Battle of Uhud

The Main Reason for the Battle of Uhud

The Battle of Badr, which preceded the Battle of Uhud, had a significant impact on the minds of the pagans, especially after their defeat at the hands of the Muslims. This defeat strengthened the resolve of the pagans to fight against the Muslims for the following reasons:

• Seeking revenge and retaliation.
• Restoring their prestige among the Arab tribes.
• Securing their trade routes to the Levant.

Parties of the Battle of Uhud

The Battle of Uhud took place between the pagans and the Muslims. The Quraysh gathered three thousand fighters led by Sufyan ibn Harb and set out towards the city of Medina. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) learned of the pagans' intentions, he gathered his companions and consulted them on how to confront the pagans.

Then he led the Muslims to the mountain of Uhud outside of Medina, and their number was approximately one thousand fighters. However, Abdullah ibn Abi Salul, the leader of the hypocrites, returned with three hundred fighters, reducing the number of Muslims to seven hundred fighters.

Where and When the Battle of Uhud Occurred

The Battle of Uhud took place on the 7th of Shawwal in the third year of the Hijrah (Migration to Medina). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had consulted his companions about going out to confront the pagans. His initial plan was to meet the pagans inside the city of Medina so that when the pagans arrived, they would engage in a more intense battle. If the pagans entered the city, they would fight them from narrow passageways and the entrances to the city, with women positioned on the rooftops.

However, those who had missed the Battle of Badr and were eager for combat, such as Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, had a different opinion and suggested leaving the city to face the pagans. The Prophet accepted their advice. When they realized that they had gone against the Prophet's initial preference, they offered to agree to confront the pagans within the city. The Prophet responded, "A prophet should not wear his armor until he has worn it to fight". So they set out to Uhud, positioned themselves with their backs to Uhud, and directed their faces toward the city.

Preparations for the Battle of Uhud

The Prophet (peace be upon him) organized the army for battle, positioning fifty archers on the hill of Ar-Rumah on the western side to protect their rear from the horses of the pagans. He told them, "Do not leave your positions, whether you see us victorious or defeated". This meant that they should hold their ground regardless of the outcome of the battle.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) divided the army into three battalions:

• A battalion led by Qais bin Sa'id.
• A battalion for the Muhajireen (emigrants), which was led by Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), although it is also suggested that it might have been led by Mus'ab bin Umair.
• A battalion for the Ansar (helpers) was led by al-Hubab bin al-Mundhir, although some sources suggest it might have been led by Sa'ad bin Ubada.

On the other side, the pagans were also preparing for the Battle of Uhud, led by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb. Khalid ibn al-Walid was stationed on the right wing of the army, 'Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl on the left wing, Sufwan ibn Umayya led the infantry, and 'Abdullah ibn Abi Rabi'a commanded the archers.

Sufyan's Attempt to Dampen the Muslims' Spirits

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed with the people on Friday and then urged them to remain steadfast, giving them the glad tidings of victory if they made an effort. He then led them in the afternoon prayer. The Muslims gathered for battle. However, before the battle between the Muslims and the pagans broke out, the Quraysh attempted to sow discord and division among the ranks of the Muslims.

Sufyan ibn Harb was sent by the Quraysh to approach the Ansar and said, "Let us resolve our differences with the help of our cousin (the Prophet), so we can avoid fighting you". However, the Ansar did not pay attention to his words and responded in a manner that he disliked because of their strong faith in Allah.

However, the Quraysh did not give up their attempts to weaken the Muslims. They sent the sinful monk Abd Amr ibn Sufyan, who openly declared hostility and incited the pagans to fight against the Muslims. However, their efforts were in vain because the hearts of the Muslims were filled with faith and righteousness.

The Confrontation of the Two Armies

When the two armies met for battle, the battle intensified for the pagans. They turned to flee, positioning themselves behind their women while the Muslims circled around their battalions. At the forefront of the pagans' ranks was Talha ibn Abi Talha al-Abdari, who carried the standard for the pagans. He was one of the bravest riders, and the Muslims were in awe of his strength and courage. However, Az-Zubair ibn Al-Awwam, may Allah be pleased with him, confronted him, threw him to the ground, and killed him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked about Az-Zubair, "Every Prophet has a disciple, and my disciple is Az-Zubair".

Despite this, the pagans did not give up hope. Uthman ibn Abi Talha then took the banner of the pagans. Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, may Allah be pleased with him, confronted him and killed him. Another of their kin, Abu Sa'd, took the banner, but his fate was the same as those who came before him. This resulted in the deaths of ten members of the house of Abi Talha.

The banner of the pagans fell and was not raised again. Abu Dujana, may Allah be pleased with him, advanced at that moment and killed a number of the pagans. Victory followed as the Muslims advanced in battle. Hanzala, may Allah be pleased with him, also advanced and took down many of the pagan leaders, including their commander Sufyan ibn Harb. One of the pagans attacked Hanzala and killed him.

The Descent of the Archers from the Hill without the Prophet's Permission

After the intensity of the battle and the Muslims defeating the pagans in combat, the pagans retreated and left the battlefield. The archers, thinking that the battle had ended and the Muslims had achieved victory, decided to descend from the hill to collect the spoils left behind by the pagans. However, their leader, Abdullah ibn Jubayr, reminded them of the Prophet's instructions not to leave the hill without his permission.

The archers disregarded his warning and were eager to descend to gather the spoils. As a result, only Abdullah ibn Jubayr and a few others remained on the hill.

The Encirclement of the Muslims by the Pagans from All Sides

When the archers disobeyed the Prophet's (peace be upon him) command and descended from the hill, Khalid ibn al-Walid seized the opportunity. He was leading the pagans' armies at the time. Khalid and his forces came from behind the Muslims and killed Abdullah ibn Jubayr and those with him. Khalid then attacked the Muslims from their rear, causing chaos among their ranks. The pagans returned to the battle, especially after Umm Umara bint Haritha al-Harithiya joined them, and the pagans raised their standard.

The Muslims found themselves surrounded from all sides on the battlefield, causing their ranks to become disordered. The pagans intensified their attacks on the Muslims, resulting in the martyrdom of seventy companions, including Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Mus'ab ibn Umair. May Allah be pleased with them all.

Spreading the False News of the Prophet's Death

As the battle intensified and the ranks of the Muslims became disordered, Mus'ab ibn Umair, who was carrying the banner of the Muslims, was killed. He bore a strong resemblance to the Prophet (peace be upon him), and his killer mistakenly thought that he had killed the Prophet himself. The killer began shouting, "I have killed Muhammad!" When the Muslims heard his words, their confidence wavered, and they were troubled by the situation.

However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remained steadfast on the battlefield. He was injured during the fighting, and his right cheekbone was shattered. His helmet was also damaged, and his noble face was stained with his pure blood.

The Defense of the Prophet by the Companions

The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, formed a protective circle around the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him after the fighting intensified and the false news of his death spread. Among the companions who defended him were:

• Abu Bakr As-Siddiq
• Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Abu Dujana
• Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
• Talha ibn Ubaidullah
• Umm Amara bint Ka'b

These companions defended the Prophet and shielded him from harm, ensuring his safety during the critical moments of the battle.

Results of the Battle of Uhud

Some of the most important outcomes of the Battle of Uhud include:

• The martyrdom of seventy companions, who were buried at Uhud.
• The rise of hypocrisy and its prevalence among the hypocrites in the city of Medina due to the trials faced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• The Muslims' subsequent expedition to the valley of Hamra' al-Asad as a response to their losses at Uhud, to restore the dignity and strength of the Muslim community.

The Prophet's Post-Battle Supplication

After the battle had ended, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lined up the Muslims behind him and raised his hands in supplication to Allah, expressing gratitude for the protection and blessings bestowed upon them. He said, "All praise is due to Allah, all of it. O Allah, none can withhold what You have given, nor can anyone give what You have withheld. There is no guide for the one You have led astray, nor is there anyone to lead astray the one You have guided. There is no giver for the one You have prevented from giving, nor is there anyone to prevent the one You have given. There is no near one for the one You have distanced, nor is there anyone to distance the one You have brought near. O Allah, extend to us from Your bounty, Your mercy, Your blessings, and Your provision".

This supplication reflects the Prophet's unwavering faith and trust in Allah, acknowledging His ultimate control and sovereignty over all aspects of life. It is a reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude to God in both times of ease and difficulty.

Martyrs of the Battle of Uhud

As mentioned earlier, one of the outcomes of the Battle of Uhud was the martyrdom of seventy companions. Among them were:

• Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
• Mus'ab ibn Al-Umayr carried the banner of the Muslims and bore a strong resemblance to the Prophet (peace be upon him).
• Abdullah ibn Jahsh.
• Anas ibn An-Nadhr.
• Sa'd ibn Ar-Rabi'.
• Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Haram.
• Hanzala ibn Abi Amir.
• Abdullah ibn Jubayr.