Battle of Banu Al-Mustaliq

Reasons for the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq

The Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq is the Battle that took place between the Muslims and the tribe of Bani Al-Mustaliq. This Battle is known by two names, the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq and the name "Al-Muraisi". The latter name is derived from the water where the battle took place. The Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq is named after the tribe.

The following are the reasons that led to the occurrence of the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq:

Bani Al-Mustaliq's determination to attack the Muslims in Al-Madinah. This is the primary reason, as what happened in the Battle of Uhud resulted from the archers' mistake, and the reversal of the battle's outcome gave Bani Al-Mustaliq the desire to attack the Muslims in their own territory. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) learned of Bani Al-Mustaliq's intentions, he prepared his army and headed towards them, defeating them in their own territory, marking a significant victory.

Bani Al-Mustaliq's alliance with the Quraysh in the Battle of Uhud and their alignment with the Quraysh against the Muslims.

Their obstruction of the Muslims' access to Makkah, as they controlled the road leading from Al-Madinah to the holy city of Makkah.

The Date of the Battle

Scholars have various opinions regarding the timing of the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq:

• In the sixth year of the Hijrah, Ibn Ishaq claimed this view, which was the first to be proposed.
• According to the opinions of Musa bin Uqba, Al-Wadi, Abu Mu'shara, Ibn Sa'd, Ibn Qutayba, Al-Baladhuri, and Ibn al-Qayyim, it was in the fifth year of the Hijrah.
• In the fourth year of the Hijrah, as proposed by Musa bin Uqba, Ibn al-Arabi al-Maliki, and Abu Bakr al-Amiri.

Role of the Hypocrites in the Battle

The role of the hypocrites in the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq was not insignificant. Their role can be explained in the following stages:

Role of the Hypocrites Before the Battle

The hypocrites played a role in the Islamic community before the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq. Here are some of their actions:

• Conspiring with Bani an-Nadir against the Muslims.
• Creating fear and anxiety among the Muslims during the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Ahzab).
• Stirring controversy by the marriage of the Prophet to Zainab bint Jahsh, who was previously married to Zaid bin Haritha.
• The role of Abdullah bin Ubai bin Salul, the leader of the hypocrites, in sowing discord among the Muslims and weakening Islam.

Role of the Hypocrites during the Battle

The hypocrites took advantage of the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq to further their anti-Islamic agenda and create fear and doubt among the Muslims. They spread rumors and false information, causing confusion and division among the Muslim ranks. They stated, "When we return to Al-Madinah, the most honorable will expel the most humiliated".

The Quranic verses were revealed, refuting Abdullah bin Ubai's claims and condemning the hypocrites for their actions during this time.

Role of the Hypocrites after the Battle: The incident of the false accusation (Al-Ifk) took place after the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq due to the hypocrites' false claims. Aisha had gone with the Prophet Muhammad on this Battle, and when they were returning to Al-Madinah, Aisha left her camp to relieve herself. In the meantime, her necklace fell off. When she returned to her camp, she found that she had lost her necklace and went back to search for it. By the time she returned, the caravan had left. Safwan bin Al-Muattal, who had fallen behind due to some urgent need, found Aisha and gave her a ride on his camel. This incident was used by the hypocrites to spread false accusations against Aisha and the Prophet, causing distress and suspicion within the Muslim community.

Events of the Battle and Its Results

The Muslims achieved the following outcomes in the Battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq:

• The defeat of Bani Al-Mustaliq, who were caught off guard by the Muslim army in their own territory. The two sides did not engage in intense combat, and the Muslims faced minimal resistance from their enemies.
• The killing of ten men by the polytheists of the tribe, while the rest of the men and women were taken captive.
• The marriage of the Prophet to Juwayriyah bint Al-Harith. As a result of the manumission (freeing) of a hundred captives from Bani Al-Mustaliq, more of the tribe embraced Islam.