Effects of the Battle of Uhad
Third Year of Hijra
Q: Describe the events immediately leading up to the Battle of Uhad and also discuss the main events of the battle. / Describe the events of the battle of Uhad.
Causes of the Battle of Uhad
The Quraish suffered in every way during the Battle of Badr; they bore losses of men, materials and prestige, and apart from that, they were grieved over the loss of their great leaders. Their sorrow and grief immediately transformed into deep hatred and a desire for revenge to reclaim their lost dignity. Also, at the time, the Jews’s poems played a critical role in keeping their wounds fresh and turning sorrow into wrath.
The Quraish could not bear the fact that Muslims were prospering and they were suffering. So, the people of Quraish decided to push Abu Sufyan to take revenge for their earlier defeat, which he accepted. Abu Sufyan prevented his fellow tribesmen’ from mourning for the dead, which fueled the desire to take vengeance. He even pledged not to a bath until he avenged the defeat at Badr. The abusive poetry of Jewish poet Ka’ab bin Ashraf influenced them. He, consequently, succeeded in gaining sympathy and support from the Jewish tribes. Meanwhile, the hypocrites of Madinah also contacted them and assured them of backing in case of a battle.
Preparation of Quraish Army
Quraish intended to use their trade profit to fund another battle with the Muslims to fulfil the desire for revenge. They prepared an army of 3000 men led by Abu Sufyan to fight Muslims. Some Quraishite women likewise participated in the battle, including Hind bin Utba, Abu Sufyan’s wife, Umme e Hakeem, Abu Jahl’s granddaughter and Fatima, Khalid bin Waleed’s sister. Hind appointed Wahshi, a famous lancer and slave, to avenge her father’s death. In return, she promised him enormous riches and freedom for assassinating Hazrat Hamza (R.A.).
Muslim women, Aishah, Umm Salamah, and Umm-e-Ammara partook in this battle. They were delivering water to the wounded warriors, as well as, washing and treating their wounds.
Plan for the Defence of Madina
When Prophet (S.A.W.) learned about the advancement of Quraish from his uncle, Hazrat Abbas (R.A.). He (S.A.W.) held a war council meeting for defensive measures. In this discussion, Mohammed (S.A.W.), senior companions and Abdullah bin Ubai backed the idea of defending the state by staying in Madinah and using houses as fortresses.
On the contrary, younger Muslims headed by Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) were eager to fight in the open site to demonstrate their martial powers and convey a message to the infidels that one Muslim is equal to their ten. The enthusiasm of Muslims fueled the plan, and Mohammed (S.A.W.) decided to fight outside Madinah.
March of the Muslims Towards Uhad
The battle occurred in 3A.H. (625) Muslims moved towards Uhad with their 1000 men. Abdullah bin Ubai abandoned Muslims with 300 men after they had marched for several miles. He claimed that since Mohammed (S.A.W.) had opted to go against his inclination by fighting outside the city, he had a right to abandon them. Thus, Muslims were left barely with 700 men.
Mohammed (S.A.W.) and his army continued their march towards Uhad. He (S.A.W.) arrived on the higher slopes of Uhad and settled his army camps there. Quraish were uninformed of all the activities of Muslims.
According to the Prophet (S.A.W.), at the top of Uhad mountain, there was a pass in the back that the Quraish cavalry might use to attack Muslims. As a precaution, Mohammad (S.A.W.) assigned 50 archers under the command of Abdullah bin Jubayr (R.A.) to defend the pass. Furthermore, He (S.A.W.) firmly prohibited archers from abandoning their positions under any circumstances.
He (S.A.W.) instructed them,
“Stick to your place, and don’t leave it even if you see birds snatching us, till I send for you; and if you see that we have defeated the infidels and made them flee, even then you should not leave your place till I send for you.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
The Start of the Battle of Uhad
In this fight, Ali (R.A.), Talha (R.A.), Zubair (R.A.), Hamza (R.A.), and Abu Dujanah (R.A.) competed in individual contests. Following the single combat, general fighting began. The Muslims struck courageously and gained the upper hand. As per the foresight of the Prophet (S.A.W.), the Makkan cavalries attempted to attack the Muslims from behind, but the archers stayed firm in their positions and repulsed them.
The Quraish had already suffered a severe loss at Badr, so they abandoned their riches and began to flee from the battlefield. Muslims, noticing the situation, started looting the camps of Quraish. The designated archers at the pass did not want to miss the opportunity, so violating the Prophet (S.A.W.) and their commander Abdullah bin Jubayr (R.A.) order, all archers except 12 abandoned their positions and joined the looting.
The Quran states: “Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when you with His permission, were about to annihilate your enemy until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order and you disobeyed…” (3:152) A’le Imran
Attack on Muslims from the Rear
Unfortunately, Khalid bin Walid, leader of the right-wing Quraish cavalry (who had not yet converted to Islam), saw a chance to attack Muslims from the pass in the rear. After noticing this, the fleeing Quraish resumed fighting. Muslims, consequently, were besieged by the Makkan soldiers and cavalry.
The cavalry of Khalid bin Walid and Quraish soldiers took advantage of the situation and launched an attack on the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Quraish army was throwing arrows, spears and stones at Him, causing severe injuries. Mohammad (S.A.W.) was instantly surrounded and protected by his faithful companions Ali (R.A.), Hamza (R.A.) and Zubair (R.A.). In this attack, He (S.A.W.) lost one of his teeth, and the disks from the helmet penetrated his cheek.
Confrontation with Hazrat Musab bin Umayr
During the attack, one of the leaders of Quraish, ibn-e-Qaimiah, who had stayed at the pass, had a fighting contest with Hazrat Musab bin Umayr. In this combat, Ibn-e-Qaimiah assassinated Hazrat Musab bin Umayr (R.A.). He got entangled in the resemblance of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and cried out that Mohammad (S.A.W.) had been murdered. This shout of Ib-ne-Qaimiah shattered the confidence of Muslims, and they fled, leaving only few companions behind. Hence, the Quraish ceased fighting and returned to their camps with the cheering of victory.
Spreading of Rumour about Prophet (S.A.W.)
The death of the Prophet (S.A.W.) was only a rumour. His brave companions eventually carried the Prophet (S.A.W.) to a higher site to end the confusion. The Prophet (S.A.W.) called out the retreated companions; listening to the call, they returned and rallied around him.
The Quraish had already exacted their revenge, so they chose not to attack Madinah and left Uhad with a shout that it was the return of the defeat of Badr. Furthermore, their leader, Abu Sufyan, challenged Muslims to another combat. Even while marching towards Makkah, the Quraish mutilated the bodies of the fallen Muslim warriors.
Migration to Madinah
Prophet (S.A.W.) escaped from Makkah to Madinah with his friend, Abu Bakr (R.A.) as per Allah’s order. They hid in Cave Thaur for three days. Later, they continued their journey along with Hazrat Amir (slave) …
Prophet’s (S.A.W.) Experience of Revelation
When Mohammad (S.A.W.) was 40, one day in 610 A.D. while he (S.A.W.) was meditating in a cave on Mount Hira, the Archangel Jibrael came to …
Casualties of the Battle of Uhad
Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet (S.A.W.) died in this battle. Wahshi accomplished his mission, and Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) became a martyr. Hinda mutilated the body of Hazrat Hamza (R.A.), cutting off his nose and ears and chewing his liver to avenge her father. Bara bin Azib reported, “… Abu Sufyan said, “This is a day of revenge for the day of Badr and the issue of war is undecided.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Throughout the war, 70 Muslims were martyred, while the Quraish lost 20 men. Prophet (S.A.W.) forbade the mutilation of corpses and buried them in a single grave. Similarly, Muslims martyred were buried in the field of Uhad as per the directions of Mohammad (S.A.W.).
Museums in Al Madinah Province
Outcomes of the Battle of Uhad
The defeat at Uhad weakened the prestige of Muslims in the eyes of the neighbouring tribes. As a result, several tribes broke up their alliance with the Prophet (S.A.W.). Some of them even resorted to treachery; for instance, the tribe of Banu Salma invited seventy Muslims to preach Islam to them and then killed them mercilessly. This incident is known as Bir Mauna. Later, the Prophet (S.A.W.) launched several expeditions against them to bring them back to their former submission.
The Battle of Uhad had served as an excellent moral lesson for Muslims. It trained them to remain united, disciplined, and loyal in loss and defeat. They realized that lack of discipline, obedience and greed caused their failure. In forthcoming wars, they never disobeyed the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Exile of Banu Nadir
During the battle, the Jewish tribe Banu Nadir violated the treaty with the Muslims and openly sided with the Quraish. They intended to assassinate the Prophet (S.A.W.). On the other side, they were pleased with the defeat of the Muslims. Following the battle, the Prophet (S.A.W.) resolved to deal with them. Banu Nadir imprisoned themselves in their castles. He (S.A.W.) besieged their forts until they consented to depart Madinah. They were, however, permitted to carry their belongings. Several tribes settled in Khyber, while others moved to Syria.
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Q: ‘Success for Muslims depends on their obedience to the Prophet.’ Discuss this statement in relation to Muslims today.
Significance of Quran & Sunnah
Obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is essential for achieving success in worldly matters and the Hereafter. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the final messenger sent by God to guide humanity. So, the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.), his actions and sayings are crucial for Muslims since the Sunnah provides the principles required to establish an ideal society. If Muslims seek spiritual fulfilment and closeness to God, they have to follow God’s commands and be obedient to the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) teachings to achieve success in this worldly life and get rewarded in the hereafter life.
Purpose of Sunnah
The Quran is the words of Allah for guidance to humans, and Sunnah is the second most significant and authentic source to learn the religion of Islam. Sunnah provides details, explanations, and practical examples of the laws found in the Quran. If the Sunnah is lacking in Muslims’ lives, it would cause much suffering and hardship in worshipping Allah and pleasing those around them. Without the Sunnah, Muslims would have an incomplete understanding of how to apply the Quranic teachings in their daily lives. For instance, Muslims might find it hard in everyday life to deal with practical matters like how to pray, trading, family and legal affairs and societal norms.
The rules and guidance of Islam for Muslims consist of the Quran and Sunnah, so to truly practise Islam, the way of the Prophet has to be followed. The Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W.) provides moral and ethical guidance. It also emphasizes kindness, truthfulness, and respect for others. If Muslims ignore these teachings, they might struggle to uphold good character, honesty, and compassion.
We notice that the Prophet was merciful even to his enemies, and this act of kindness should be an example to all Muslims in their practical life. Even in battle, the Prophet instructed the warriors to stick to the rules, like not harming the environment or women and children. Similarly, the mercy of Prophet Muhammad was not only for humans but also for animals. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) never mistreated them and taught his followers to handle their animals with kindness and care. Muslims should strive to imitate his virtues, such as honesty, compassion, humility, and justice. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Allah, disobeys Him who sent me.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Prophet’s (S.A.W.) life is a crystal clear example for Muslims to learn today. If Muslims obey the Prophet’s commands and spend their lives accordingly in terms of prayer, being good to people, etc., this will make them successful in their lives and hereafter, as the guidance given is all for their betterment.
Explain the effects/importance of the Battle of Uhad.
The combat of Uhad brought diverse effects on the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraish of Makkah. Following this battle, Muslims experienced a loss of power and prestige. The death of their great leaders, like Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) and Hazrat Musab bin Umair (R.A.) broke their strength down. Furthermore, upon this defeat, the Bedouin tribes of Arabs joined the Makkan cause, and several tribes cancelled their alliance with Muslims. These Bedouin tribes became hostile to Muslims after the offer of rewards from the Quraish for killing Muslim tribes.
Moral Lessons for Muslims
Just as Badr gave confidence to Muslims, the battle of Uhad sobered their faith and gave them psychological power, teaching them a lesson that the Holy Prophet’s (S.A.W.) order was far more significant to them than worldly fortunes. During the war, the struggle and sufferings of Mohammad (S.A.W.) inflicted by his enemies taught Muslims the truth of the morality of Mohammad (S.A.W.).
After this battle, the revengeful feelings and hatred of Quraish for Muslims vanished, and as a result, they could never attack Muslims with the same fury and passion. Though they had taken revenge for their previous setback, they could not achieve their primary objective of capturing Madinah and destroying Muslims from the roots. This victory satisfied the feelings of the Quraish.
However, the security of their trade caravans was still threatened by the Madinites. Banu Nadir abandoned the alliance and openly sided with the Quraish during the battle. Following the war, Prophet S.A.W. dealt with Banu Nadir. He (S.A.W.) laid siege to them in their castles until they consented to leave Madina.