Haneef. This was because they complained of their poverty.
Ibn Kathir said, “These were specifically for the messenger of Allah, he would set aside his family’s expenses for a year and then whatever weapons remain, he would treat as military supplies to be used in the cause of Allah.” So Rusool Allah (Saw) finally had some wealth, before that he would survive on gifts.
· We know that Rusool Allah (saw) started out his life as a shepherd
· He (saw) worked as a businessman
· When he (saw) became a prophet, he stopped working, and devoted all his time for dawah. He would live of the money off Khadija (ra), and from his uncle Abu Talib .
· When he (saw) moved to Medina, he survived on gifts given by the Ansar.
· Then when he got the money from Ghazwat banu Nadhir, he would take from it expenses from a year and the rest spend it on Jihad fi sabi lillah.
Rusool Allah (saw) says, “My provisions come from beneath my spear.” His provisions came from fighting in the path of Allah, by the booty of war. Anas ibn Malik (ra) said, “A man might donate to him his palms or whatever else Allah might wish, up to when Quraiza or Nadhir conquered for him, thereafter he began giving it back.” So now finally Rusool Allah (Saw) has money to give back, before he was taking.
Surah Hashr also talks about the munafiqeen in (59:11B)
Have you not considered those who practice hypocrisy, saying to their brothers who have disbelieved among the People of the Scripture, "If you are expelled, we will surely leave with you, and we will not obey, in regard to you, anyone - ever; and if you are fought, we will surely aid you." But Allah testifies that they are liars.
If they are expelled, they will not leave with them, and if they are fought, they will not aid them. And [even] if they should aid them, they will surely turn their backs; then [thereafter] they will not be aided.
These munafiqeen proved to be worthless. They promised the Jews that they will stand by them no matter what. None of the promises of the munafiqun to the Jews were fulfilled. The Jews were waiting for help from Abdullah bin Ubayy, but it never came. The Jews were deceived, and even if they were aided, they would still have lost. Allah says: (59:13) (59:14)
You [believers] are more fearful within their breasts than Allah. That is because they are a people who do not understand.
They will not fight you all except within fortified cities or from behind walls. Their violence among themselves is severe. You think they are together, but their hearts are diverse. That is because they are a people who do not reason.
Allah is revealing this quality of the kuffar, that they will not fight unless they are well-fortified. SubhanAllah this fear of the kuffar, translates itself into different forms. In the time of Rusool Allah (saw), it was fortresses. In the time of crusades it manifested itself into architectural wonders, in the land of Shaam, the most beautiful works of architecture are the castles of the crusaders, and this also reflected the fear of the soldiers of Allah Zaujal. Today too the enemies of Allah will not fight until they are not well-fortified. Look at this wall in Palestine that is a reflection of the fear, that wall completes the ayah of Quran. They will not fight until and unless they are well-protected.
Allah Zaujal says Their violence among themselves is severe. This is to tell the Muslims that even though they gang up against you, they have hatred among each other. Look at the world wars and other wars, but when it comes to Islam, they unify and fight against the Muslims. We should realize that they have differences among themselves. Allah says in (59:15)
[Theirs is] like the example of those shortly before them: they tasted the bad consequence of their affair, and they will have a painful punishment.
This verse is talking about Banu Qainuqa who were driven out of Medina before Banu Nadhir, Banu Nadhir should have taken heed from what happened to Banu Qainuqa.
The Arabs of Medina in the time of Jahiliya, had this superstition that if they have children and they keep on dying, then you make a vow that your next child will be a Jew then the child will live because of this, they had children who were growing up with the Jews as a fulfillment of their vows. When Banu Nadhir was driven out, people came to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “Some of our sons and brothers are with them. What should we do?” Rusool Allah (saw) did not answer them back until a verse was revealed. In SURAH BAQARAH (2:256)“There is no compulsion in religion”. The path of good is clear and the path of evil is clear, so Rusool Allah (saw) told them, “Give these brothers and sons of yours the choice, if they choose you then they stay with you, if they choose to be with the Jews then they leave with them.”
You cannot force someone to come to Islam. Rusool Allah (saw) says, “Allah Zaujal does not look at your form and the color of your skin, Allah Zaujal looks at your hearts.”
Also alcohol was banned during the siege of Banu Nadhir, that is when this ayat was revealed. We know that the prohibition of Alcohol happened in four stages, so Muslims continued to drink till the 4th year of Hijra. It wasn’t till the last six years of Rusool Allah’s (saw) life that it was banned.
CD 15
Rusool Allah (saw) went out with 400 sahabah for a battle called “Riqa”. Riqa means pieces of cloth. Abu Musa Al-Ashari (ra) said, “We went with Rusool Allah (saw) to a ghazwat and I was one of the six men who were sharing the same camel.” Meaning each of them only gets 1/6th of the time on the camel and the rest of the time they were walking on foot. So he said, “The skin of my feet was peeling off and my nails were falling down, we would wrap pieces of cloth around our feet.” This was a harsh journey walking on hot sand and rocky areas. Those days they didn’t have good boots. They would wrap cloths around their feet to protect thief feet and that is why this ghazwat was called ‘Riqa’.
The enemy fled from the Muslims, so no fighting occurred. The Muslims were still very careful; they would pray the Salah tul Khauf, ‘the salah of fear’. This salah is prescribed in the Quran in SURAH AN-NISA (4:102).
And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
‘..let them carry their arms..’ so they stand in salah with their arms. So the way of this salah is that one part of the army is praying behind the imam and the other part is guarding. The ones who are praying will pray one rakat with the Imam, and then the Imam stands up for the second Rakah, and would not move, while the ones praying will finish the second rakah and say salaam. This means they prayed one rakat with the Imam, the Imam is now waiting. The next group which was gurading will step in and pray with the imam the second rakah and then they would finish praying their second rakah alone. This is one opinion. The other opinion is that the imam leads the first half in the two rakah and then they make salaam and then the next two come in and pray with the imam, so the imam would end up praying four rakah.
The lesson here is the important of salah that even if you are afraid that the enemy might ambush you, you still have to pray. If this is the case with the ones who are fighitng in the path of Allah, then what about people who are in no such situation and nevertheless they neglect salah. In Islam every form of worship has conditions in which you don’t have to do that worship except salah. For example the poor don’t have to pay Zakat, or do Hajj. The ill don’t have to fast, and this can go on. A Muslim has to pray, if you can’t pray standing up, you pray sitting down, if you can’t sit, then lie down and move your head, if you can’t move your head then move your finger and if you can’t move your fingers then move your eyes!! The point is salah is required. It must be done.
Rusool Allah (saw) appointed guards that night, Ammar bin Yasir and Abbad bin Bishr. They would alternate, while Ammar would sleep, Abbad would guard and vice versa. While Ammar was sleeping, Abbad was guarding. Abbad started to engage himself in Salat. While he was reciting, one of the enemy shot an arrow at him, but he didn’t move. The enemy shot another arrow at him, he still didn’t move, a third arrow was shot and then Abbad woke up Ammar bin Yasir. When Ammar woke up and saw that Abbad had three arrows sticking out of his body. Ammar said, “SubhanAllah, Why didn’t you wake me up?” He replied, “I was reciting a surah, I didn’t want to stop until I finish it, but when he kept on firing arrows at me, I made rukuh and then I woke you up. In the name of Allah if I wasn’t considered to be neglectful of my responsibility, which was given to me by Rusool Allah (saw), I would have rather died than stop my salah or I would have finished it.” This is an impressive story.
These arrows are striking at him, and he still had that concentration in salah to carry on reading. This shows the level of emaan. Also notice how he was weighing his duties, one hand he didn’t want to stop in between the surah and on the other hand he was thoughtful of the responsibility given to him by Rusool Allah (saw). We ask Allah Zaujal to make us realize our responsibilities.
During this expedition there was an interesting conversation between Jaber (ra) and Rusool Allah (saw). Jaber (ra) bin Abdullah was riding a feeble weak camel and his comrades were getting ahead of him. So Rusool Allah (saw) approaches him and said, “What’s wrong Jaber?” Jaber (ra) said, “Oh Messenger of Allah, this camel of mine is slowing me down.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “Make it new.” While Rusool Allah (saw) was dismounting he said, “Give me that stick of yours or get one for me from a tree.” Jaber (ra) gave him the stick. Rusool Allah (saw) prodded the camel with that stick and then he told Jaber bin Abdullah (ra), “Mount up.” Jaber (ra) said, “My weak camel was now competing with the fast camel of Rusool Allah (saw).” This was a miracle.
Jaber bin Abdullah (ra) was then conversing with Rusool Allah (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “Would you sell me this camel of yours, oh Jaber.” So Rusool Allah (saw) now like his camel. Jaber bin Abdullah (ra) said, “I’ll just give it to you.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “No, I want to buy it.” Jaber (ra) said, “Make me an offer.” Rusool Allah (Saw) said, “one dirham.” Jaber (ra) said, “No, you would be cheating me.” Jaber (ra) was basically joking around with him. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Then I’ll give you two dirhams.” Jaber (ra) said, “More.” And Jaber bin Abdullah (ra) kept on raising the price until Rusool Allah (saw) offered one ounce of gold. Muhammed (saw) said, “would that be agreeable to you?’ Jaber (ra) said, “Yes.” Jaber bin Abdullah (ra) said, “Then it’s all yours.” And then Rusool Allah (saw) asked him, “Jaber, are you married yet?”
Rusool Allah (saw) is talking to his ummah and inquiring about their lives. Rusool Allah (saw) wanted to know the living conditions of his people because he cared very much. Jaber (ra) said, “Yes, I am.” Rusool Allah (saw) asked, “To a woman previously married or to a virgin?” He said a married woman. Rusool Allah (saw) said, "Why didn't you marry a virgin girl so that you might play with her and she with you (or, you might make her laugh and she makes you laugh)?" Jaber said, "My father died, leaving seven or nine girls (orphans) and I did not like to bring a young girl like them, so I married a woman who can look after them." He said, "May Allah bestow His Blessing on you."
Rusool Allah (saw) said, “When we get to Sirar, I will slaughter a camel and stay there, she will hear about us coming and she will dust off her cushions for us.” Rusool Allah (saw) before he would enter Medina, he would stay outside and let his family know that he’s coming. He wouldn’t surprise them, so that they could get ready to meet him. So anyway Rusool Allah (saw) said to Jaber that his wife will dust cushions for you, when she hears him coming. Jaber bin Abdullah (ra) said, “We don’t have cushions.” Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “You will have some.” So they get back to Medina, and Rusool Allah (saw) comes out of the Masjid and he sees this camel tied up so he asks, “What is this?” They said, “Jaber brought it to you.” Rusool Allah (saw) called for Jaber (ra), Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Cousin lead your camel away, it is yours.” And then Rusool Allah (saw) called Bilal (ra) and said, “Take Jaber away and give him an ounce of gold.” Jaber (ra) said, “I went with Bilal, he gave me an ounce and a little more as well, and by Allah my financial affairs improved constantly thereafter until they suffered recently when what befell us.” What Jaber (ra) was referring to suffering as the recent suffering was ‘Yaum al Harra’ it was the worst day for the people of Medina, many were massacred.
So Rusool Allah (saw) was negotiating that deal with Jaber (ra) but he didn’t really want to buy it, he just wanted to give Jaber (ra) money, or when Rusool Allah (saw) found out about the difficult situation of Jaber (ra) he changed his mind and decided to give the camel and the gold to Jaber (ra).
The Muslims won the battle of Badr, and the kuffar won the battle of Uhud, so they agreed to meet the following year, same time, same place for the third battle. That was called ‘The appointed Badr’. So Abu Sufyan with a 2000 strong army left Mecca, when they traveled for a while, Abu Sufyan said, “Men of Quraish it is right for you to make such an expedition only in a fruitful year, when you can pastor on trees and drink milk. This year it is barren, I’m going back, you do the same.” Abu Sufyan bailed out along with his army. They were too afraid to meet the Muslims, so they walked away. Their excuse was that it is a barren year, and that they will suffer along the way.
Rusool Allah (saw) shows up at the appointed time and the appointed place, but the Quraish do not show up, so he stays there for a few days and then leaves. While he was there, he met with Makshi bin Amir ad-Damri from the tribe of Banu Damra, these men had a peace alliance with Rusool Allah (saw). So this man comes up to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “Muhammed, have you come here to this well, to meet with Quraish?” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Yes, brother from Banu Damra, but if you want, we will release you from your agreement with us, and we will battle you until Allah decides between us.” He said, “No, by Allah, Muhammed there is no need for that.”
Rusool Allah (saw) is telling this man that, if you want us to end this agreement between us, we wouldn’t have any problem with that and that we are ready to fight you. This shows us something about the personality of Rusool Allah (saw). If Rusool Allah (Saw) entered into a truce or alliance with anyone, it was because the opposing party needed that, Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t. There truces were not entered into because Rusool Allah (saw) was weak, he was strong and he made that very clear. It is important for Muslims to realize that if Muslims enter in to a truce it should not be because they are weak, rather should happen because they are strong and the disbelievers don’t want to fight.
Another ghazwat is Ghazwah Doomatul-Jandal, Doomatul Jandal is about 450 km north of Medina. Al-Waqidi states, “He (Muhammed saw) therefore organized his men, and left with a force of 1000 Muslims. They traveled by night keeping undercover by day, he had a guide with him from Banu Udra named Markur, who was a skilled tracker.” Rusool Allah (saw) travels this long distance of 250 km to go and meet with the people Doomatul Jandal whom he heard were gathering a force to advance to Medina to attack him. SubhanAllah, Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t even give them the chance to march towards him, he went out to meet them in their own territory, and he wouldn’t allow them to come near Medina.
This happened in the 5th year of Hijra against the tribe of kubaa, the people fled when they heard that Rusool Allah (saw) was approaching. The movement of Rusool Allah (saw) was quiet, because they would travel at night and hide during the day, thus the people of kubaa were surprised. The Muslims had taken over some of their cattle and they just ran away. The Muslims stayed there for a few days and no one showed up to fight. The Muslims went back home victorious.
These ghazwat served various purposes; the Muslims learned about some new territories, it was a physical training, they were lessons of discipline, and also the ghazwat served the purpose of bonding this ummah. Before they would only bond with family and tribe but after Islam things had changed. The time spent together by the fighters was why they bonded with each other. For example we mentioned how Rusool Allah (saw) conversed with Jaber bin Abdullah (ra). Rusool Allah (saw) was also establishing political agreements with different tribes. It was an expression of strength. Rusool Allah (saw) was very daring and was willing to take risks but at the same time were very well-planned. So the Muslim’s actions were not rash they were well-organized.
Another famous ghazwah was Banul Mustaluq, they are a tribe from Khuzaa. Rusool Allah (saw) attacked them because they too were planning to attack Medina. They were completely caught by surprise by the Muslims, they didn’t even get the chance to fight, instead their wealth was taken and their women and children were held as slaves. The Muslim army consisted of 700 Muslims.
Lessons from Ghazwah banul Mustaluq:
It is allowed to attack people without advance notice if da’wah has already reached them. So they then don’t have to give them a chance to become Muslim, usually the Muslim army gives three days to the enemy. Three choices are given to the people of the Book and two choices if they are not.
The choices for the people of the book are;
- To become Muslim
- If not then pay Jizya
- And if none of the above then Muslims will fight.
The choices given to the people who are not people of the book are;
- To become Muslim
- If not then Muslims will fight.
The disbelievers are given three days to make up their mind, but here they weren’t even given a moments chance. Why? Because da’wa has already reached them, they live in Arabia they’ve heard about Islam. They were ambushed.
Abdullah bin Umer said, “He attacked them while they were unaware while they’re livestock were drinking water so he killed some of their men, and he has taken their families as slaves.” During this battle the Muslim battle cry was, “Oh conquerer, kill, kill”. Also a lot of fiqh was learned during the ghazwat, so during the ghazwah of Banul Mustaluq the ruling of tayyammum was revealed in the Quran.
In Bukhari Abu Saeed Al-Khudri said, “We went forth with the message of Allah, on the expedition to Banul Mustaluq. We took many of the Bedouins captive and we desired the women, because celibacy was very hard on us. We liked the practice of coitus interruptus but wondered whether we should do this, without asking the Messenger of Allah. So we asked him about it, he said, ‘There is no difference in you doing that for any soul that is going to exist till Judgment Day will so exist.’” So Rusool Allah (saw) said that it wouldn’t make a difference if you do that or not because Allah has already ordained every soul that will be created. Some ulema use this hadith to prove that contraceptives are allowed. But there is a difference of opinion among scholars, also there is a difference in opinion if this has got to do with a free woman and slave girl.
The reason why they wanted to practice coitus interruptus here is because if a man owns a slave woman, and she becomes pregnant and has a child from him, then he cannot sell her. So she would then remain with him, because of the children, she will be called umm-ul Walad, ‘Mother of Children’. She is almost like his wife. However if they practice coitus interruptus, then they would have sexual relations with these women and they could still sell them.
Ibn Ishaq narrated: Aisha (ra) said, “When the Messenger of Allah distributed the captives taken from Banul Mustaliq, the daughter of Al-Harith ibn Al-Mustaliq was awarded to Thabit ibn Qays ibn Shammas.” So one woman was taken captive and she was the daughter of the head of the tribe, her name was Juwairiya. Aisha said,” She made makaatuba with Thabit ibn Qays.” Mukaatuba is a contract between the master and the slave, which would allow the slave to be free by paying a certain amount of money. So slavery is not permament. Aisha said, “She was a very sweet and attractive woman, every man who saw her, fell for her. She came to the Messenger of Allah to ask him, help in preparing the document. And I swear as soon as I saw her at the door of my room, I disliked her and recognized that he would see in her what I did.”
So Aisha (ra) was saying that she felt was jealous, and she was worried that if Rusool Allah (saw) sees her, he might want to get married to her. Juwairia said, “Messenger of Allah, I am Juwairiyah daughter of Al-Harith, the leader of his people, you can see what my plight is now. I haven fallen to the lot of Thabit bin Qays and I’ve prepared a deed awarding myself to him. I have come to ask your help in writing it. ”Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Would you prefer better?” She asked: “What is that, Apostle of Allah?” He (saw) replied, “I shall pay the price of your freedom on your behalf, and I shall marry you.” She replied I shall do this. She (Aisha) said: The people then heard that the Apostle of Allah (saw) had married Juwayriyyah. They released the captives in their possession and set them free, and said: They are the relatives of the Apostle of Allah (saw) by marriage. We did not see any woman greater than Juwayriyyah who brought blessings to her people. One hundred families of Banu al-Mustaliq were set free on account of her.
Umer bin Khattab (ra) had a servant, his servant was a muhajir. They were next to this well, fetching water and this servant of Umer (ra) got into a fight with one of the Ansar. So the Ansari called on the Ansari to gang up against the Muhajireen and the Muhajir called on the Muhajireen. A fight was about to break out, but when Rusool Allah (saw) came in and mediated between them, he would not allow such things to happen. He would immediately come and stop them before the fitnah increases.
Anyway so the news (of the fight) reaches Abdullah bin Ubayy, and he said, “Did they really cause this? They challenge us and outnumber us in our own land. I swear by Allah, the old maxim applies to us and these Quraish, ruffians fatten your dog and you it will eat. I swear when we drive out to Medina, the stronger will drive out the weaker. See what you have done to yourselves, you let them settle among you and share your property with them. I swear if you had kept your property from them, they would have gone somewhere else. ” Abdullah bin Ubayy was saying that the Ansar allowed the muhajireen to come in Medina and helped them and then the muhajireen go against the Ansar, their very helpers, so he used the maxim.
A young sahabi, Zayd bin Arqam, heard what Abdullah bin Ubayy said, so he went and conveyed the news to Rusool Allah (saw). Some men from the Ansar who were also present there told Rusool Allah (saw), “Perhaps the lad mistook what was said or did not memorize it correctly.” So they were defending Abdullah bin Ubayy. Umer (ra) said, “Let me go and execute this munafiq.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “How would it be Umer, to have people say, “Muhammed kills his own companions. No orders to leave instead.”
Usaid bin Khuzair (ra) was from the Ansar, he was from the people of Abdullah bin Ubayy. Rusool Allah (saw) told him, “Didn’t you hear, what your friend said?” He said, “Which friend?” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Abdullah bin Ubayy.” Usaid asked Rusool Allah (saw) what Abdullah said. Rusool Allah (saw) told him what all he said, so Usaid responded, “Well I swear by Allah, Messenger of Allah, you will drive him out if you wish, he is certainly the weak one and you are the strong. Be kind to him of Messenger of Allah, I swear Allah brought you to us while his (Abdullah bin Ubayy) people were stringing pearls with which to make a crown from him and so he considers that you have robbed him his kingdom.” And this is the problem, when people have authority and money, when they feel that Islam will threaten their authority or their wealth, they become munafiqeen. Allah Zaujal says about this incident in SURAH MUNAFIQUN (63:7) (63:8)
They are the ones who say, "Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they disband." And to Allah belongs the depositories of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.
They say, "If we return to al-Madinah, the more honored [for power] will surely expel therefrom the more humble." And to Allah belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.
So honor belongs to Allah, His messenger and the momineen.
Lessons:
- Rusool Allah (saw) told the army to leave; the wisdon in this action is that if people don’t keep themselves pre-occupied in good, they will occupy themselves with evil. Since this fitnah was causing a lot of talk and rumour, Rusool Allah (saw) told the army to pack up and leave. They marched for the entire day, then the entire night and marched the next morning and when Ruysool Allah (saw) told them to stop they fell asleep immidiately because they were so tired. They didn’t time to think of this issue. Rusool Allah (saw) wanted them to forget.
- It is important to protect the reputation of the Muslim community. Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t allow Umer (ra) to execute Abdullah bin Ubayy. The reason was that Rusool Allah (saw) did not want people to think that Muhammed (saw) kills his companions. He (saw) did not want people to think that if they become Muslim, they will be killed by their leader, or will be oppressed by their leader. Even though Abdullah bin Ubayy wasn’t a companion, he was a hypocrite, but he was counted as a Muslim, because that is what he claimed to be.
Another reason he refused to Umer (ra) was that Rusool Allah (saw) was thinking long term. Ibn Ishaq said: Thereafter, if anything bad happened, Abdullah’s people would blame and reproach him.” So Rusool Allah after being told how they were treating Abdullah bin Ubayy he later asked Umer (ra), “Well Umer, what do you think now?” Umer (ra) said, “I swear, if I had killed him, the day you had suggested it, there would have been much resentment.”
So Rusool Allah’s (saw) wisdon proved beneficial, because over time Abdullah’s character was exposed to his own people. Whenver some thing bad happened, they would reproach Abdullah. If Abdullah bin Ubayy was killed when Umer (ra) wanted to, people would have went against Rusool Allah (saw) out of pride and nationalism as they were not familiar with the character of Abdullah bin Ubayy, they recognized his true colours. People did not know Abdullah bin Ubayy was a hypocrite like we all know today, it was only slowly as time passed that this truth was discovered.
Previously whenever Rusool Allah (saw) walked towards the pulpits to give khutba tul Jumah towards Al-Mimba, Abdullah bin Ubayy would stand up and say, “This is the messenger of Allah support him and hold him.” But after his true colours were slowly being revealed when he would stand up, hs people would pull him down and tell him to sit down. So this was the result of the wisdom of Rusool Allah (saw). Rusool Allah (saw) said, “if I were to order his death today, they will all kill him.” Umer bin Khattab said, “Yes rusool Allah, I realize that your decsion is better than mine.” This shows us the benefit of leniency. Rusool Allah (saw) established this ummah with his soft heart.
- Nationalism is an enemy of Islam: Muhajirun were going to fight with the Ansar, Al-Aus used to fight Khazraj. Rusool Allah (saw) stepped in and reminded them the similarities between them. Shaitan uses this to create disunity against the ummah. We need to be very aware, there is no such thing as Arabs, Pakistanis, British Muslims, or etc. Shaitan uses these label tags to create disunity against the ummah. We are Muslims; islam howwever does recognize that we belong to tribes. The reason for this is so that we can know each other, because imagine if were all copies, copies of one another, everyone would look the same and would belong to the same place, then how would be recognize one another. Allah made us all different, with different personalities and names. That is how we can know one another. Everyone is unique, and has their own individuality.
- Abdullah bin Ubayy’s son was also named Abdullah. When Abdullah (son) heard that Rasool Allah (Saw) might kill his father, because of what he (Abdullah bin Ubayy) said. Abdullah went to Rasool Allah (saw) and told him, “I heard that you want to kill my father, if you plan to do so, then let me kill him. Now the people of Khazaraj know that I am the most obedient towards my father and the best among them in obedience and fulfilling the rights of my father and I don’t want someone else to kill my father and then after that I see this man walking safely, and shaitan comes to me and causes me to kill him and then I would have killed a believer for the sake of a disbeliever. So if you want to kill him, then you order me to do so, and I’ll do it.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “No, we will not kill him. We will accompany him in this life.” Then Rusool Allah (saw) made dua for Abdullah (ra) (the son).
Abdullah (ra) gave the example of true emaan, where your loyalty goes to; for Allah and His Messenger. Rusool Allah (saw) told him not to, that he (saw) will give Abdullah bin Ubayy company in this life; this shows us what a big heart Rusool Allah (saw) had for the believers.
CD 16
During the Battle of Banul Mustaliq an important incident occurred. The Muslim ummah learnt great lessons from this unfortunate incident.
Aisha (ra) narrates this incident:
“When the Messenger of Allah was about to go on a journey, he would draw lots among his wives to decide who would accompany him, he did so as usual, against the expedition against Banul Mustaliq, my name was drawn and so he took me with him. The women on such occasions would eat light filling foods and they would be light weight. I would sit in my haudaj while my camel was being saddled. (Haudaj is a closed space, put on top of the camel.) The men responsible for mounting it, would then grasp the haudaj from below it, and lift it and place it upon the camel’s back, tying it there with ropes. They would then lead the camel away by the heads. When Rusool Allah (saw) had completed that journey, directed the party to return home. Then close to Medina he made a halt for a part of the night. Acquired and called out to people to depart again, and people prepared to do so. I went out to relieve myself; I was wearing a necklace of onyx made of stones of zafar. When I had finished, it slipped from the neck without my knowledge. Having returned to my mount I felt for it around my neck but didn’t find it there. But people were beginning to leave so I returned where I had been to search for the necklace, and eventually I found it.
The men who had now finished saddling my camel had come back for me and rose up the haudaj thinking I was inside as usual, and fastened it on to the camel. They had no doubts about me being inside, and then they took the camel by the head and lead it away. When I returned to the camp site, there was absolutely no one there, everyone had left. So I wrapped myself in my cloak and laid down, I was sure that they would return for me when they miss me, I swear I was lying there when Safwan b. Mu'attal Sulami Dhakwini came by. He had for some reason of his own been lagging behind the other warriors and had not spent the night with the others. When he saw my form he approached and stood over me, he had seen me before the veil was prescribed for us. When he saw me he exclaimed ‘To Allah we belong and to Him we return, isn’t it the vaa’ eena (woman sitting in haudaj) of Rusool Allah (saw)?’ I was all wrapped up in my cloak, he then asked, ‘What made you stay behind? May Allah have mercy on you.’ I did not speak to him. He then brought up the camel and said, ‘you ride’, he kept away from me. So I mounted and he led the camel away by the head moving quickly to catch up with the rest. I swear by Allah we neither caught them up nor did they miss me before morning.
By the time the force had halted and made secure the man appeared leading me, and so those who spread the calumny started talking and the men were greatly puttered. However I swear I knew nothing of this. We then went on to Medina, there I soon felt seriously sick and heard nothing of what was going on.
All the talk soon reached Rusool Allah (saw) and my parents, but they told me absolutely nothing of this. All I noticed was that Rusool Allah (saw) was not as kind as usual towards me; whenever I had been sick he had been very kind and comforting to me, but not on this occasion. I pretended not to notice, when he came and see me, my mother being present nursing me, he would just say formally ‘how is she?’ He would add nothing more.
Eventually this coldness of his bothered me, and so I asked him, ‘Oh Rusool Allah! If you will allow it, I would like to go and stay with my mother to have her care for me.’ Rusool Allah (saw) said, “No problem.’ And so I moved in with my mother, I still had no knowledge what was going on, until I recovered from my illness some three weeks later.
We were arab people and did not have in our homes those toilets that foreigners use, we find them disgusting. We would go out and use the open areas of medina. Each night the women would go outside to relieve them selves.
I went out to do so one night accompanied by Umm Mista daughter of Abu Rhm b. Muttalib, she was walking with me when she tripped over her gown an swore, ‘Perish that Mistah’. I commented that is a terrible thing to say about a muhajir, and a man who fought at Badr. She said, ‘Has the news not reached you, daughter of Abu Bakr.’ I said, ‘What news?’ She then told me what those spreading the slander were saying. So I exclaimed, ‘This is really so?!’ She said, ‘Yes it is really so.’
I swear I was so upset; I could not do my business and went home. I wept so much, I thought my crying would burst my liver. I told my mother, ‘May Allah forgive you for not telling me anything about what the people have been saying about me.’ She said, ‘Don’t take it too seriously daughter, rarely a does a beautiful woman with a husband who loves her, not have her co-wives and others to speak badly about her.’
Rusool Allah (saw) had stood and addressed people on this subject but I knew nothing on that. He had praised and thanked Allah, then said, ‘Why is it that people are giving me concern about my family, and speaking untruths against them. I swear by Allah, I know nothing but good of them. And they are saying the same against a man of whom I have never known anything but good. He has never entered any of my dwellings without me, being his company.’” Rusool Allah (saw) was saying that he only knows good in Aisha (ra) and only knows good in Safwan (ra).”
Aisha (ra) said, “The greatest blame for this slay was Abdullah bin Ubayy, some from the Khazrah, Mustah, and Hamnah, daughter of Jahsh. Hamnah spoke thus, because she was the sister of Zainab, daughter of Jahsh, who also lived with Rusool Allah (saw). Zainab was the only one of his wives who rivaled my status with him. Zainab herself was given Allah’s protection through her religion, for she spoke only good of me. Hamna spread rumors about me, to do harm for her sister’s sake, I suffered for that.”
Aisha (ra) saying that Zainab wasn’t involved in this, but it was her sister who was doing this for Zainab.
Aisha (ra) continued, “When Rusool Allah (saw) made this address, Usaid bin Hudair stated, ‘if they were from Al-Aus we would deal with them for you, if from our Khazraj brethren then give us your order and I swear by Allah, they deserve to have their heads but off.’ Then Sa’d ibn Ubada arose, he had been previously been considered a fine man, he said, ‘you lie, I swear by Allah, you’d certainly not cut off their heads, and you only made that statement because you knew that they were of Khazraj. If they had been from your own tribe you would never say that.’ Usaid said ‘its you who lie, I swear by Allah, you are a hypocrite, arguing on behalf of the hypocrites.’ People became so angry that there was almost a fight between Aus and Khazraj.”
This is four or five years after becoming Muslim, and still this problem of nationalism is still present, that it could cause a fight inside a masjid. This shows us how dangerous nationalism is. Rusool Allah (saw) says that, ‘this is one of the things of Jahiliya that will remain in you.’ These were great sahabi who he saying this to.
Aisha (ra) continued, “ He (saw) called for Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) and Usama bin Zaid (ra) and consulted me to him. Usama spoke well of me and then said, ‘Rusool Allah, this is about your family about whom, we know nothing but good. This is all foolish lies.’ Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) said, ‘Messenger of Allah there are plenty of women, you can exchange them, ask the slave girl she will speak the truth to you.’ So Rusool Allah (saw) called for Barira to ask her. Ali went up to her and struck her violently saying, ‘speak the truth to the messenger of Allah.’ Barira replied, ‘I swear by Allah, I know nothing but good, I never fault with Aisha at all except that when I need dough and ask her to watch over it, she may fall asleep and the domestic goats come and eat it.’
Then Rusool Allah (saw) came to me, I had with me both my parents and an Ansari woman. I was weeping and so was she. He sat down, gave praise and thanks to Allah and then said, ‘Aisha you have been informed what people have been saying about you. Fear Allah, if you had indeed done wrong as they say, then repent to Him. Allah accepts repentance from His servants.’ As soon as he said this my tears dried up so that I could feel nothing of them, I waited for parents to respond on my behalf to Rusool Allah (saw) but they didn’t speak.
I swear to Allah, I felt myself to be humble and unimportant for Allah to sent a verse of Quran about me, one that would be recited and used for the prayer. But I had hoped that the prophet would have some vision in his sleep, by which Allah would prove my innocence, from His knowledge of my innocence and would give some information. But as a verse of Quran to be revealed about me, I swear I felt myself too insignificant for that.
When I saw that my parents were not replying on my behalf, I asked them, ‘Will you not reply to Rusool Allah?’ They replied, ‘By Allah, we don’t know what to reply.’ I swear I don’t know any household that ever suffered so much as that of Abu Bakr, through those days. When they were unable to respond for me, I burst out crying again. Then I said, ‘by Allah, I will never repent to Allah for what you refer to. I swear I well know that if I were to affirm what people say, while Allah knew me to be innocent of it. I would be affirming, what had not happened. If I were to deny what they say, you would not believe me.’ I then tried to remember the name of Yaqub but I could not remember it, so I said, ‘But I will speak as did, the father of Yusuf; Patience is fine and Allah’s help is to be sought against what you despite.’
I swear the Messenger of Allah had not left his seat, before Allah sent down upon him what he used to send. He as wrapped up in his cloak, and a pillow of leather was placed beneath his head. As for myself, when I witnessed this, I swear, I felt no alarm or concern. I knew that I was innocent that Allah would not harm me. However I swear by Him who bears Aisha’s soul in His hands that as soon as the Messenger of Allah recovered, I thought my parents would expire from fear that confirmation of what people were saying would come from Allah.”
SubhanAllah Aisha (ra) was saying that her parents were worried that Quran would come to confirm the accusation that Aisha (Ra) committed Zina, and this shows you how dangerous these rumors could be.
Aisha (ra) continues, “Having recovered the Messenger of Allah sat up, his faced streamed with droplets like a winter day, he began wiping the sweat from his face and saying, ‘Rejoice Aisha, Allah All-Mighty And All Glorious is He, has sent down confirmation of your innocence.’ I said, ‘All praise is for Allah’. He then went out to address the people, recited to them what Allah the All- Mighty and Glorious revealed from Quran on the subject. He then gave orders about Mistah, Hassan bin Thabit, and Hamna. These having the most out spoken in their calumny, and they received the flogging prescribed by law.”
This was narrated by Aisha (ra)
In a different narration it says that when these ayat were revealed, and Rusool Allah (saw) gave her the news. The mother of Aisha (ra) told her to thank Rusool Allah (saw). Aisha (ra) said, ‘No, I wont, I will only thank Allah.’ The ayat revealed are in SURAH AN-NUR Allah Zaujal says (24:11-25)
Indeed, those who came with falsehood are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you; rather it is good for you. For every person among them is what [punishment] he has earned from the sin, and he who took upon himself the greater portion thereof - for him is a great punishment.
Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of one another and say, "This is an obvious falsehood"?
Why did they [who slandered] not produce for it four witnesses? And when they do not produce the witnesses, then it is they, in the sight of Allah , who are the liars.
And if it had not been for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy in this world and the Hereafter, you would have been touched for that [lie] in which you were involved by a great punishment
When you received it with your tongues and said with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge and thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allah , tremendous.
And why, when you heard it, did you not say, "It is not for us to speak of this. Exalted are You, [O Allah ]; this is a great slander"?
Allah warns you against returning to the likes of this [conduct], ever, if you should be believers.
And Allah makes clear to you the verses, and Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know.
And if it had not been for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy... and because Allah is Kind and Merciful.
O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan - indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah , and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment
On a Day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.
That Day, Allah will pay them in full their deserved recompense, and they will know that it is Allah who is the perfect in justice.
SubhanAllah, Aisha (ra) said she thought she was too insignificant, for Allah to reveal verses for her, but all of these verses were revealed to defend Aisha (ra).
Lessons
- Accusing a Muslim woman or man, is a major sin.
- There is that good that came out of this incident. Allah Zaujal said: Do not think it bad for you; rather it is good for you. We learned how to deal with such issues from this incident. Yes Aisha (ra) and the family of Abu Bakr (ra) suffered, but the ummah learned a lot. As a result the family of Abu Bakr earned a lot of hasanaat because of their patience.
- Muslims should care for the reputation of other Muslims and think good of them. This is something that is lost today. Sometimes you find that good brothers and sisters become happy when they hear about so and so. This isn’t how we should be. We shouldn’t be happy to hear something bad about our brothers and sisters. Allah Zaujal said: Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of one another rand say, "This is an obvious falsehood”? This applies to the entire ummha. We have a duty not to believe in rumors. We have to call such rumors lies and not believe them.
- We should not spread rumors. Allah said: And why, when you heard it, did you not say, "It is not for us to speak of this. Exalted are You, [O Allah ]; this is a great slander"? Muslims should have no time for this nonsense. We shouldn’t go around listening to such hearsay and spreading it around. Muslims spend their time wisely.
- It should never happen again. Allah says: Allah warns you against returning to the likes of this [conduct], ever, if you should be believers.
- We should not talk about such immoral things and spread it. Sometimes brothers and sisters sit and talk about the fasaad in the ummah, and they would bring up all these examples which would go beyond what is necessary. Some people actually enjoy talking about such immoral things, they have a certain attraction towards it. Allah says: Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know. People at times talk about immoral things not to stop them but to fulfill their desire to talk about such things, this is very dangerous. If there is an evil going on in the community, and nobody knows about it, sometimes it is better for the community. Especially related to things like zina, adultery, etc. The more we talk about this stuff, the more we start believeing that the community is corrupt, the more people will start acting like how they believe the community is. But if they think, that everything is fine, people are good then the youngsters will not try to break that. There is a fine line between spreading evil and forbidding evil. You want to strike a balance. One should talk as much necessary.
- Mistah, the one who was spreading rumors about Aisha (ra), he was a poor man and Abu Bakr (ra) was the one who was fulfilling his financial needs. So when Abu Bakr found out that this man was the one talking about his daughter, he became very upset, so he stopped spending money on him. So Allah Zaujal said: And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah , and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? So Allah was telling Abu Bakr to pardon them.
- Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment: It is a serious crime to accuse a woman of adultery, and even thought this ayat is talking about a woman, but the same applies for the man. The reason why the ayah mentiones woman, is because it is even worse when you accuse a man, but the ruling is the same for the man. On a Day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do. That Day, Allah will pay them in full their deserved recompense, and they will know that it is Allah who is the perfect in justice. So Allah does not want Muslims to slander against one another.
- Muhammed (saw) was a human being and he didn’t know the unseen. Rusool Allah (saw) himself suffered the pain of having people talk about his wife for an entire month. If Rusool Allah (saw) knew the unseen, he would have known that Aisha (ra) was innocent. But he suffered just like the others.
- The ruling of Qadr and its importance in protecting the Muslim community. If someone accuses a Muslim of adultery or fornication, they must produce four witnesses. If they do not, then they are flogged publicly 80 lashes. They are labeled as faasiq, and their witnesses are not accepted. This is to protect the Muslim community. Now the issue has become very small, people talk about each other and slander all the time. Rumors spread like fire. People don’t realize that they are committing a major sin.
Hassan bin Thabit and Mistah were flogged, but not Abdullah bin Ubayy. Even though Abdullah bin Ubayy had done the most in the effort of spreading this rumor. So how come he wasn’t punished?
Ibn al Quyyum gives four possibilities:
1. Because the punishment is a kuffara, for the sin in duniya, so the person will not be punished in akhirah. So he deserved to be punished in Akhirah.
2. Probably he was spreading the rumours and talking about it, and doing it in such a clever way, that he could not be held responsible for it.
3. This punishment is only established through witnesses or through personal admission. So there was no evidence.
4. He wasn’t punished to bring his people closer to Islam, and avoid fitnah.
The fourth situation is very unlikely because if the evidence is established then the punishment cannot be overruled.
- Importance of protecting the reputation of our leaders: We see here that the enemies of Allah will try to assassinate the character or will try to involve in assassinating the character. So we had already seen that the enemies of Allah have tried to kill Rusool Allah (saw) and because they didn’t succeed in that, so they tried to assassinate his character. The enemy of Allah will try to design dangerous stories about the dangerous leaders of the ummah. We need to not believe these stories. Today no verse will be revealed to defend a certain leader, it is our duty to learn from these events and apply them to our lives.
BATTLE OF THE TRENCH
Ibn Ishaq said, “What happened at Al-Khandaq was that a group of Jews brought together a coalition of clans against the Messenger of Allah”. So this was a coalition that was pulled together by the Jews. They went to Meccan and other tribes, Ghatafaan and managed to bring together an army of 10,000 strong. This was the largest army against Rusool Allah (saw) up to that point. The agreement was that Ghatafaan would provide 6000 men, in exchange of the Jews paying them the entire date harvest of Khaibar for one year. So Ghatafaan was in it for money, nothing else. While the Jews and the people of Mecca wanted to defeat Rusool Allah (saw).
The Arabs used to consider the Jews as the wise and learnt ones. The Jews would go to Mecca and the people of Mecca would ask them, “Well you are the learned men; you are the people of the Book, and so tell us, who is right; us or Muhammed?” The Jews would tell them, “You are.” Allah Zaujal revealed in Surah An-Nisa (4:51) (4:52)
Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in superstition and false objects of worship and say about the disbelievers, "These are better guided than the believers as to the way"?
Those are the ones whom Allah has cursed; and he whom Allah curses - never will you find for him a helper.
One would wonder, what in the world would make the Jews claim that the pagan worshippers are more guided than the Muslims. The Jews have much more in common with the Muslims than the pagan worshippers. Jews were jealous and hated Rusool Allah (saw).
Anyway the news reached Rusool Allah (saw) that a huge army is coming their way. Rusool Allah (saw) holds a shura session. Salman Farsi (ra) had a suggestion, he said, “Oh Messenger of Allah, in our land in Persia, if we fear the cavalry we would dig a trench, oh Messenger of Allah, why don’t we dig a moat?” RusoolAllah (saw) and the Muslims liked the idea. The projuect thus started. It was impossible for them to dig a trench all around Medina because they didn’t have the man-power. They had to choose the vulnerable location, which was north of medina. This was because Medina had a natural protection from the east and west, that portion is called Al-Harra, these are volcanic tracks. Towards the south there are dwellings and farm land which also makes it difficult to penetrate… so the danger was towards the north. Every ten men were given 40 ft of land to dig, they split into groups and started to dig. The Muslims were hungry and were poor, there was a lack of food and people.
Anas ibn Malik (ra) said, “The Messenger of Allah went out to the trench and found that the Muhajireen and the Ansar were busy digging, it was a very cold morning and they had no slaves to do that work for them. When he saw what they were suffering from, the hard labour and hunger he said, ‘Oh Allah, there life is indeed that of the afterlife, forgive the Ansar and the Muhajirun.’” So there life might be difficult in duniya (this world) but their life belongs to the Afterlife.
Rusool Allah (saw) himself participated in the digging, Al Barra narrates in Bukhari, “On the day of Ahzab when Rusool Allah (saw) was digging the trench, I saw him carrying dirt until there was so much dirt on his stomach, I couldn’t see his skin any more.” Rusool Allah (saw) set a leadership example; he worked along with his companions. Rusool Allah (saw) was so hungry, he would have to tie a stone to his stomach to supress his hunger, but his spirit was high. Rusool Allah (saw) and the sahabah (ra) would recite these lines of poetry, “Oh Allah, without you we would not have been well guided nor would we have been charitable, nor would we have prayed. So do sent tranquility upon us, and make us stand firm when we meet the foe. They have wronged us; if they want trouble we will meet them.” Rusool Allah (saw) would stretch the final words.
There were guards around the clock, guarding medina. The sahabah would take turns in guarding. The difficulties were increasing, you have an army of Quraish and Ghatafaan coming and then there was a serious problem that came up at the worst time. The dwellings of Banu Quraida, were part of the plan for the protection of Medina. Rusool Allah (saw) was receiving news that Banu Quraida themselves were betraying their agreement with Rusool Allah (saw), and were going to join against the enemy. So Rusool Allah (saw) sends Az-Zubair bin Awwam (ra) to investigate the matter. Az-Zubair brings back information that they are bringing in their livestock and that they are paving their roads, and that was an indication of preparation for battle. Rusool Allah (saw) sent Sa’d bin Muadh, Sa’d bin Ubada, Abdullah bin Rawaha, and Khawwat bin Jubair to further investigate the matter. Rusool Allah (saw) said that if Banu Quraida has decided to betray the Muslims then secretly come and give me the news but if they find that Banu Quraida is keeping their word, then they can make the news public.
So this tells us that sometimes you need to hide information from people for their benefit.
They go and come back and say two words to Rusool Allah (saw) and that is, “Adal and Qarah.” Adal and Qarah were the two tribes that betrayed the men that were sent by Rusool Allah (saw), and killed them. So this was an indication that Quraida had broken the agreement. Rusool Allah (saw) made preparations for that. Rusool Allah (saw) sends out two groups, one 200 men and the other one 300 men as guards. They would go around the area of Banu Quraida, to show them that we are still here and still strong and we are willing to fight. It was a show of strength. The Muslims were able to intercept 20 camel loads of dates, figs and barley that were going towards the army of Ahzab and their point of origin was Banu Quraida. This made it clear that Banu Quraida had betrayed Rasool Allah (saw). This was a very difficult for the Muslims. Allah Zaujal describes the situation to us in SURAH AHZAB (33:10)
[Remember] when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted [in fear], and hearts reached the throats and you assumed about Allah [various] assumptions.
Eyes shifted in fear, heart pounced so fast that is seemed that you can feel it in your throats and some people were making assumptions of Allah. Like Allah will not make us win, or that this religion is not true and various thoughts like this. Obviously the ones who had made these various assumptions were the munafiqun. Allah says (33:22)
SURAH AHZAB (33:13-20)And when the believers saw the companies, they said, "This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth." And it increased them only in faith and acceptance.
When the believers saw the difficulties their faith increased more, because they knew that Allah would test them. So one incident brought forth different reactions to it. Both parties had fear, but their reactions were different. That is the defference between believers and the hypocrites. The hypocrites acted negatively while the believers acted positively.
Ibn Ishaq said, “There upon the anxiety and fear increased, their enemy came at them from above and below.” Tthe Muslims were very confused. Dissension arose to the point where, Muattib bin Kushair commented, “Muhammed used to promise us that we would eat treasure of kisra and Ceasar and now we don’t even feel safe going to the toilet.” This was a reaction of a hypocrite. The ayat of Quran described the munafiqun in
And when a faction of them said, "O people of Yathrib, there is no stability for you [here], so return [home]." And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying, "Indeed, our houses are unprotected," while they were not exposed. They did not intend except to flee.
The munafiqun wanted to leave the site of the trench, they wanted to go back home with the excuse that they wanted to protect their homes.
And if they had been entered upon from all its [surrounding] regions and fitnah had been demanded of them, they would have done it and not hesitated over it except briefly.
This ayat tells us that if the munafiqun are pressured even a bit by the disbelievers they will leave Islam.
And they had already promised Allah before not to turn their backs and flee. And ever is the promise to Allah [that about which one will be] questioned.
Say, [O Muhammad], "Never will fleeing benefit you if you should flee from death or killing; and then [if you did], you would not be given enjoyment [of life] except for a little."
Allah Zaujal is saying that death is destined, so running away from it, wont change it a bit.
Say, "Who is it that can protect you from Allah if He intends for you an ill or intends for you a mercy?" And they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or any helper.
The munafiqun were looking for help from the wrong place, they were looking for help from the Jews, from the disbelievers. Allah is saying only Allah can benefit you, and only Allah can harm you.
Already Allah knows the hinderers among you and those [hypocrites] who say to their brothers, "Come to us," and do not go to battle, except for a few,
Indisposed toward you. And when fear comes, you see them looking at you, their eyes revolving like one being overcome by death. But when fear departs, they lash you with sharp tongues, indisposed toward [any] good. Those have not believed, so Allah has rendered their deeds worthless, and ever is that, for Allah , easy.
Allah talks about a certain traits of hypocrites. In time of fear, their eyes rotate out of fear, they are confused, but when fear goes away they are very loud. They talk a lot of criticizing so and so. So it is only in difficult times that people can be judged.
They think the companies have not [yet] withdrawn. And if the companies should come [again], they would wish they were in the desert among the bedouins, inquiring [from afar] about your news. And if they should be among you, they would not fight except for a little.
If the armies attack Medina, these munafiqun would wish they were not in Medina but rather somewhere far in the desert hearing the latest news. In other words the munafiqun wish they were sitting far away watching what is happening to the Muslims on their tv sets. But they don’t want to be their. And even if they were among the Muslims, they would not fight except for a little.
The Muslims were suffering hunger, in Bukhari Anas ibn Malik (ra) said, “They would bring a hand full of barley and some ill-smelling fat, as a meal for them. Hungry as they were, it struch in their throats and smelled bad.” This was their food, rotten fat, and barley. Muhammed ibn muslamah said, “Our nights during the Khandaq was day time.” Meaning they had to work all the time. Allah was testing them.
Fighting did occur, some dualing one incident that happened, was a challenge to single combat. Amr bin Abd Wudd was one of the heroes of Quraish, he challenges the Muslims to send forth one of their men. The one who went forwad was Ali bin Abi Talib (ra). Amr asked him, “Who are you?” Ali (ra) said, “I am Ali.” Amr said, “Ali the son of Abdula Munaf?” He said, “No, I am the son of Abu Talib.” Amr said, “Nephew there are among your uncles, men who are more senior than you, I feel sorry spilling your blood.” Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) said, “But I don’t feel sorry spilling your blood.” Amr bin Abd Wudd wanted someone more senior and stronger to come and meet him. Amr was very upset and Ibn Ishaq said, “He draws out his sword as if it was a brand of fire.” They exchange blows, Amr striked the shield of Ali (ra), the blow was so hard that the shield ended up hitting the head of Ali (ra). In fact the blow was so hard that the sword got stuck in the shield of Ali (ra). Then Ali bin Abi talib (ra) struck Amr in the neck and he fell down dead. The sahabah then made takbeer that is when Rusool Allah (saw) figured out that Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) won.
Sa’d bin Abi Waqas (ra) was a good marksman, he had in his sight this enemy soldier who was holding two shields. He was sort of teasing the Muslims, because he would move down his shield down a bit so that the upper part of his head would show and then he woudld cover it again, he would do that again and again. Sa’d (ra) aims at the man, and he fires his shot while the shield was down, and it hits the man right in his forhead. The man falls down and his legs go up, Rusool Allah (saw) saw that and laughed, the way the man fell down was funny.
Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra), Aisha said, “He was a tall and large man, and he was wearing armor but his arms were not covered. When I saw him, I was really worried about his arms.” SubhanAllah he was shot by an arrrow in his arm, and it cut the main vein, he was seriously injured.
CD 17
Rusool Allah (saw) tried to break the coalition; it was part of the strategy. So what he did was, he tried to negotiate a deal with Ghatafaan. Ghatafaan were 6000 troops, more than half of the enemy. Rusool Allah (saw) met with the two leaders. He proposed to them that they withdraw from the coalition in exchange Rasool Allah (Saw) was going to pay them one-third of the harvest of Medina. They agreed and they wrote up a document, but they did not finalize it by calling in witnesses. Rusool Allah (saw) called Sa’d bin Muadh and Sa’d bin Ubada and he made shura with them. Notice here that Rusool Allah (saw) only made shura with the Ansar. This shows that shura is not done with everyone, only with the pertaining people to every situation. Since Rasool Allah (saw) was offering the harvest of Medina which belongs to Aus and Khazraj he (saw) needs to seek their counsel.
He told them their proposal, they responded, “Messenger of Allah, is this something that you wish to do, something Allah has ordered you to do, which we must take into effect or is it something you are doing for our sake. If it something form Allah Zaujal we’ll accept it, but if its your opinion and you are doing it for our sake, then its no.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Yes, I’m doing it for your sake.” Sa’d ibn Muadh said, “Messenger of Allah, we used to be disbelievers in Allah, and worship idols on with those people, not worshipping or knowing Allah. At the time, they would never have dreamed of eating a single date of ours, except as a guest or with purchase. Should we give them our property now? After Allah has honored us with Islam, led us to Him and given us esteem through you and through Him? We will have none of this. By Allah, all we will give them is the sword, until Allah decides between us and them.”
So they were saying that these people would not have dreamed of even taking a date from us, except as a guest or from purchase, so how can we just give them Muslim property just so they can leave. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “As you wish.” Sa’d ibn Muadh took the documents from Rusool Allah (saw) and he erased the writing from it and saying, “Now let them fight us.” Rusool Allah (saw) was willing to negotiate but the Ansar were insistent to fight, this shows the strength of their imaan. They were not willing to negotiate with the people who are with falsehood. May Allah have mercy on them.
Because the Muslims through their imaan, qualified in the eyes of Allah Zaujal to attain victory, Allah would help them. So from every angle Muslims had no chance to win, but because they deserved to win, Allah helped them. SubhanAllah! We should have taqwa in Allah, Allah will help you from the way least expected. A man came to Rasool Allah (saw), his name was Nuaim bin Masud, this man is from Ghatafaan. He comes to Rasool Allah (saw) and sais, “Messenger of Allah, I have accepted Islam, but my people do not know of this. Give me whatever orders you wish.”
This man comes out of nowhere and says I am a Muslim. SubhanAllah! Come to think of it, it was a wrong time to become a Muslim, as the Muslims were weak and they were under siege but he came forward because he was a soldier of Allah. Only Allah knows His soldiers, we don’t know them. The Messenger of Allah said, “You are only one man, use trickery to relieve us from them, if you can. War is deception.” Rasool Allah (saw) said to him that you’re just one man, so it wont really make a difference to the army but if he can use some technique to weaken his people, then he should. He (saw) claimed war is deception, in other words Rasool Allah (saw) was saying that deception can be used if Nuaim can relieve the Muslims of Ghatafaan.
Nuaim (ra) left and he went to the Jews with Banu Quraida, “you know me and I know you, and you know our friendship and you know that I will only give you a sincere advice. What you have done is wrong. You have decided to fight against Muhammed (saw) but you are living in Medina, your women, children and property are here. While Quraish and Ghatafaan are coming over to fight but their women children and property are somewhere else. Now Quraish and Ghatafaan are going to try to seize the opportunity to defeat Muhammad (saw) but if that opportunity doesn’t arise, they are going to pack up and leave and you know what will happen if they leave. Muhammed (saw) will attack you first since you are right there with him in Medina, and you know that you could not face off alone against Muhammed (saw).” They said, “What you are saying is true, what shall we do?” Nuaim (ra) said, “You want to make sure that Quraish and Ghatafaan are willing to fight until the end, until you achieve the objective. Not just try to win, if it doesn’t work out then they leave. You want to make sure that they stay behind and fight with you and not betray you and me.” They said, “Alright but how can we guarantee that?” he said, “Ask them to leave some of their men with you as assures.” This was a practice that existed in those days, so it was nothing unusual. Nuaim told them to take some men of the Quraish and Ghatafaan as assurance that they will fight till the end. The Jews agreed.
Now Nuaim (ra) leaves the Jews and goes to the Quraish, he tells them, “You know how close our friendship is, and you understand that I would be sincere in my advice to you and I would only tell you the truth. I come here because I have something to disclose to you and I want you to keep this information classified.” They said, “Yes Nuaim, we trust you and you know that, go ahead.” Nuaim (Ra) said, “The Jews have regretted the fact that they have abrogated their agreement with Muhammed (saw) and now they are involved in negotiations with him to bring back the agreement. And they have offered Muhammed to hand over; some of your men to him (saw) to be executed as their sign of their sincerity and repentance of their deeds. So if the Jews come to you asking for hostages, do not give them any.” Then Nuaim (ra) goes to Ghatafaan and tells them the exact same thing.
The siege was taking a long time and the Quraish were getting sick of it. Remember Quraish didn’t come to Medina to lay siege to it, they came in to fight, and they were surprised to find this moat in front of them, they weren’t prepared to wait for a long time. They didn’t have the supplies and provision. Iqramah bin Abi Jahl was sent to head a delegation to go and meet with the Jews of Banu Quraida and said, “We are getting tired of this long siege our camels and horses are dying. We want to wage an all out war so get ready and we want to attack today.” They Jews said, “No, you know we don’t fight in the Sabbath, and some of our people that did fight in the Sabbath, this and this happened to them plus we’re worried that you might not stay the course to ensure that you are willing to fight until the end, we want you to hand over some of your men, as a guarantee.”
Iqramah went and conveyed the message to Abu Sufyan and Abu Sufyan said, “This is it, this is what Nuaim told us. That the Jews have betrayed us, and they want to hand over our men to Muhammed (saw).” Abu Sufyan sent the message to Banu Quraiba that, “we are not going to send one single man, not one single person.” The Jews said, “This is exactly what Nuaim told us, these men are not serious and they are going to leave us alone to suffer the attacks of Muhammed (saw).” The same thing happened with Ghatafaan and therefore one single man was successful in breaking up this coalition.
This help was part of the Qadr of Allah, because the Muslims had passed the test of imaan, patience, perseverance and trust in Allah Zaujal.
Lessons from what Nuaim did and the negotiation with Ghatafaan
- Rusool Allah (saw) negotiated with Ghatafaan because they were there only for financial gains but the Jews and Quraish wanted to breakdown the foundation of Islam Therefore Rusool Allah (saw) didn’t even attempt to negotiate with them. You need to know the objectives of your enemy.
- Rusool Allah (saw) told Sa’d ibn Muadh and Sa’d ibn Ubada that the reasom he (saw) was making this offer was for the sake of the Muslims. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “as if the Arabs were shooting you from one single bow.” Meaning the Arabs had unified against the Muslims, so Rusool Allah (Saw) wanted to break this coalition. It is important for the leader to have hikmah and if it’s possible to neutralize a particular party from the enemies, rather than have them all face it once, then such a plan can be part of the strategy. Why fight everybody at once? Muslims could deal with Ghatafaan later. The Muslims should not try to make enemies, as long as it doesn’t go against any principles.
- The leader should have the capability of taking advantage of the abilities of his soldiers’. Rusool Allah (saw) did not give Nuaim (ra) a sword and tell him to fight; he (saw) knew where to use this person. Everyone should be put in the right place, for the right job.
- Rusool Allah (saw) used a powerful weapon against the enemies and that is dua. Rusool Allah (saw) was saying, “Oh Allah. Revealer of the Book, quick to take account, defeat the clans, Oh Allah, defeat them and shake them.” Allah Zaujal accepted this dua and sent soldiers which the Muslims couldn’t see. Allah Zaujal said in SURAH AHZAB (33:9)
O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to [attack] you and We sent upon them a wind and armies [of angels] you did not see. And ever is Allah , of what you do, Seeing.
Allah Zaujal sent armies that the Muslims did not see, Allah sent wind for the Muslims. Allah sent soldiers. Muslims had a battlecry in Khandaq and that was, “They will now be victorious.”
Ahmed narrated: A man from Kufa, asked Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman, “Have you actually seen the Messenger of Allah? And were you really a companion of his?” (So this narrations is of the time of the tabaeen.) Hudhaifa said, “Yes nephew.” This man said, “How did you treat him?” Hudhaifa said, “It was difficult for us, I swear by Allah but we tried our best.” This tabaee said, “I swear, if we lived at his time, we’d never had let his foot, so much as touch the ground, we’d have carried him on our soldiers.” So this man had heard stories of how the sahabah treated Rusool Allah (saw), so this man thought that if Rusool Allah (saw) had come in his time then they would have treated Rusool Allah (saw) much better than the sahabah.
Hudhaifa wanted to teach this man a lesson, and that it is easier said than done. Because now the sahabah were the ones who passed on Islam to the tabaeen, and the tabaeen were seeing the fruits of this mission, so they think that they would have done more. This tabee didn’t understand that these sahabah had to fight their own fathers, brothers. They had to give up their wealth, and their lives. Now it is easy to say, that if he was there he might have acted differently. Hudhaifa wanted to give an example to the tabaee of how difficult it was for them.
Hudhaifa said, “Nephew I swear I see us now, with the Messenger of Allah at Khandaq and after he had prayed for part of the night, he turned to us and said, ‘Who will volunteer to go and see what the enemy is doing and then come back?’ The Messenger of Allah stipulated that if the volunteer would come back he (saw) would ask Allah the man be his (saw) companion in Paradise. But so severe was the fear, cold, and hunger that not one person volunteered.” Rusool Allah (saw) was asking for a volunteer to go and check on the enemy in return for PARADISE, but no one volunteered thats was how hard it was. The sahabah couldn’t think straight because of the cold, hunger, and fear.
Hudhaifa said, “Since no one had risen, he (saw) called upon me, and once he had done so, I had no alternaive but to do so. He then told me, ‘Hudhaifa go and infiltrate the enemy, go and see what they are doing, but don’t cause any trouble then return to us.’ So I did. The gale and Allah’s soldiers were greatly damaging them (the enemy), leaving them no fire, nor pots nor tents of right. Abu Sufyan rose and said, ‘Quraish, every man check out the person sitting next tom him.’” Abu Sufyan was worried that in such a wind and condition the enemy can come and infiltrate them. Hudhaifa (ra) said: “At this I took the hand of the man next to me and asked him his name.” So Hudhaifa (ra) acted very quickly and asked the man his name, before he would ask his name. Smart move.
Hudhaifa (ra) said, “He told me who he was, Abu Sufyan then said, ‘we are not in a permanent camp, our horses and camels are dying and Banu Quraida are at odd with us, and we’ve heard things about them that we don’t like. You can see what we’ve lost due to the gale, how our cooking pots wont stay upright, and we cant keep fires burning and our tents standing. You should leave as I am about to do.’ He then went to his camel which was hobbled, mounted it, struck it so that it arose on three legs since he only unhobbled it, when it was standing. If it had not been for the promise for the Messenger of Allah, make not to cause trouble, i could have shot him with an arrow. So I returned to the Messenger of Allah, and found him standing in prayer shrouded in a wrap belonging to one of his wives. When he (saw) saw me, he asked me to come in and sit at his feet and through an end of the wrap over me. He then bowed and prostrated while I was under, when he was finished I related the news to him. When Ghatafaan had heard what the quraish had done, they hurried off home.”
The other narration in Muslim is by the father of Yazid At Thaini, he said, “We were with Hudhaifa when a man told him, “if I had been alive with the Messenger of Allah, I would have fought along side him, heroicly.” Hudhaida said, “Would you, indeed? Once we were there at the battle of Ahzab with Rusool Allah (saw) it was night time and there was a fierce cold gale blowing. He (saw) asked us ‘Is there no man, who would bring me news of the enemy and be with me on Judgment Day?’ When none of us reponded, he asked the same question the second and the third time, then he (saw) said, ‘Hudhaifa, you go and bring us news of the enemy, since he had called on me by name, I had no alternative but to get up. Bring me news of them without giving them any calls for alarm about me.’
So I left made my way to them, feeling as if walking through a public bath (he was feeling hot). I found Abu Sufyan there warming his back to the fire, I placed an arrow in the center of my bow and was about to release when I remembered how Rusool Allah (saw) had told me not to give them any alarm about it. If I had shotted, I would have hit him. I then left to return to Rusool Allah (saw) and again the feeling of walking in a public bath, overcame me. When I arrived back, I felt very cold and chilled once again. I told this to him, and he put over me part of the cloak he was wearing as a he prayed. He slept right on through till morning when he spoke to me saying, ‘up you get sleepy head.’”
So Hudhaifa (ra) was telling this tabaee how their situation was, and that he needs to realise that its easier said than done.
So Ghatafaan and Quraish leave, Rusool Allah (saw) wakes up in the morning and takes a look at the empty camp ground, no one was left. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “There is no one worthy of worship except Allah, His promise came true, and He gave victory to His servant, and He defeated the coalition alone.” It was Allah who did this.
Miracles at Ghazwat Al-Khandaq
- When the muslims were digging the trench, Jaber ibn Abdullah saw the condition of Rusool Allah (saw). People had tied one stone to their stomach while Rusool Allah (saw) had two stones tied to his stomach. Jaber goes back to his wife and tells her, “I have seen Rusool Allah (saw) in an intolerable condition. Do you have any food for him?” She said, “All what I have is some barley and a small goat.” Jaber goes and slaughters the goat, and he tells his wife to prepare some dough for baking bread, while the meat was cooking. Jaber went to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “I have some food for you, so you can come along with one or two of your companions.” Rusool Allah (saw) asked him how much food he has, when Jaber (ra) told him, he (saw) said, “Oh that’s plenty. Tell your wife not to move the meat from its place until I come.” And then Rusool Allah (saw) stands up and to the amazement of Jaber, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Oh Muhajirun! Oh Ansar! Jaber has prepared some for you.”
Jaber asked Rusool Allah (saw) to bring one or two companions and he (saw) had invited the entire camp. Jaber runs back home very embarrassed, he didn’t know what to do. Jaber told his wife, so she said, “Did he ask you how much food we have?” He said, “Yes.” She then said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” Jaber said, “Those words comforted me.”
Rusool Allah (saw) comes in and he would pour the soup and the meat and crush bread over it, he told the sahabah to come in, in groups. The sahabah were very hungry so Rusool Allah (saw) told them to slow down. They would come in, in groups of ten; Rusool Allah (saw) prepared the food for them, and brought it for them. They would eat and leave, then another ten came in, Rusool Allah (Saw) would prepare meal for them again they would eat and leave and so on. When they were done Rusool Allah (saw) went back and the pot was full as it was and the bread was still baking in the oven. So Rusool Allah (saw) told the wife of Jaber to feed her neighbors. This was a miracle of Rusool Allah (saw).
- When they were digging the trench, a bolder stood in their way, and they could not move it, or break it. The sahabah went and told Rusool Allah (saw) about it, he (saw) went there grabbed an axe, and said ‘Bismillah’ and struck it, a lightening came out, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Allah u Akbar.” He then struck it again, light came out, and he (saw) said, “Allah u Akbar”, he (saw) struck it a third time and then it disintegrated into dust and Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Allah u Akbar.” Salman asked Rusool Allah (saw), “Oh Messenger of Allah, why were you saying Allah u Akbar and what was that light?” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “The first time I struck it, I was given the glad tidings of conquering the Roman Empire, and I could see the red palaces of Syria right here, the second time I said Allah u Akbar, I was given the glad tidings of conquering the Persian Empire and I was able to see its white palace from right here and the time I said Allah u Akbar was that I was given the glad tidings of conquering Yemen and I was able to see the gates of Sinah from right here.”
Notice here that Rusool Allah (saw) was given the glad tidings at the worst of times, when the morale was low, when you are beseiged. But that was the whole point of giving glad tidings that is when glad tidings should be given. When you are weak and you’re almost going to give up. In the time of today, if the Muslims are weak and feel defeated then we should give them the glad tidings that Rusool Allah (saw) gave us, “This religion will reach as far as night and day can reach. Allah has shown me the entire Earth and He told me the kingdon of my nation will reach all of it.” Victory belongs to this ummah.
- When Rusool Allah (saw) saw Ammar bin Yassir working very hard he said, “Oh Ammar, you will be killed by the aggressing party.” That was it, that is all he said. Ammar lived throught the time of Rusool Allah (saw), Abu bakr (ra), Umer (ra) Uthman (ra) and in the time of Ali (ra) he joins in the army of Ali (ra) and was killed by the army of Muawiya. So this Hadith tells us that the party of Ali (ra) was right, while the party of Muawiya was wrong. This was news of the unseen given to Rusool Allah (saw).
Lessons from the story of Hudhaifa
- Discipline: Rusool Allah (saw) told him not to cause any trouble. Hudhaifa (ra) could have easily shot Abu Sufyan but he didn’t because of the instructions given to him by Rusool Allah (saw).
- His fast response, to what Abu Sufyan said. As soon as Abu Sufyan told everyone to check who is standing with you, Hudhaifa was the one who took the initiative and acted wisely.
- Difference between fury and reality. That Tabaeen was talking about fury while Hudhaifa was talking about reality. Don’t assume things until they happen, and don’t have too much confidence in your emaan until you are tested.
Lessons from Ghazwat Khandaq
- For the Jews to ally themselves with the mushriqeen against the Muslims is contradictory, when they are closer to the Muslims in terms of similarities of religion. But this shouldn’t surprise us. This is happening till today, contradictory theories and political views will come together to fight the religion of truth. Today, the ‘democratic’ west, the ‘human rights’ of west, is allying itself with the most auticratic and oppressive regime on the face of the earth. For the sake of fighting Islam.
- Make use of available technology. Rusool Allah (saw) approved the idea of Salman Farsi bringing in a foreign idea, an idea that belonged to the kuffar. Since it wasn’t an issue of religion but rather a matter of strategy, Rusool Allah (saw) adopted that idea which was novel to Arab warfare.
- The example of leadership given by Rusool Allah (saw), not for the sake of bringing tv cameras to show people, Rusool Allah (saw) did this sincerely to teach us how a leader should act. He went hungry like his companions and when he finds food, he shared it with them.
- He was raising their morale by nasheeds. They were chanting those words of poetry to raise their spirits. He is the person whom the followers take refuge in when things get tough, so if he (saw) gives up, then the companions will to the same.
- Rusool Allah (saw) before finding out Banu Quraiba’s treachery, told Sa’d bin Muadh, Sa’d ibn Ubada, and Abdullah bin Rawaha to hint Rasool Allah (saw) without letting people know of their treachery and announce it publicly if banu Quraida is sticking to their word. So that the Muslim’s morale does not weaken. When Rusool Allah (saw) heard of the news, he said, “Receive the glad tidings.” So Rusool Allah (saw) was optimistic, this helped the sahabah (ra) stay firm.
- Difficult times show what is in the hearts of men: Ibn Ishaq said, “When condition worsened, so did the attitude of many people and they began saying ugly things.” Ugly things in terms of aqeedah. Ugly things that show the weakness of personalities. We need to prepare ourselves, our imaan for difficult times.
We talked about the verses revealed related to the munafiqeen, Allah also revealed verses for the believers at Ahzab. Allah Zaujal says: in SURAH AHZAB (33:21-23)
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.
This ayah is saying that we have a good pattern of conduct in Rasool Allah (saw) for us to follow in our life. So this ayah is telling is to follow the sunnah. Now was this verse revealed because one of the Muslims did not use the miswaak? Was this ayah revealed because one of the Muslims did not have their clothes above the ankle? Was this ayah revealed because one of the Muslims did not have a beard?
All this is a part of sunnah but what was the reason this ayah was revealed. The reason why this ayah was revealed according to Ibn Jareer At-Tabari is, “Allah was reprimanding the believers who stayed behind and didn’t go and join the camp that was right next to the Trench. So Allah was telling them that they should follow Rusool Allah (saw) and be with him (saw).
Ibn Abi Hatim narrates that, As-Suddi, a muffassureen said, “It means here that you should be standing next to him (saw) and fighting.” This was the context in which the ayah was revealed. So nowadays unfortunately people talk about sunnah, but they neglect the issue of Jihad fi sabi lillah as being part of the sunnah of Rasool Allah (saw). Sunnah should be taken as a whole package.
And when the believers saw the companies, they said, "This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth." And it increased them only in faith and acceptance.
When the munafiqeen saw the coalition they said that: Allah has lied to us, Rusool Allah (saw) has lied to us. They were having doubts in the promise of Allah. While the believers’ faith increased and said that this is exactly what Allah promised us. What does this mean? Allah said in SURAH BAQARAH (2:214): Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.
Allah tested them the limit, that they ask Allah when He will give them victory. The sahabah were saying that this is what Allah promised us. So it only added to their imaan.
Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration –
CD 18
We mentioned that Banu Quraida, the last Jewish tribe remaining in Medina did participate in the Battle of Trench alongside the Quraish and Ghatafaan. Let’s go back to a conversation that occurred between Huayy bin Akhtab and Kab ibn Asad, who’s the head of Banu Quraida. Huayy bin Akhtab belonged to Banu Nadhir, and we know that they were besieged and then they left. Some went to Ash-Shaam and some went to Khaibar. Huayy bin Akhtab was one of those who stayed in Khaibar, and he carried on his fight against Rusool Allah (saw). Huayy bin Akhtab was the one who was discussing with Abu Yasser the day Rusool Allah (saw) entered Medina. Abu Yasser asked him if Rusool Allah (saw) is the Prophet. Huayy bin Akhtab said, “Yes its him.” Abu Yasser asked if he was sure, Huayy said, “Yes I’m sure.” Abu Yasser asked, “What are you going to do?” Huayy said, “I’m going to be his enemy until the end of my life.” So he knew!
Huayy bin Akhtab was true to his promise, so he went to Ka’b bin Asad, when Ka’b ibn Asad sees him approaching, he locks his gates. Huayy knocks on the door and said, “Open for me, damn you.” Ka’b said, “Damn you, Huayy, you’re an evil man and bring misfortune. I’ve made a pact with Muhammed and I am not going to break my agreement with him. I’ve never found him to be anything but trustworthy and truthful.” Huayy said, “Damn you, open so that I could talk to you.” Ka’b said, “I will not.” Then Huayy insulted Ka’b saying, “I swear the reason why you’re locking me out, is that you are scared that I would share your dinner with you.” This embarrassed Ka’b and he opened the door. Huayy said, “I bring you glory of all times and a sea of good news.” Kab said, “What are you talking about?” Huayy said, “I bring you Quraish with their chieftains and their nobles, whom I have left encamped at the streams of Ruma along with Ghatafaan with their chief and nobles whom I have positioned at Dhum kinakmah near Uhud. They have made a treaty that they will not leave until we completely destroy Muhammed and those with him.”
Ka’b responded back, “What you bring me, I swear by Allah is shame forever and a cloud that has lost its rain, so its thundering and lightening and there is nothing in it. Damn you Huayy, leave me to maintain my pact with him. I have never found Muhammed to be anything but trustworthy and honest.” Huayy would not take no for an answer, he insisted for Banu Quraida to break this pact with Muhammed (saw). This shows how evil this man was.
Now the Battle of the Trench was over and Rusool Allah (saw) heads back home and he takes off his armor and takes a bath. Aisha (ra) said in Bukhari, “When the Prophet (sa) returned from the Trench and he (saw) had put down his arms and taken a bath, Jibrael came to him and said, ‘so you have put down your arms, we’ve not done so, I swear by Allah, go forth to them.’” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Where to?” Jibrael (as) said, “Over there”, and he gestured towards Banu Quraida. Rusool Allah (saw) and the Muslims suffered a lot during the siege of the Trench, they were exhausted, cold, and hungry. Now when they finally get the time to rest, Jibrael (as) comes and tells them to fight Banu Quraida, so no rest for them yet.
Rusool Allah (saw) felt the matter was so urgent, he told the sahabah (ra), “Do not pray Asr, except at Banu Quraida.” So the sahabah left, but sunset was approaching and they did not reach yet to Banu Quraida. They discussed the order of Rusool Allah (saw). Some said that they have to pray Asr now, because its already sunset, and what Rusool Allah (saw) meant was to hurry up. The others said, no we will pray at Banu Quraida just as Rasool Allah (saw) said. So both wanted to follow what they understood to be the meaning of the hadith of Rasool Allah (saw). When they returned and brought the matter up with Rasool Allah (saw), he (Saw) didn’t reprimand anyone of them. He didn’t disapprove any one. This tells us that disagreements in shari’a were and always will be present but as long as you do your best in what you believe is right then there is no harm. We shouldn’t accuse people of being wrong, maybe both sides are right. There is room for different interpretation in fiqh, but one should follow the opinion because they believe it to be true.
Rusool Allah (saw) laid siege to Banu Quraida. Allah Zaujal says in AL-AHZAB (33: 26-27)
And He brought down those who supported them among the People of the Scripture from their fortresses and cast terror into their hearts [so that] a party you killed and you took captive a party.
And He caused you to inherit their land and their homes and their properties and a land which you have not trodden. And ever is Allah, over all things, competent.
Allah cast terror into the hearts of the enemies. The siege lasted from 25 or 27 narrations.
Ka’b ibn Asad gathers his people and gives them options. He said, “You are aware of the difficult position in which we find ourselves, I’m offering you three possibilities to choose from. The first one is to believe in this man, Muhammed, and to follow him by Allah now we are certain that he is a prophet and he is sent by Allah. He is indeed the one described in our own Book, if you do so, you spare your own lives and protect your children and families.” The people objected to this and said, “We will never abandon the Old Testament and substitute anything else for it.” Ka’b said, “Since you refuse me this possibility, I suggest to you that we kill our women and children and go out to fight Muhammed (saw) and his followers. If we do so we can fight much harder, since we have no responsibility behind us. We can fight him, until Allah rules between us. If we are exterminated, then we will face death without any worry of our offspring. If on the other hand we achieve victory, we will soon find new women and new children.” They said, “What would be the purpose of our lives, if we kill these poor women and children?” Kab said, “If you refuse this also the only thing I can suggest to you is that since tonight is the Sabbath night, it may well be that Muhammed and his followers may relax their watch, thinking we will not do anything serious on the Sabbath night, let us then take him by surprise and fight them to the bitter end.”
They said, “You want to spoil our Sabbath, and violate it in a way that has never been done before? Except by those whom you know, received the punishment.” One of them, his name is Nabbash bin Qays said, “How do you expect us to take them by surprise, when you can see that they are getting stronger everyday? In the early days of the siege they were in their positions during the day, and retreating at night. Now we see them maintaining the siege day and night. The surprise element is not in our hands.” Kab bin Asad, “None of you has made affirmed decisions since he was born.” So now they were thinking of surrendering. They sent to Abu Lubaba, one of the sahabah and their friend previously in the time of Jahiliya. They seek his advice. Abu Lubaba goes there, they come out with their women and children crying and sobbing. It was an emotional situation. When they asked Abu Lubaba and said, “What do you think Muhammed will do, if we surrender?” Abu Lubaba pointed towards his throat and made a gesture meaning, he (saw) will slaughter you. As soon as he did that he realized he has betrayed Allah and his Messenger. He shouldn’t have said that.
He rushed back and tied himself to a pillar in Masjid e Nabvi, and said, “I am not going to untie myself, until Allah Zaujal accepts my repentance.” Abu Lubaba (ra) remains tied up for six days in the masjid, his wife would go to him, for every salah and untie him, and then after every salah she would tie him again. This continued until one night Rusool Allah (saw) was at the house of Umm e Salama and he smiled. She asked him, “Oh Rusool Allah, what is it?” He said, “Allah Zaujal has accepted the repentance of Abu Lubaba.” Umm e Salama said, “Shouldn’t I go and deliver the good news to him?” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Yes, if you want to.” So she opens the door of her room, which was right across the masjid and she delivered the news to Abu Lubaba (ra). The sahabah (ra) rushed to untie him, but he said, “Do not do so, until Rusool Allah (saw) comes and does that himself.” So when Rusool Allah (saw) went to pray Salah tul Fajr, Rusool Allah (saw) untied Abu Lubaba (ra). Now there is a pillar in Masjid e nabvi and it is called ‘Pillar of Tawbah’. This was the pillar by which Abu Lubaba tied himself to.
Still Banu Quraida, though they got a hint, they agreed to surrender. But they agreed to surrender when they knew that Sa’d ibn Muadh would be the one, who would rule in their case. Sa’d ibn Muadh was their ally in the time of Jahiliya. They surrendered, and were tied up, and Sa’d ibn Muadh was given full authority to rule in their case.
Sa’d ibn Muadh was injured during the siege in the battle of the Trench, he was shot in his arm. Sa’d had made a dua then, “My Lord, if we are to fight Quraish again, spare me now for that fight. There are no people I like to fight for your cause more than those who have opposed your Messenger, rejected him and forced him out of Your hometown. If You have willed that this encounter between us and them will be the last, I pray to you, my Lord, to make this wound of mine, my way to martyrdom. But do not let me die, until I see our affair with the Quraida have a happy ending for Islam.”
Sa’d ibn Muadh was bitter at what they did, when they betrayed Rusool Allah (saw) at the bleakest of moments. Rusool Allah (saw) had prepared for Sa’d ibn Muadh a tent in Masjid e Nabvi, and he was placed in that tent so he could be taken care of, and Rusool Allah (saw) would come and visit him. Sa’d ibn Muadh’s injury was a bit better, but he still needed to be carried. He was carried to where Rusool Allah (saw), the Muslims, and the Jews were. Sa’d (ra) while he was being carried was told by Al-Aus to be kind and giving him advice. In one narration, the Aus came to Rusool Allah (saw) and said, “Hand over Banu Quraida to us, as you have handed over Banu Qaynuqa to our brothers in Khazraj.” Banu Qaynuqa was handed over to Abdullah bin Ubayy, the head of the hypocrites. Abdullah bin Ubayy had set them free. Now the Aus and Khazraj would compete in everything. Even Al-Aus wanted such an opportunity. Rusool Allah (saw) handed over the authority to Sa’d ibn Muadh and Sa’d ibn Muadh was the head of Al-Aus. So when people from Al-Aus were advising Sa’d to be kind, Sa’d ibn Muadh was silent throughout their advices. In the end, Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra) said, “It is time for Sa’d to disregard any possible criticism in serving Allah.” As soon as he said this some of Al-Aus went back delivering their condolences, saying he is going to kill them.
Sa’d statement meant that he (ra) will do what will please Allah Zaujal, he will not look into the politics of it. I am not going to look at what people will say about it. So just this statement was enough for the sahabah to understand what he meant. They all knew that the crimes committed by Banu Quraida were sufficient enough to punish them by death.
Sa’d (ra) was brought in and, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Stand up before your master.” We know that Rusool Allah (saw) has discouraged his ummah to stand up before his leaders. This situation was a however exceptional. Here Rusool Allah (saw) told them to stand before Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra), so they all did in two lines, and then they told Sa’d to give his ruling. Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra) looked towards the Jews and said, “Do you accept my ruling?” They said, “Yes we do.” Then he points towards the Muslims and said, “Do you accept my ruling?” He did not look at the Muslims because of Rusool Allah (saw), he didn’t want to look at him (saw), he was too shy, and embarrassed to ask Rusool Allah (saw) this question. So out of respect he didn’t look up at him. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Yes we do.”
This was a very critical moment as this decision will affect the future of an entire tribe that has lived in Medina for hundreds of years. Said ibn Muadh (ra) said, “I hear by rule that all the men of the Quraida are to be killed. Their properties’ to be divided and their women and children be enslaved.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “You have ruled the same ruling from Allah Zaujal from on top of seven heavens.” This is the ruling which would please Allah.
The way they would separate the men and the children was by seeing if a person has grown hair, facial hair, or pubic hair. In Abu Dawud they said Atayy Al- Quradi said, “They uncovered my pubic area and since I didn’t grow any pubic hair, they set me free.” The number of men which were executed varied from 400-900 according to different narrations.
Only one woman was executed and that is because she killed one of the sahabah (ra), by throwing a stone on top of him. This woman was sitting with Aisha (ra) and Aisha (ra) had no idea, what this woman had done. This woman was laughing and joking, and all of a sudden her name was announced. Aisha (ra) asked, “Why is your name being announced?” She said, “They want to kill me.” Aisha (ra) said, “Why would they kill you?” She said, “Because of a crime that I have committed.” Aisha (ra) said about her,” I will never forget how high spirited she was, even though she knew she was facing death.” So all of the men were killed except a few who became Muslim, they were just a few of them. They were then treated one of the ummah, there is no racism in Islam.
One of the women, her name was Rehana, she was taken by Rusool Allah (saw) as a slave. Rusool Allah (saw) invited her to Islam, in the beginning she refused but eventually she became a Muslim. Rusool Allah (saw) gave her the option, do you want to remain as a slave, or do you want to be freed and I will marry you. She preferred to remain as a slave, and she did remain as a slave of Muhammed (saw) until he died.
One of the sahabah (ra) appealed for a Jewish man; this was because this man had done him a favor in the time of Jahiliya. So the sahabi wanted to pay him back for that. The sahabah was Thabit bin Qays and he went to Rusool Allah (saw) to appeal for Az-Zubair bin Bata. Zubair was an old man, who had become blind; Thabit went to Rusool Allah (saw) and asked him to spare the life of Zubair. Rusool Allah (saw) agreed, but then Zubair told Thabit (ra), “What would an old man who would have no son and no family do with his life?” So Thabit went to Rusool Allah (saw) and asked him to free his wife and his children. Rusool Allah (saw) agreed. Then Az-Zubair said, “What should become of a household in Hijaz, that has no property, how could they survive?” So Thabit goes to Rusool Allah (saw) and asks for the property of this man to be released. Rusool Allah (saw) did that too.
So now Zubair is free, his wife and children are free, and his property is back. But them Az-Zubair asked Thabit, “What became of Kab bin Asad? Whose face was like a mirror that reflects the faces of the tribe’s virgins.” Thabit said, “He has been killed.” Az-Zubair said, “Then what of our vanguard in the attack and our protector in plight Azzaal bin Shimaual?” Thabit said, “He has been killed.” Az-Zubair said, “So what became of the two counsels?” He said, “They have been dispersed and have been killed.” Then Az-Zubair, “I ask you then Thabit, by your obligation to me to let me join my own people, there is no good in life for me now, that they have gone, and I can’t stand postponing joining my loved ones for so long, as it will take to fill an empty bucket being born along by a camel.” So according to Az-Zubair’s wish, Thabit ibn Qays went up to him and cut off his head. When the news of this reached Abu Bakr (ra), he said, “He’ll meet them by Allah, in the fire of Hell, where he will dwell in forever.”
Four fifth of the ghanimah (war booty) was divided among the fighters and one-fifth went to the Messenger of Allah, and Ibn Ishaq narrates how he (saw) used it. Ibn Ishaq said, “The Messenger of Allah, dispatched Saeed bin Zayd, with the captives taken from Banu Quraida to Najd, where he sold them, in exchange for horses and weapons. The Messenger of Allah had chosen for himself one of their women, Rehana. He stayed intimate with her, until he died, she still being at that time, in his household. The Messenger of Allah had suggested that she accept Islam, but she had refused. Eventually she did accept Islam, and this brought great pleasure to him. He suggested releasing and marrying her, but she chose to continue in slavery, considering that easier for her. She remained with him until the Messenger of Allah died.” Islam had changed the ruling of slavery so much, that here you have a person who chooses to remain a slave rather than being freed.
Lessons
· Why was the punishment so severe? Why were 400-900 men slaughtered? Why were the women and children enslaved? Why was their property taken? We can answer in one word and that is treason. Banu Quraida were citizens of the Islamic state and they committed treason, and it is an accepted rule that the punishment should be befitting of the crime. They have committed treason against the Messenger of Allah! We aren’t dealing with an ordinary man or a particular head of state or a king. Muhammed (saw) was the most beloved creation of Allah to Allah, and they betrayed him (saw). They lied to him, and conspired against him. Ibn Kathir said, “All that was due to their disbelief, their breaking of pacts between themselves and the Messenger of Allah, and their allying themselves with the clans against him. None of that did them any good, but brought the wrath of Allah and His Messenger down upon them A bad bargain for them in this world and the next.”
· Sa’d refused to be lenient in his ruling, because he knew that leniency in such matters is weakness, it is not a sign of mercy. In such situations we should be firm. So the perception that some Muslims have that, Muslims should be lenient so that Islam doesn’t get a bad name. They want people to think that Muslims are tolerant and peaceful and they don’t want people to call us terrorists. This is a sign of WEAKNESS. We can see Muslims leaders be soft and in return the enemy becomes arrogant. Sometimes the sword needs to be used, and sometimes the word of wisdom needs to be used. Sometimes the pen and sometimes the sword, it depends.
Uthman bin Affan says, “Sometimes Allah can fulfill some of the objectives of religion, through the sultan, through the authority that cannot be fulfilled through the Quran.” So there are some lessons in the statement of Sa’d. When he said, “My Lord, if we are to fight Quraish again, spare me now for that fight. There are no people I like to fight for your cause more than those who have opposed your Messenger, rejected him and forced him out of Your hometown…” Sa’d being the head of one of the Ansar, wanted to carry on fighting Quraish, if there is any fighting left. He wanted to fulfill his pledge to Rusool Allah (saw) of protecting him. Then sa’d said, “If You have willed that this encounter between us and them will be the last, I pray to you, my Lord, to make this wound of mine, my way to martyrdom.” So here he asked Allah to make him die if there is no fighting left with Quraish. This shows us that Sa’d ibn Muad had no purpose in living except to fight Jihad fi sabi lillah. He doesn’t want to live earn money or marrying. He wants to live for a noble purpose.
Said (ra) then said, “But do not let me die, until I see our affair with the Quraida have a happy ending for Islam.” Banu Quraida was his ally, but now since his alliance was with Rusool Allah (saw), he was asking Allah to not make him die till he sees a happy ending for Islam against Banu Quraida. SubhanAllah, Allah made him, be the person to rule for Banu Quraida.
This battle of Banu Quraida was special for the following reasons;
· It was commanded by Jibrael
· Jibrael accompanied the Muslims: Anas ibn Malik says in Bukhari, “It was as though I could see the dust rising in the street of Banu Ghanam due to the marching of Jibrael’s troops when Rusool Allah (saw) set our for Banu Quraida.
· The execution of Banu Quraida was a command from Allah delivered from the tongue of Sa’d ibn Muadh. This was what Allah wanted.
· This battle removed the last tribe of the Jews from Medina.
Some virtues of Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra)
· Sa’d ibn Muadh was the head of Al-Aus, after the ruling was delivered on the Jews of Banu Quraida, the injury of Sa’d which was almost entirely healed, SubhanAllah it again opened, and it caused the death of Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra). The dua of Sa’d was fulfilled.
· First of all, there was no more fighting with the Quraish, he died as a shaheed because of his wound, and he saw a happy ending of Islam with Banu Quraida.
· Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Stand up for your master.” He is the only man for which Rusool Allah (saw) told the sahabah (ra) to stand for.
· When Rusool Allah (saw) heard the news of Sa’d ibn Muadh dying he rushed towards him with the sahabah, and he told them to come along with him. Rusool Allah (saw) was walking so fast the shoes of the sahabah were tearing and their garments were falling down. They complained about it, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “I want to go there, I’m afraid that the angels will reach there before us.” So the angles were rushing towards him too.
· When Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra) died, his mother was weeping, so Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Every mourner is exaggerating, except for the mother of Sa’d.” Rusool Allah (saw) meant that she had a reason to cry; because Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra) was such a Muslim.
· When they carried the janaaza of Sa’d, it was so light. They went to Rusool Allah (saw) and told him how light it was. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “And why shouldn’t it be light when angels that never came down to duniya, came down to carry the janaaza of Sa’d ibn Muadh.” This is such a great sahabi.
· The greatest virtue of all, a virtue that we didn’t hear, Rusool Allah (saw) said in Sahih Muslim, “The throne of Allah shook because of the death of Sa’d ibn Muadh.” This is how great Sa’d ibn Muadh was. Some of the scholars say that the reason why the throne of Allah shook was because of the commotion that was caused among the angels that were carrying Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra).
· Rusool Allah (saw) never forgot about Sa’d, one day when Rusool Allah (saw) received gifts, they were pieces of cloth, the sahabah never saw the likes of those cloths. So the sahabah were holding this beautiful piece of cloth. Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Are you amazed at how soft this cloth is?” They said, “Yes.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “The handkerchiefs of Sa’d ibn Muadh in Jannah are softer and better than this cloth.”
· When they were burying Sa’d ibn Muadh (ra), lowering his body and covering the grave, Rusool Allah (saw) was standing right on top of the grave and suddenly his face changed and then he said, “SubhanaAllah” three times. The sahabah repeated after him (saw). Then the face of Rusool Allah (saw) returned to the usual, and he said, “Allah u Akbar” three times. The sahabah asked Rusool Allah (saw), “Why did you make tasbih and then takbir.” Rusool Allah (saw) said, “The grave squeezed the body of Sa’d and if there was going to be anyone who would be spared of the suffering of the squeezing of the grave it would have been Sa’d. And then the grave released itself.” The earth squeezes the body of a person, when he is buried. Rusool Allah (saw) was worried when he saw that, but then when the earth released the body of Sa’d, Rusool Allah (saw) said, “Allah u Akbar.”
We ask Allah to spare us from the punishment of the grave, we ask Allah to make our time in the grave, times of blessing, because the righteous servant of Allah will see his place in Jannah, we ask Allah to make us one of those We ask Allah to save us. Ameen.
This was a great sahabi (ra), he was 37 years old when he died, meaning that when Rusool Allah (saw) made hijrah, he was 30 years old. Here you have a young man giving his prime life for the service of Allah. This is how you give support to the religion. Its not that you stay home laid back and attend Islamic conferences in a five star hotel, go to your mosque driving the air-conditioned car in summer, using the heater, when its winter. Then you think you have done your best for the message of Allah Zaujal; without spending a dime, without shedding a drop of blood. It wasn’t how the Ansar did this; they spared nothing for the service of Allah and His messenger. That is why they deserve to be called, ‘The Ansar.’
Rusool Allah (saw) after the battle of the Trench said, “From now on we will attack them, and they will not attack us. We will attack them.” So the Battle of Trench was a turning point in the life of Rusool Allah (saw), it represented the move from the stage of defensive Jihad, to the stage of offensive Jihad.
We ask Allah to accept our deeds, we ask Allah to make us of those who understand the sunnah of Rusool Allah (saw). We ask Allah to make us of those who support Islam.
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