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The Prophet (PBUH) was elated and said, "I hope that Allah will make your feet firm, too." When
the Prophet was circumambulating the Ka'bah in the compensatory `Umrah, lbn Rawaahah recited to
him:
Were it not for Allah, we would not have been
Guided to the Right path nor charitable
Nor able to perform our prayers.
So descend, peace of mind and reassurance,
On us and establish our feet firmly
When we meet our enemy
In combat. If our oppressors tried to spread
Affliction and trial, unrest, among us
We will not give them way.
Muslims reiterated his graceful lines. The active poet was saddened when the glorious verse
descended saying: "And for the poets, only the erring people follow them " (26:224). But soon he was
contented to hear another verse saying: "Except those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and
remember GOD frequently, and defend themselves after being oppressed" (26 : 227).
When Islam rose up in arms in self-defense, Ibn Rawaahah saw service in all the battles: Badr,
Uhud, Al-Khandaq, Al Hudaibiyyah, and Khaibar. His perpetual slogan was these lines of poetry: ''O my
soul, death is inevitable, so it is better for you to be martyred."
He shouted at the disbelievers in every battle, "O disbelievers, get out of my way. My Prophet
(PBUH) has all the excellent qualities.
The Battle of Mu'tah started, and, as we have mentioned, he was the third of the Commanders after
Zaid and Ja'far. Ibn Rawaahah (May Allah be pleased with him) stood there as the army was about to
leave Al- Madiinah and recited:
I truly ask the Most Beneficient's forgiveness
and a mortal stroke of a sword
that will strike me down
foaming or a mortal stab
with a spear by a stubborn disbeliever
that will make my liver and intestine
show out of my body. So that
when people pass by my grave,
they will say: By Allah, you are
the most righteous warrior.
Indeed, a stroke or a stab that would convey him into the world of rewarded martyrs was his utmost
wish. The army marched towards Mu'tah. When the Muslims saw their enemies, they estimated them at
200,000, for they saw endless waves of warriors. The Muslims glanced back at their small group and
were stunned. Some of them suggested, "Let us send a message to the Prophet (PBUH) to tell him of the
enormity of the enemy that surpassed all our expectations so he will either order us to wait for
reinforcements or to Pierce through the enemy lines."
However, Ibn Rawaahah stood amidst the lines of the army and said: "O my people, by Allah, we
do not fight our enemies with numbers, strength or equipment, but rather with this religion which Allah
has honored us with. So go right ahead: it is either one of two equally good options, victory or
martyrdom." The Muslims, who were lesser in number and greater in faith, cried out, "By Allah, you
spoke the truth." The smaller army broke through the mighty host of 200,000 warriors in terrible and
cruel fighting.
As we have mentioned, both armies met in fierce combat. The first commander, Zaid Ibn Haarithah,
was struck down, he winning glorious martyrdom. The second in command was Ja'far Ibn Abi Taalib,
who was overjoyed to be martyred. `Abd Allah took over the command and grabbed the standard from