27. THE EXPEDITION OF OHOD
In Badr seventy renowned warriors of the Qureish were killed. The other troops were shamed and ran away showing their backs to the theatre of war.This defeat caused the silence of death on the streets of Makka. This was like the quiet of the ocean under which strong currents struggle to rise. It was like a dormant volcano that might erupt any time. There was a wave of anger and sorrow in the hearts of the Qureish. Their hearts were burning with the thought of revenge. With the fear that the anger might subside, they had prohibited people from shedding tears on the loss of the near and dear in the Battle of Badr. Besides, there was also a custom in the Arab society that women didn’t cry till they had avenged the loss of a dear person in a fight or a war. This spirit encouraged to wage another decisive war of revenge. Abu Sufian, who had dreams of leading the Qureish, got an opportunity after Abu Jahl and other chiefs died in the Battle of Badr. To win the support of the masses he took a public oath that he wouldn’t oil his scalp till he didn’t take revenge for every Qureish life lost in Badr. Therefore, in Dual Hijja 2 H he went with a contingent of two hundred men to cause destruction in Madina. When he reached the outskirts of Madina, he killed two men of Ansar who were working in the farms. He also committed arson by setting fire to a date garden. When the Prophet (s.a.) heard of this, he chased him up to a place called Kudr but he escaped with his men.
This was the preface for the preparations for a bigger campaign. Akrama ibne Abi Jahl, Safwan ibne Umayya, Abd Allah ibne Rubiah and other important persons gave the previous year’s profits as their war effort to a common fund for the warlike preparations. This was 50,000 Misqal of Gold and 1,000 camels. They thought that their troops had to be financially strong to be able to fight a war successfully. Therefore the Holy Quran says about them:
“These infidels spend their riches
to stop men from taking the Path of Allah.
They will soon spend these riches and
it will become the cause of craving
and sorrow for them and then they will be
defeated. Those who adopted infidelity
will be sent straight to the Hell.”.
The Qureish had no problems for funding the war. What they lacked was men of valor and bravery. To solve this problem they hired some poets who were capable of writing fiery patriotic poems. They sent their men to recite, and incite men, in the areas of different tribes far and near! One poet of Makka, Abu Aza Umro ibne Abd Allah went to Tihama and made the men of. Bani Kanana endorse his views and seven hundred of them joined the ranks of the Qureish army. The recruitment proceeded in this manner and the number of men swelled to 3,000. These were committed men ready for any sacrifices!
Hind, the wife of Abu Sufian, whose father Otba, brother Walid and uncle Shaiba were killed in the Battle of Badr, made tireless efforts to prepare the Qureish for another decisive campaign. She became chief of fourteen women who joined the army. Among these women was Khalid bin Walid’s sister Fatima, Umro ibne Ass’s wife Rita, Akrama ibne Abi Jahls wife Umme Hakim binte Harith, Sufian ibne Aweef’s wife Qatila binte Umro, Azab ibne Sufian’s wife Umra binte Harith, Talha ibne Othman’s wife Salata binte Saad, Harit ibne Sufians wife Ramla binte tariq and Safwan ibne Omayya’s wife Bara binte masood. The purpose of these women joining the army was to upbraid the feelings of the fighters in the theatre of the war and egg them on to fight more valiantly! They were to shame them and bring them back to the battle field in the event of their trying to desert.
When this army, in the command of Abu Sufian, left Makka, Abbas ibne Abd al Mutallib thought that if it made a preemptive attack on Madina, the Muslims would not be able to defend themselves. Therefore, through a person from Bani Ghiffar he sent word to the Prophet (s.a.) that the troops of Qureish have started for an attack on Madina. Because of his timely warning the Prophet (s.a.) deputed two men to keep a watch on the outskirts of Madina. They went to some considerable distance and brought the intelligence that the report from Abbas was correct. And the army of Qureish causing destruction enroute had reached almost the out skirts of Madina. Although these were the same people who were vanquished at Badr, they had refurbished their ranks with men from Tihama and Kanana. When the Muslims got the wind of fast approaching enemy, there cropped up differences in their ranks as to how best to tackle the attack. Some felt that since the Muslims had lesser numbers, and the infidels were many times more, the best approach will be to take a defensive stance. They suggested that the stronger persons should guard the ways to the city with swords and lances. If some of the enemy’s men managed to sneak in, the women,children and the old persons should start throwing stones and other missiles to hurt them. When the enemy got weakened and confused, the men should organize to combat with them. Some other persons thought that under the circumstances only defensive fight was possible. The best approach for this defensive fight was for the men to go out and create a front at some distance from the ramparts of the city. Of those who were making this suggestion were Hazrat Hamza, Saad ibne Ibada and the persons who didn’t join the combat in Badr and were keen to show their valor now. Those who wanted to fortify inside the city and fight were Abd Allah ibne Ubai, the infamous hypocrite, and some others. The mind doesn’t accept the thought that this suggestion was made in the best interests of the Muslims.while it was well known that he was iegeediously scheming against them that they were evacuated from Madina ignominiously.
The historians generally have endorsed the opinion that the Prophet (s.a.) himself was of the view that they must remain entrenched inside Madina and fight from there. But because of the majority opinion he condescended to go out for the fight. When he came out of his home fully equipped with the battle gear, the persons who were insisting on conducting the battle from outside Madina told him that he might as well do the defence of Madina from inside and there was no need for him to wear the battle gear.The Prophet (s.a.) said:
“It is not proper for the
Prophet that when he has worn the battle gear,
to remove it before the
Battle is fought.”
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 190
These words are a reflection of the confidence, and determination to do Jehad with the enemy. This also proves that the Prophet (s.a.) wouldn’t act under any external influence or pressure. In fact it was the need of the hour to take the enemy on in open ground and not to give him the freedom to cause destruction inside Madina. The statement of the Prophet (s.a) is not only the proof of his indomitable courage but it is also a golden lesson for the Muslims to face the enemy with courage and valour. When the battle had become inevitable, there was no need for very defensive stances. In such circumstances offence is the best form of defence! They have to fight with courage not showing their backs to the foe!
The Prophet (s.a.) appointed Umm Maktoom as the administrator of Madina and on 14 Shawwal 3H, after the Friday Prayer, went out of the city with his contingent. From a shorter route he moved towards the Mount Ohad where the armies of the Qureish had been camping since Shawwal 12. The Prophet (s.a.) would have traversed half the distance when, Abd Allah bin Ubai along with his men, cut away from the Prophet (s.a.)’s party and returned to Madina. He made the excuse that his suggestion of fighting from within Madina was turned down and therefore he was not joining the combatants. Now the Muslims were only seven hundred, who had to contend with three thousand men of the Qureish. From the seven hundred, men from the Ansars of Bani Salama and Bani Haritha too were thinking of withdrawing. But better sense prevailed with them and they stayed on. The Holy Quran speaks about them like this:
“When two groups from you
(from here only) determined
To accept defeat.”
The Prophet of Islam (s.a.) with these seven hundred established base at the foot of Ohod. The day was already over , and the next day, 15 Shawwal, Saturday, both the armies opened their fronts. The army of the infidels was large and there was excess of materials with them too. They had seven hundred armored men while the Muslims had only one hundred. The infidels had 3,000 camels and two hundred horses and the Muslims had only two horses. One was with the Prophet (s.a.) and the other with Abu Barada. Because of paucity of men and material, the troops had to be arranged in such a way that the enemy didn’t get the chance to attack from every direction. Therefore, with defensive tactic, the hill was placed in the back and the troops faced towards the city of Madina On the left, in the Ravine of Ainain fifty men were stationed under Abd Allah ibne Jubair. He was strictly instructed not to leave the station at any cost.till further orders. From the strategic point of view this was a very important requirement. If this was not done, the infidels could have attacked the Muslims from that end and decimated the Muslims. After this strategic arrangement, the remaining troops were arranged in order. On the Maimana (the Right Flank) was Saad ibne Ibada and on the Maisara (Left Flank) was Usaid ibne hazeer. One standard was given to Mus-ab ibne Umair and the main standard of the Prophet (s.a.)’s Army, as in all the battles fought by him, was in the hand of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s.).
The infidels too arranged their troops. On the Maimana was Khalid ibne Walid and on the Maisara the chief was Akrama ibne Abu Jahl. The chief of cavalry was Umro bin Ass and of the archers, Abd Allah ibne Rubiah. At the heart of the formation, the Qureish had the idol of Habal on a camel beside which Abu Sufian stood. The standard of the army was in the hand of a person from Bani Abd al Dar, Talha ibne Othman. When the army was in full readiness, the Qureish shouted praises for habal and Hind and other women stood in front of the troops and to promote enthusiasm in the men they started singing and dancing with drums in their hands:
“Nahnu Banaat e taariq
We are the daughters of stars
Namshialal namariq
Walk on carpets demurely
Mashi alqatal nawaziq
Like the active bird Qata
Walmasak fil mafariq
Musk in the parted hair
Wal dar fil makhaniq
And pearls shining in the necks
An taqbalul nawariq
If you advance we shall
Embrace you
Wa nafrash alnamariq
And spread carpets for you
Aw tadbur wal nafariq
If you turn your backs we
Shall abandon you
Faraq ghair waamiq
In a way as if we never had any
Attachment”
Once this song was over, the drums of war were sounded and the fighting started. The standard bearer of the Qureish, Talha ibne Othman came forward fully equipped and with proud gait. He said sarcastically ,“O Muslims! It is your feeling that when one of you is killed, he goes to the Heaven and if anybody from our side dies, his place is the Hell! Therefore, anyone from your ranks who wishes to go to the Heaven or wants me to go to the Hell should come into the arena!”
Hazrat Ali (a.s) came forward reciting the Rajz waving his sword in his hand. The swords of the two warriors clashed. Talha made a skirmish, and Ali (a.s.) made it go in vain and made a counter skirmish and with one stroke cut Talha’s legs. He swayed and fell to the ground. The Prophet (s.a.), when he saw him falling and the standard of the infidels dipping, said, Allaho Akbar, and the Muslim, in unison, repeated the call! Hazrat Ali (a.s) wanted to sever Talha’s head but he noticed that he was lying naked. He didn’t like to strike at him a second time in that condition and left him turning with pain on the ground. Some persons said,“Why didn’t you kill him?”
He replied,“When he turned naked, my modesty didn’t permit me to strike him any further! He also pleaded with the mention of my relationship with him!”
After wriggling on the ground for some time, Talha died.With the killing of Talha, the morale of the infidels nose dived! They had no courage left to come for man-to-man combat. Now they started to attack in groups. The Muslims came forward and quelled their onslaught. From both sides the bows twanged, swords clashed with swords and the fight became intense. Abu Dajana Ansari, Hazrat Hamza and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) made repeated attacks and killed rows after row of the enemy. This created pandemonium in the ranks of the infidels.
The Prophet (s.a.) had gifted a sword to Abu Dajana at the start of this war. He tied a red scarf on his head , took the sword in his hand and dashed into the crowd of the enemy’s men. He thus reached the place where the women of the infidels were singing and beating the drums to enthuse their men to valour. He lifted his sword to hit Hind binte Otba for a moment. But he thought that he shouldn’t defile the sword given by the Prophet (s.a.) with the blood of an infidel female!
Hazrat Hamza’s sword too was creating havoc in the ranks of the infidels. After the killing of Talha ibne Othman, Othman ibne Talha picked up the standard of the infidels. Hazrat Hamza struck him one blow and silenced him.
Hazrat Ali (a.s.), keeping his standard aloft, attacked the enemy vigorously and continuously. Whosoever lifted the flag of the infidels, he was killed and the flag used to dip in this manner on a regular basis! In this short space of time, eight times they had to change the standard bearer! When there was none left from Bani Abd al Dar to lift the flag, a slave of the family, Sawab, lifted it! Hazrat Ali (a.s.) came forward, hit him with his sword diagonally at his waist and cut him into two. Thus all the standard bearers of the infidels were finished. Ibne Athir writes:
“One who finished
The standard bearers (of
The infidels) was
Ali (a.s).”
Ref: Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 2, Page 107
The enthusiasm of the Qureish sagged with the obliteration of all their standard bearers. The spirit of the Muslims rose and they fought bravely although they were a fourth in numbers when compared with their adversaries. They continued to advance with valor. The infidels fled, in dire disarray, leaving behind the idol of Habal flat on its face on the ground! The women of the Qureish gathering their skirts, ran for their lives! The Muslims, when they saw the enemy fleeing, were over whelmed with greed and, forgetting about the enemy, started gathering the booty of war. The keepers of the ravine, who were under strict instructions from the Prophet (s.a.) not to leave their post at any cost, too abandoned their position and descended to loot and plunder the defeated infidels. Allama Tabari writes:
“Those persons were shouting
“Booty!Booty!”
Abd Allah asked them to stay
that they were forgetting the
Prophet (s.a.)’s orders.
But they
refused to stop
and went
in search of booty!”
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 193
This irresponsible behaviour of the guards gave Khalid ibne Walid and Akrama ibne Abi Jahl to bring 200 men through the vacated ravine and attack the Muslims from the rear. Abd Allah ibne Jubair valiantly defended the ravine with two to four men who stayed back with him, but they were all martyred by the infidels.Seeing this success of Khalid, the fleeing infidels started coming back. The fallen standard of the infidels was picked by a woman from Bani Abd al Dar, Omra binte Alqama Hartia. The infidels rearranged their fleeing hordes and attacked the Muslims. The Muslims, oblivious of the developments, were busy collecting the booty.were now facing the enemy onslaught from two fronts. This created confusion in their ranks and in some instances they attacked their own comrades. Therefore Usaid bin Hazeer was injured by Abu Barada ibne Niyar and Abu Barada was mistakenly struck by Abu Zana. In this pell mell, inspite of the shouting of Hudaifa’s father, Muslims were killed at the hands of Muslims! The picture of the war suddenly reversed. The war that was almost won was now on the brink of defeat. Some Muslims were martyred, some were injured and some others fled showing their backs to the battle field! The historian Tabari writes:
“When the Muslims were inflicted
With this calamity, a third of them
Were martyred , a third injured
And
A THIRD FLED FOR THEIR LIVES!
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 197
In this atmosphere of utter pandemonium, Dabah ibne Abd al Uza came in front of Hazrat Hamza. Hamza called him“Yabne maqtat al batoor- O son of mischievous woman!”
Then he rushed towards him with his sword and killed him at that very spot. Jubair ibne Mutim whose uncle, Taima ibne Adi was killed by Hazrat Ali (a.s.) in the Battle of Badr had promised his slave Wahshi that if he killed Mohammed (s.a.), Ali (a.s.) or Hamza, he would free him from slavery. For Wahshi it was difficult to attack the Prophet (s.a.) or Ali (a.s.), but he determined to kill Hazrat Hamza. When he got the opportunity, he threw his lance with such dexterity that it pierced the umbilicus region of the body of Hazrat Hamza. Despite this mortal blow, Hazrat Hamza jumped towards his attacker but because of the effect of the injury he fell down and joined the ranks of martyrs.
Ibne Athir writes in Asad al Ghaba that when there was general pandemonium, the Prophet (s.a.) was for a while out of Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s sight. He looked around in the bodies of the dead Muslims but there was no sign of him. He thought for a moment if he had gone away from the theatre of the battle. But then he felt that he was one who would never be a deserter.He also thought whether Allah had raised him alive to the Heaven in His anger against the misbehavior of the Muslims! He now thought that the best cource for him would be to succumb fighting with the infidels. Therefore he broke the sheath of his sword and attacked the columns of the enemy. When the crowd of the infidels thinned, he found the Prophet (s.a.) determinedly fighting the enemy. Thus he never left the battle field for a moment. Ali ( a.s.) stayed with the Prophet (s.a.), defended him and fought bravely with the infidels. Ibne Saad
Writes
“On the day of Ohod
when the people ran away,
Ali (a.s. ) steadfastly stayed
with the Prophet (s.a.) and
resolved that he would be with
the Messenger till his own death.”
Ref: Tabaqaat, Vol 3, Page 23
In the meantime a group of fifty men advanced to attack the Prophet (s.a). He told to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to go ahead and quell them. Ali (a.s) attacked them like a tiger and spreadeagled them. Thus, from whichever side the infidels appeard, Ali (a.s.) dealt with them severely. In these attacks Shaiba ibne Malik Amiri and all the four sons of Sufian ibne Awif, Abul Sha-aa, Khalid, Abul Hamra and Gharab were killed by Ali (a.s.) and he kept the Prophet (s.a.) safe from their onslaught. Seeing this valor and the spirit of sacrifice of Ali (a.s.), Jibrael told to the Prophet (s.a):
“O Prophet of Allah!
This is truly sympathy
And affection!”
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 197
The Prophet (s.a.) replied,“Why not! Ali (a.s.) is mine, and I belong to Ali (a.s.)! Jibrael then said, “I belong to both of you!”
At that moment the sound of the Herald was heard saying,“La Saif illa Zulfiqar wa la Fata illa Ali- There is no sword other than Zulfiqar and no victory without Ali”
. There were sounds of appreciation and approbation all around!
While Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was busy combating, the infidels ambushed the Prophet (s.a.) and Abd Allah ibne Shehab, Otba ibne Abi Waqa, Ibne Qamia Laiti, Obai ibne Khalaf attacked him and Abd Allah ibne Shehab hit on his forehead. Otba ibne Abi Waqas hurled at him four stones, one after another in quick succession.and he lost four of his teeth and his lips were badly bruised with this attack. Ibne Qamia came near him and hit his hood with a sword. As a result of this blow, the links of the hood hurt his forehead. The face of the Prophet (s.a.) was red with the blood flowing from the forehead. Obai ibne Khalaf attacked the Prophet (s.a.) and he snatched a lance from his companion, Harith ibne Sama, and struck Obai who died.on his return journey at a place , Saraf, on the way. From these attackers, Abd Allah bin Hameed was killed by Abu Dajana. Some men from the Ansar saw that the Prophet (s.a.) was under attack and they came forward and intervened. Seeing th Ansar the infidels retreated some distance and started throwing arrows from there. Abu Dajana Ansari became the shield for the Prophet (s.a.) to save him from the arrows. He took the arrows on his back. Also near the Prophet (s.a.), Musa-ab ibne Omair got busy stopping the attacks of the enemies. Ibne Timia got an opportunity and martyred him. He thought by mistake that he had martyred the Prophet (s.a.) himself in the confusion. Therefore he approached close to his men and proudly announced that he had killed Mohammed (s.a.)! Happily they shouted,“Ala anna Mohammeda qad qatl - Mohammed (s.a.) has been killed!”
From the Muslim ranks some had already deserted when they smelled defeat, most of those who remained got disheartened when they heard this announcement. Now there was a total chaos in their ranks. Some sat quiet on the hillocks keeping one hand over the other, and others ran speed haste to Madina! Tabari writes:
“The Prophet (s.a.)’s Companions
fled leaving him behind. Some sped
Away to Madina and some others
climbed the hillocks for shelter. The
Prophet (s.a) called them,
‘O Creatures of Allah!
O Creatures of Allah!
Come to me!
Come to me!”.
Tareeq e Tabiri, Vol 2, Page 26
The Holy Quran records the event in this manner:
“When you were scaling the hillock
And the Prophet (s.a.) was calling you,
You didn’t turn back to look!”
In this state of pandemonium and selfishness Anas ibne Nazar happened to pass by the hillock where the Mohajirs and Ansar were sitting with bowed heads.He looked at them in surprise and asked them,“why you people are sitting here?”
They said,“The Prophet (s.a.) has been martyred!”
He repudiated them saying,“What will you do living after he has gone? Rise, and defend the Faith for which he laid down his life!”
Saying this Anas rushed towards the theatre of war. There he met Saad ibne Ma-az and told him that he was getting the fragrance of the Heaven from the Mount Ohod. Saying this he rushed into the rain of arrows and the swords to attack the infidels. Thus he was martyred fighting with valor. Allama Tabari has particularly taken the names of Omar ibne Khattab and Talha ibne Obaid Allah amongst those who were sitting on the hillock while the Prophet (s.a.) was at great risk and even they heeded the rumor that he had been martyred and had no concern for defending the Faith and resigned to their fate that everything was lost. Tabari has recorded their conversation that illustrates their bent of mind:
“Some of the men sitting on the hillock said
how much they wish to get a messenger,
whom they could send to Abd Allah bin Ubai,
who would request Abu Sufian to give us amnesty.
O People! Mohammed (s.a.) has been killed,
return to your tribe, Qureish,
lest they come and kill you too!
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 201
The Holy Quran tells about these people:
“If the Prophet (died his natural death or ) was martyred,
then will you return towards infidelity?
And those who revert to infidelity
cannot harm Allah in any way.
Soon Allah shall give Good Reward
to those who are thankful to Him”
The Prophet (s.a.) gave the Lava to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) after Mus-ab was martyred. He was occupied in quelling the enemy when he heard that the Prophet (s.a.) had been martyred. He cut through the crowd of men to the place where he had left the Prophet (s.a.) a short while ago. He found him alive and his anxiety was relieved. Although he was himself contending with injuries, he forgot his own condition when he found the Prophet (s.a.) bleeding. He supported him and led him toward the ravine. When Kaab bin Malik saw the Prophet (s.a.), he was happy and instantaneously said,“This is the Prophet Of Allah (s.a.)!”
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) cautioned him to be quiet and went with the other Muslims in the surroundings to the ravine. Then he went to the Pond of Mehras and fetched some water in his shield. At that moment, Hazrat Fatima Zehra, with some other ladies, came to the ravine having heard the rumors that the Prophet (s.a.) had been martyred. She was relieved to see her father alive, but started crying when she saw his forehead bleeding. She instinctively embraced her father and then, with the assistance of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), nursed his wounds. She burned a piece of rug and applied the ash as an astringent to the wounds.
The battle was almost over The infidels were happy over their victory and the defeat of the Muslims. Abu Sufian climbed one of the peaks and asked the Muslims,“Is Mohammed (s.a.) alive?”
. The Prophet (s.a.) asked his men not to give him any reply. He again repeated the question. He asked,“Is abi Khahafa there? He didn’t get any reply.. Then he asked, “Is Omar ibne Khattab there?”
Even then he didn’t get any reply! He now told to his men that perhaps they had all been killed. Hazrat Omer. Despite the Prophet (s.a.)’s warning could not control himself and said that they were all alive. Abu Sufian shouted the slogan,“aa-al Habal!”
On the advice of the Prophet (s.a.) the Muslims echoed in unison,“Allah aala wa ajjal - Allah is Great and Majestic!”
Abu Sufian said,“We have Uzza and you don’t have him!”
The Muslims replied,“Allah Maulana wa la maula lakum - Allah is the Guardian for us and you don’t have any!”
He then said that they won yesterday and he was the winner today. He added that they have avenged the death of those killed in Badr.He also warned that during the same month next year they would again confront the Muslims for a war at Badr. He proudly announced,“Muslims! Our people have done Masla of some of your dead. I neither permitted nor stopped them from doing it!”
Saying this Abu Sufian marched towards Makka with his men and materials!
In this bloody encounter two ladies were in the theatre of war to nurse and help the wounded and to give water to the fighting men. One of them was Umme Amara Nasiba binte Kaab. Her husband, Zaid ibne Asim and two sons, Habib and Abd Allah, were martyred fighting in the Cause of Islam. When this lady saw that the Prophet (s.a.) was in the range of the enemy’s arrows, she stood in front of him and took the arrows on her chest. When Ibne Qamiya came with a sword to attack the Prophet (s.a.),she took a sword to defend him till her arm was badly injured. The other lady was Umme Aiman who, when she saw the Muslims deserting the arena and running away, she tried to stop them from this shameful act. When her appeals fell on deaf ears, she was throwing sand on their faces and telling,
“Go and sit at home (like women) spinning the cotton
and leave behind your sword with me!”
Ref: Seerat e Halabiah, Vol 2, Page 254
Compared to the boldness and character of these ladies, there is a sizeable list of men who timidly deserted the theater of the war. In this roster are names of men who could definitely be expected to remain committed and provide help, protection and support to the Prophet of Islam (s.a.). This is an irrefutable fact of history. The only persons who remained steadfast were Hazrat Ali (a.s.), Abu Dajana Ansari, Sahl ibne Hanif, Asim ibne Tabit, Miqdad ibne Umro, Saad ibne Ma-az, Usaid ibne Hazeer, Talha ibne Obaid Allah and Zubair ibne Awam. The rest were in the roster of deserters.Some of them did flee, but returned back after things cooled down. Among the returnees was Hazrat Abu Bakr himself who said:
“On the day of Ohod, people deserted
The Prophet (s.a.) and I was the first
to return to him.”
Ref: Tareeq e Khamees, Vol 1, Page 485
Although there is no clarification in this statement as to when this ‘return’ came about, but the events are indicative that this happened only after the battle was over. If this ‘return’ was in the midst of the battle, history would certainly have recorded about his valourous conduct of inflicting blows on the adversaries or of suffering wounds at their hands! Imagine, one of the fingers of Talha was injured during the battle and history has the record of this minor hurt! If such an august personality had undergone any hardship, its remaining unreported is not at all possible!
It has already been mentioned that Hazrat Omer was spotted at a safe distance from the theatre of the battle on the top of a hillock! Therefore he himself says:
“We got separated from the Prophet (s.a.)
on the Day of Ohod
and I was (safe) atop a hill!”
Ref: Azalat al Khafa, Vol 1, Page 168
Hazrat Othman was in the group that appeared after full three days of the battle. Therefore Ibne Athir writes:
“Among those deserters was Othman ibne Affan
and others who remained in Aiwas for three days
and then returned (safely) to the Prophet (s.a.).
He saw them and said :
‘ You had gone too far!’”
Ref: Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 2, Page 110
The bravery and valor that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) showed in this Ghazwa is a great example of Islamc Jehad. At a time when the feet of the Islamic army had shaken with the concerted attack of the enemy, he combated all alone and curbed their advances with his indomitable courage and protected the Founder of Islam (s.a.). As long as the combat lasted he neither took his hand away from the scabbard of his sword nor his feet at all swayed! Although he was fatigued with constant fighting throughout the day and also he had several injuries caused by arrows, spears and swords, his spirit was indomitable! Allama Siyuti writes:
“On the Day of Ohod
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was inflicted
with sixteen sword injuries”
Ref: Tareeq al Khulfa, Page 114
Although Muslims didn’t achieve victory in this Ghazwa, Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s and Hazrat Hamza’s exploits of valor and the brave support of some other persons saved the Muslims from total defeat. This situation didn’t crop up because of some unexpected and accidental event. But the main cause was misunderstandings and lack of discipline in carrying out strict commands. Even before the battle front was created, the opinion of the Muslins was divided as to the strategy to be adopted. One group insisted on fighting from within Madina and the other, rightly, wanted to meet the enemy outside the city. And when the Prophet (s.a.) came from his house in readiness for the battle, there was another change in the opinion suggesting that he stayed in the city to conduct the war. One group did withdraw into Madina because their suggestion was not accepted. This affected the morale of the men and two tribes of Ansar, Bani Salama and Bani Haritha were thinking of withdrawing from the conflict. These events prove that the Muslims, from the very beginning, were showing signs of indiscipline and the spirit that is imperative for Jehad was absent in most men. This resulted in the set backs that have been described in the earlier paragraphs. This situation was not because of the superior numerical and material strength of the enemy, but it was due to lack of determination in the Islamic troops. Therefore, the indomitable spirit exhibited by a handful of the Muslim participants limited the enemy’s success to partial win. The main culprits in the poor performance of the Muslim army were the men who were under strict instruction from their Commander, The Prophet (s.a.), not to leave the post of vigil at the ravine, but out of avarice for the booty from the deserting enemy troops, they did leave their post and the enemy attacked from that end and made the Muslims a sandwich between the two fronts. They neither remembered the Prophet (s.a.)’s strict orders nor did they listen to their supervisor who repeatedly asked them not to abandon their post. If they had not done, what they did, the result would have been different fromwhat it was. The Holy Quran observes about these men of avarice:
“Some men amongst you
are desirous of the world
and others want the Hereafter.”
Allama Tabari has written that from the words“desirous of the world”
are meant those persons who left the ravine unprotected to loot and plunder the fleeing troops of the enemy and those who wanted the“Hereafter”
remained steadfast with the Prophet (s.a.) to defend him and the Faith. Ibne Masood says:
“I never thought before this day
that from the Companions of the Prophet (s.a.)
there were men
who cherished the worldly wealth.”
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 193
Besides these guards, the responsibility for the poor performance also goes to thosewho left the Prophet (s.a.) encircled by the enemy and fled, despite the Prophet (s.a.) repeatedly asking them to be courageous and to stay back! Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“O people of the Faith!
When you are confronted with the enemy in the battle front,
Beware!
Don’t flee showing your backs!”
Although the Muslims had to suffer severe casualties, they learnt a lesson that they should not allow indiscipline and differences to creep into their ranks. They must remain disciplined at all times and obey their Commander implicitly. They should remember that differences, selfishness and controversy are the precursors of defeat. This battle also proves that the apparent victory or defeat is not the touchstone of right and wrong. Sometimes, those who are on the Right Path have to face defeat! There was another very important benefit to the Umma that the faces of the Hypocrites were blatantly exposed by their own behaviour. The cowards in the ranks of the Muslims too were exposed that they didn’t have the spirit of sacrifice that a true Muslim must have !
During this Ghazwa 70 Muslims were martyred and 22 infidels were killed. Although the hypocrites of Qureish avenged their dead from Badr, the fires of revengewas still burned.in their hearts. In the intoxication of success they ill treated the Martyrs bodies that were lying in the battle field. Therefore, Muawiya ibne Mughira ibne Abil Ass cut the ears of Hazrat Hamza’s dead body. Hind binte Otba cut asunder his stomach, extracted the liver and chewed it. She severed the different parts of his body and made garland from them and wore around her neck. The other women too followed suit and did the same heinous things to the bodies of other martyrs. Abu Sufian too, keeping aside all norms of decency, desecrated the dead body of Hazrat Hamza, hit the point of a spear on his face. At this point one person, Halees ibne Alqama shouted,“See! What treatment Abu Sufian is giving to the dead body of a person from a noble tribe!”
When Abu Sufian heard this, he withdrew in shame!
Abu Sufian’s spirit of revenge remained in his nature even after embracing Islam. Therefore, during the reign of Hazrat Othman, he kicked the grave of Hazrat Hamza and said:
“O Abu Ammara (Hamza)!
The State for which we clashed swords,
is today in the hands of our children,
with which they are playing!”
Ref: Shara Ibne Abil Hadeed, Vol 4, Page 51
This was Abu Sufian’s spirit of revenge which continued with his progeny after his death. Therefore, Muawiya ibne Abu Sufian, at the Battle of Siffin, wanted to give the same treatment to the body of martyred Abd Allah bin Badeel. At that point a man from his own army, Abd Allah ibne Aamir, said::
“As long as I live
you cannot do Masla
(defiling) of his body!”
Ref: Ibne Abil Hadeed, vol 5, Page 271
Muawiya was forced to desist from the heinous act. Similarly Abu Sufian’s grandson, Yazeed ibne Muawiya, desecrating the severed head of Imam Husssain (a.s) perpetrated the foul tradition of his accursed father and grand father! He proved the heinous nature of Bani Umayya by ordering the perpetration of the Tragedy of Karbala.
The Prophet of Islam (s.a.) had already heard that the bodies of the martyrs had been desecrated and defiled by the tyrants. He asked the people to find about the condition of the body of his uncle, Hazrat Hamza. Harith bin Sam-aa said that he had seen the place where Hazrat Hamza was martyred and that he would go there forthwith and bring back the information. Saying this he went to the base of the hill to find about the body. But on returning he couldn’t muster courage to relate the condition of the body to the Prophet (s.a.).The Prophet (s.a.) sent Hazrat Ali (a.s.) to find out the condition of the body. He too couldn’t relate the details to the Prophet (s.a.). In the end, the Prophet (s.a.) himself went personally. When he saw the body and its severed psrts, he cried inconsolably.
Ibne Masood says:
“We had never seen the Prophet (s.a)
cry so inconsolably.”
Ref: Seerat e Halabiya, Vol 2, Page 273
When some people told that Hind had chewed the liver of Hazrat Hamza, he asked whether she ate a part of it.They said she just chewed and threw it away. The Prophet then said:
“Allah will not tolerate that any part of
Hazrat Hamza’s body went to the Hell.”
Ref: Tabaqaat Ibne Saad, Vol 2, Page 273
When the news reached Madina that Hazrat Hamza was martyred, his sister Safia came running from there. The Prophet (s.a.) tried to dissuade her from seeing her brother’s body. But she said that there was no use preventing her from setting eyes on her brother’s remains. She told that she knew what heinous treatment was given to him by the infidels. Then the Prophet (s.a.) put his shawl on the body of Hamza. The shawl was small, therefore they put some grass and leaves to cover his feet. Now the Prophet (s.a.) allowed Safia to see him. When Safia saw the body, she uttered,“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajeoon.”
Despite all her efforts to control herself she couldn’t stop her tears and sobs. The Prophet (s.a.) too cried.
Now the martyrs had to be interred. First the Prophet (s.a.) led the funeral prayer for Hazrat Hamza and then for the other martyrs.in a manner that Hamza too was in the rows of the persons praying behind the Prophet (s.a.). Then , two martyrs at a time, were interred in their own bloodied clothes. With Hazrat Hamza, his sister’s son, Abd Allah ibne Hajash, too was buried. In one narration it is mentioned that he was buried alone. Some of the martyrs were also buried in Madina at Jannat al Baqi. These were the bodies that their relatives took away before the Prophet (s.a.) had asked not to remove any bodies from Ohod.
On 22 Shawwal, the Prophet (s.a.) moved to Madina. When he passed through the locality of the Ansar he heard the wails and cries of the women. On inquiry he was told they were mourning those who were martyred at Ohod. Tears came to the eyes of the Prophet (s.a.). He said,“Lakin Hamzat bawki lahu-- there is none to cry for Hamza!”
When the Ansar heard this, they asked their women to visit Hamza’s place and give their condolences. Therefore the ladies went and gathered at the house of Hazrat Fatima and condoled Hazrat Hamzais death. The Prophet (s.a.) went to the Mosque and hearing the sound of the cries of the condoling women he prayed for their welfare. Ibne Saad writes:
“It is a custom among the women of the Ansar
that whenever there is a death in their families,
they first cry over the martyrdom of Hazrat Hamza
and then cry over the person who was dead.”
Ref: Tabaqaat, Vol 2, Page 44
This should be an eye opener for the people who, against the example set by the Prophet (s.a.) himself, say that those who believe that the martyrs are dead might cry over them and not those who believe that the martyrs are not dead!
On return from the Ghazwa e Ohod two persons from the army of the infidels were taken prisoner who were killed. One of them was Abu Aza Jamhi who had motivated the people of Tihama and Kinana through his oratory to join the ranks of the Qureish army. He was also among those who were taken prisoner at Badr and taking pity at his poverty, the Prophet (s.a.) had released him without paying any ransom. He had taken a vow at that time that in future he would not take part in any activity against the Muslims. Again he growelled for release in front of the Prophet (s.a.) who said:
“A momin can’t be bitten (by a snake)
from the same pit twice!”
--Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 2, Page 114
He was now killed for his breach of promise. The second person was Muawiya ibne Mughira who had taken part in perpetrating Masla with the dead body of Hazrat Hamza. He spent the night hiding in the out skirts of Madina but came in the morning to the residence of his relative, Hazrat Othman. On enquiring he was told that Othman wasn’t home. He said that he had bought a camel from him and had come to pay for it. Therefore, he must be asked to come home wherever he was. Therefore, Hazrat Othman was fetched home. When he saw the enemy of Allah and the Prophet (s.a.) at his threshold, he was much worried. He asked,“Why he had come?”
The man said that he was his near relation and wanted shelter from him. Hazrat Othman took him to a dark corner of the house and hid him there and returned back to the Prophet (s.a.). There he heard him say that Muawiya was in Madina and was loitering inside the city in the morning. He must be searched and apprehended. Some persons said that he had no place to go in Madina other than Othman’s home. They left Hazrat Othman with the Prophet (s.a.) and went to his house. On inquiy the inmates didn’t utter any word but pointed towards a dark corner of the house where the person was hiding. They apprehended him and brought him to the Prophet (s.a.). Hazrat Othman now knew that the secret was out. He told to the Prophet (s.a.),“I had come to you early morning to request for granting amnesty to this person!”
The Prophet (s.a), on the request of Othman, gave a respite of three days to the person to get away from Madina or else he will be executed. Hazrat Othman arranged a means of transport and money for him so that he could go anywhere he wanted to. But Muawiya was still in the limits of Madina after expiry of the three days. On the fourth day the Prophet (s.a.) ordered people to chase Muawiya and apprehend him. Hearing this, Zaid ibne Haritha and Ammar ibne Yassir, searched for Muawiya and apprehended near Jamar. Ammar threw an arrow at him and Zaid killed him with his sword. Another narration is that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had killed him. Bala Dari writes:
“Ali (a.s.) killed Muawiya ibne Mughira.”
Ref: Ansaab al Ashraaf, Vol 1, Page 328
Some historians say that Muawiya had left Madina, lost his way and again entered the limits of the city.and had the hope that Hazrat Othman would again obtain his release. He therefore came to Othman’s home and was hiding there. But the Muslims apprehended him before Othman could petition the Prophet (s.a.) in the person’s favor. The story that he lost the way and wandered back to Madina doesn’t sound plausible. The route to and fromMadina was very clear and there was no wilderness on the outskirts for long distances that a person could get lost. The ostensible purpose of the person, perhaps, was to linger on in Madina and spy on the Muslims about their future course of action!
0%
Author: MUFTI JAFFER HUSSAIN
