The Battle of Uhud

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The Main Reason for the Battle of Uhud

1. The Battle of Badar which preceded the Battle of Uhud had a deep impact
on the minds of the Makkans as they had been defeated by the Muslim in
Badar. This defeat strengthened the resolve of the Makkan to fight against
Muslims.
2. They wanted to seek revenge of the defeat in the battle of Badar.
3. Makkan’s defeat at the hands of the Muslims had damaged their prestige
among the other Arab tribes and they wanted to restore their prestige.
4. Trade routes of the Makkans leading to Iraq and other countries was under
constant threat by the Muslims at Madina and they Makkans wanted to
secure their trade routes.

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 Madina.

When the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) learned of the Makkans’ intentions,
he gathered his companions and consulted them on how to confront the enemy.

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 Hijra
(23rd March 625 AD). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had
consulted his companions about going out to confront the Makkans. His initial
plan was to meet them inside the city of Medina

However, others, eager for combat, such as Hazrat Hamza, suggested leaving the
city to face the enemy. The Prophet accepted their advice and 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 enemy. 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 parts:

• A group led by Qais bin Sa'id.


• A group for the Muhajireen (emigrants), which was led by Ali ibn Abi Takib
(may Allah be pleased with him).
• A group for the Ansar was led by al-Hubab bin al-Mundhir and Saad bin
Ubada.

On the other side, the Makkans were also preparing for the Battle of Uhad led by
Abu Sufyan, Khalid bib Walid and Ikrima ibn abi Jahl.

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 them. At the forefront of the enemy ranks was Talha who was one
of the bravest riders. However, Hazrat Zubair bin Awam confronted him and killed
him. Another two fighters of the enemy, Uthman ibn abi Talha and Abu Saad were
also killed by Hazrat Hamza. Abu Dujana and Hanzla, two brave Muslims advanced
at the moment and killed a number of enemies. Hanzala fell martyred at the
battle field fighting bravely.

The Descent of the Archers from the Hill without the


Prophet's Permission
After the intensity of the battle and the Muslims defeating the enemy in combat,
the Qureysh 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 enemy. 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 enemy’s 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
fleeing Makkans returned to the battle and raised their fallen standard again.

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 of the Holy
Prophet including Hazrat Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Mus'ab ibn Umair.

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 was
shattered further.

However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) remained steadfast on the battlefield.
He was injured during the fighting, and his right cheekbone was injured 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 Bakar Siddiq, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abu Dujana, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas
etc.

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:
• The martyrdom of seventy companions, who were buried at Uhud.
• The rise of hypocrisy and its prevalence among the hypocrites in the city of
Madina 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.

Causes of defeat of the Muslims:

• Military skill and tactics of Khalid bin Walid


• Untimely blowing of wind
• Lack of discipline, negligence and disobeying the orders of the Holy Prophet
by the archers at Uhad.

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