Indexed OCR Text

The Mushrikeen engaged in these acts of mutilation and desecration just before
leaving the battlefield and returning to Makkah.
The Martyrdom of Hadhrat Sa'd bin Rabee T
During the battle of Uhud, Rasulullaah p asked, "What has happened to Sa'd bin
Rabee? I do not have any news about him." Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit t was then
sent to search for him and to convey to him the message that Rasulullaah p had
conveyed greetings of Salaam to him and wanted to know how he was. When
Hadhrat Zaid t reached the place where the bodies of martyrs lay, he searched
for Hadhrat Sa'd t and found him lying there, about to breathe his last. He had
sustained more than seventy sword and arrow wounds. Hadhrat Sa'd t was
glad to receive the greetings and message from Rasulullaah p and said, "Convey
my Salaams to Rasulullaah p together with this message that I can smell the
fragrance of Jannah. (Another narration adds that he also said, 'O Rasulullaah p!
On my behalf, may Allaah grant you a reward greater than any reward Allaah has
ever granted to a Nabi on behalf of any of his followers.) Convey another
message to my Ansaar brothers that they will have no excuse before Allaah if the
enemy succeeds in reaching Rasulullaah p whilst any of them has a breath of life
within him." With these words, Hadhrat Sa'd t breathed his last. May Allaah
shower His mercy upon him.568
Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b t, who was also present there, conveyed the message to
Rasulullaah p, who said, "May Allaah shower his mercy upon him. He had
remained a faithful well-wisher to Allaah and His Rasool p during his lifetime and
also when he passed away."569
The Martyrdom of Hadbrat Hamzah T
568
Zurqaani (Vol.2 Pg.29).
569
Isti'aab (Vol.2 Pg.35), as quoted in the marginal notes of Isaabah.
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Rasulullaah p himself went to search for the body of his uncle Hadhrat Hamzah
bin Abdul Muttalib t and found it at the bottom of the valley. The body had been
treated most ruthlessly by the Mushrikeen, who had torn his chest open and had
also severed his ears and limbs. Tears flowed from Rasulullaah p's eyes as he
witnessed this macabre scene. He said, "May Allaah shower His mercy upon
you, dear uncle! I always knew you to be an excellent man who maintained
family ties. Had it not been for the grief of Safiyya (your sister), I would have
left your body as it is so that the wild animals and birds could eat it and you
could rise with great dignity and splendour from their bellies on the Day of
Qiyaamah."
It was also as he stood there that Rasulullaah p said, "By Allaah! If Allaah gave
me power over the Kuffaar, I would mutilate the bodies of seventy of them in
lieu of what they have done to you." Rasulullaah p had hardly sat down on the
spot when verse 126 of Surah Nahl was revealed to forbid him from carrying out
such an act. 570
A narration of Tabraani states that Rasulullaah p addressed Hadhrat Hamzah t
has Sayyidush Shuhadaa (The Chief of Martyrs, meaning that he will lead all
the martyrs on the Day of Qiyaamah).
The Martyrdom of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Jahash T
It was just prior to the Battle Uhud that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Jahash t said to
Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas t, "Come, O Sa'd. Let us pray together. Let each
one of us make du'aa to Allaah for his aspiration as the other one says 'Aameen'
to it."
570 Mustadrak of Haakim (Vol.3 Pg.197).
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Hadhrat Sa'd t agreed and the two stepped aside to make du'aa. Hadhrat Sa'd t
was the first to make du'aa, saying, "O Allaah! When we step into the battle, let
me face a very strong and fierce enemy. Let him attack me with all his might and
let me repulse him with all my strength. Then, O Allaah, let me be triumphant
and kill him for your sake and have his possessions as booty." Hadhrat Abdullaah
t said "Aameen" to this.
Hadhrat Abdullaah t then started his du'aa, saying, "O Allaah! Let me face one of
the fiercest fighters from the enemy who will attack me with all his might. Let
me also attack him with all my strength only for Your sake, but allow him to gain
the upper hand and kill me. He may then cut off my nose and ears from my
body, so that when I appear before You on the Day of Qiyaamah, You may ask
me, 'How did you lose your nose and ears, O Abdullaah?' I will then be able to
reply that they were lost in the way of Allaah and Rasulullaah p.' You will then
say, 'True, O Abdullaah! These were indeed lost in My way."" Hadhrat Sa'd t said
"Aameen"
When the battle raged the following day, both of the Sahabah w saw their du'aas
answered exactly as they had asked. Hadhrat Sa'd t later found the martyred
body of Hadhrat Abdullaah t with his ears, nose and eyes cut out. He said,
"Abdullaah's du'aa was much better than mine."571
It was after this incident that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Jahash t was known as
Mujadda Fillaah (The One who was Mutilated for the Sake of Allaah).572
571
Mustadrak of Haakim (Vol.3 Pg.200).
572
Isaabah (Vol.2 Pg.287).
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The Martyrdom of Hadbrat Abdullah bin Ams bin Hiram T
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr bin Hiraam t was the father of Hadhrat Jaabir T.
Hadhrat Jaabir t reports, "After the Mushrikeen martyred my father in the
battle, they mutilated his body. When the body was brought to Rasulullaah p, I
attempted to lift the sheet to see his face, but the Sahabah w prevented me.
When I tried to see it a second time, they stopped me again, but Rasulullaah p
permitted me. My aunt Faatimah bint Amr wept bitterly when she saw the
body, but Rasulullaah p consoled her by saying, 'There is no need to weep
because the angels are shading him all the time."" Rasulullaah p meant that the
occasion is not one for grieving, but for rejoicing since the martyrs are being
honoured by the angels.
Hadhrat Jaabir t reports further that Rasulullaah p asked him, "O Jaabir! Why do
I see you depressed so often?" He replied, "My father was martyred in the Battle
of Uhud, leaving behind a large family and a substantial amount of debts. He did
not even own any land that could be used to pay for expenses. It is the worry of
all of this that depresses me." "Should I not give you some good news?"
Rasulullaah p asked him. "Please do," Hadhrat Jaabir t replied. Rasulullaah p
then told him, "Allaah does not speak face to face with anyone, but it was
different for your father. After he was martyred, Allaah spoke to him directly
and asked, 'Do tell me what it is that you desire most, dear servant.' Your
father's reply was, 'O Allaah! Grant me life again so that I may have the
opportunity to be martyred yet again.' Allaah then told him that it could not be
because it has been decreed that none shall return to the world after death."573
The Martyrdom of Hadhrat Ams bin Jamoch T
573
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.2 Pg.25).
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Hadhrat Amr bin Jamooh t was married to the paternal aunt of Hadhrat Jaabir T.
He was crippled in one leg and therefore unable to participate in any military
expeditions. His four sons had accompanied Rasulullaah p on all the expeditions
and were leaving for the Battle of Uhud when Hadhrat Amr t expressed to them
that he wanted to join them. Although his sons explained to him that the
Qur'aan excused people like him from participating, he was adamant to join
because he had grown impatient in his yearning for martyrdom.
Limping to Rasulullaah p, Hadhrat Amr t declared, "O Rasulullaah p! My sons are
preventing me from fighting by your side in Jihaad, but I swear by Allaah that I
wish to walk in Jannah with this crippled leg." Rasulullaah p first reiterated to
him that he was not compelled to fight in Jihaad and then said to his sons,
"There is no harm in permitting him to join because Allaah may bless him with
martyrdom."574 When he heard this, Hadhrat Amr t immediately returned home
to make preparations for the expedition. As they approached Uhud, he turned
towards the Qibla and made du'aa, saying, "O Allaah! Bless me with martyrdom
and do not return me to my family."
He then fought as best as he could in the path of Allaah until he drank from the
cup of martyrdom, thereby fulfilling his wish.
A Miracle
Apart from Hadhrat Amr bin Jamooh t, his son Khallaad t and his brother in law
Abdullaah bin Amr t were also martyred. The wife of Hadhrat Amr t was a lady
named Hindah bint Amr tiscali. She says, "After the battle, I proceeded to load
the bodies of my husband Amr, my son Khallaad and my brother Abdullaah on a
camel to take the bodies into Madinah to be buried. However, whenever I tried
574
Ibn Hishaam (Vol.2 Pg.88).
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to turn the camel towards Madinah, it went in the opposite direction. Upon
mentioning this to Rasulullaah p, he asked, 'Did Amr make any du'aa when he
left?' I informed Rasulullaah p that he had prayed, 'O Allaah! Bless me with
martyrdom and do not return me to my family'.
"That is why the camel does not want to return to Madinah," Rasulullaah p said.
He then added, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life that there are some
of you whose oaths Allaah will Himself fulfil. Amongst such people was Amr bin
Jamooh. Without doubt, I have seen him walking in Jannah with his crippled leg."
Rasulullaah p then advised his wife to bury him at the foot of Mount Uhud.
The Martyrdom of Hadhrat Khaythama T
Hadhrat Khaythama t was the father of Hadhrat Sa'd bin Khaythama t, who was
martyred in the Battle of Badr. When preparations were being made for the
Battle of Uhud, Hadhrat Khaythama t approached Rasulullaah p and said, "O
Rasulullaah p! On the occasion of the Battle of Badr, my son Sa'd and I drew lots
to determine which one of us would accompany you to the battle while the
other remained behind to care for the family. His name was drawn and he
proceeded to be blessed with the honour of martyrdom. O Rasulullaah p! I had
been keen to be blessed with the good fortune of martyrdom, but needed to
stay behind. O Rasulullaah p! Last night I saw my son Sa'd in a dream. He was
looking extremely well and handsome as he strolled through the gardens of
Jannah. He said to me, 'Dear father! Do come here as well so that we may be
together.' O Rasulullaah p! I am eager to be rejoined with my son. I am now old
and my bones have grown weak. Please pray that I am martyred because I truly
wish to meet my Rabb."
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Rasulullaah p prayed for Hadhrat Khaythama t, who then fought valiantly in the
battle until he was blessed with his wish.575
The Martyrdom of Hadbrat Ams bin Thanbit T
Hadhrat Amr bin Thaabit t was better known as Usayram. He had been a staunch
opponent of Islaam, but the fervour to accept Islaam overcame him suddenly
when the Battle of Uhud took place. When this happened, he immediately joined
the battle and fought with great heroism until he was fatally wounded. It was
then that someone asked him whether he had fought for the love of Islaam or
for the love of his people. Hadhrat Usayram t replied, "When the aspiration for
Islaam overcame me, I first brought Imaan on Allaah and His Rasool p.
Thereafter, I immediately took up my sword and proceeded to the battlefield of
Uhud, where I fought until I was wounded." He had just said this much, when he
breathed his last and left this world.
When Rasulullaah p was informed about this, Rasulullaah p gave the glad tidings
that Hadhrat Usayram t was destined for Jannah. Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah t used
to often ask, "Who was it that reached Jannah without performing even a
single salaah?" Such a man was Hadhrat Usayram [.576
The Battle of Uhud in the Qur' aan
The historian Ibn Is'haaq ail ton, has stated that approximately sixty verses of Surah
Aal Imraan discuss the Battle of Uhud. When Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Awf T
was asked to give an eyewitness account of the Battle of Uhud, he said, "Read
the 120 verses of Surah Aal Imraan and you will know the entire story."577
575
Zaadul Ma'aad (Vol.2 Pg.96).
576 Isaabah.
577
Fat'hul Baari (Vol. Pg.).
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The verses of the Qur'aan eloquently describe:
The preparation for the Battle of Uhud
The deserting of the Munaafiqeen to discourage the Muslims
The initial victory of the Muslims
The fatal error that some Muslims made, which caused the tide of the battle
to turn
> The panic that gripped the Muslims, which led to the martyrdom of so many
of them
The subsequent help from Allaah, which settled the Muslims and restored
calm
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Verses 121-123 of Surah Aal Imraan state:
وَ إِذْ غَدَوْتَ مِنْ أَبْلِكَ تُبَوِّىُّ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مَقَاعِدَ لِلْقِتَالِ ﴿ وَاللهُ سَمِيْعٌ عَلِيمٌ (١٢١) إِذْ بَمَّتْ طَّائِفَتُنِ مِنْكُمْ أَنْ
تَفْشَلَا ﴿ وَاللهُ وَلِيُّهُمَا * وَعَلَى اللهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ (١٢٢) وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَ انْتُمْ آَذِلَّةٌ يَّ فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ
لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ (١٢٣)
TRANSLATION: (O Muhammad &! Remember the time during the Battle of Uhud) When you set
out from your family (from Madinah) in the morning to station the Mu'mineen at their
positions for battle. Allaah is All Hearing, All Knowing. When two groups from you (the
Banu Haaritha and Banu Salamah tribes) were on the verge of losing courage (and deserting the
Muslims). (However) Allaah is their Protecting Friend (Allaah kept them steadfast and they stayed
on to fight with the Muslim army). In Allaah alone should the Mu'mineen rely. Allaah had
undoubtedly assisted you (Muslims) at Badr when you were in a weak position (with a
smaller army and few weapons). So fear Allaah to express gratitude to Him.
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Verses 139-155 of Surah Aal Imraan state:
وَلَا تَهِنُوْا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوْا وَأَنْتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِيْنَ (١٣٩) إِنْ يَّمْسَسْكُمْ قَرْحٌ فَقَدْ مَسَّ الْقَوْمَ قَرْحٌ مَّثْلَمْ ﴾
وَتِلْكَ الْآَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ نَّ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللهُ الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوْا وَيَتَّخِذَ مِنْكُمْ شُهَدَآءَ * وَاللهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّلِمِيْنَ (١٣٠)
وَ لِيُمَحِّصَ اللهُ الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوْا وَ يَمْحَقَ الْكُفِرِينَ (١٢١) أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَنْ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَعْلَمِ اللهُ الَّذِيْنَ جُهَدُوْا
مِنْكُمْ وَيَعْلَمَ الصُّبِرِيْنَ (١٢٢) وَلَقَدْ كُنْتُمْ تَمَنَّوْنَ الْمَوْتَ مِنْ قَبْلِ آَنْ تَلْقَوْهُ فَقَدْ رَآَيْتُمُوْهُ وَآَنْتُمْ تَنْظُرُوْنَ (١٢٣)٪
وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُوْلٌ ◌ٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ - أَفَائِنْ مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انْقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَائِكُمْ * وَمَنْ يَّنْقَلِبْ عَلَى
عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَنْ يَّضُرَّ اللهَ شَيْئًا * وَسَيَجْزِى اللهُ الشّكِرِيْنَ (١٣٣) وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسِ أَنْ تَمُوْتَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللهِ كِتُبًا مُؤَجَّلًا "
وَمَنْ يُّرِدْ تَّوَابَ الدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِمٍ مِنْهَا وَمَنْ يُّرِدْ تَوَابَ الْأُخِرَةِ نُؤْتِمٍ مِنْهَا * وَسَنَجْزِى الشَّكِرِيْنَ (١٢٥) وَكَاَيِّنْ مِّنْ
نَّبِىِّ قَتَلَ "مَعَمَّ رِبِّيُّوْنَ كَثِيْرٌ فَمَا وَبَنُوْا لِمَا أَصَابَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ اللهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُوْا وَمَا اسْتَكَانُوْا ﴿ وَاللهُ يُحِبُّ
الصَّبِرِيْنَ (١٣٢) وَمَا كَانَ قَوْلَهُمْ إِلَّ أَنْ قَالُوا رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَ اِسْرَافَنَا فِى أَمْرِنَا وَثَّبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا
عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكُفِرِينَ (١٧) فَأَتُبِهُمُ اللهُ تَوَابَ الدُّنْيَا وَحُسْنَ ثَوَابِ الْأَخِرَةِ ﴿ وَاللهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ (١٩٨)٪ يَأَيُّهَا
الَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوا إِنْ تُطِيْعُوا الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا يَرُدُّوْكُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَائِكُمْ فَتَنْقَلِبُوْا خُسِرِيْنَ (١٩٩) بَلِ اللهُ مَوْلُّكُمْ وَبُوَ خَيْرُ
النّصِرِينَ (١٥٠) سَنُلْقِيْ فِي قُلُوْبِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا الرُّعْبَ بِمَا أَشْرَكُوْا بِاللهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِمِ سُلْطَنَاٌ وَمَأْوَبِهُمُ
النَّارُ « وَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الظَّلِمِيْنَ (١٥١) وَلَقَدْ صَدَقَكُمُ اللهُ وَعْدَةً إِذْ تَحُسُّوْنَهُمْ بِذْنِمٍ حَتَّى إِذَا فَشِلْتُمْ وَتَنَازَ عْتُمْ فِى
الْأَمْرِ وَعَصَيْتُمْ مِّنَّ بَعْدِ مَا آَرُكُمْ مَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ ﴿ مِنْكُمْ مَّنْ يُّرِيِّدُ الدُّنْيَا وَمِنْكُمْ مَّنْ يُّرِيِّدُ الْآخِرَةََ ثُمَّ صَرَفَكُمْ عَنْهُمْ
لِيَبْتَلِيَكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا عَنْكُمْ وَاللهُ نُوْفَضْلٍ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (١٥٢) إِذْ تُصْعِدُوْنَ وَلَا تَلْوَّنَ عَلَى أَحَدٍ وَّ الرَّسُوْلُ
يَدْعُوْكُمْ فِىْ أُخْرُكُمْ فَأَتَّابِكُمْ غَمُّ بِغَمِّ لَّكَثْلَا تَحْزَنُوْا عَلَى مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا مَا أَصَابَكُمْ ﴿ وَاللهُ خَبِيْرٌّ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ
(١٥٣) ثُمَّ أَنْزَلَ عَلَّيْكُمْ مِّنَّ بَعْدِ الْغَمِّ آمَنَّ نُّعَاسًا يَّغْشِى طَآئِفَةَّ مِّنْكُمْ" وَطَائِفَةٌ قَدْ أَبَمَّنْهُمْ أَنْفُسُهُمْ يَظُنُّوْنَ بِاللهِ غَيْرَ
الْحَقِّ ظَنَّ الْجَابِيَّةِ ﴿ يَقُوْلُوْنَ بَلْ لَّنَا مِنَ الْأَمْرِ مِنْ شَىْءٍ ﴿ قُلْ إِنَّ الْآَمْرَ كُلَّهُ لِلّهِ * يُخْفُوْنَ فِىَ أَنْفُسِهِمْ مَّا لَا يُبْدُوْنَ
لَكَ - يَقُوْلُوْنَ لَوْكَانَ لَذَا مِنَ الْأَمْرِ شَىْءٌ مَّا قُتِلْنَا بُهُنَا - قُلْ لَّوْ كُنْتُمْ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ لَبَرَزَ الَّذِينَ كُتِبَ عَلَّيْهِمُ الْقَتْلُ إِلی
مَضَاجِعِهِمْ، وَلِيَبْتَلِىَ اللهُ مَا فِى صُدُوْرِكُمْ وَلِيُمَحِّصَ مَا فِى قُلُوْبِكُمْ * وَاللهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُوْرِ (١٥٣) إِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ
تَوَلَّوْا مِنْكُمْ يَوْمَ الْتَّقَى الْجَمْعُنِ " إِنَّمَا اسْتَزَلَّهُمُ الشَّيْطُنُ بِبَعْضِ مَا كَسَبُوْاٌ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا اللهُ عَنْهُمْ ﴿ إِنَّ اللهَ غَفُوْرٌ حَلِيمٌ
(١۵۵)٪
TRANSLATION: Do not be weak (or lose courage against your enemies) and do not grieve (over
your losses) for you shall be elevated (triumphant and in a superior position over your enemies) if
you are (true) Mu'mineen (steadfast in Imaan, obeying Rasulullaah p and having full conviction). If
you have been injured (in battle), then (bear in mind that) definitely the enemy have also
been injured in the same way. These are the days that We cause to alternate between
people (when each party has days of victory and days of defeat), so that Allaah may (make
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people) know those who have (true) Imaan (and are not hypocrites) and so that He may make
martyrs among you (When Muslims are killed in battle, they are given the great opportunity of
receiving the honour of martyrdom). Allaah does not like the oppressors (especially those who
abandon the Muslims at the time of battle). (Referring to the Battle of Uhud, Allaah say that He
alternates victory and defeat between nations) So that Allaah may purify the Mu'mineen (from
their sins through suffering defeat) and destroy the Kaafiroon (when the Muslims defeat them).
Do you think that you will enter Jannah (by mere comfort and relaxation) when Allaah has not
yet (made) known (to people) those of you who exert themselves (in Jihaad, experiencing
difficulty and hardship) and those who exercise sabr? (Those who sincerely exert themselves for
Islaam and those who exercise sabr become deserving of Jannah because of their efforts. Such acts
qualify them for entry into Jannah.) (The Muslims who did not participate in the Battle of Badr were
eagerly awaiting another battle so that they may have the opportunity to become martyrs. With
reference to this, Allaah says,) Indeed you used to wish for death (martyrdom) before meeting
with it. Now you have seen it (death) before your own eyes (during the Battle of Uhud).
(Rasulullaah p said that one should not pray to meet the enemy in battle, but should remain steadfast
when the occasion of battle arises.) (When the Mushrikeen spread the rumour during the Battle of
Uhud that Rasulullaah p had been killed, Allaah responded by saying,) Muhammad & is but a
Rasool (of Allaah). Indeed many Rusul have passed before him. If he passes away or is
martyred, would you (Muslims) then turn back on your heels (and forsake Islaam)? He who
turns back on his heels can never harm Allaah in the least (because he will be harming only
himself). Allaah shall soon reward the grateful ones (so be firm and strive for His Deen). A
person shall die only by the command of Allaah; (at a time that is) recorded (in the Lowhul
Mahfoodh), fixed (and therefore can neither be postponed nor delayed). Whoever desires the
reward of this world, We shall give him from it (he will get only what has already been destined
for him and receive nothing in the Aakhirah). Whoever desires the reward of the Aakhirah, We
shall grant him from it (together with what is destined for him to have in this world). We will
soon reward the thankful ones. Many were the prophets with whom large numbers of
righteous (pious, religious) men fought. They never lost courage with all (the hardship and
difficult) that afflicted them in the path of Allaah (even though they were hurt, faced enormous
difficulties and their prophets were killed), neither did they weaken (in Imaan) or become
helpless (they never gave up). Allaah loves the steadfast ones. Their only cry (when faced with
difficulties) was that they would say, "O our Rabb, forgive us our sins and our
transgressions (shortcomings) in our affairs (because of which we are suffering). Keep our feet
firm (so that we remain committed to our Creator) and help us against the nation of
Kaafiroon." So (in response to their prayers and patience) Allaah granted them the reward of
this world (His assistance, honour and victory over their enemies) and an excellent reward in the
Aakhirah. Allaah loves those who do good (and will reward them). O you who have Imaan! If
you obey the Kuffaar (take their advice), they will turn you back on your heels (turn you away
from Islaam), causing you to return as losers (in both worlds). Nevertheless, Allaah is your
(only) Protecting Friend and He is the best of helpers (you should therefore obey Him instead of
them). We shall soon cast fear into the hearts of the Kuffaar because they ascribe partners
to Allaah (an act) for which no justification has been revealed. Their abode (in the Aakhirah)
is the Fire (of Jahannam), and it (Jahannam) is indeed an evil abode for the oppressors (the
wrongdoers). Most assuredly Allaah fulfilled His promise to (assist) you (Muslims) when you
killed them (the Mushrikeen) with His permission (So you continued to gain the upper hand in the
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Battle of Uhud because of Allaah's assistance) until (the time came when) you (some of the Sahabah
y ordered to guard a mountain pass) lost courage, disputed about the order (to guard the pass)
and disobeyed (the order to guard the pass regardless of what happens) after you were shown
what you liked (after you saw the other Muslims gathering the booty. When this happened, Allaah's
assistance was withdrawn). Some of you sought the world (the booty) while some of you
sought the Aakhirah (choosing to remain posted at the pass and giving their lives defending it).
Then Allaah turned you away from them (gave you an excuse to turn away from fighting the
Mushrikeen, causing you to desert your posts at the pass) to test you (to test who will obey orders
and remain on duty and who will not). Undoubtedly He (Allaah) has already pardoned you and
verily Allaah is Most Kind towards the Mu'mineen. (Since Allaah had forgiven the Sahabah y for
this, it is not permissible for anyone to criticise them for it.) (Remember the time) When you were
rushing away (from the battlefield in confusion because the Kuffaar were gaining the upper hand),
not turning back for anyone as the Rasool p was calling to you from behind (calling to you
from the battlefield to regroup around him). Then He (Allaah) substituted (replaced your) one
distress (of facing defeat) with another (the rumour that Rasulullaah p was killed) so that you
may neither grieve over that which you missed (the booty) nor over that which afflicted
you (the pain and defeat). (Being afflicted by distress several times hardens one to it so that the
hardship becomes easier each time.) Allaah Knows well what you do. Then, after the distress,
Allaah sent serenity (peace) down on you, (in the form of) a light sleep that overcame a
party of you while another party (the hypocrites), concerned with themselves (concerned only
with their own safety), thought of Allaah what was untrue, a thought of ignorance (they
believed that Allaah would not assist Rasulullaah p). (Upset that their opinion to defend Madinah from
within the city instead of marching to Uhud was not accepted) They (the hypocrites) said, "Do we
(not) have any say in affairs (in the course of action)?" Tell them, "Every matter rests with
Allaah (everything happens as Allaah wills) !" They (the hypocrites) hide in their souls what they
do not disclose to you (they hide their hatred for the Muslims and their kufr). They say, "If we
had any say in the matter (if our opinion was taken) we would not be killed here (at Uhud) !"
Tell them, "Even if you were in your homes, those who were destined to be killed would
have emerged towards their resting places (the places where they are destined to die because
whatever Allaah decrees must come to pass)." (All this took place at Uhud) So that Allaah may test
what (sincerity or hypocrisy) is within your hearts and purify that (incorrect conviction) which is
within (or which may enter) your hearts. Allaah knows what is within the hearts. (Although
Allaah knows what hearts conceal, He exposes it to people through trials and tests in this world.)
Those of you who fled on the day when the two masses (the Muslim and Mushrik armies)
clashed (at Uhud) were caused to falter by Shaytaan because of some of the actions that
they carried out (disobeying the order of Rasulullaah p). Without doubt Allaah has forgiven
them (the Sahabah w. Therefore none has the right to criticise them). Surely Allaah is Most
Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
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Lessons and Conclusions
Extreme Clemency
It has already been mentioned that when the Battle of Uhud 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. The Abyssinian slave of Jubayr bin Mut'im by the name of
Wahshi bin Harb was closely watching Hadhrat Hamzah t and waiting for an
opportunity to slay him so that he could please his master and win his freedom.
Since he was unable to face Hadhrat Hamzah t in combat, he hid in ambush for
Hadhrat Hamzah t. When Hadhrat Hamzah t did pass by, Wahshi flung a spear at
him from the back with such force that it tore right through his body. Hadhrat
Hamzah t walked a few steps before eventually succumbing to martyrdom.
When the Muslims conquered Makkah in the year 8 A.H., Wahshi arrived in
Madinah with a delegation from Taa'if to accept Islaam. The Sahabah w
informed Rasulullaah p that his uncle's murderer had arrived, but Rasulullaah p
told them to leave him alone because a single person becoming a Muslim was
dearer to him than killing a thousand Kuffaar.
When Wahshi came forward, Rasulullaah p asked him the details of what had
happened with him and Hadhrat Hamzah t. With much remorse and
embarrassment, Wahshi recounted the incident, which caused tears to flow
from the eyes of Rasulullaah p. Rasulullaah p then accepted the pledge of Islaam
from Wahshi, but asked him not to sit in front of him because seeing him
refreshed the grief he felt for his uncle.
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Throughout the lifetime of Rasulullaah p, Hadhrat Wahshi t respected the wish
of Rasulullaah p and always sat behind him. At the same time, he was always
looking for an opportunity to redress the wrong he had committed. His chance
finally came after the demise of Rasulullaah p when Musaylama The Liar claimed
to be a Nabi. In the battle against Musaylama and his forces, Hadhrat Wahshi t
used his spear once again to rid the world of this great liar. Thereafter, he would
say, "As a Kaafir I killed the best of people and then as a Muslim I killed the
worst of people."$78 In this manner, he managed to pacify his conscience.
The Slogan of Shirk and the Slogan of Islam
When the Battle of Uhud drew to an end, Abu Sufyaan called out a slogan in
commemoration of their idol when he shouted, "Hubal be glorified! Hubal be
glorified!"
In response to this, Rasulullaah p instructed Hadhrat Umar t to shout, "Allaah is
Loftier and more Honoured!"
Abu Sufyaan then shouted, "We have Uzza, while you do not have any Uzza!"
Rasulullaah p instructed Hadhrat Umar t to reply by saying, "Allaah is our
Mowla (Protecting Friend), while you have no Mowla. Allaah is the Best Mowla
and the Best Helper."
578
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.7 Pg.284).
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A Martyr for his Nation
During the Battle of Uhud there was a man by the name of Qazmaan who
displayed tremendous courage and valour as he fought against the Mushrikeen,
single-handedly killing seven or eight of them. Eventually he was seriously
wounded and brought back home. As the people congratulated him for his
bravery, he remarked, "What are you congratulating me for? I fought only for my
nation."
When Rasulullaah p was informed of this, Rasulullaah p said, "After all, he is
from amongst those destined for Jahannam." It was later reported to Rasulullaah
p that Qazmaan was unable to bear the pain of the wound and committed
suicide. To this, Rasulullaah p remarked, "Indeed, Allaah assists this Deen even
through the agency of sinners."579
The Highest Authority
Hadhrat Anas t reports that as Rasulullaah p wiped the blood from his face
during the battle, he said, "How can a nation be successful when they cause the
face of their Nabi to bleed when he is calling them towards their Rabb?" 580
A narration of Bukhaari states that when Rasulullaah p cursed Safwaan bin
Umayyah, Suhayl bin Amr and Haarith bin Hishaam, Allaah revealed the verse,
"You have no choice in the matter (of punishing the Mushrikeen. Only Allaah decides if and when
people ought to be punished). (If Allaah wills,) He shall grant them the ability to repent (and
become Muslims) or He may punish them (if He chooses not to guide them to Islaam), for they
579 Umdatul Qaari (Vol.6 Pg.631).
580
Tirmidhi, Nasa'ee.
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are indeed oppressors (oppressing themselves by not becoming Muslims)"581. Haafidh
Asqalaani ail das, writes that all three of these men accepted Islaam after the
conquest of Makkah.
The above verse makes it clear that when even the closest of Allaah's servants
like Rasulullaah p cannot alter the decision of Allaah, how can any saint or Wali
change Allaah's decree? Allaah is the One and Independent, Who needs no
partner.
The Shrouding and Burial of the Martyrs of the Battle of Uhud
Seventy Sahabah y were martyred during the Battle of Uhud, the majority of
them being from amongst the Ansaar of Madinah. These men therefore offered
the ultimate proof of their love and loyalty towards the Muslims, Islaam,
Rasulullaah p and Allaah. However, the Muslims were suffering such poverty
that they could all not afford adequate shrouding for the martyrs.
Hadhrat Mus'ab bin Umayr t belonged to a wealthy family, who ostracised him
after he became a Muslim. When he was martyred in the Battle of Uhud, the
sheet he was to be shrouded in was too short to cover his entire body. If his
head was covered, his feet would be exposed and if his feet were covered, his
head would be exposed. When Rasulullaah p was informed of this, he instructed
that the head be covered with the sheet and the feet be covered with Idhkhir
grass.582
581
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 128.
582 Bukhaari.
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The same happened with the shroud of Hadhrat Hamzah t. In fact, there were
some Sahabah w who had no shroud at all to cover them and had to be
shrouded in the shrouds of other martyrs.
The martyrs were then buried two or three in a grave, with the ones knowing
more Qur'aan being buried closest to the Qibla. Rasulullaah p announced that he
would be the witness to testify in favour of all the martyrs. All of them were
buried according the Sunnah rites of martyrs, which was without being bathed
and in the same blood-soiled clothing. 583
When some Sahabah w intended to take the martyrs of their kin to be buried in
Madinah, Rasulullaah p stopped them, saying, "They are to be buried where they
had been martyred."584
A Summary of the Outcomes of the Battle of Uhud
In the sixty or more verses of the Qur'aan concerning the Battle of Uhud, many
factors are discussed. Amongst these are:
The causes of victory and defeat
Factors that please Allaah and displease Him
The signs of Imaan and Islaam
The differences between the sincere ones and the insincere
The result of desiring martyrdom
The general practice of Allaah
Lessons in expressing gratitude for Allaah's favours and exercising patience
when afflicted by hardship
583
Bukhaari.
584
Ibn Hishaam (Vol.2 Pg.91).
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The results of trials
The yardstick for gauging one's relationship with Allaah
A summary of some of these outcomes are as follows:
1. As Allaah had promised, the Muslims gained the upper hand over the Kuffaar
from the very first day. However, many of the Sahabah w who had been
given explicit instructions to remain at their posts abandoned their posts and
busied themselves in collecting the booty. This caused the Mushrikeen to
attack from the direction of the mountain pass, causing panic to reign
amongst the Muslims, thereby turning the tide of the battle in favour of the
Mushrikeen. This taught the valuable lesson that when the command of
Allaah's Rasool p is ignored a bounty is soon transformed into a calamity.585
2. This indiscretion on the part of the archers guarding the pass was not a
result of disobedience or rebellion, but an error and misunderstanding
caused by not according proper attention to the command of Rasulullaah p.
The Qur'aan refers to it as a faltering caused by Shaytaan. 586
3. The Battle of Uhud marked the distinction between the sincere people and
insincere ones and between the true Muslims and the false ones. After this
distinction was made between the Mu'mineen and the Munaafiqeen when
the (300) Munaafiqeen deserted the army at the beginning, there remained
no further doubts about who the Munaafiqeen were.587
4. The people who desired martyrdom got what they wanted thereby attaining
the objective of their lives in this world. Their noble intentions were neither
585
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 152.
586
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 155.
587
Surah Aal Imraan, verses 167-168.
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wasted in this world nor in the Aakhirah, where they will enjoy eternal
success. 588
5. It has always been the practice of Allaah to have the sins of the sincere
Mu'mineen forgiven in this very world so that they are purified when they
reach the Aakhirah and do not have to pay for it there. Therefore, when they
reach the Aakhirah, they can immediately start to enjoy the bounties and
rewards they had been promised. It is with the objective of earning this
forgiveness in this world that the Mu'mineen were faced with trials and
hardships in this world. They then exercise patience and remain steadfast,
which earns them the help of Allaah as well as His companionship in this
world and the Aakhirah.589
6. From times gone by, it has never been the practice of Allaah to reserve
authority on earth for any exclusive group of people. It will therefore be seen
that sometimes the friends of Allaah reign supreme, while at other times,
the enemies of Allaah attain victory and authority. While this is the situation
in this world, it will be different in the Aakhirah, where only the friends of
Allaah will attain success. 590
7. No hardship becomes easy without some effort and sustained endeavour.
This applies especially when a person is in the path of Allaah, where the
stages attained are directly proportional to the effort applied. These stages
and levels cannot be attained by mere wishful thinking and hoping. The
Ahadeeth have described a person as helpless and foolish when he continues
to obey his whims and then pins all his hopes on being forgiven.591
8. A temporary defeat for the righteous ones holds tremendous wisdom and
benefit. Amongst these benefits are exercises in patience and contentment
and the accomplishments that arise from self-sacrifice. This leads to the
588 Surah Aal Imraan, verse 140.
589
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 141.
590 Surah Aal Imraan, verse 140.
591
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 142.
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heart being indifferent towards the commodities of this world so that
earning them and not earning them mean the same to him. The person then
loses his attachment to this world and does not mind leaving it for the
Aakhirah. The sudden change from victory to defeat during the Battle of
Uhud prepared the Sahabah y to be resilient against worldly losses. It made
them realise that the losses of this world should not be grieved and that it is
necessary to be pleased with Allaah's decree in all situations. 592
9. The rumour claiming that Rasulullaah p had been martyred caused so much
havoc amongst the Sahabah w that they started to disperse in confusion. By
this incident Allaah taught the Sahabah w and all Muslims until the Day of
Qiyaamah that the Deen of Islaam is Allaah's Deen. It is to worship Allaah
Alone and to express Towheed in Allaah that Muslims have recited the
Kalimah, thereby forsaking Kufr and entering into Islaam. Rasulullaah p was a
Nabi from Allaah and a guide who taught the injunctions of Islaam to the
people. He was a servant of Allaah and not Allaah, Who is Ever Living. The
incident begs the question: "Will you forsake the Deen if the Nabi is
martyred?" When one understands the Deen and the status of Rasulullaah p,
one will still remain steadfast regardless of what happens to the Nabi of
Allaah p. Every mortal must die at some time or another. If Rasulullaah p had
to leave this world, so too did Hadhrat Ibraheem v and Hadhrat Moosa v
before him. In fact, Ambiyaa pull like Hadhrat Zakariyya v and Hadhrat
Yahya v were also martyred. No nation confined the duration of their Deen
to the duration of their Nabi's life. While every Nabi u must pass away,
Allaah shall remain Alive forever. When Rasulullaah p did pass away in the
year 11 A.H., people as staunch and strong as Hadhrat Umar t were
overcome with shock. It was then that the strongest of the Sahabah w
proved to be Hadhrat Abu Bakr t, who addressed the Sahabah w and recited
to them the verses, "Muhammad & is but a Rasool (of Allaah). Indeed many Rusul
have passed before him. If he passes away or is martyred, would you (Muslims) then
turn back on your heels (and forsake Islaam)? He who turns back on his heels can never
harm Allaah in the least (because he will be harming only himself). Allaah shall soon
reward the grateful ones (so be firm and strive for His Deen)." 593
592
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 153.
593
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 144.
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10. The martyrdom of Hadhrat Hamzah t has been discussed above, where it
was mentioned that the manner in which his body was mutilated betrayed
the demented and merciless minds of the perpetrators. It was as Rasulullaah
p stood looking at his uncle's body that he said, "By Allaah! If Allaah gave me
power over the Kuffaar, I would mutilate the bodies of seventy of them in
lieu of what they have done to you." Rasulullaah p had hardly sat down on
the spot when some verses of Surah Nahl were revealed to forbid him from
carrying out such an act. Allaah says in these verses:
وَ إِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُوْا بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوْقِبْتُمْ بِم ٥* وَلَئِنْ صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّلْصُّبِرِيْنَ (١٢٢) وَ اصْبِرْ وَمَا
صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُ فِىْ ضَيْقٍ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُوْنَ (١٢٧) إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الَّذِيْنَ اتَّقَوْا وَّالَّذِيْنَ
بُمْ مُّحْسِنُونَ (١٢٨)٪
TRANSLATION: When you claim retribution (for a wrong done to you), then avenge
yourself in proportion to the aggression (wrong) done against you (and not any more).
But if you exercise patience (without taking revenge), then this is definitely best for the
patient ones (because this will soften the heart of your opponent and attract him towards you).
Be patient! Your patience is only from Allaah (only Allaah can give you the ability to
exercise patience). Do not grieve over them (the Kuffaar when they refuse to accept Islaam)
and do not be saddened by their plotting (against you because Allaah will see to them).
Undoubtedly Allaah is with those who adopt Taqwa and with those who adopt the
path of good (Allaah shall assist them against all their enemies).594
These verses teach us that if any wrong is done to us in the path of Jihaad or
Tableegh, then retribution can be taken when one assumes authority over
the perpetrators. However, if one opts to exercise patience and forfeit the
retribution, then this reveals a nobler countenance. This forgiveness will
then have a good effect on oneself, on the perpetrators and on everyone
else witnessing it. Although it is not easy to tolerate oppression and forgive
the oppressor, this becomes easier when one considers the power Allaah has
to take retribution, but still forgives. When a person forgives the oppressor,
594
Surah Nahl, verses 126-128
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