Episode 14: A Spotlight on the Way to the Battle of Uhud

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: In Mekka, idolaters were very angry because of their defeat before the Muslim army at Badr’s battle.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: They were full of great grief and sorrow because of this unbelievable defeat.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: They were burning with humiliation and were thirsting for revenge towards the Prophet, peace be upon him, and His companions.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: They even had forbidden shedding any tears over those who were killed by the Muslim army because the Idolaters were very furious at the Muslims and prepared themselves to avenge their dead.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: In order not to show how they were totally affected by their defeat at Badr.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) swore by two idols (All’at and Al-Uzaa), for he was idolater at that time, that he would never bathe off impurity unless he had avenged himself on Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and his followers. He started to urge people and tribes to prepare to fight the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions to avenge themselves and their defeat at Badr.

Sheikh Ali Paqees: Quraish started to mobilize all tribes to prepare for a second battle The convoy's money that was lead by Abu Sufyan, slipped away from the Muslims, and was the main reason that caused for Badr’s battle, were stopped.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: For those who invested their money in that convoy were told: "O Quraish, Muhammad defeated you and killed your nobles so help us with this money to prepare for another battle so we can seek our revenge,"

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: "We need, from all of us, to donate our money, our equipments and use our force to prepare for this battle and then the idolaters donated this convoy to fight the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Allah has revealed in this situation:

{إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ لِيَصُدُّوا عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَسَيُنْفِقُونَهَا ثُمَّ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسْرَةً ثُمَّ يُغْلَبُونَ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَى جَهَنَّمَ يُحْشَرُونَ} [الأنفال: 36]

Interpretation of the meaining: "Those who disbelieve spend their wealth to bar (others) from the Path of Allah. They will spend it; but it will become a regret for them, then they will be overcome. The unbelievers shall be gathered in Gehenna" [Al-Anfal: 36]

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Not only that but they also opened the door for those who want to volunteer in attacking and fighting Muslims.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: So they went to Kina’na

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: and Tuha’ma‘s people

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: and Al-Ahabeesh(Abyssinians) (from Al-Habasha; Abyssinia)

Sheikh Ali Paqees: They hired poets to entice the tribes into fighting

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: People reached Mekka from everyplace

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: So an army of three thousand fighters was ready to fight the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

Sheikh Ali Paqees: They also took their women with them to urge them to fight and prevent them from deserting the battlefield

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: In order to urge them to fight heroically before the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

(Badr’s battle was as an ember in Quraish’s hearts; they didn’t face such a disaster as this day and its wounds were thickened in every home in Mekka so the hearts held grudge and great anger so they prepared such a force to avenge their defeat and seize victory over Muslims)

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The army was prepared and the confederates were gathered to fight the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

Sheikh Ali Paqees: In this Battle, the army was led by Abu Sufyan bin Harb. The Mekkan army headed towards Madina seeking for a revenge for their dead

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: When the army prepared and idolaters were gathered, The Prophet’s uncle Al-Abbas bin Abd AlMuttalib, sent an urgent message

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: by his messenger to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. This messenger of Al-Abbas went on his horse for three days to reach Madina that is about four hundred kilometers away from Mekka

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The message by Al-Abbas included the military movements and preparations for war concerning the horsemen, equipments and weapons

Sheikh Ali Paqees: When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم heard the news, he asked some of his Companions and sent them to patrol the entrances and roads leading to the city, waiting for the Mekkan Army

(The Mekkan army left Mekka holding their weapons and their equipments; they chose the best quality ever of a weapon. However, they forget that their enemy owned a weapon, most qualifying than what they owned and they even didn't own it which is the weapon of Faith. It's the weapon that was behind their triumph at Badr.Those who own that weapon, possess the keys of victory in their hands)

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم rushed to Madina as he has heard the message that was sent to him by his uncle Al-abbas in Qiba’ Mosque. He rushed to Al-Madina and began to ask the Migrants and Al-Ansar about their opinions concerning that matter of the Mekkan Army, consult them and exchange views about the situation

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم who is known by his wisdom, his best choice regarding opinions, and he is the fine example to all Muslims. Even though he is a prophet and able to take the suitable decision, he applied what he was ordered to do which is to consult Muslims in their affairs

Sheikh Ali Paqees: Then he صلى الله عليه وسلم held an emergency meeting in which he told them about a dream he had.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He said “By Allâh, I have dreamt of — I implore Allâh to be a dream of bounty — cows slaughtered

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: and that there was a groove at the pointed top of my sword,

Sheikh Ali Paqees: and that I had inserted my hand into an immune armor.” Then he interpreted this dream.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He interpreted that ‘the cows’ was that some of his companions were killed

Sheikh Ali Paqees: and ‘the groove at the pointed top of his sword’ was that a member of his House would be hurt.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: As for ‘the armour’ it was Madinah

Sheikh Ali Paqees: Then The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم started to ask them and consult them concerning this Mekkan army which were coming to attack Al-Madina

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The Prophet’s Companions differed in their opinions as for those who were the first that embraced Islam and were the companions of the Upper class

Sheikh Ali Paqees: They suggested staying in Al-Madina

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: To be fortifiedin Al-Madina and do not to go out to face the enemy

Sheikh Ali Paqees: Once the Mekkan Army enters Al-madina, they will fight them. Also Women and Children will participate in the battle from the top of the rooftops

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Prophet was on their sides concerning this suggestion and he found it the best one

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: While the Youngest one of Migrants and Al-insar beside those who had missed Al-Jihad in Badr invasion,

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy:  suggested that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم should go out of Madinah. They said. "O messenger of Allah, we see that we should go out to face them and do not wait for their arrival. Among those who suggested that opinion was Hamzah bin Abd Al-Muttalib (May allah be pleased with him)"

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Messenger of Allah, By Allâh, Who there is no other god worth to be worshiped except Allah, I will not taste food till I fight them with my sword outside Madinah.” Anas bin Nadr (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Messenger of Allah, I had missed the very first fight between You and the idolaters. By Allah, If Allah Wills that I Witness this battle, then Allah will surely see what I will do”

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet agreed on their opinion to go outside al-Madinah and face the idolaters

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Then he entered his house accompanied by his two friends Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: They helped him dress and wear his headcloth.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: He armed himself and wore two armours one over the other. He wore his sword and went out to meet people.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: When He put on his armor and sword, he went out of his house and People saw him that he became ready for the battle

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: Sa’d bin Mua’d and Usaid bin Hudair said to the Prophet’s Companions, "You forced the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to go outside Al-Madinah and fight as he saw to stay in al-Madinah and fight, they meant that by suggesting this suggestion which is to go out and fight, you forced the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, then the companions said, "O messenger of Allah, we are sorry if we have forced you and whatever you say now, we will all follow you if you would see to fight inside Al-Madinah.”

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: To this the Messenger ( Peace be upon him) replied: “It does not befit a Prophet to take off his armor once he has put it on until he fights and Allah judges what to be happen between him and His enemy.”

Sheikh Ali Paqees: The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم set off with his army

 Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The army consisted of a thousand fighters, a hundred of them armoured, but there was no horsemen. He appointed Ibn Umm Maktum to lead the people in prayer in Madinah. Departure was announced

Sheikh Ali Paqees: He صلى الله عليه وسلم set off after they prayed Al-Juma’a Prayers. As soon as he reached a location called Ash-Shaikhan, he paraded his army.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: While he was parading his army, walking among them, He dismissed those whom he considered to be too young to stand the fight.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: among those whom he صلى الله عليه وسلم dismissed were

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: Abdullah bin ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him), Usama bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him)

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Zaid bin Thabit, Zaid bin Arqam as well as many of those who were too young to fight

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم allowed Rafi‘ bin Khadaij, though he was too young but it was because he was skillful at shooting arrows

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Sumra bin Jundub then cried, he was young as well as Rafi’, and said: O Messenger of Allah, You allowed Rafi’ and not me and I’m stronger than him, By Allah, If I wrestled him I’ll win”

Sheikh Ali Paqees: So the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم allowed Sumra to wrestle Rafi’ and he won over him so the Prophet allowed them both to participate in the battle

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: As night fell upon them there, they performed both the sunset and the evening prayers and spent the night there as well. He observed the dawn prayer in a place called Ash-Shawt, near the place that the idolaters camped

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: When the Muslim Army started to move, led by The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, the army was about one hundred. It was there that ‘Abdullah bin Ubai, the head of hypocrites, intends to rebel as he was the one who saw to fight the idolaters inside Al-Madinah

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: and while they were watching the Idolaters, Abdullah bin Ubai bin Saluul, the head of hypocrites, rebelled as it was his own nature

Sheikh Ali Paqees: about three hundreds withdrew with him of the Prophet’s army

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: He claimed that his withdrawal was no more than showing protest against the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم who had already refused his opinion and accepted that of the others

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: This wasn’t the real purpose, however, it was to produce bewilderment, confusion of mind, and disorder in the army of  Muslims who were within the sight and hearing range of the enemy who were also looking forward to seeing more and more dissension on the side of the Muslims, like themselves. They also aimed at breaking the high morale of the believers. However, Allah wills Muslims’ triumph. He even kept saying why we should fight and at the end we will be killed?

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: and by what he had done, he was about to reach his target and his plot would have been successful.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: Through his poisonous words, Muslims’ hearts began to weaken and among those whom were weaken, two parties: one of Al-Awus and one of Al- khjraj.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Those two parties were Banu Haritha of Al-Aws and Banu Salama of Al-Khazraj

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: These two were partially impressed by the hypocrite’s behaviour. Both of them were overwhelmed by confusion and they had almost started to withdraw,

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon : But Allâh’s Care saved them from that confusion and before they intended to withdraw and go back to Al-Madinah. About their incident Allâh says:

{إِذْ هَمَّتْ طَائِفَتَانِ مِنْكُمْ أَنْ تَفْشَلَا وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّهُمَا وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ} [آل عمران: 122]

Interpretation of the meaining: "Two parties of you were about to fail, though Allah was their Guardian, and in Allah believers put all their trust." [Al-Imran: 122]

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Abdullah bin Haram, the father of Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, attempted to stop their withdrawal. He reminded the hypocrites of their duty at this delicate and awkward condition, but in vain. He followed them, reproached them and

Sheikh Ali Paqees: urged them to go back saying: “Come and fight in the way of Allâh or at least be defenders.” They said: “If we had known that you would really fight, we would have not gone back.” Having despaired of them, he addressed them and supplicated to Allah saying: “May Allâh cast you away, you enemies of Allâh. Allâh will certainly suffice His Prophet.”

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then left with those who remained with him of The Muslim Army

Sheikh Ali Paqees: With the remainder of fighters, the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم moved towards the enemy. The camp of idolaters was situated in such a place that the many roads leading to Uhud were almost blocked by them. So the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said to his men if they could take another way away from the idolaters’ camp, so he was showed the way of Al-Nakheel, so he passed the way that he was showed secretly. On their way they passed by Hait (i.e. the field) of Marba‘bin Qaizi, who was a blind hypocrite. When Marbafelt and realized that they were the Prophetic army, he started throwing dust at their faces, so they rushed to kill him, but the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Do not kill him. He is blind in heart and eyes.”

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم went along till climbed down the hillock of Uhud at the slope of the valley.

Sheikh Ali Paqees: This mountain that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said about it that this mountain loves us and we love it as well. That mountain that has shaken the day that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم stepped over it and then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Be firm, O Uhud! For on you there are no more than a Prophet, a Siddiq (who believes without questioning and has a great trust in the Prophet) and two martyrs.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He camped there with his army facing Madinah while their backs were to the hills of Uhud Mountain. So the army of the enemy stood a barrier between the Muslims and Madinah.

Sheikh Ali Paqees: The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم mobilized his army. He arranged them into two rows to prepare them for fight. There was a small mountain beside Uhud’s mountain. Later on this mountain was called the Mountain of Archers. That’s why the Prophet wished to take this mountain as well as Mountain of Uhud as a refugee

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He selected fifty skillful archers who were very skillful

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: made them under the command of Abdullah bin Jubair (May Allah be pleased with him).

Sheikh Ali Paqees: He ordered them to stay on this mountain in order to cut the Mekkan Army’s way if they decided to go to Al-Madinah from the Muslims’ back

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم clarified the mission of this squad in words he directed to them. He said to their leader: “Drive off the horses from us by means of arrows, lest they should attack us from behind (the rear). Whether we win the battle or lose it, stand steadily in your position and mind that we are not attacked from your side.” And he صلى الله عليه وسلم ordered them not to leave their places whatever happened

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: “If you see us snatched into pieces by birds, do not leave this position of yours till I send for you.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: On the right wing, he appointed Al-Mundhir bin ‘Amr. On the left he appointed Az-Zubair bin Al-‘Awwam, and made Al-Miqdad bin Al-Aswad his assistant and supporter. Az- Zubair’s mission was to stand fast in the face of Khalid bin Al-Waleed’s horsemen.

Sheikh Ali Paqees : The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم selected the top and the most courageous group to be in the vanguard of the army. They were notable for their readiness, alertness and bravery and estimated to be equal to thousands of men as Hamzah bin Abd- Almuttalib

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: To wage and inflame his Companions and in order to standfast in the fight, he took a sharp sword, held it in his hand and called out unto his Companions and said: “Who is ready to take this sword from me? Who is ready to take this sword from me?

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: A group of The Prophet’s Companions approached him then he said,

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: "Who is ready to take this sword and give it its real right?"

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: "Who is ready to take this sword and give it its real right?"

 So some of the Prophet’s companions hesitated as they don’t know what is this sword’s right that the Prophet is asking them to fulfill it. Then, Abu Dujana, this hero, proceeded, and All of the Prohet’s companions are heroes, (May Allah be pleased with them)

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: He said, "O Messenger of Allah, I will?"

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: He (May Allah be pleased with him) took it and then asked, "O Messenger of Allah. What is its right to fulfill?"

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “It is to strike the enemy’s faces with it till it was bent.” So Abu Dujana said: “O Messenger of Allâh I will take it and fulfill its right.”

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Therefore as soon as Abu Dujana took the Prophet’s sword, he banded his head with the red band of Death

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: and he was known by this bandage once he wore it. He started strutting amongst the fighters. Then the Prophet looked at him and said...

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Watching him doing that, the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “This is a sort of walking that Allâh detests except in such a situation.”

(The battle became very furious as the fierce cobatants chose their counterpart that day. All became clear after they were torn out and exhausted it was an ordeal to render the believers pure and grant them forgiveness. Have they ever been a cure without an illness?)

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: The idolater’s army was three thousands and more. They divided themselves as the following: the right and left wing, archers and infantry soldiers.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: While Sufyan bin Harb was the leader of the army, who was in the centre-position of the army.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: Khalid bin Al-Waleed (May Allah be pleased with him), who was an idolater at that time, was on the right wing whereas ‘Ikrima, the son of Abu Jahl (May Allah be pleased with him), who was also an idolater at that time, was on the left.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Safwan bin Omaiya was in charge of infantry men. The archers were under the command of ‘Abdullah bin Abi Rabi‘a. As for the standard, a squad of Bani ‘Abd Ad-Dar were in charge to bear it as they were known by that in all Battles

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: They supported their army by all they got of weapons and prepared it for the fight but Allah, glory be to him, He forsakes them in this Battle as well

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The zero-hour was due. The two parties drew nearer.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: The first flame that ignited battle’s rage was Talha’ bin Abi Talha’ Al-Abdry who came forth. He was nicknamed by the ram of the battalion.

Sheikh Ali Paqees: He was one of the standard’s bearers of Abd Al-Dar’s, those tribe who were known for bearing the standards at Battles

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He came forth riding a camel and challenged the Muslims to a single combat. People refrained from fighting him due to his well known bravery.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Az-Zubair bin Al-‘Awwam advanced for the fight. He did not give him any chance to fight but fell on him like a lion

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy:  He jumped on his camel’s back, pulled him down to the ground and slaughtered him with his sword.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم who was watching that wonderful incident

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in his concern: “Every Prophet has a disciple and Az-Zubair is a disciple of mine.”

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: and one of the most unbelievable stories and martyrdoms that happened at the battle of Uhud, the story of Hanzala (May Allah be pleased with him) He was Hanzala bin Abu ‘Amir.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Hanzala, who was newly married, left his wife’s bed for Al Jihad (Fight in the cause of Allâh). He set out once he heard the call for Al-Jihad.

Sheikh Khaled al-Khalawy: he left his wife’s bed and he set out while being in the state of Janaabah (ritual impurity). 

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: He rushed to the Battle field. 

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He was martyred there after the battle had finished.

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The Prophet’s Companions found Hanzala and he was wet and water was all over him

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: so the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said when he knew that

Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The angels have performed Ghusl (Performed Ghusl “ritual bathing”)  on him between the heaven and the earth with rainwater in a bowl made of silver and Gold.

Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: and Thus, he was called by “Ghaseel Al-Malaika’” The one  upon whose body the angels performed Ghusl” ritual bathing”