Battle of Hunayn
The Reason for the Battle of Hunayn
The Battle of Hunayn followed a significant event, the opening of Mecca by the Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - and his noble companions. The news of this conquest spread among the tribes until it reached the Hawazin and Thaqif tribes. They were idolaters and worshipped statues. Gathering their material and human resources, they resolved to fight the Muslims and defeat them after their fame had spread in the Arabian Peninsula.
They united with other tribes like Nasr, Jusham, Sa'd bin Bakr, and some from Bani Hilal. Filled with pride and amazement at the Muslims' victory, they approached Malik bin 'Awf al-Nasri, deciding to go to war against the Muslims.
Events of the Battle of Hunayn
Malik bin 'Awf decided to take women, children, and camels to the war to keep the fighters steadfast. They gathered in a valley called Wadi Awtas while the Muslims descended into the valley of Hunayn. Malik bin 'Awf sent three messengers to gather information about the Muslims. Upon their return, filled with fear and awe at the sight of the Muslim army's magnitude, they warned Malik, "We have seen men upon the swift horses like a deluge. By God, we cannot withstand what you see. It's not fighting the people of the earth but the people of the heavens. If you follow us, people will turn away."
Enraged, Malik detained the three messengers, determined to go to war. This battle occurred on the 10th of Shawwal, in the eighth year after the Prophet's migration, shortly after the defeat of the polytheists in Mecca. The number of polytheists at that time ranged between twenty to thirty thousand. When the two armies clashed, the polytheists couldn't withstand the Muslims and were defeated.
However, the Muslims' distraction in dividing the spoils shifted the battle's balance in favor of the polytheists. The newly converted Muslims and those with them from the people of Mecca fled, leaving the Prophet on the battlefield. Rumors spread among the Muslims about the Prophet's death. Amid varying reactions, some despaired, some felt defeated, and others remained steadfast. Abbas ibn Abd El Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle, shouted to clarify that the Prophet Muhammad was still alive. The Muslims regrouped, defeated the polytheists, and gained numerous spoils. The Prophet distributed these spoils among the Muslims, focusing a significant portion on new converts to strengthen their hearts in Islam.
It's worth noting that the Prophet desired the repentance of those who fled with the spoils, but none returned to him. The polytheists, led by Malik bin 'Awf, fled to Ta'if. The Prophet guarded the spoils and later went to Ta'if with his companions, besieging them for a while before returning (Battle Of Ta'if).
Results of the Battle of Hunayn
The results of the Battle of Hunayn demonstrated both defeat and victory, aligning closely with the timing of the Meccan conquest. Among its prominent outcomes, it strengthened the Muslims' resolve and shattered the idolatry's dominance in the Arabian Peninsula. Allah considered the spoils of Hunayn a token of gratitude for the Muslims after the conquest of Mecca.
Moreover, it showcased Allah's favor by granting victory to the Muslims after experiencing the pain of defeat. This victory increased their joy despite the strength of the polytheists in numbers and equipment. Subsequently, the Arab tribes hesitated to confront the Prophet in battle after this event.
