Revenge Plan of the Quraysh

The Battle of Badr had a lasting emotional and financial impact on the Quraysh. Every family had suffered, either through the loss of loved ones or economic hardship. Additionally, the failure of Abu Sufyan’s expedition to Madinah (Battle of Sabiq) fueled their desire for retaliation. The grief and anguish of the defeat in the Battle of Badr were constantly eating away at the Quraysh. 

1. Motivation for Revenge: The huge loss of life and property affected the Quraysh harshly. Meanwhile, their economic distress was becoming increasingly apparent due to the blockade of trade routes. So, they became desperate to take revenge. They formed a well–equipped army of three thousand soldiers.
2. Hindah’s Vengeance: Hindah, the wife of Abu Sufyan, was particularly motivated by the loss of her father, brother, and uncle at the Battle of Badr. She targeted Hazrat Hamza (RA), the Prophet’s uncle and took her slave Wahshi, promising him freedom if he killed him. Hindah and other women accompanied the army to inspire and support the troops.  

Formation of a Massive Army by Quraysh

This series of events highlights the escalating tensions between the Muslims and the Quraysh, setting the stage for another major confrontation while demonstrating the Prophet’s (ﷺ) strategic foresight and leadership.

In the third year of the Hijri, a battle took place between the Muslims and the Quraysh in the desert of Uhud.

Determined to avenge their defeat, the Quraysh assembled a formidable army:

1. 3,000 soldiers, including allied tribes.
2. 200 warriors from the Banu Thaqif tribe of Taif.
3. 700 armored soldiers, 200 cavalry, and 3,000 camels.
4. Abyssinian slaves, including Wahshi, were recruited for specific tasks.

Advance Warning Letter to the Prophet (ﷺ) 

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) uncle, Abbas (RA), who secretly embraced Islam after the Battle of Badr but remained in Makkah, became aware of the Quraysh’s preparations. He sent a letter to the Prophet (ﷺ), detailing their plans. The letter was promptly delivered, allowing the Muslims to prepare for the impending Battle of Uhud.

The Gathering of the Quraysh Army at Uhud

The Quraysh army, composed of 3,000 soldiers, camped at the foot of Mount Uhud, near Madinah, preparing for a decisive confrontation. Their horses and camels grazed in the fields around Madinah, signaling their proximity.

Formation of the Muslim Army

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), upon receiving confirmation of their position from reconnaissance and the letter from Hazrat Abbas (RA), convened a consultation meeting with his companions to decide the Muslim response. He initially proposed a strategy where the Muhajirun would defend from outside the city while others fought from within.

However, a group of enthusiastic youth, motivated by their zeal for martyrdom, pushed for a direct confrontation in the open desert. Their passionate arguments influenced the majority, and the Prophet (ﷺ) ultimately agreed to face the Quraysh in the plains of Uhud. The Muslim army, initially numbering 1,000 soldiers, prepared to march.

The Prophet (ﷺ), clad in armor, addressed his companions and prepared to meet the enemy. When some youth reconsidered their earlier stance and urged him to revert to fighting from within Madinah, he declined, stating:

“It is not prophetic behavior to take off the armor after putting it on. Rather, implement what has been decided. Trust in Allah, and with patience and steadfastness, you will be victorious.”

Saying this, Prophet (ﷺ) set out towards Uhud. Before the army reached Uhud, the hypocrite leader Abdullah ibn Ubayy withdrew with 300 soldiers, leaving only 700 Muslims to face the Quraysh’s 3,000 strong force.

Strategic Preparations

On arriving at Uhud, the Prophet (ﷺ) carefully arranged his forces and identified a mountain pass that could be exploited by the enemy. He feared an enemy attack from behind through it. To secure the pass, he stationed 50 skilled archers under the command of Abdullah ibn Jubair (RA), instructing them:

“Do not leave your position under any circumstances, even if you see us winning or losing. Protect this pass at all costs.”

This was a well–thought out and far–sighted decision of the Prophet (ﷺ). This foresight proved critical to the battle’s initial success.

The Start of Battle at Uhud and Initial Muslim Victories

In the early phase of the Battle of Uhud, the Muslim army, inspired by their faith and led by courageous warriors, overwhelmed the Quraysh forces.

• Abu Dujana (RA) and the Sword of the Prophet (ﷺ)

Before the battle began, the Prophet (ﷺ) unsheathed his sword and asked, “Who among you will fulfill the rights of this sword?” Several companions eagerly stepped forward, but the Prophet (ﷺ) handed it to Abu Dujana (RA), a fearless warrior wearing a red band tied around his head.

Abu Dujana (RA) asked, “What are the rights of this sword?”
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “To strike the enemy relentlessly until they are crushed.”

Abu Dujana (RA) vowed to fulfill this duty and entered the battlefield, cutting through enemy ranks with unmatched strength and determination, fulfilling his promise with his life and valor.

The early phase of the Battle of Uhud was marked by the Muslims’ strategic advantage and the heroic efforts of warriors like Abu Dujana (RA). However, the events that followed would test their resolve and reveal the importance of discipline and obedience in battle.

Hazrat Hamza (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) spearheaded the assault, forcing the Quraysh to retreat.

• • Hazrat Ali (RA) killed Talha, the Quraysh standard bearer.

• • One after another, the standard bearers of the Quraysh were slain, primarily by Hazrat Hamza (RA).

• • The ninth standard bearer of the Quraysh was taken down, reportedly by Hazrat Sawab (RA), Hazrat Kuzman (RA), or Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA).

With no standard bearers left to rally their troops, the Quraysh forces began to retreat, signaling an apparent victory for the Muslims.

The Second Phase of the Battle of Uhud and the Disater of Muslim Army

The second phase of the battle brought a lot of disasters for Muslim Army. The Muslim forces, initially emboldened by their victory, began collecting spoils from the battlefield. This momentary distraction proved disastrous:

1. Abandonment of the Strategic Pass:
   The 50 Muslim archers stationed at the mountain pass, tasked with securing the rear, were confused by the Quraysh’s defeat and tempted by the sight of spoils. Despite the warnings of their commander, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubayr, most of them left the pass unguarded to collect the spoils. Only 10 archers stayed behind with firm determination not to leave the pass.
2. Khalid ibn Walid’s Counterattack:
   Meanwhile, Khalid ibn Walid, the skilled Quraysh cavalry commander, seeing the weak condition of the pass, seized the opportunity and rushed his cavalry towards it. He led a surprise attack upon the remaining Muslim archers with his cavalry, overwhelming them. The ten who stayed fought valiantly but were ultimately martyred.
3. Ambush and Chaos:
   The Quraysh army, led by the brave Khalid ibn Walid’s forces attacked the unprepared Muslims from the rear, creating chaos and causing havoc by ambushing the Muslim army. This sudden action of Quraysh from rear created chaos and confusion in Muslim army:

• • The disorganized Muslim army, busy collecting booty, was caught off guard.

• • Confusion spread, leading some Muslims to mistakenly attack their own comrades.

The Martyrdom of Hazrat Hamza (RA)

During the chaos, Hinda, the wife of Abu Sufyan, sought revenge for the loss of her father and brother in the Battle of Badr. She sent her Abyssinian slave, Wahshi, to assassinate Hazrat Hamza (RA), promising him a significant reward.

Wahshi, an experienced spearman, targeted Hazrat Hamza (RA) and threw his spear from a distance, striking him fatally. After his martyrdom, Hinda desecrated his body by cutting open his chest and chewing on his liver in a vengeful act of hatred.

This shift in momentum allowed the Quraysh to recover and wreak havoc, turning the Muslims’ initial victory into a devastating loss. 

Rumors of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Martyrdom

During the Battle of Uhud, the enemy forces managed to attack the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Despite the protective efforts of his companions, a stone thrown by the enemy struck him, breaking two of his blessed teeth and causing two pieces of his helmet to embed in his sacred cheeks. Blood flowed from his injuries, yet even in this dire state, the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed for his people, saying:

“O Allah! Forgive my people – they are ignorant.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban: 973)

Amidst the chaos, rumors spread that the Prophet (ﷺ) had been martyred. This misinformation disheartened many Muslims, but it also invigorated the true believers manifold, strengthening their resolve to fight valiantly.

The Prophet’s companions managed to take him to a secure location atop Mount Uhud. Upon learning that the Prophet (ﷺ) was alive, the Quraysh forces repeatedly tried to breach the defenses but failed.

Retreat of Quraysh Army

Realizing they could not advance further, the Quraysh abandoned their plans to attack Madinah and retreated to Makkah. Although the Quraysh did not achieve a decisive victory, they inflicted heavy losses on the Muslims, with about 70 companions martyred. However, the Quraysh themselves suffered significant losses as well.

The Subsequent Events:  

• The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Visit to Battle Field: The Prophet (ﷺ) personally went to the battlefield to honor the fallen Muslims, including his uncle, Hazrat Hamza (RA). Seeing the mutilated body of Hazrat Hamza (RA), the Prophet (ﷺ) was deeply grieved and initially swore to retaliate in the same manner. However, Allah Almighty revealed the following verses, reminding him of the virtues of patience and restraint:

“And if you take revenge, take revenge with the same amount of pain you have been given. But if you are patient, it is better for the patient. Be patient. Your patience is only for Allah. So do not grieve over them, nor be discouraged by their plot.” (Surah An–Nahl, 16:126–127)

The above verses led Prophet (ﷺ) retracted his oath and chose patience, demonstrating his commitment to Allah’s guidance.

• Strategic Measures at Hamraul Asad: After the battle, the Prophet (ﷺ) led the Muslims to Hamraul Asad, near Madinah. To create the illusion of a large army, he ordered multiple bonfires to be lit at night. This strategic move frightened the Quraysh, who assumed the Muslims had regrouped with reinforcements.

Abu Sufyan, the Quraysh leader, observed the flames and, fearing defeat, decided to withdraw his forces and return to Makkah.

Divine Reflection and Guidance

The Qur’an highlights both the lessons and the spiritual guidance derived from the events of Uhud:

• Faith and Obedience:
  Allah (SWT) praised the steadfastness of those who remained obedient to Him and His Messenger even in adversity:

“Those who obeyed Allah and His Messenger after being wounded, and those who were righteous and righteous among them, for them is a great reward. Men said to them: ‘A great army is gathering against you’: And frightened them: But it (only) increased their Faith: They said: ‘For us Allah sufficeth, and He is the best disposer of affairs.’ And they returned with Grace and bounty from Allah, no harm ever touched them: For they followed the good pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:172–174)

• Alternating Days of Victory and Defeat:
  The Qur’an reminded the Muslims that life’s trials, including victory and defeat, are part of Allah’s divine plan:

“If a wound had touched you, be sure a similar wound had touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr–witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loves not those that do wrong. Allah’s object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing Those that resist Faith. Did you think that you would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (In His Cause) and remained steadfast?” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:140–142)

• Hope and Resilience:
  Despite the setback, Allah (SWT) comforted the Muslims, assuring them that their faith and perseverance would lead to ultimate victory:

“Do not despair and do not grieve. If you are believers, then you will be the victors.” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:139)

• Leadership and Unity:
  The Muslims’ disobedience of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) order to guard the mountain pass was highlighted as a significant cause of their loss. Greed and a lapse in discipline led to the devastating ambush by Khalid ibn Walid. Allah (SWT) reminded the Muslims of the importance of trust, unity, and adherence to their leader’s commands.

Allah Almighty reflected on this issue in the Qur’an:

“And Allah fulfilled His promise when you were destroying them by His command, and when you were scattered and disputed about the matter, and were ungrateful after seeing what you desired, some of you desired the world and some of you desired the Hereafter. Then He removed you from them that He might test you. Indeed, He has forgiven you. And Allah is Merciful to the believers.” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:152)  

Lessons from Uhud for the Muslims

The Battle of Uhud served as a crucial lesson for the Muslims, emphasizing the importance of faith, discipline, unity, and obedience to leadership, especially in moments of triumph and vulnerability. It stands as a profound lesson in the consequences of disobedience, the value of patience, and the importance of trust in Allah’s (SWT) plan. 

The lessons may be summarized as below:

• A lack of strong trust in leadership during critical moments.

• Greed and preoccupation with collecting spoils of war before securing complete victory.

• Disobedience to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) orders, particularly in abandoning the strategic mountain pass unguarded. It was his instruction not to leave the pass unguarded in any circumstances. 

Outcomes of the Battle of Uhud

The Battle of Uhud ended without a definitive victory for either side. Both the Quraysh and the Muslims suffered significant losses. The outcomes of the battle highlight its complexity:

1. Revenge for the Battle of Badr: The Quraysh sought revenge for their earlier defeat at Badr. Hind bint Utbah, the wife of Abu Sufyan, avenged the deaths of her father and brother by orchestrating the killing of Hazrat Hamza (RA) and desecrating his body.
2. Reinforced Faith and Resilience of Muslims: Despite the weaknesses and temporary setback among the Muslims, they emerged with strengthened resolve and a deeper understanding of the values needed to achieve success in both this world and the Hereafter. It also reinforced the resilience of the Muslim community, which emerged stronger in faith and unity. 

Unfulfilled Objectives of the Quraysh: 

Despite inflicting heavy casualties on the Muslims, the Quraysh failed to achieve their primary goals:

1. Failure to Conquer Madinah: They could not capture Madinah, nor could they annihilate the Muslim community or secure their trade route to Syria and Abyssinia.
2. Second Effort Failed: Their second attempt to launch an offensive on Madinah was thwarted, forcing them to retreat.

The Dignity of Martyrdom

The concept of martyrdom holds immense significance in Islam. Those who sacrifice their lives for the cause of Allah (SWT) attain the highest ranks in Paradise. The Qur’an and the Hadith emphasize the honor and rewards bestowed upon martyrs. Those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of establishing the religion of Allah and truth and justice and protecting society from injustice, oppression and repression, attain the status of martyrs. The Holy Qur’an mentions four types of people with high status, and martyrs are one of them. It is known from the hadith narrated by Hazrat Nu’aym ibn Hammar (RA), that a person asked the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) – “Who is the best of the martyrs?” He replied:

“The best martyrs are those who fight in the first ranks and do not turn their faces away until they are killed. They reside in the highest chambers of Paradise. Your Lord smiles upon them; when Allah smiles upon a servant in this world, no reckoning will be upon them.” (Sahih al–Jami — a collection by al–Albani, referenced as Hadith No. 3740) 

• High Status of Martyrs in the Sight of Allah (SWT): In the Holy Qur’an Allah (SWT) has placed Martyrs alongside Prophets, the truthful, and the righteous.

“And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, then he is with those upon whom Allah has bestowed His favor. They are the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. And their presence is best. Such is the bounty from Allah, and sufficient is it that Allah knows all.” (Surah An–Nisa, 4:69–70)

• Martyrs are given Sustenance and Eternal Joy in Paradise:

“And do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, having sustenance.” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:169)

“And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive.” (Surah Al–Baqarah, 2:154)

• Forgiveness and Mercy: Martyrs receive forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT), which outweighs worldly possessions: 

“And if you are killed in the way of Allah or die, then forgiveness and mercy from Allah are better than whatever you have hoarded.” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:157) 

• No Fear or Grief: Martyrs are free from fear and grief, rejoicing in Allah’s grace: 

“They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah. And with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they grieved. They glory in the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and in the fact that Allah suffers not the reward of the Faithful to be lost (in the least).” (Aal–e–Imran, 3:170–171)

• Paradise as Their Reward: Allah (SWT) promises Paradise to those who fight in His cause: 

“Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their possessions for a price: for them is Paradise. They fight in the way of Allah, then they kill and are killed. This is His true promise in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur’an.” (Surah At–Tawbah, 9:111)

“But the Messenger and those who believe, they fought with their lives and their wealth. For them are the good things, and they are the successful. Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever. That is the great achievement.” (Surah At–Tawbah, 9:88–89)