The Battle of Uhud :The second important war in Islamic history

The Battle of Uhud is the secondary decisive battle between the leaders of the Quraish, and their army, against Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and the Islamic army. The Battle of Uhud took place three years after the Prophet (pbuh)’s hijrah to Medina and one year after the Battle of Badr.

The Battle of Uhud had a main objective : to murder Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and to destroy Islam. After the Battle of Badr, where the Muslims were victorious in defeating the Meccan army, the leaders of Mecca were enraged. They were humiliated and upset that their large army lost to a much smaller army. Therefore they wanted to redeem themselves and destroy Islam once and for all. The gathered a much larger army and prepared for Uhud (a little outside Medina).

Similar to the Battle of Badr, the Islamic army were outnumbered as well, but this time 50:1. The Meccan army had exponentially increased in size, containing 3,000 infantry with 3,000 camels and 200 horsemen. The Muslim army was equipped with 700 infantry, 50 archers and 4 horsemen. abu Sufyan, a leader of Mecca, led the Meccan army against the Islamic army.

Mount Uhud (the place of battle) was a very strategical and geographical benefit for the Islamic army. It provided structural defence for the Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) had deployed his forces accordingly. He placed 50 marksmen, archers, at the slope of Mount Uhud. This was to ensure that the backs of the Muslims fighting below would be protected and that the opposing force could not attack from behind. He commanded and ordered that these marksmen never leave their posting regardless of the situation.

On the battlefield, three lines of defences were issued by the Muslim army (exactly like the Battle of Badr). And just like the traditions of the time, a representative was called forward to start the battle. Ali Ibn Abu Talib was called forth, representing the Muslim army, and the Meccan army was represented by Talhah Ibn Abu Talhah. He was also the bearer of the banner of the pagans. During that time, the bearer of the banner was considered to be the leader of the army. Within one swift motion, Ali was able to defeat Talhah and those to come after him. As the fighting began, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) would yell : Allahu Akbar (God is Great) and charged forward.

As the Muslims were gaining more momentum, they rapidly defeated those of the opposing forces. That then caused for the switch from defence to offence. The Muslims were lead by Ali, Al-Hamzah, Abu Dujanh and more. This causes the Muslim forces to gain morale. Unfortunately, during this approach, Islam had lost one of its greatest soldiers : Al-Hamzah who was known as “Lion of God” because of his courage, bravery and skills on the battlefield.

As Muslims were successful in making the Meccans retreat back, a fault in those marksmen happened. The marksmen, who were posted at the slope of Mount Uhud, retreated down to the battlefield. Out of their pride and their greed, they disobeyed their orders. Seeing how less marksmen were posted on the slope, the Meccan army saw this opportunity and started to go around the mountain and attack the Muslims from behind.

The Muslim army, unaware and confused, were attacked from the back. It caused so much confusion, on who was fighting who that Muslims killed their fellow Muslims, unfortunately. So much so, that a lot of Muslims fled and retreated from the battle. Leaving the Prophet and his loyal companions and believers behind (only about 14 altogether). Because of this act, many Muslims were killed at the Battle of Uhud. At the same time, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was struck with an arrow and it was rumoured that he was dead. But SubhanAllah, Allah (s.w.t) was protecting His Messenger and he was pronounced alive. Ali was one of the brave soldiers who continued to protect Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) as the other Muslims left the battle. He fought bravely for Islam and May Allah (s.w.t) be pleased with him. His sword is legendary : Zulqifar. A sword that was given to him by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). The sword was sent down by Angel Jibreel, by the orders of Allah (s.w.t), to give to Ali.

As the Muslims retreated back to Mount Uhud (as the calvary cannot reach the mountain), the Meccan army withdrew and fled the area. Many of the bodies of those killed in battle were buried at the side itself.

At this point, the Battle of Uhud became a significant lesson for Muslims. It was a hard lesson to learn, that caused a lot of deaths. Due to the pride and greed of those marksmen, it caused them to be reckless in battle. This act taught the muslims to never give into their pride and to always be humble. It taught them about the evils of greed and the need to be disciplined and the need for humility.

            “Allah did indeed fulfill His promise to you when you, with His permission, were about to    annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and  disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which you covet. Among you are   some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you  from your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you, For Allah is full of grace to those  who believe.” (3:152)

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Sources

https://www.al-islam.org/articles/battle-uhud-shaykh-muhammad-jawad-chirri

https://www.thoughtco.com/battle-of-uhud-2004362

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Article is written by: 

Fatin Najwa binti Daud, is a medical student studying at IMU Malaysia. She is a freelance writer of this blog at Zaahara. Interests include music, art, sports and travel.

-Photos are taken from google images

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