Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

34. THE CONQUEST OF MAKKA

In Hudaibiah a truce was declared between the Qureish and the Muslims that both the parties will not indulge in fighting for the next ten years. If one of the parties infringed the agreement, then the other will not be bound by the terms. One of the tribes having a treaty with the Muslims, Banu Qaza-aa and a tribe having a treaty with the Qureish, Banu Bakr, had been at loggerheads for long , but because of the wars between the Qureish and the Muslims they were quiet for some time. They had both kept aside their differences and were united against the Muslims. When the long truce between the Qureish and the Muslims became effective, Banu Bakr attacked Banu Qaza-aa and killed one of their men. The suppressed animosity was revived. Although Banu Bakr was sufficient to deal with Banu Qaza-aa, Qureish supplied arms to Banu Bakr.This was an infringement of the truce with the Muslims. Also, Akrama ibne Abu Jahl, Safwan ibne Omayya and Sohail ibne Omro who were the signatories to the treaty with the Muslims took active part in the conflict between the two tribes in favor of Banu Bakr. Banu Qaza-aa took shelter in the Kaaba to save their lives. Even there they were attacked and killed. When they were helpless, a delegation of forty persons from Banu Qaza-aa under the leadership of Umro ibne Salem went to the Prophet (s.a.) in Madina and lodged a protest that the Qureish had infringed the truce taking part in the hostilities and supplying arms to Banu Bakr against them, the vassals of the Muslims. The Prophet (s.a.) agreed to provide help to them. He sent a message to the Qureish to give the blood money to Bani Qaza-aa for their lives lost during the conflict or abstain from aiding and abetting Bani Bakr, or otherwise their treaty with the Muslims would become void. Qureish refused to abide by the suggestions and said plainly that neither they would give the blood money nor they will abstain from helping Bani Bakr. Because of this stubborn attitude of the Qureish, the Prophet (s.a.) made a public declararion that there was no more a treaty of peace with the Qureish.

After this announcement by the Prophet (s.a.) the Qureish were restless. They started brooding over the consequences of their infringement of the terms of the truce. Realizing that they were incapable of meeting the onslaught of the Muslims, they started planning to keep the truce intact. Therefore they deputed Abu Sufian to Madina to negotiate and diplomatically save the situation. When he arrived at Madina, Abu Sufian went straight to his daughter Umme Habiba who was one of the spouses of the Prophet (s.a.). When Umme Habiba saw her father coming, she quickly folded the bedding of the Prophet (s.a.). When Abu Sufian asked her why she moved away the bedding, Umme Habiba said that it was the bedding of the Prophet (s.a.) and she wouldn’t like him to sit on that.because he was an infidel and idolator. Abu Sufian went away from there with an unpleasant mood. He went to the Prophet (s.a.) and requested him to renew the treaty for truce with the Qureish. The Prophet (s.a.) didn’t pay heed to any of his aguments. He sat there for a while and went to Hazrat Abu Bakr and asked him to recommend to the Prophet (s.a.) for renewing the treaty. Hazrat Abu Bakr expressed his inability to help. He then went to Hazrat Omer, and he too excused himself. When he was disappointed everywhere, he went to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and sought his help in the matter. He said that when the Prophet (s.a.) arrives at a decision, none else has the right to interfere with it. Abu Sufian told to Hazrat Fatima (a.s.), who was sitting there,“O daughter! If your son, Hassan (a.s.), intervenes and gets the truce renewed he will be called as the Chief of Arabs till the world exists.” She replied,“Hassan (a.s.) is still a child and has nothing to do with these matters!” In the end he told to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that if he cannot help, he must atleast suggest what the Qureish should do to save the situation. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) suggested to Abu Sufian to make an announcement for renewal of the truce and go away to Makka! Abu Sufian asked what benefit such an announcement will bring to the Qureish? He replied that it cannot be predicted whether the declaration would be of any advantage to the Qureish or not. Any way, Abu Sufian did go to the mosque and made a public announcement that the Qureish were unilaterally renewing their truce of peace with the Muslims.After this announcement he went away to Makka.

When he reached Makka, people asked him what was the result of his visit to Madina? He said that he had a discussion with the Prophet (s.a.) but he wouldn’t agree to renew the truce. Then he told about going to Abu Khahafa and Omer ibne Khattab and getting no help. He said that he went to Ali (a.s.) who listened to him with attention and only on his suggestion he had made a unilateral public announcement of renewal of the truce by the Qureish. The Qureish asked whether the Prophet (.s.a) approved of this measure. Abu Sufian said that he didn’t have the approval of the Prophet (s.a.) for the renewal. The Qureish said that any declaration of a truce has atleast two consenting parties, if the other party has not agreed there is no sense in your announcement. Ali (a.s.) has pulled a fast one on you !

The Prophet (s.a.) was much affected with the bloodshed caused by Banu Bakr and in terms of the agreements, he was bound to come to the rescue of Banu Qaza-aa. Therefore he asked his people to be ready for battle and also asked others outside of Madina to prepare for joining the troops. People started arriving in numbers on the call of the Prophet (s.a.) and started preparing the arms for the fight. But none knew where they had to go for the fight! The Prophet (s.a.) took full care to see that the Qureish didn’t learn about these preparations.to take them on unawares! The Companions who knew about the program were strictly warned to keep their confidence. But Hatib ibne Balta, whose family was in Makka, committed the mistake of revealing the secret by writing a letter to Omro ibne Abd al Mutallib and sending it to him through his slave girl. In the letter he mentioned that the Prophet (s.a.) was preparing to attack Makka. The Prophet (s.a.) learned about this betrayal through a Revelation. He sent Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Zubair ibne Awam to intercept the girl and bring her back to Madina. She had only reached the Valley of Halifa when she was captured. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) asked her about the letter, but she flatly refused any knowledge about it. Zubair rummaged her belongings but didn’t find the letter. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said that it wasn’t possible that she didn’t have the letter.when the Prophet (s.a.) had informed them about it. There is no question of a wrong statement from him. He sternly questioned the girl and told her that if she didn’t produce the letter a search of her clothes would be made. Because of this threat she produced it from the hair of her head. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) went with the letter to the Prophet (s.a.) and reported to him about the entire episode. The Prophet (s.a.) assembled all the Companions and told them that he had warned everyone to maintain the secrecy about the entire operation. But one of them tried to unsuccessfully reveal the secret to the Qureish. The letter written in this connection has been intercepted and, therefore, the person should own his guilt. Otherwise he might be put to grave shame! Hearing this, Haatib stood up shaking and said, “O Prophet of Allah (s.a.)! I am the guilty person. I have not done it for the friendship of the Qureish or enmity for Islam. I thought that I would be able to secure my chidren by earning the gratitude of the Qureish. My family is living in Makka at their mercy. Hazrat Omar angrily rose up and said:

“O Prophet of Allah(s.a.)!

Permit me that I cut away his head.

He is a hypocrite!”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 328

But the Prophet (s.a.) forgave the person.

The Holy Quran mentions about the episode:

“You clandestinely send messages of friendship to the infidels.

Whatever you do openly,

or you do in secret,

I know of it fully!

Whoever of you does such things

has gone astray from the Right Path!”

On 10th of Ramadan 4H, the prophet (s.a.) marched with 10,000 strong army of armed men Four hundred companions were on horses and the rest were footmen. When the army reached Kadeed, the prophet (s.a.) asked the men to break their fasts and he too did the same. Some people hesitated in doing it. When the Prophet (s.a.) learnt about it, he said that they were sinners. After this everyone broke his fast. When they reached Taniyat al aqaab, the Prophet (s.a.)’s uncle, Abbas ibne Abd al Mutallib, met him along his family members. Abbas sent his family to Madina and himself joined the entourage of the Prophet (s.a.).Twelve miles before Makka, the Prophet (s.a.) established camp. Abbas came out riding on the mule of the Prophet (s.a.) to find a person who could go to the Qureish to tell them to come to the camp and appeal for amnesty. He also suggested to them that they embrace Islam and save themselves from destruction. After the unsuccessful visit of Abu Sufian to Madina the Qureish had the fear that the Muslims would come anytime to settle scores with them. Therefore they used to remain alert during the nights to quell any surprise attack in the darkness of the night. With this purpose Abu Sufian,Hakim ibne Hazam and Badeel ibne Warqa were on rounds of the outskirts of Makka when they noticed lights of fire at a distance in the direction of Mar al Dharan. Abu Sufian asked who these people could be? Badeel ibne Warqa said it could be the troops of Banu Qaza-aa. Abu Sufian said that Banu Qaza-aa had no means to mobilize such a huge army. They were still discussing the matter when they met Abbas ibne Abd al Mutallib. Abu Sufian asked him if he knew about the army at some distance from there. He replied that it was the army of the Prophet 0f Islam (s.a.). The Prophet (s.a.) was marching towards makka with an army of 10,000 men and might attack with the dawn! He said none from the Qureish will survive this onslaught. Hearing this, Abu Sufian shivered.and asked what should be done to save themselves. Abbas asked him to sit on his mule behind him and that he will get him amnesty by talking to the prophet. When Abbas passed through the army with Abu Sufian, Omer espied them and he went running to the Prophet (s.a.) and told him that the enemy of Allah was coming. He asked for his permission that he would kill him. When Abbas heard Hazrat Omer stressing on killing of Abu Sufian, he said:

“Stop O Omer!

You are saying this

because he is from the progeny of Abd Munaf.

If he was from your tribe,

Banu Adi,

you would never have uttered any such thing.”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 331

The Prophet (s.a.) told Abbas to keep Abu Sufian in his tent and fetch him to his presence in the morning. When he was brought in the morning, the Prophet (s.a.) said,” O Abu Sufian! You have still not understood that besides Allah, there is no other god!” Abu Sufian replied that it seemed like it. If there was any other god than Allah, he would have come to their rescue. The Prophet (s.a.) said,“You have still not understood that I am the Prophet of Allah (s.a.)?” Abu Sufian replied that his mind was not clear about it! Abbas told to Abu Sufian that if he cared for his life, he should embrace Islam.or else someone would kill him. When he saw that there was no other way, he recited the Kalima and joined the ranks of Muslims. Abbas recommended that Abu Sufian loved pomp and show and that he may be given some important position. The Prophet (s.a.) said that whoever took shelter in his house will have amnesty and also those who take shelter in the Bayt al Haram too will have amnesty. Those who lock theselves up in their homes too shall be safe. The Prophet (s.a.) asked Abbas to take Abu Sufian to such a spot that he could have a birds eye view of the vast army! Abbas took him to a place from where he saw the well armed troops, row after row! He told to Abbas,”Your nephew has become the ruler of a great Empire!” Abbas replied,” it isn’t an empire. It is only the grandeur of the prophethood!” Abu Sufian added,“I didn’t remember when I made the remark! It must be as you say!”

After seeing the army of Islam, Abu Sufian returned to Makka. He told to the Qureish that Mohammed (s.a.) had come with a huge army. People asked him if he had been there? What has he said? Abu Sufian informed them that the Prophet (s.a.) had told him that those who took shelter in Abu Sufian’s house will have amnesty. The people said that his house wasn’t big enough to take lot of people. He then told that those who took shelter in the Bayt al Haram too will have amnesty. He then addressed the Qureish and told them that they are not strong enough to fight the Muslims. It would be better for them if the embraced Islam. His wife, Hind binte Otba, hearing this came forward and caught hold of his beard and said,“O people! Kill this foolish old man!” Abu Sufian told her,” remember! If you hesitate slightly in embracing Islam, you will lose your head!” The Qureish were still brooding over the matter in surprise when Saad ibne Ibada entered Makka carrying the Standard of Islam.

The words that Saad was uttering were manifesting his desire to avenge the atrocities that the Qureish had inflicted on the Muslims and that he will advance killing people and letting their blood. Abbas told to the Prophet (s.a.) that Saad had intensions to harm the people. The Prophet (s.a.) had no plan to enter into unnecessary fights. He therefore asked Ali (a.s.) to:

“go to Saad ,

take the Standard from him

and enter Makka!”

Ref: Tareeq e kaamil, Vol 2, Page 166

Hazrat Ali (a.s.) took the Standard from Saad and marched into Makka with the army behind him. Qureish had no courage left to encounter the huge army. They locked themselves up at homes. For those who had the doors of Macca closed for them yesterday, the doors of victory and success were wide open today.This was a victory of Islam’s love for peace and amity! For this victory they didn’t have to fight any battles. But in every group there will be some trouble makers. They cannot live without being harsh to their adversaries. Therefore, Khalid ibne Walid, who had embraced Isslam just before the conquest of Makka, and Islam hasn’t yet brought about any change in his thinking, while passing through the lower reaches of Makka, started fighting with Banu Bakr. The Prophet (s.a.), passing through the Mount Hajoon , noticed the shining of the blades of swords. This upset him very much. He ordered,“This bloodshed must be stopped forthwith!” But many men from Banu Bakr were already killed. When the Prophet (s.a.) arrived from the upper reaches of Makka, he came to the Kaaba.and circumambulated it. He noticed that the chiefs of the Qureish were standing with bowed heads. These were the persons who did everything possible to harm the Prophet (s.a.). they pushed him away from home and didn’t let him live in peace even in exile. He looked at them and asked what treatment they expected from the Muslims? They put their heads further down in shame! The Speaker of Qureish, Sohail ibne Umro said,” You are the son of a noble brother and a noble uncle! We only expect good from you!“The Prophet (s.a.) replied, “Today there will be no revenge taken on you! Go! You are all free!” This was the manifestation of the noble character and broadmindedness of the Prophet (s.a.). Those who were his deadly enemies embraced Islam. Yesterday’s orphan was today’s ruler who not only ruled their bodies but also their hearts! The hegemony of Qureish had vanished in thin air and infidelity died its own death!

Although the men of Makka embraced Islam, and some of them were already having the seeds of Faith in their minds, but certainly there was a vast majority of persons who had embraced Islam in their helplessness. Sudden change in the Faith and beliefs is difficult for the human nature. There were also some who were adamantly infidel. Many of them escaped from Makka and were hiding elsewhere. They would have proved dangerous for Islam. Therefore it was necessary to mete out to them punitive punishment. Although the Prophet (s.a.) had declared general amnesty, he issued orders for some mischief mongers to be executed wherever they were found, even if they were hanging form the cover of the Kaaba. Therefore Abd Allah ibne Khatal.and his slave girl who used to sing lampooning songs against the Prophet (s.a.), Hawairas ibne Naqeed and Maqees ibne Sababa were executed.Some persons were pardoned from orders of execution as well. Therefoe Abd Allah ibne Abi Sarah took shelter with Hazrat Othman and was released on his recommendation. Akrama ibne Abi jahl escaped towards Yemen. His wife Umm e Hakim appealed for amnesty for him, that was granted. Habar ibne Aswad, Umro ibne Abd al Mutallib’s slave girl Sara and Khatal’s slave girl saved themselves by embracing Islam. Besides these some other persons were hiding in Makka with the intention of creating trouble. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) heard that Harit ibne Hisham and Qais ibne Saib and some persons of Bani Maqzoom were there in the house of Umme Haani binte Abi Talib. He came to her house and asked that those hiding inside must be handed over. Umme Hani couldn’t recognize Hazrat Ali (a.s.). She said,“O person! I am the real sister of Ali (a.s.) and the daughter of Mohammed (s.a.)’s uncle! If you force me to surrender those whom I have given shelter, I shall complain to the Prophet (s.a.). Now Hazrat Ali (a.s.) removed the hood from his head when Umm e Hani recognized him. She ran close to him and said that she had already resolved to complain to the Prophet (s.a.). He said, “You may keep your resolution by complaining to the Prophet (s.a.)! Umme Hani then came to the Prophet (S.A.). The Prophet (s.a.) asked her the reason for her visit. She said,” O Prophet of Allah! I have given shelter to some people from my husband’s family. Ali (a.s.) wants to take then in custody!” The Prophet (s.a.) said,“To whomsoever you gave shelter, I have given shelter!”

About the events of the conquest of Makka, Hazrat Ali’s attitude had been exemplary at all stages. He preferred obedience to the Prophet (s.a.) over everything else. This attitude was so much engrained in his nature that everything he thought and did was a reflection of the actions of the Prophet (s.a.).He was the keeper of the confidences of the Prophet (s.a.) about the campaign for the conquest of Makka and he never opened his mouth ever to assert his own importance when a Companion who was there at Badar and Bait e Rizwan tried to reveal the secret to save his family from the Qureish in Makka. When Abu Sufian consulted him regarding the renewal of the truce with Qureish, unlike Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Omer he adopted a soft, discreet attitude in denying to intercede with the Prophet (s.a.) that was acknowledged by Abu Sufian on his return to Makka. This was the reason that he had not returned to Makka totally dissatisfied about his efforts at renewing the truce.If this was not the case, he would certainly have stressed that the Muslims might soon attack them. In that event all efforts at keeping the plans of the attack confidential would have been futile. Then Hazrat Ali (a.s.) also hinted to Abu Sufian that there was no guarantee that if he made unilateral announcement of renewal of the truce, whether it would be of any advantage or not. This advice by Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to Abu Sufian appeared as if he wanted to momentarily shake him away. But even then Abu Sufian was grateful and did acknowledge it when he returned back to Makka.

During this campaign too the Standard of Victory was in the hands of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) like in all other battles. Although in the beginning the Standard was given to Saad ibne Ibada, but when his attitude was seen to be harsh and revengeful, the Prophet (s.a.) took away the Standard from him and gave to Hazrat Ali (a.s.). If the Prophet (s.a.) had given the Standard to anyone other than Hazrat Ali (a.s.), Saad would have deemed it a personal affront and might have hesitated to hand over the Standard But giving it to Ali (a.s.) was like giving it back to the Prophet (s.a.) himself. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had the capability of handling matters both at war and during the peace times. One can’t even imagine that he would do anything under momentary emotions. It is an attractive aspect of his character that when at war, he is an adept warrior and in peace he is so soft and pliable that he never took part in any warlike actions!

Here, he also manifested his attitude of following the rules. He didn’t want to spare even the persons who took shelter in his own sister’s house till the Prophet (s.a.) himself ruled on the matter. This shows that in the enforcement of the law there was no dividing line between kin, friend or foe!.

35. PURIFICATION OF THE KAABA

Umro ibne Lahi Qazaee had seen the Amalaqa worshiping idols in the year 207 A.D.in Egypt and Syria. He didn’t find any advantage in idol-worship, but he liked the art of carving of the iols. He brought some of the idols to Makka and installed them in the Kaaba. In time Makka became a centre of idolatory. The biggest idol of the Qureish was Habal which was installed at the highest point in the Kaaba. Around it there were kept hundreds of idols tied to each other. Out of the 360 days of the year, one day was earmarked for the veneration of one particular idol. In emulation of the people of Makka, the people in the surrounding areas too were attracted to idol worship. When they visited the Kaaba during the Haj, they would take home stones from there and carve out idols for themselves.in the shape of the idols in Makka.This way every tribe of Arabia had it’s own idols. About one stage away from Makka, a place called Naqla had an idol by name Uzza. This place was venerated by the Qureish and Bani Kanana. In Taef there was the idol of Laat. At some distance from Madina there was Manaat that was the god of Aus, Khazraj and Ghasan. For the Hamadan tribe of Najran the idol for worship was Yaqooq. In Yanbu and its environs the idol of Hazeel, Sawah was installed. In Domat al Jundal

Bani Kalab’s god, Wud was installed. Some idolaotrs considered these idols as the representatives of one and only God. They used to pray and ask for boons from these inanimate idols! They were unable to understand that those inanimate pieces of stone had no power to grant their wishes or save them from the natural calamities! They used to say that through them they were able to reach closer to God! The Holy Quran also records their thoughts:

“We worship these idols

because they take us closer to Allah.”

The purpose for annexing Makka wasn’t that the Prophet (s.a.) wanted to expand his territory.and get termed as a conqurer. The main purpose was to abolish idolatory and spread the message of Unity of Allah. After subduing Makka the first step was to give attention to the destruction of the idols in the Kaaba. Although there was the risk of the Qureish rising against this step, the Prophet (s.a.) decided to go aheaded with the performance of his duty against all possible odds. First he erased the paintings of the prophets and the angels from the walls of Kaaba. Then, along with Hazrat Ali (a.s.) he destroyed the idols put at the lower levels of the Kaaba. Now was the turn of the bigger idols at higher level. The Prophet (s.a.) told Ali (a.s.) that he would climb on his shoulders to reach the idols. He did climb but he felt weakness and came down. He now asked Ali (a.s.) to climb on his shoulders and perform the task. Ali (a.s.) went up the shoulders of the Prophet (s.a.) and besides the smaller idols he destroyed the big Habal that was installed on a foundation of steel rods. He pulled it with such strength that it crashed to the ground and shattered to pieces. It would have been such a pathetic scene for the Qureish that till the other day they were worshiping the idol that was lying today shattered on the ground!

Hazrat Ali (a.s.), after breaking this big idol, dropped down to the ground and smilingly told to the Prophet (s.a.),“I have jumped form such height but wasn’t hurt a little!” The Prophet (s.a.) replied,“How could you get hurt when Mohammed (s.a.) raised you and Jibraeel helped you down!” This was the greatness of Ali (a.s.)! In other words this was the Meraj (Accension) on the shoulders of the one who had the privilege of the Real Meraj. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) himself has said:

“If I wished,

I could have touched

the heights of the sky!

There were other people too with the Prophet (s.a.) at that time. This task could have been entrusted to any other person by the Prophet (s.a.). But the Prophet (s.a.) didn’t want any one else to be associated with the work of the purification of the Kaaba. The reason was that Ali (a.s.) had never bowed down before the idols in the past and always prostrated before Allah, the Real Creator! Other persons, at some time in their past lives, were idolators! If they were asked to destroy the idols, they might have hesitated in performing the task. One example is the people of Taef, who, even after embracing Islam, didn’t like to break the idol with their own hands. Therefore, when they embraced Islam at the hands of the Prophet (s.a.), they requested him to leave their idols untouched for one year. When the Prophet (s.a.) turned down their request, they refused to break the idols with their own hands and wanted someone else to do the task!

36. THE DAY OF GHAMIZA

After the conquest of Makka the Prophet (s.a.) was still there when he arranged to send delegations to various places in the neighborhood to propagate the Message of Islam. For this purpose Khalid bin Waleed was sent to Jazima with a group of 350 persons. He was strictly told not to pick up a fight with anyone. He was asked to restrict himself to the task of propagating the Faith. Ibne Saad writes:

“The Prophet (s.a.) sent

Khalid ibne Walid

to Bani Jazima

to propagate the Message of Islam

and not to fight with them.”

Ref: Tabaqaat, Vol 2, Page 147

In the period before Islam, Khalid’s uncle Fakeha ibne Mughira and Abd ar Rehman’s father Auf were killed by some youths of Bani Jazima on their return journey from Yemen. The Qureish, to avenge these killings, attacked them, but they paid the blood money and settled the claim. Now that Khalid chanced to go there at the head of the delegation, his desire for revenge revived and he couldn’t control himself from fulfilling his vile wish. When the party reached the Well of Ghamiza, at a distance of two stages from Makka, they broke journey there. This well was the property of Bani Jazima and they lived in its environs. When they saw Khalid camping with his men near the well, they feared that he intended to fight with them. They therefore armed themselves and got ready to fight. When Khalid saw them in readiness to fight, he asked themwho they were? They replied that they were Muslims, they had constructed a mosque in their neighborhood, give regular call (Adhaan) for prayer and regularlyoffer prayers in the mosque! Khalid said if they were Muslims, why they were carrying arms with them? They expressed their fear that on account of the past enmity, he might start fighting with them. He assured them that he had no intention of fighting and asked them to unarm themselves. They replied:

“When we are Muslims,

we shall not take to arms

against Allah and His Prophet (s.a.)”

Ref: Tareeq e Yaqoobi, Vol 3, Page 47

Saying this they started unarming themselves. One person from their tribe, Hajdam, asked them to think before they unarmed. He thought that after disarming them, Khalid would tie them up and then execute them to death. He said that in no event he would disarm and wanted his people to do the same. His people told him the period of battles was over and they shouldn’t disturb the peace again. They said that Khalid was now a Muslim and there was no need to fear him. Thus they all removed their arms and kept them aside. When Khalid saw them unarmed, he asked his men to charge and overwhelm them. He asked the men, who were mostly from his own tribe, to tie them securely with ropes and confiscate their arms. Then he got them executed one after the other. Abd ar Rehman ibne Auf, who was a member of the delegation, was very upset with the act of Khalid. Both had an altercation and Abd ar Rehman said:

“You have committed an act of the period of ignorance in the times of Islam!

Khalid said,’I have avenged your father Auf!’ Abd ar Rehman said,’You are a liar! I have myself killed my father’s killer! You have avenged the killing of your own uncle Fakeha ibne Mughira!’”

Ref: Taariq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 32

The historian Yaqoobi writes:

“Abd ar Rehman ibne Auf said,’By Allah! Khalid has killed those persons who had embraced Islam!’ Khalid told him,’I have avenged the killing of your fatherAuf!’ Abd ar Rehman said,’ You have only avenged the killing of your uncle Fakeha ibne Mughira!’”

Ref: Tariq e Yaqubi, Vol 3, Page 47

When the Prophet (s.a.) learned about the killingof the people of Bani Jazima, he was very sad, turned towards the Kaaba and said:

“Oallah!

I express in Your Presence

my displeasure over the act of

Khalid ibne Walid.”

Ref: Tariq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 242

Then he asked Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to go with the cash received from Yemen to Bani Jazima at the well of Ghamiza and pay the blood money for every life lost by them. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) went there, paid the blood money to every family and made good their losses. In the end he asked, if they had any more claims? They said they didn’t have any further claims. Then Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said that some more money was left with him and he didn’t want to take it back. Therefore he distributed the money to them on behalf of the Prophet (s.a.). After completing the task, he returned to the Prophet (s.a.) and reported on the visit. The Prophet (s.a.) said:

“I sacrifice my father and mother on you!

I liked what you have done

more than the red haired camels!”

Ref: Tariq e Yaqubi, Vol 2, Page 47

The act of Khalid ibne Walid was absolutely against the norms of Islam. Islam doesn’t permit killing even an infidel without valid reason. Even in the arena of battle, if an infidel recites the Kalima, he shouldn’t be attacked. Once Ossama bin Zaid killed a person when, during the battle, he had recited the Kalima. When the Prophet (s.a.) learnt about this, he reprimanded Ossama. Ossama said that the person had recited the Kalima out of the fear of the sword. The Prophet (s.a.) said angrily,”Did you peep into the heart of the person?” Imagine killing of Bani Ghamiza by Khalid, who had built a mosque and offered prayers, only to avenge a killing of his relative during the Period of Ignorance! At the time of the Conquest of Makka the Prophet (s.a.) abolished the practice of avenging killings that was prevalent in the Period of Ignorance, saying:

“The avenging of blood,

the tribal pride

and unnecessary shedding of blood

of the Period of Ignorance

I have trampled under my feet!”

Ref: Tareeq e Kaamil, Vol 2, Page 170

After the sad killings, Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) not only paid the blood money for every life lost, but paid them more than their legitimate right. If their feelings were not ameliorated in this manners there was a danger of their recanting the Faith because they had newly embraced Islam.The heinous act of Khalid could have had a very bad effect on the others who were still brooding over the prospect of coming into the fold of Islam.The healing touch of the prophet (s.a.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had a salutary effect on the people!

37. THE EXPEDITION OF HUNAIN

During the conquest of Makka, the Qureish had laid down arms in front of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.) and then the fear of the Muslims got rooted in the minds of the Infidel tribes of Arabia. Most of them sought amnesty from the Muslims. But the naughty tribes of Bani Hawazan and bani Saqeef were still rebellious. They were still planning to be mischievous. One of the chiefs of Bani Hawazan, Malik ibne Auf Nasri, colluded with Bani Jasm and Bani Nasr to raise an army for a result oriented battle with the Muslims. Bani Saqeef who had once stoned away the Prophet (s.a.) from Taef joined hands with them. Malik ibne Auf also sent word to Bani Saad to join hands with them. Bani Saad didn’t agree with the offer saying that Mohammed (s.a.) had his upbringing with them and they wouldn’t like to fight with him. But some of their men did join the collaborators. The size of the army reached a total of 5,000. Maalik ibne Auf was named the Commander-in-chief and Abu Jarol the standard bearer. They started on the campaign along with their families, children and flocks of animals! In this army was the famous warrior of Arabia, Dareed ibne Saama. His age at the time was 120 years but he was brought sitting in a litter on the back of a camel to make use of his vast experience of planning the strategies of battle. When the army halted at the Valley of Awtas he said that the place will be suitable for the movement of horses and also for undertaking combats! He also said that the place was neither too soft nor very stony. At that moment he heard the sound of children crying.and the sheep maying. He enquired of Malik ibne Auf about the sounds. He informed that women and children too were there with the army. He asked, why they were brough with the troops? He was told that with the families and children along, no one will think of showing his back to the battle field! He said that when the fear of the enemy dominates the minds of the troops, nothing can stop them from running away! If defeat was faced in these circumstances, the shame will not leave them for ever! Then he asked,“Are Bani Kalab and Bani Kaab too with you?” He replied that they had not joined with them. The old man said that if luck had favored them, they too would have joined the army! He expressed his frank opinion that they return to their respective habitations! If then the Muslims attacked them, they would be able to defend themselves and other tribes too might come to their rescue against the aggressors. Malik didn’t agree with his advice. Dareed said that then he wouldn’t have anything to do with the campaign! In fact Malik didn’t want his interference because he would claim credit if the battle was won by them! Therefore, rejecting a wise suggestion, the troops advanced forward to fight!

When the Prophet (s.a.) learned that Bani Hawazan and Bani Saqeef were advancing for a battle with the Muslims, he deputed Abd Allah ibne Hadard to reconnoiter about their movements. He returned after his investigations and reported to the prophet (s.a.) that their intention to battle was very evident and that the Muslims must be ready to repulse their attack. The Prophet (s.a.) called Hazrat Omer and told him what he had heard from Ibne Abi Hadard. Omer said Ibne Abi Hadard cannot be trusted because he is a liar. At this point Ibne Abi Hadard addressed Omer and said:

“O Omer!

If you are refuting me,

you were used to refuting

the Truth in the past”

Ref: Tariq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 346

The Prophet (s.a.) trusted the intelligence of Ibne Abil Hadard and ordered the troops to be in readiness. They loaned from Safwan ibne Omayya, who hadn’t still embraced Islam, a hundred armors and other equipment of war and on 8 Shawwal 8H moved with 12,000 troops. In this contingent there were 10,000 persons who had accompanied him from Madina. The other 2,000 were the recent converts from Makka. The numerical strength was thrice as much as that of the Infidels. This has created a subtle feeling of pride among the Muslims. Therefore seeing the strength of the army of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr said,“Today we shall not face defeat because of paucity of numbers!” The enemy arrived at the Valley of Hunain and entrenched the men in the crevices and passages of the passages of the hills Hunain is a valley lying on the hills between Makka and Taef and had plain grounds on one side and ravines and ditches on the other. When the Muslims reached the.Valley of Hunain in the morning, and advanced on the difficult and sloping terrain, the enemy started throwing stones and arrows on them. The Muslims didn’t expect this sudden attack on them. Pandemonium broke out in the troops. First the muqaddamat al Jaish ( the Front Guard) flew! The commander of the group was Khalid ibne Walid!! When those coming from behind saw Khalid running away, they too took to their heels! The pandemonium was such that no one bothered about the others. They were all running helter skelter. Abu Qatada who was one of the deserters said:

“The Muslims flew!

I too flew with them.

Suddenly I noticed Omer Ibne Khattab among the deserters

I asked him,

‘What has happened to the people?’

He replied,

’ It is Allah’s Wish!’”

Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Vol 3, Page 45

The books of Hadith and Seerat certainly recorded about this flight, but the Holy Quran too records the incident thus:

“And remember the Day of Hunain

when large numbers made you proud!

But the numbers didn’t benefit you in any way,

and the land, inspite of being wide,

became narrow for you

and you fled turning your backs (to the battle field)!”

When Abu Sufian saw the Muslims running away he said,“Wait! When they are vanquished, they will run to the sea shore!” . Kalda ibne Hanbal said,“Today the spell of Islam has been broken!” Some said that Laat and Manat had avenged their destruction! Although they were in the army of Islam, but their hearts were not with them. They would certainly have showed their backs if defeat looked into their faces. But the surprising fact was that those who were there at the Bayt e Rizwan and swore to lay down their lives for the Cause chose to fly! Within no time a major portion of the 12,000 men vanished in thin air! Very few persons remained with the Prophet (s.a.). According to one narration, only four persons, Ali (a.s.), Abbas ibne abd al Mutallib, Abu Sufian ibne Harit and Abd Allah ibne Masood remained steadfastly with the Prophet (s.a.). According to another narration there were ten persons with him, viz: Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.), Abbas ibne Abd al Mutallib, Fazal ibne Abbas, Abu Sufian ibne Harit, Rubiah ibne Harit, Abd Allah ibne Zubair ibne Abd al Mutallib, Otba and Mautab sons of Abu Lahab and Aiman ibne Obaid. The Prophet (s.a.) was astride a pony in the battle field. Abbas and Fazal were standing on the right and left of him. Abu Sufian was at the back holding the saddle of the mule and Hazrat Ali (as.) was in the front meeting the attacks of the enemy with his sword. The other persons formed a protective circle around the Prophet (s.a.). The enemy’s pressure increased every moment. Malik ibne Auf came forward to attack the Prophet (s.a.). Aiman ibne Obaid countered his attack and was martyred defending. The history records that in the moment of trial the Prophet (s.a.) was the most steadfast. He had these words on his lips:

“It is true that I am the Prophet (s.a.)

I am the son of Abd al Mutallib!”

When he saw the Muslims deserting the theatre of war, he turned left and right, and called them:

“O Allah’s Creatures!

Where are you heading to?”

When he found none heeding his call, he turned to his uncle, Abbas, and asked him to call the deserters in a loud voice. Abbas shouted at the top of his voice:

“O men of Ansaar!

O those who were present at

The Bayt e Rizwan!”

On this call some of the deserters came back. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) gathered them under his Standard and advanced to attack the enemy. On the other side the enemy too was alert. Both the sides attacked each other with swords. Sparks came out of the clashing swords. The Prophet (s.a.) said:

“The oven of battle is hot now!”

The Standard Bearer of Bani Hawazan, Abu Jarol was riding on a camel. He was waving his black flag and attacked reciting martial poems. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was looking for a chance to attack him. From the back he hit the legs of the camel with his sword. The camel fell down and Abu Jarol wasn’t able to keep his balance. At that moent Ali (a.s.) gave him such a blow that he was cut into two. With the killing of Abu Jarol the morale of the enemy sank low. Their men started running away. The deserters from the Muslim army who were hiding themselves in the crevices of the hills came back.and attacked the enemy in unison. Some of the enemy men were killed and others were taken captive. The fight was on when the time for meals arrived. The Prophet (s.a) said that they should stop fighting now and those taken captive should not be executed. But despite thisorder two of the captives were killed. One of them was Ibne Akwa who was functioning as a detective for Bani Hazeel during the campaign for conquest of Makka. When Hazrat Omer found him helpless, he motionedto an Ansari to slay him. The other person killed wa Jamil ibne Maamar. He too was killed by an Ansari. When the Prophet (s.a.) asked for an explanation from him, he said that Omer had prompted him to kill the person. The Prophet (s.a) said that he had personally asked them not to kill the captives, looked angrily at Omer and turned away his face! After some days, on the intervention of Umair ibne Waheb, the Prophet (s.a.) overlookd that act of Omer. Similarly, the Prophet (s.a.) was disturbed at the killing of a woman..Looking at her dead body, he asked who had killed her? The people informed that it was Khalid ibne Walid who killed her. He asked the persons to go to him and tell:

“The Prophet of Allah (s.a.)

prohibits you from slaying

women,children and laborers.”

Ref: Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 2, Page 180

The war was over but the Muslims continued to chase the infidels. They took custody of the enemy’s animals and materials. They took lot of prisoners of war, among whom were women and children. The Prophet (s.a.) wanted one person, Behad,to be apprehended alive. Therefore the Muslims held him and his family members. Among the captives was Sheema binte Harit, who was the prophet (s.a)’s sister by the virtue of her mother being his foster mother during his childhood. When she was put to hardship by the Muslim troops, she told them that she was their Prophet (s.a.)’s foster sister. They didn’t believe it and brought her to the presence of the Prophet (s.a.). She said,“I am Sheema., your foster sister! Once you had bitten my back in your childhood! The mark is still there! “The Prophet (s.a.) recognized her and made her sit on his own quilt. He asked her, “Would you like to live with us, or do you wish to return to your own tribe?” She preferred to get back to her triber. The prophet (s.a.) gave her a slave, one camel and some sheep and sent her away with respect.

During this campaign four Muslims were martyred and seventy infidels were killed. Thousands were taken captive. They got large amount of booty of war. In that there were 24,000 camels, 40.000 sheep and lot of silver. The captives and the booty were left in the charge of Badeel ibne Warqa Qazaee at the valley foJaarana. Those who were able to escape with their lives went to Taef. The Chief of Bani Hawazan, Malik ibne Auf was among the fugitives who reached Taef. One group went to Autas and another reached Naqla.

Ghazwa e Hunain was a big trial for the Muslims. In the beginning they were unable to meet the sudden attack of the enemy. They were under the illusion of the large force they had. If they had exercised care and forethought to the possibility of the enemy troops attacking from the caves and crevices, they wouldn’t have faced the initial setbacks. There was also a group of the capitulators of the campaign for conquest of makka who were not wholeheartedly participating in the battle. If, during this battle, the prophet (s.a.) and his near relations were not steadfast, the battle was nearly lost..

In this victory too, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) played the major part. He never left the company of the Prophet (s.a.) for a moment and was fighting the enemy like a shield for his Master. It was his example that brought back many a deserter to the battle field!