The Period After Hudaybiyyah Leading t Mu'ta
Small Clashes
The Prophet Muhammad did not rush to conquer Mecca, knowing that time was on his side. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was barely a year old, and its terms had not been violated. Muhammad was a man of integrity who honored his word and commitments. Therefore, he returned to Medina and spent several months, during which only minor clashes occurred. These included sending fifty men to invite the Banu Salim tribe to Islam, but they treacherously killed them, except for their leader, who narrowly escaped.
There were also skirmishes with the Banu Lihy and Banu Mura tribes as a response to their previous betrayal. Furthermore, fifteen men were sent to Dhat al-Talh on the border with Syria to spread Islam, but they were all killed except their leader. Muhammad's focus shifted northward toward the regions of Sham (Greater Syria), anticipating that this area would be the first gateway for his message to spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula. Just months after his return from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, he directed around three thousand, according to one account, or two hundred thousand, according to another, to confront the Byzantine forces at Mu'tah.
Battle of Mu'tah
There are varying accounts of the reasons for the Battle of Mu'tah. Some suggest that it was a response to the treacherous killing of the Prophet's messengers by the Banu Salim tribe, while others argue that it resulted from the murder of the five Muslim men in Dhat al-Talh. In either case, Prophet Muhammad called upon around three thousand of his finest men, with Zaid bin Haritha leading them. Khalid bin Al-Waleed volunteered to join, hoping to redeem himself through his bravery in battle after converting to Islam. The army was instructed to be cautious and not to harm women, children, the blind, or infants, nor to destroy homes or cut down trees. The Muslim community prayed for their success.
As they reached the border of Sham (Greater Syria), they encountered a vast coalition led by Shurahbil, a delegate of Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor. The coalition consisted of a hundred thousand Roman soldiers and another hundred thousand from various Arab tribes. Some accounts even attribute the leadership of these forces to Theodore, Heraclius's brother, rather than Heraclius himself. Learning of this massive opposing force, the Muslims deliberated on their next steps.
One suggestion was to write to the Messenger Muhammad, informing him of the overwhelming enemy numbers and expecting reinforcements or further guidance. However, Abdullah bin Rawaha, known for his valor and poetry, dissuaded them, emphasizing the honor of martyrdom and the noble cause for which they fought. His stirring words rallied the Muslims, and they decided to march forward.
The battle took place near Mu'tah, with a few thousand Muslims facing hundreds of thousands in the opposing coalition.
The Martyrdom of Zaid bin Harithah
Oh, the majesty of faith and the awe of its strength! Zaid bin Harithah carried the Prophet's flag and charged into the midst of the enemy, fully aware that there was no escape from his impending fate. But in this context, death was martyrdom in the path of Allah! Here, martyrdom was the triumph, and victory was found in the realm beyond.
The Martyrdom of Ja'far bin Abi Talib and Ibn Rawaha
Zaid fought fiercely until the enemy's spears tore him apart. The Prophet then handed the flag to Ja'far bin Abi Talib, a brave and handsome young man of thirty-three. Ja'far fought valiantly, even when the enemy surrounded his horse, he dismounted and attacked them fearlessly, swinging his sword with determination. He led the charge, and his right hand was severed, so he held the flag with his left. When it was severed as well, he embraced it with both arms until he was martyred.
After Ja'far's martyrdom, Ibn Rawaha took the flag. He advanced with it on his horse, and he hesitated for a moment before saying:
"I swear, O soul, you shall either bring it down or be averse to it. If the people bring it down and fasten it securely, why do I see you detesting Paradise?"
Then he took his sword and fought until he was martyred.
These three, Zaid, Ja'far, and Ibn Rawaha, were martyred in the way of Allah in the same battle. When the Prophet heard of their martyrdom, he was deeply saddened, for they had earned a place in Paradise. Their example teaches us that a believer should not hesitate or fear death in the path of Allah. They willingly sacrificed their lives for the sake of their faith, leaving a lasting legacy and reminding us that the value of life lies in dedicating it to a just cause.
The Strategy of Khalid ibn al-Walid
After Ibn Rawaha was martyred, Thabit bin Arqam, one of the Banu Ajlan, took the flag and said, "O Muslims, come to an agreement and choose a leader among you". They replied, "You are the one". Thabit said, "I cannot do it". So the people agreed on Khalid ibn al-Walid. Khalid took the flag and saw the disarray among the Muslim ranks and their diminished morale. Khalid was an expert commander and a motivator of armies like no other. He quickly issued his orders, rallying the Muslims and consolidating their ranks. He halted the fighting with the enemy when skirmishes had extended until the late hours of the night. Both armies put down their weapons until the morning.
During this time, Khalid carefully devised his plan. He distributed a considerable number of his men at the rear of his army. At dawn, these men were to create the illusion that reinforcements had arrived from the Prophet's camp. Though the Romans had experienced the valiant actions of three thousand Muslims on the first day and suffered heavy casualties, they couldn't ascertain the true strength of Khalid's army. The Romans hesitated to attack Khalid, speculating that the apparent reinforcements might be numerous. They opted not to engage him, delighted with his retreat and the withdrawal of his troops back to Medina after a battle that, despite the lack of victory for the Muslims, left their enemies uncertain of the outcome.
The Grief of Muhammad for the Martyrs
As Khalid and his army approached Medina, they were met by Muhammad and the Muslims. Muhammad asked for Abdullah bin Jafar, and when he was brought before him, he carried Abdullah in his arms. The people were taunting the returning army, saying, "O deserters, you fled in the way of Allah!" However, the Prophet said, "They are not deserters; they are the brave ones, God willing".
Despite Muhammad's consolation, the Muslims continued to hold a grudge against those who had withdrawn from Mu'tah and returned. Salama bin Hisham, for instance, stopped attending prayers with the Muslims because he feared hearing the taunts of "O deserters" from those who saw him. If it weren't for the subsequent actions of those who participated in the Battle of Mu'tah and the special role played by Khalid, Mu'tah might have remained a stain on the honor of these early Muslims.
Muhammad had felt profound sorrow ever since he learned of the deaths of Zaid and Ja'far, grieving deeply for them. When Ja'far was wounded, Muhammad went to his home, where his wife Asma bint Amis was kneading dough, washing her children, and anointing and grooming them. He said to her, "Bring me the children of Ja'far". When she brought them to him, he smelled them and tears welled up in his eyes. Overwhelmed with anxiety, Asma asked, "O Messenger of Allah, by my father and mother, what makes you cry? Have you received any news about Ja'far and his companions?"
Muhammad replied, "Yes, they have been wounded today!" His tears flowed more profusely. Asma began to cry and shout, and the women in the neighborhood gathered around her.
Muhammad then went to his family and said, "Do not forget the family of Ja'far and do not prepare food for them, for they are preoccupied with the affairs of their deceased relative".
Zaid's daughter saw her coming and climbed on her shoulders, weeping. Some of them were surprised at the Prophet's tears for the martyrs. He explained, "These are the tears of a friend who has lost his friend".
In another narration, it is mentioned that Ja'far's body was brought to Medina and buried there three days after Khalid and the army's return. From that day forward, the Prophet ordered the people not to mourn, for Allah had replaced Ja'far's severed arms, which had been cut off while he held the banner, with wings in Paradise.
The Expedition of Dhat As-Salasil
Several weeks after Khalid's return, Muhammad sought to restore the prestige of the Muslims in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula. He sent Amr ibn al-As to gather the Arab tribes in the region. Amr was from those parts, making it easier for him to mobilize the tribes. When he reached a place called Dhat As-Salasil, he became anxious and sent a message to the Prophet requesting reinforcements.
Muhammad sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, one of the early Muslim immigrants (Muhajirun), to assist Amr. However, Muhammad was concerned about potential disagreements between Amr, who was a recent convert to Islam, and Abu Ubaidah, who was one of the early Muslims. He advised them not to dispute with each other.
When Amr met Abu Ubaidah, he insisted on leading the army, as he was in charge of the military command. Abu Ubaidah, known for his mild and gentle temperament, agreed to follow Amr's leadership but reminded him of the Prophet's instruction that they should not dispute, and if Amr disobeyed him, he would still obey him. Amr led the troops, and with his skillful leadership, he managed to disperse the gathering tribes of the Sham (Greater Syria) region, thus restoring the Muslims' influence in that area.
During this time, Muhammad was contemplating the situation in Mecca and its future. However, he remained faithful to the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, patiently waiting for the agreed-upon two-year period to pass. Meanwhile, he dispatched small squads to suppress any signs of rebellion among the tribes that were harboring thoughts of resistance. Muhammad found himself receiving delegations from various regions, declaring their obedience and submission to him. This period set the stage for the eventual conquest of Mecca and the establishment of a lasting Islamic presence in the city.
