Basic HTML Version
92
This verse was revealed in a larger context of Divine instructions to eradicate all aspects of
falsehood, and hold in honour the symbols and rites of Allâh:
·
“Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for
Iqamat-
as-Salât
: [i.e. to perform
Salât
(prayer) — the five compulsory, congregational prayers (the
males in Mosques)], to pay the
Zakat
(obligatory charity), and they enjoin
Al-Ma‘ruf
(i.e.
Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid
Al-Munkar
(i.e. disbelief,
polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’ân as the Law of their
country in all the spheres of life].” [22:41].
Doubtlessly, the permission to fight was revealed in Madinah after emigration, not in Makkah, still
the exact date where of is in doubt.
The permission to fight was already there, but in the light of the status quo, it was wise for the
Muslims to bring the commercial routes leading to Makkah under their control. To realize this
strategic objective, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) had to choose either of two options:
1. Entering into non-aggression pacts with the tribes inhabiting either the areas adjacent to the
routes or between these routes and Madinah. With respect to this course of action, the
Prophet (Peace be upon him) had already signed, together with the Jews and other
neighbouring tribes, the aforementioned pact of cooperation and good neighbourliness.
2. Despatching successive armed missions for harassment along the strategic commercial
routs.
PRE-BADR MISSIONS AND INVASIONS:
With a view to implementing these plans, the Muslims commenced real military activities, which at
first took the form of reconnaissance patrols delegated to explore the geopolitical features of the
roads surrounding Madinah and others leading to Makkah, and building alliances with the tribes
nearby. The Prophet wanted to impress upon the polytheists and Jews of Madinah as well as the
bedouins in its vicinity, that the Muslims had smashed their old fears, and had been too strong to be
attacked with impunity. He also wanted to display the power of his followers in order to deter
Quraish from committing any military folly against him which might jeopardize their economic life
and means of living, and to stop them from persecuting the helpless Muslims detained in Makkah,
consequently he would avail himself of this opportunity and resume his job of propagating the
Divine Call freely.
The following is a resume of these missions and errands:
1. Saif Al-Bahr Platoon sent in Ramadan 1 A.H., i.e. 623 A.D. led by Hamzah bin ‘Abdul
Muttalib and comprising 30 Emigrants with a definite task of intercepting a caravan
belonging to Quraish. It was a caravan of 300 people including Abu Jahl bin Hisham. The
two parties encountered each other and aligned in preparation for fighting. Majdi bin ‘Amr,
on good terms with both sides, happened to be there and managed to prevent an imminent
clash.
·
On that occasion, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) accredited the first flag in the history
of Muslims. It was white in colour and was entrusted to Kinaz bin Husain Al-Ghanawi, to
carry.
2. In Shawwal, 1 A.H., i.e. April 623 A.D. The Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him)
despatched ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Harith bin Al-Muttalib at the head of 60 horsemen of Emigrants
to a spot called Batn Rabegh where they encountered Abu Sufyan at the head of a caravan
of 200 men. There was arrow shooting but no actual fighting.
·
It is interesting to note that two Muslims, Al-Miqdad bin ‘Amr Al-Bahrani and ‘Utbah bin
Ghazwan Al-Mazini, defected from the caravan of Quraish and joined the ranks of ‘Ubaidah.
The Muslims had a white flag carried by Mistah bin Athatha bin Al-Muttalib bin ‘Abd Munaf.
3. In Dhul Qa‘dah 1 A.H., i.e. May 623 A.D. the Prophet (Peace be upon him) despatched Sa‘d
bin Abi Waqqas at the head of 20 horsemen, and instructed them not to go beyond Al-
Click on View to read this book online under free books www.islamicbulletin.com