PART 10

50. THE BATTLE OF MUTTAH (8 A.H.)

50.1 MISSION TO BASRA

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sent a Sahabi to the Governor of Basra. Basra was under the rule of Byzantine Emperor, Heraculeus. The Sahabi was made Shaheed by a member of the Ghassan tribe. Harith, the Governor of Ghassan, was under orders from the Roman Empire. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) invited Harith to accept Islam. But, Harith threatened Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that he would invade Madinatul Munawwarah.

50.2 PREPARATIONS OF MUSLIM ARMY

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not take Harith's threat too lightly. He knew that Harith was under the command of the Romans and that he will have to eventually encounter the Romans in battle. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sent an army of 3 000 Sahaba under the command of Sayyiduna Zaid bin Harith (radi Allahu anhu) to face the Romans.

He instructed the Sahaba that in the event of Sayyiduna Zaid (radi Allahu anhu's) death, Sayyiduna Jafer bin Abi Talib (radi Allahu anhu) was to take command of the Muslim army. In the event of his death, then Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Rawaha (radi Allahu anhu) was to take command of the Muslim army.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) also instructed the Sahaba not to kill any women, children or invalids and not to destroy any trees or houses.

The Muslim army left Madinatul Munawwarah and eventually reached Muttah.

50.3 THE BATTLE OF MUTTAH

Shurahabil, one of Heraculeus's Governors, gathered a large army of between 100 000 to 200 000 Roman and Arab soldiers to encounter the Muslim army.

Both armies met at Muttah. They now engaged in full battle. Sayyiduna Zaid (radi Allahu anhu) led the small Muslim army and was made Shaheed. Sayyiduna Jafer (radi Allahu anhu), 33 years old, then took command. He fought bravely and both his arms were severed from his body. The Kuffar inflicted 93 wounds on his blessed body. He was made also Shaheed. Thereafter, Sayyiduna Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) led the Muslim army. After a short while, he too was made Shaheed.

Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) now assumed command of the Muslim army. Under his command, the Sahaba fought bravely and managed to push back the enemy. The next morning, through the clever war strategy of Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu), he managed to withdraw his army and returned to Madinatul Munawwarah. The Romans, seeing the courage and determination of the Sahaba, did not pursue the Muslim army.

50.4 THE TITLE OF "SAIFULLAH"

During the battle, Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) broke 8 swords. Because of this, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave him the title of "Saifullah" or "The Sword of Allah."

The Muslim army, although outnumbered by the Kuffar, had complete faith and trust in Almighty Allah and His beloved Messenger, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). It is because of the will and determination to protect Allah's Deen, Islam, that they became fearless in front of the enemies of Islam.

51. MECCAN KUFFAR BREAK TREATY (8 A.H.)

According to the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, any Kuffar or tribe wishing to join the side of the Muslims or that of the Quraish may do so. Consequently, the people of the Khuzaah tribe joined the Muslims and the Banu Baqr tribe joined the Quraish.

51.1 BANU BAQR LISTEN TO QURAISH

The Khuzaah and the Banu Baqr tribes had some old quarrels which had not been settled. The Quraish were aware of the quarrels between the two tribes. They forced the Banu Baqr to take revenge against the Banu Khuzaah for their old quarrels.

One night, the Kuffar of the Banu Baqr tribe attacked the Banu Khuzaah while they were asleep. They killed many people and looted their property. The Banu Khuzaah fled from the Banu Baqr and took shelter near the Holy Kaaba. They complained to the Quraish and asked the Quraish to take action against the Banu Baqr. But, the Quraish kept silent.

51.2 DEMANDS SENT TO QURAISH

The Banu Khuzaah turned to the Muslims for help. They sent 40 men, with Amr bin Salim as their leader, to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and laid a complain against the Banu Baqr.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) listened to them patiently and decided to help them. He sent a message to the Quraish asking them:-

(a) To pay compensation for the victims of the Banu Khuzaah,(b) Not to support the Banu Baqr any more, and
(c) To declare that the Treaty of Hudaibiyah no longer holds valid.

51.3 QURAISH OFFER OF PEACE

The Quraish refused to accept the first two conditions.

But, they were prepared to scrap the treaty. They sent word to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that the treaty was no longer valid. No sooner had they done this did they realise their mistake in scrapping the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. The Quraish knew that the Muslims were now very strong and had an easy opportunity of conquering Makkatul Mukarramah.

They sent Abu Sufyaan to Madinatul Munawwarah to make peace with Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) refused to see Abu Sufyaan. Abu Sufyaan, still desperate for peace, went to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) hoping to convince him. Having failed to convince him, Abu Sufyaan went to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu). Failing with him, Abu Sufyaan asked Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) to intervene on his behalf. He also refused. Abu Sufyaan returned to Makkatul Mukarramah and told the Meccan Kuffar what happened. They laughed and mocked at him for pleading to the Muslims.

52. MUSLIMS MARCH TO FREE MAKKATUL MUKARRAMAH (8 A.H.)

It was now time for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to march to Makkatul Mukarramah and free it from the rule of the Meccan Kuffar. Seven years earlier, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his Sahaba had been forced to leave their homes in Makkatul Mukarramah. Now, they were ready to win back the city from the Kuffar.

52.1 MUSLIM ARMY LEAVES MADINATUL MUNAWWARAH

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had a well thought-out plan. He secretly sent messages to his allies to assemble outside the city of Madinatul Munawwarah. He also instructed them to come properly equipped for battle.

On the 10th of Muharram, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) led his army out of Madinatul Munawwarah. As they marched towards Makkatul Mukarramah, the army grew larger and larger as more and more tribes joined in. After a long journey, they reached the outskirts of Makkatul Mukarramah.

Soon 10 000 Sahaba were camped outside the city of Makkatul Mukarramah. As the evening approached, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave orders to his Sahaba for camp-fires to be lit on the surrounding hills. He did this to instill fear in the Meccans of the huge Muslim presence.

52.2 QURAISH GIVEN WARNING

Seeing the numerous campfires stretching around the hills of their city, the Meccan Kuffar were struck with fear. They knew that they were unable to challenge the huge Muslim army.

Sayyiduna Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) saw the strength of the Muslim army and took his family to the side of the Muslims. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sent Sayyiduna Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) to the Quraish to warn them not to resist the Muslim army. This would prevent the shedding of blood and allow the Muslims to enter Makkatul Mukarramah peacefully.

52.3 PARDON TO AN ENEMY OF ISLAM

The Quraish sent Abu Sufyaan and 2 other Kuffar to spy in the Muslim camp at night. While passing through the camp, Abu Sufyaan was recognized by his voice and captured.

He was taken to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). When Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) saw Abu Sufyaan, he drew out his sword to kill him, but Sayyiduna Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) came to his rescue saying that Abu Sufyaan was under his protection. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) instructed Sayyiduna Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) to bring Abu Sufyaan to him the next morning.

The next morning, Abu Sufyaan was brought before Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Our aim is to cleanse the Holy Kaaba and make it the House of Allah once again. We have not come to kill anyone. We do not want revenge. We will not fight those who do not fight us."

Abu Sufyaan could hardly believe the words of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He was not expecting to be treated so kindly. He knew that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) spoke the truth and kept his word. Almighty Allah now opened Abu Sufyaan's heart to the truth of Islam. He became a Muslim.

Sayyiduna Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) turned towards Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and asked: "O Messenger of Allah, Sayyiduna Abu Sufyaan (radi Allahu anhu) is a proud man, would you grant him some privilege?"

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied: "Yes, indeed! Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyaan shall be safe; whoever remains in his house shall be safe and whoever enters the Masjid (Kaaba area) shall be safe."
Sayyiduna Abu Sufyaan (radi Allahu anhu) was pleased with what he heard.

53. CONQUEST OF MAKKATUL MUKARAMMAH (8 A.H.)

53.1 FOUR DIVISIONS OF MUSLIM ARMY ENTER THE CITY

It was morning. The Muslim army marched towards the city of Makkatul Mukarramah. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) came to a hill called Dhu Tuwa. He stopped there and offered Praise to Almighty Allah for having opened the gates of Makkatul Mukarramah to him and allowing him and his Sahaba to enter in peace.

After prayer, he divided his army into 4 divisions giving his Sahaba strict orders not to fight unless in extreme emergency. Each division of the army was to enter from each of the 4 sides of the city. Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was to lead the Sahaba from the south, Sayyiduna Zubair (radi Allahu anhu) from the north, Sayyiduna Saad bin Obaidah (radi Allahu anhu) from the west and Sayyiduna Qais (radi Allahu anhu) from the southern part, near the mountain of Hind.

Each division of the army set out on their specific routes and positions. They were in complete control of the situation. All the divisions entered Makkatul Mukarramah peacefully except that of Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu). The Kuffar - Safwan, Suhail and Ikrama put up some resistance against the Muslims, but were easily defeated. They fled.

53.2 SPEECH TO THE MECCANS

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) then went to the Holy Kaaba. While mounted on his camel, Qaswa, he made Tawaaf of the Holy Kaaba.

He then dismounted. He stood at the door of the Holy Kaaba and delivered a speech to the Meccans. He declared that all pride in race, heredity and wealth was now abolished. He said that the best among men was he who was the most pious.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) then told the Quraish: "O Men of the Quraish! What do you think I am about to do with you today?"

"Everything good," they said, "for you are a noble brother and a noble nephew of ours."

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said in reply: "I say to you what Nabi Yusuf (alaihis salaam) said to his brothers. 'Have no fear this day; go your way for you are free.'"

The Quraish could hardly believe what they heard from a person who they had driven out from his city of birth; who they fought against; and who they had plotted to persecute and kill. Now he forgave them! This was a very memorable event in history. Never before in history was such compassion and mercy shown towards one's enemies!

54. THE HOLY KAABA IS PURIFIED

54.1 IDOLS ARE BROKEN

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) then entered the Holy Kaaba and found it full of pictures and idols. He destroyed all the pictures and broke all the idols into pieces. While breaking the idols, he recited the following verse of the Holy Quran: "Truth has arrived and Falsehood perished; Falsehood, is by nature bound to perish." (Surah Hijr: Verse 81)

54.2 FEAR OF THE ANSAAR

The Ansaar, seeing how merciful Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was towards the Meccans, were afraid that he will now leave Madinatul Munawwarah and live in Makkatul Mukarramah, the city of his birth.

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) heard about this, he called the Ansaar and said: "I shall never leave you, by Allah! I have promised to join you in life and death. I shall remain true to my promise."

The Ansaar were so moved by these words that some of them cried.

54.3 FATE OF THE KUFFAR

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave orders to his Sahaba to execute 17 Meccan Kuffar because they had committed serious crimes against Islam. Most of these Kuffar ran away with their families. Later, most of them returned and were forgiven. Only 4 were killed. Hind, the wife of Sayyiduna Abu Sufyaan (radi Allahu anhu) was forgiven. Ikramah, Abu Jahl's son's, and Safwan bin Omayyah were also forgiven.

54.4 MAKKATUL MUKARRAMAH DECLARED SACRED

The next day, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) heard that a person from the tribe of Khuzaah killed a pagan of the Hudail tribe in Makkatul Mukarramah.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gathered the people together. He told them that Makkatul Mukarramah was a holy place and that no blood must be shed on it's ground. He himself paid indemnity for the pagan who was killed.

The Kuffar saw Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) sense of justice. They saw how merciful he was.

"How good and noble he is!" they thought. "And how beautiful and true the teachings of Islam are!" They too accepted Islam.

The event of the conquest of Makkatul Mukarramah is unmatched in history. It proved that Islam was not spread through the sword.

54.5 OTHER IDOLS DESTROYED

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sent Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) to demolish the idol, Uzza. This he did, and returned to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Sayyiduna Amr bin al-As (radi Allahu anhu) was sent to destroy Suwa, the idol at Hudra. This was also successfully carried out. Sayyiduna Saad bin Zaid (radi Allahu anhu) destroyed the idol, Manat.