Indexed OCR Text

Your Nabi seem a liar. O Allaah! We are eagerly awaiting the assistance You have
promised. O Allaah! If this handful of Muslims are destroyed today, there will be
none left on this earth to worship You."
The greatest test was faced by the Muhaajireen, who stood in the front line of
battle, facing the enemy who was either a father, son, brother, uncle, cousin or
some other relative. They knew well that these relatives would soon fall
beneath the flash of their swords, when they would be required to place the
conviction of their Imaan ahead of their sentiments. This was a test that could be
passed only by people whose Imaan was unwavering and who would tolerate no
relationship with Kufr and Shirk.
The Number of Muslims Who Fought at Bads
Hadhrat Raafi'ah bin Raafi t reports that Hadhrat Jibra'eel v once came to
Rasulullaah p and asked what he thought of the veterans of the Battle of Badr.
Rasulullaah p replied, "I regard them to be the best of people." Hadhrat Jibra'eel
v then remarked, "That is exactly what we think of the angels who participated
in the Battle of Badr. They are the best of angels."544
Another narration of Bukhaari concerning the incident of Hadhrat Haatib bin Abi
Balta'ah t quotes Rasulullaah p as saying to Hadhrat Umar t, "Undoubtedly,
Allaah looked at the veterans of the Battle of Badr and said, 'Do as you please,
because I have made it compulsory for you to enter Jannah."
Although historians have cited differing opinions, the most famous opinion is
that 313 Sahabah w fought in the Battle of Badr. In his book Uyoonul Athar,
544 Bukhaari.
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Haafidh Sayyidun Naas a) has listed 363 names of Sahabah y as veterans of
Badr. This he has done so that his list may include every name found on every
other list. This does not necessarily mean that there were 363 Sahabah y
fighting in the Battle of Badr.
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t has stated that 313 Sahabah w fought in the
Battle of Badr and Hadhrat Baraa bin Aazib t also seems to hold this opinion
when he said, "During the time of Rasulullaah p we used to say that the veterans
of Badr numbered just over 310, which was the same number of men who
remained with Taaloot after they crossed the river. It was only the sincere
Mumineen who crossed over the river and fought with him."545
Allaama Suhayli , has written that seventy Jinn also arrived to assist the
Muslims during the Battle of Badr. He adds further that there were eight
Sahabah w who were counted from amongst the veterans of Badr even though
they remained behind in Madinah. These were people whom Rasulullaah p had
permitted to remain behind under special circumstances and for whom
Rasulullaah p had allotted a share of the booty. 546
Amongst the angels sent to assist the Muslims (as mentioned in verse 12 of
Surah Anfaal), the Ahadeeth name three of them as Hadhrat Jibra'eel v,
Hadhrat Mikaa'eel v and Hadhrat Israafeel v.
The Martyrs of Bads
545
Bukhaari.
546
Tabaqaat.
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After the Battle of Badr, some senseless Kuffaar remarked that the martyrs had
wasted their lives and deprived themselves of the joys and pleasures of life. It
was in response to such statements that the Qur'aan mentions that the martyrs
are not dead, as people think, but are really alive and enjoying every bit of their
lives in the next realm. Together with enjoying a different kind of life, they are
also being fed and sustained by Allaah. In fact, they are even more alive than the
people living on earth. Hadhrat Thanwi lay states that their existence is so
profound that it even has an effect on their physical bodies, which do not decay
in the soil (as substantiated by the Ahadeeth).
Allaah says in verses 169-171 of Surah Aal Imraan, "Never consider those killed in
Allaah's way (while striving to uplift, defend or maintain Allaah's Deen) to be dead. Indeed they
are alive, (and are) being sustained by their Rabb (although we are unable to perceive this).
They are delighted with what their Rabb gives them from His bounty. They rejoice for the
sake (on behalf) of those coming after them who have not yet joined them (as martyrs in the
Aakhirah), (delighted about the fact) that no fear shall overcome them, nor shall they grieve.
They (the martyrs) rejoice about the bounty from Allaah (His pleasure at their actions) and His
grace (the rewards and high ranks He gives them) and because Allaah certainly does not waste
the rewards of the Mu'mineen (Instead, Allaah multiplies the reward many times)."
Fourteen Sahabah y were martyred in the Battle of Badr. Hadhrat Abdullaah
bin Mas'ood t reports from Rasulullaah p that Allaah showed His radiance to the
martyrs of Badr and asked them what it was they desired. They replied, "Can
there be anything better than the bounties You have already blessed us with?"
Allaah again asked them the question and they gave the same reply. After the
fourth time, the martyrs replied, "We desire that our souls be returned to our
bodies and we sent back to the world so that we may again give our lives in your
path."547
The martyrs of the Battle of Badr were the following:
547 Zurqaani (Vol.1 Pg.445).
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1. Hadhrat Ubaydah bin Haarith bin Abdul Muttalib t from the Muhaajireen:
His leg was cut off during the battle and it was at a place called Safraa en
route to Madinah that he passed away and was buried. It is reported that
Rasulullaah p was once passing by Safraa with the Sahabah w on another
occasion, when the Sahabah w remarked that they smelt the fragrance of
musk. Rasulullaah p explained, "That is not at all surprising because
Ubaydah's grave is here."548
2. Hadhrat Umayr bin Abi Waqqaas t from the Muhaajireen: He was the
younger brother of Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas t. Hadhrat Sa'd t himself
narrates, "We were busy preparing to march to Badr when I noticed my
brother Umayr trying to hide himself. This surprised me and I said to him,
'What is the matter?' He replied, 'I am afraid that Rasulullaah p may see me
and stop me from taking part in the battle on account of my young age. I
wish to fight in the battle since it is not impossible for Allaah to favour me
with martyrdom."
The fear Hadhrat Umayr t proved to be true when Rasulullaah p detected
him as he inspected the army. Because of this age, Rasulullaah p forbade him
from fighting. Unable to bear the disappointment, Hadhrat Umayr t started
to cry. When Rasulullaah p was informed of his eagerness and weeping, he
permitted him to fight. His second wish was then also fulfilled when he was
martyred in the battle.
Hadhrat Sa'd t relates, "Umayr's sword was too big for his size, so I had to tie
several knots on his belt to lift it off the ground." Hadhrat Umayr t was 16
years old at the time. 549
548 Isaabah (Vol.1 Pg.425).
549
Isaabah (Vol.3 Pg.35).
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3. Dhu Shimaalayn bin Abd Umar from the Muhaajireen: The Imaam of
Ahadeeth Zuhri , and the eminent historian Ibn Sa'd i have stated that
Dhu Shimaalayn t was also known as Dhul Yadayn t. However, other scholars
are of the opinion that while Dhu Shimaalayn t was martyred in the Battle of
Badr, Dhul Yadayn t lived even after the demise of Rasulullaah p.
4. Hadhrat Aaqil bin Kabeer from the Muhaajireen: He is regarded to be
amongst the very first people to accept Islaam at Daarul Arqam. His former
name was Ghaafil, but Rasulullaah p changed it to Aaqil. He was 34 years old
when he was martyred in the Battle of Badr.
5. Hadhrat Mahja bin Saalih t (the freed slave of Hadhrat Umar t): Hadhrat
Sa'eed bin Musayyib ail ton, reports that that during the Battle of Badr, Hadhrat
Mahja t announced:
"انا مهجَع والى ربي ارجع"
("I am Mahja and it is to my Rabb that I shall be returning")
6. Hadhrat Safwaan bin Baydaa t from the Muhaajireen: It has been narrated
that he was also known as Safwaan bin Wahab t. Although it is agreed that
he participated in the Battle of Badr, Ibn Hibbaan als, says that he survived
the battle and passed away only during the year 30 A.H. Imaam Haakim il das ,
states that he passed away in the year 38 A.H. However, Imaam Moosa bin
Uqba il das.), Ibn Is'haaq ail was, and Ibn Sa'd il das, all state that he met martyrdom
during the Battle of Badr at the hand of Tu'ayna bin Adi.550
550
Isaabah.
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7. Hadhrat Sa'd bin Khaythama t from the Ansaar: Hadhrat Sa'd t was a
Sahabi and a martyr and his father Hadhrat Khaythama t was also a Sahabi
and a martyr, who was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. Hadhrat Sa'd t
took the pledge of allegiance at Aqaba and was appointed as Rasulullaah p's
representative to the Ibn Amr tribe. When Rasulullaah p announced that
they would be intercepting the caravan of Abu Sufyaan, Hadhrat Khaythama
t told is son, "One of us will need to remain behind to care for the women
and children while the other joins Rasulullaah p. Would you let me join
Rasulullaah p while you stay behind?" Hadhrat Sa'd t declined with respect
as he told his father, "Dear father! Had it been for something other than
Jannah that I needed to prefer for you rather than myself, I would have
certainly preferred you to have it instead of me. However, I have great hope
that I shall meet martyrdom on this journey." They then drew lots to decide
which of them would join Rasulullaah p and Hadhrat Sa'd t's name was
drawn. Hadhrat Khaythama t agreed to remain at home and Hadhrat Sa'd t
travelled with the Muslim army to Badr, where he fought with great valour
and got what he desired. Allaah says, "Among the Mu'mineen there are men who
are true to the pledge they vow to Allaah (that they will fight in Jihaad until they die). Of
them is he who has fulfilled his pledge (and has been martyred) ... " 551
8. Hadhrat Mubashir bin Abdul Mundhir t from the Ansaar
9. Hadhrat Yazeed bin Haarith t from the Ansaar
10. Hadhrat Umayr bin Hammaam t from the Ansaar: During the Battle of Badr,
Rasulullaah p exhorted the Sahabah y to fight, saying, "Rise up and compete
with one another for a Jannah that is as wide as the heavens and the earth
and has been specially prepared for the Muttaqeen." When Hadhrat Umayr
bin Hammaam t heard this, he exclaimed, "Bakh! Bakh! (How wonderful!)."
"Why do you make this exclamation?" Rasulullaah p asked him. Hadhrat
Umayr t replied, "I wish to be amongst those for whom this Jannah has been
551
Surah Ahzaab, verse 23.
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prepared." "Rest assured," Rasulullaah p said to him, "you shall be one of
them."
Hadhrat Umayr t took out some dates from his bag and began to eat. He was
still busy eating when he suddenly said, "It would take too long to wait until
the dates have finished. How can I wait so long?" Saying this, he put the
dates aside, took his sword and proceeded straight to the battlefield where
he fought until he was martyred.
11. Hadhrat Raafi bin Mu'alla t from the Ansaar
12. Hadhrat Haaritha bin Suraaqa t from the Ansaar: Hadhrat Haaritha t was a
Sahabi and a martyr and his father Hadhrat Suraaqa bin Haaritha t was also a
Sahabi and a martyr, who was martyred during the Battle of Hunayn.
Hadhrat Haaritha t was a youngster when he was martyred. While
Rasulullaah p was returning from Badr, the mother of Hadhrat Haaritha t
approached Rasulullaah p and said, "O Rasulullaah p! I loved Haaritha dearly.
If he is in Jannah, I shall be patient and expect the rewards from Allaah.
However, if he is not, then you shall see what I shall do (how much I shall
cry)." Rasulullaah p replied, "Have you lost your mind? Your son is not in one
garden of Jannah, but in several gardens of Jannah in Jannatul Firdous."552
13. Hadhrat Auf bin Haarith t from the Ansaar
14. Hadhrat Mu'awwidh bin Haarith t from the Ansaar: These last two were
sons of Hadhrat Afraa wie al way, who was the only woman who had the honour
of having seven sons participate in the Battle of Badr. 553
552
Bukhaari.
553
Zurqaani (Vol.1 Pg.416).
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NOTE: 13 of these martyrs were buried close to each other in Badr, which now
lies along the highway between Madinah and Jeddah. It is only Hadhrat
Ubaydah bin Haarith t who had been buried in a place called Safraa. May
Allaah be pleased with them all.
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The Battle of Uhud
The Battle at a Glance
The Battle of Uhud also occupies an important position in the history of Islaam. It
was the second major battle in Islaam and contained a treasury of lessons to be
learnt. The details of this battle are recorded in the books of history, Ahadeeth
and the Qur'aan.
Uhud is the name of a mountain located approximately two miles south of
Madinah. In the month of Shawwaal 3 A.H. (January 625), it became the scene of
one of the most historic clashes between Islaam and Kufr.
Every home of the Mushrikeen in Makkah was enveloped in grief and humiliation
because of the crushing loss that they had suffered in the Battle of Badr, when
seventy of their sons had been killed and another seventy captured. The allies of
the Quraysh were also suffering the same grief. It was because of these
overwhelming emotions that the leader of the Quraysh Abu Sufyaan took an
oath that he would never take a bath or change his clothing until he took
revenge from the Muslims for what had happened at Badr.
The wailing of the widows in Makkah and the moving eulogies of youngsters like
Ikramah, the son of Abu Jahal, created a mood of vengeance throughout
Makkah. The Mushrikeen therefore vowed to regain their honour and to avenge
the blood of every Mushrik killed in the battle. As a result of this, Abu Sufyaan,
who was the most eminent of the leaders of the Quraysh, managed to rally an
army of 3000 warriors to march against the Muslims in Madinah in an attempt to
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completely annihilate Islaam. This army marched up to Mount Uhud, where they
set up camp.
When the Muslims received intelligence of the Mushrikeen army, Rasulullaah p
consulted with the senior Sahabah w about what course of action ought to be
taken. Many of the elderly Sahabah w gave the opinion that there was no need
to march out of Madinah to engage the Mushrikeen in combat. They felt that the
Muslims should wait in Madinah and defend the city when the Mushrikeen
arrive. In this manner, they believed, the Muslims would have the support and
amenities of the city at their disposal and it would be too difficult for the
Mushrikeen to attack the city.
However, many of the Sahabah w disapproved of this opinion and believed that
the Muslims ought to march out of the city and face the Mushrikeen on the
battlefield. This opinion was voiced especially by those Sahabah w who had not
received the honour of fighting in the Battle of Badr. They were further
supported in this opinion by the younger Sahabah w. Consequently, it was the
opinion of the majority that the Muslims march out to Uhud to engage the
enemy in battle.
Rasulullaah p remained silent and then left the gathering for a while. While he
was away, the elder Sahabah y reprimanded the younger ones for proposing an
opinion that contradicted the opinion of Rasulullaah p since this would force him
to reconsider the situation.
Rasulullaah p then emerged from his room, clad in full battle dress. Seeing this,
the younger Sahabah y expressed remorse and told Rasulullaah p that it would
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be just as good to remain in Madinah. However, Rasulullaah p said, "It is
unbecoming of a Nabi to remove his battledress until after the battle. Let us all
proceed to the battlefield in the name of Allaah." When they received the
instruction, a thousand Mujaahideen left Madinah for Uhud.
The Muslims had hardly marched far when the hypocrite Abdullaah bin Ubay
assembled his 300 men and decided to desert the Muslim army. They claimed to
be protesting the fact that Rasulullaah p ignored the opinion of the seasoned
seniors and adopted the opinion of the inexperienced youngsters. They
therefore returned to Madinah with the excuse that their lives were being
endangered unnecessarily. This was merely an excuse that the Munaafiqeen
used to desert the Muslim army. In reality, they had schemed with the
Mushrikeen to do just this in order to cause fear and weakness to creep into the
ranks of the Mujaahideen. However, their scheme failed because the remaining
700 Muslims continued to march on to Uhud, giving their sincere and undeterred
support to the Rasulullaah p.
Some Marvellous Incidents of Self Sacrifice during the Battle of Uhud
As Rasulullaah p proceeded to Uhud with the band of devout Sahabah , he
inspected the army and sent back to Madinah some of the Sahabah w who were
too young. When he saw Rasulullaah p doing this, Hadhrat Raafi bin Khudayj t
went to the rear of the army so that Rasulullaah p may not spot him and send
him back on account of his tender age. There he stood on his tiptoes so that he
may appear older than he actually was. This plan was fruitful and he passed for
an elder person.
Another youngster by the name of Hadhrat Samurah bin Jundub t was being
sent back because of his young age when he stated to weep. He went to
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Rasulullaah p and pleaded, "O Rasulullaah p! Raafi has been permitted to join
the army when I am stronger than him and have floored him often in wrestling
bouts." Seeing his determination, Rasulullaah p permitted the two to wrestle
and, true to his word, Hadhrat Samurah t won the bout. He was therefore also
permitted to march with the army.554
There was some indecision that crept into the Banu Salamah and Banu Haaritha
tribes, which almost caused them to desert the army as well. However, the
fervour and encouragement of the others soon won the day and they also held
their courage to march on. This incident has been briefly referred to in the
Qur'aan in verse 122 of Surah Aal Imraan.
Rasulullaah p arranged the battle formation of the Sahabah w in such a manner
that Mount Uhud was at the rear of the army. Rasulullaah p also stationed a
battalion of fifty crack archers under the command of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin
Jubayr t to guard a key pass between the hills. Their brief was to remain
stationed at their post under all circumstances, regardless of whether the
Muslims were winning the battle or losing. It has also been narrated that
Rasulullaah p's instruction to them was to remain at their posts even if they saw
vultures eating the bodies of the Muslim soldiers.
When the two armies had been arranged and were facing each other,
Rasulullaah p held a sword in his hand and announced, "Who will take this sword
and fulfil its rights?" Many Sahabah w stretched out their hands to take the
sword, but Rasulullaah p held it back. It was then that Hadhrat Abu Dujaanah t
asked, "O Rasulullaah p! What is the right of this sword?" Rasulullaah p replied,
"The right of this sword is that it be use to fight the enemies of Allaah until it
554
Tabari (Vol.3 Pg.12).
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breaks." Hadhrat Abu Dujaanah t then said, "I shall take it and fulfil its right."
Rasulullaah p then handed it to him.555
Hadhrat Abu Dujaanah t was an extremely courageous man. He tied a red
headband around his head and strutted proudly towards the ranks of the
Mushrikeen (to overawe them). Seeing this, Rasulullaah p remarked, "Allaah
detests this type of walking except in this situation (of Jihaad)."
Hadhrat Abu Dujaanah t tore through the ranks of the Mushrikeen and killed
every one of them who fought him. As he proceeded, he found Hinda, the wife
of Abu Sufyaan in his path, but immediately moved his sword away from her
when he realised she was a woman. Explaining his action, he said, "I did not
want the sword of Rasulullaah p to be used to kill a defenceless woman."556
When the battle started in earnest, Hadhrat Hamzah t fought with great courage
and dispersed the enemy ranks. None could stop him as he tore through the
enemy, killing anyone who dared to stand in his path. Every part of the
battlefield he entered was soon emptied of the enemy, who suffered the wrath
of Allaah brimming from his every sinew. An Abyssinian slave by the name of
Wahshi bin Harb was closely watching Hadhrat Hamzah t and waiting for an
opportunity to slay the brave uncle of Rasulullaah p. Since he was unable to face
Hadhrat Hamzah t in combat, he stealthily hid behind a large boulder to wait for
Hadhrat Hamzah t to pass by. When Hadhrat Hamzah t did pass by, Wahshi flung
a spear at him from the back with such force that it went right through his body.
Hadhrat Hamzah t walked a few steps before eventually sipping from the goblet
of martyrdom. Innaa Lillaahi wa Innaa Ilayhi Raaji'oon.
555
Muslim, Ahmed.
556
Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.4 Pg.16).
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During the battle, Hadhrat Handhala t faced Abu Sufyaan in combat. He was
about to strike Abu Sufyaan a death blow when someone by the name of
Shaddaad bin Aws struck Hadhrat Handhala t, causing him to also meet
martyrdom. Rasulullaah p told the Sahabah w that he saw the angels bathing
the body of Hadhrat Handhala t after he was martyred. When the Sahabah \
carried his body off the battlefield, they noticed droplets of water on it. (It is for
this reason that Hadhrat Handhala t received the title of Ghaseelul Malaa'ikah
- one who was bathed by the angels)557
The bravery with which the Sahabah w fought in this battle caused the
Mushrikeen to panic and flee in desperation. The women who had joined them
also fled to the foothills and the Muslims started to gather the booty.
A Fatal Mistake
When the archers stationed at the pass saw the others gathering the booty,
most of them left their posts and headed for the battlefield to join them. Their
commander Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Jubayr t did his best to stop them,
reminding them of Rasulullaah p's explicit orders not to leave their posts, but
they did not heed, arguing that the orders only stood while the battle was taking
place. With the notion that the battle was over, they left the pass in great haste.
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Jubayr t was left with only ten men to guard the pass.
Khaalid bin Waleed was with the Mushrikeen at the time. As soon as he saw the
pass unguarded, he immediately led a force through the pass to attack the
Muslims from that direction and catch them by surprise. His force easily
557 Rowdhul Unf (Vol.2 Pg.133).
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managed to martyr the few Sahabah w still on guard and they raced through the
pass, causing the Muslims on the battlefield to be caught completely unawares.
This wreaked havoc amongst the Muslims and dispersed them completely.
The Rumour
Hadhrat Mus'ab bin Umayr t was standing close to Rasulullaah p and carrying
the flag of the Muslims when the enemy broke though. He managed to repulse
the Mushrikeen with tremendous courage, but was soon martyred. Hadhrat Ali t
took up the flag after him and stood in defence of Rasulullaah p as the enemy
attacked in all fury. Since Hadhrat Mus'ab t closely resembled Rasulullaah p,
one of the enemy spread the rumour that Rasulullaah p had been martyred.
This rumour caused great panic and confusion amongst the Muslims and some
became so shocked that they could not differentiate friend from foe. As a result
of this utter shock, Hadhrat Yamaan t, who was the father of Hadhrat Hudhayfah
t actually killed a Muslim in error.
However, there were many Sahabah w who stood their ground and remained
resolute. Some of them said, "If Rasulullaah p has been martyred, of what use is
life to us. Come! Let us fight to the death so that we can be reunited with him."
The historian Ibn Sa'd al tan, has written that during these crucial moments, there
were only 14 Sahabah w with Rasulullaah p; seven from the Muhaajireen and
seven from the Ansaar. Ibn Sa'd il tuo, has recorded their names in his book.
"My Companion in Jannah"
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A narration from Hadhrat Anas t in Muslim558 states that when the attacks of the
Mushrikeen directly on Rasulullaah p grew intense, Rasulullaah p announced,
"The person who wards off these Mushrikeen from me shall be my companion in
Jannah." It was then that each of the seven Ansaar with Rasulullaah p repulsed
the Mushrikeen and, one after the other, they were all martyred.
Amongst these Ansaar was Hadhrat Zaid bin Sakan t. When he was fatally
wounded in the attack, Rasulullaah p told the others to bring him close. The
others brought him close to Rasulullaah p and it was as he rested his cheek on
Rasulullaah p's leg that he breathed his last. May Allaah be pleased with all of
them.559
The Blessed Teeth of Resulullah pare Martyred
It was during this time that Utba bin Abi Waqqaas, the brother of Hadhrat Sa'd
bin Abi Waqqaas t seized the opportunity to throw a rock at Rasulullaah p,
cutting his lip and causing some of his teeth to break. Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi
Waqqaas t said, "I had never before wanted to kill my brother Utba as much as I
wanted to do so at that time."560
One of the heroes of Quraysh by the name of Abdullaah bin Qamya then
attacked Rasulullaah p and, when he struck Rasulullaah p's helmet, two of its
links pierced into his cheek. As he struck, he exclaimed:
خُذْها وانا ابْنِ الْقِمْيَه
558
Vol.2 Pg.107
559
Ibn Hishaam (Vol.2 Pg.84).
560
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.7 Pg.281).
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TRANSLATION: Take that! For I am the son of Qimya
To this, Rasulullaah p:
أَقْمَأَكَ اللَّهِ
TRANSLATION: May Allaah humiliate and destroy you
It was not long afterwards that Ibn Qamya was attacked by a mountain goat,
which repeatedly gored him with its horns until it ripped his body to bits. 561
Another Mushrik by the name of Ibn Shihaab injured Rasulullaah p's forehead
when he flung a rock. Hadhrat Maalik bin Sinaan t, who was the father of
Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri t cleaned the wound by licking off the blood. When
he did this, Rasulullaah p said to him, "The fire of Jahannam shall never touch
you." 562
The Bravery of Hadhrat Talha T
The repeated attacks on Rasulullaah p caused him to fall into a ditch on the
battlefield and he was helped up by Hadhrat Talha t and Hadhrat Ali t. On one
occasion, Hadhrat Talha t single-handedly carried Rasulullaah p to higher ground
on his shoulders. Hadhrat Zubayr t reports that during the battle he heard
Rasulullaah p say that it was compulsory for Hadhrat Talha t to be admitted into
Jannah.
561
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.7 Pg.281).
562 Zurqaani (Vol.2 Pg.38).
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Hadhrat Qais bin Abu Haazim t says, "I saw that the arm Talha t used to shield
Rasulullaah p from the attacks of the Mushrikeen had become paralysed."
Hadhrat Jaabir t reports that as Hadhrat Talha t used his hand to shield
Rasulullaah p from the flaying swords of the Mushrikeen, he lost his fingers.
During the while that Hadhrat Talha t defended Rasulullaah p, he sustained 35
to 39 wounds.
Hadhrat Aa'isha wie dil go, reports that whenever her father Hadhrat Abu Bakr t
spoke of the Battle of Uhud, he would say, "That day belonged to Talha."
The Valour of Hadhrat Sa'd T and Hadhrat Alu Dujaanah T
Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas t was a crack archer. During the Battle of Uhud,
he fired over a thousand arrows. He stood in front of Rasulullaah p and, with his
hands and chest he shielded Rasulullaah p against the arrows of the enemy.
Rasulullaah p provided him with the arrows from his quiver from behind and, as
he fired them, Rasulullaah p would say, "Fire! May my parents be sacrificed for
you!" Hadhrat Ali t said that he had never heard Rasulullaah p say this to
anyone apart from Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas T.563
Hadhrat Abu Dujaanah t was another Sahabi who used his back to shield
Rasulullaah p against the arrows of the Mushrikeen. Despite the volley of arrows
piercing him, he never moved an inch so as not to expose Rasulullaah p to any
danger.
563
Bukhaari, Hadith 581.
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The Valour of Hadhrat Qatardal T
Hadhrat Qataadah bin Nu'maan t says, "I also stood in front of Rasulullaah p
during the Battle of Uhud to shield him from the arrows of the Mushrikeen. The
last arrow that the Mushrikeen fired at me pierced my eye and it actually fell out
of its socket. Holding it in my hand, I showed it to Rasulullaah p, who made du'aa
saying, 'O Allaah! Protect the face of Qataadah just as he protected the face of
Your Nabi.' Rasulullaah p then placed the eye back into its socket. By Allaah!
Not only was my eye in perfect condition afterwards, but it was even better
than it had even been."564
The Martyrdom of Hadbrat Anas bin Nadler T
Hadhrat Anas t reports that his uncle Hadhrat Anas bin Nadhr t used to say to
Rasulullaah p, "Since I did not have the opportunity to fight in the Battle of Badr,
you shall see the valour I can display if Allaah gives me a chance." When the
Muslims suffered a reverse during the Battle of Uhud, Hadhrat Anas bin Nadhr t
made du'aa to Allaah, saying, " O Allaah! I excuse myself from what the Muslims
have done (by deserting the posts) as well as from that which the Mushrikeen
have done." As he then proceeded towards the attacking enemy, he saw
Hadhrat Sa'd bin Mu'aadh t coming towards him. He cried out, "Where are you
off to, O Sa'd? By Allaah! I smell the fragrance of Jannah emanating from Mount
Uhud!" Saying this, he flung himself into the thick of the battle with sword in his
hand and was eventually martyred as he continued to forge ahead. When his
body was seen afterwards, more than eighty arrow and sword wounds were
counted. May Allaah be pleased with him.565
A Revitalizing Announcement
564 Isaabah (Vol.3 Pg.225).
565
Bukhaari (Vol.1 Pg.579).
1078

The main reason for the grief and confusion of the Muslims was the rumour that
said Rasulullaah p had been martyred. When Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik t saw that
Rasulullaah p was alive and well, he immediately announced, "O Muslims! Hear
the good news that Rasulullaah p is still with us." This single announcement
caused all the scattered Sahabah y to regroup and assemble around Rasulullaah
p like moths around a fire.
Ubay bin Khalaf was one of the Mushrikeen from Makkah who had specifically
grown and strengthened his horse with the intention of using it to kill
Rasulullaah p. He happened to approach Rasulullaah p at this time when the
Muslims had regrouped. When one of the Sahabah w informed Rasulullaah p
that Ubay had arrived, Rasulullaah p said, "Inshaa Allaah, I shall kill him myself."
As Ubay came closer, Rasulullaah p took a spear from Hadhrat Haarith bin Simma
t and struck Ubay on the neck. He immediately started to bellow like a stricken
bull and fled. "It is only a minor wound," his comrades told him, "why are you
screaming so much?" However, he continued screaming until he reached a place
called Sarif and died there.566
The Mushrikeen expressed their hatred for the Muslims by mutilating the bodies
of the martyred Sahabah w and cutting off their noses, ears, limbs and removing
their eyes. Even their women joined them in this act of cowardice. Hindah,
whose father Utba had been slain by Hadhrat Hamzah t in the Battle of Badr
cut open the body of Hadhrat Hamzah t and removed his liver. She then
chewed on it, but spat it out because she could not swallow it. In her demented
joy, she then gave her necklace to Wahshi for killing Hadhrat Hamzah T.567
566 Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.4 Pg.35).
567
Zurqaani (Vol.2 Pg.44).
1079