Battle of Mu'tah
When?
Took place in the beginning of 8 AH
Ayah Revealed
The ayah revealed about this event was: (Surat al-Adiyat)
The enemy
4,000 strong warriors got together and decided to attack Rasulullah (s) and the Muslims when they were leaving Mecca after the conquest
when and where
In 9 AH, the Byzantine emperor sent a huge army To a fort at a place called Tabuk. The aim was to attack the Muslims
Mu'tah
Defending my fellow Muslims and standing up for them is paramount! Today, I can help the poor and needy Muslims in the world by contributing what I can, be it time/money/effort, etc
Main event
Rasulullah’s (s) ambassador was captured, imprisoned, interrogated and killed.
Who was the enemy?
The Banu Salim were raising an army to launch an attack on the Muslims
The army
The Muslims were 12,000 people and were very sure and certain of themselves
State of the muslims and how many
The Muslims gathered an army of 30,000 people to go and fight, if required. However, some of the Muslims backed out because they were worried about their worldly affairs – such as their crops and harvest
Dhatas-Salasil –
I learnt that many a time, there are things that ONLY my Imam can do. Practically, when times are hard (and at all other times) I will only follow my Imam and not any other persons claiming to be able to lead.
Key person
Ja’far bin Abu Talib led the Muslim army to Syria
English translation of the Ayah
By the snorting chargers, by the strikers of sparks [with their hoofs], by the raiders at dawn, raising therein a trail of dust, and cleaving into the midst [of the foe] en masse! (Surat al-Adiyat, 100:1-5)
Imam Ali's role
and a few companions stayed and protected Rasulullah (s) and eventually won the battle
The enemy
Upon hearing the might of the Muslim army, the non-Muslims fled before the Muslim army even met them. The Prophet took this opportunity to spread Islam to the chiefs surrounding these areas.
Hunayn
– they deserted Rasulullah (s). I will not desert my Imam. Practically, I will make sure my deeds are so good that my Imam gets happy when seeing them!
Who died
All the Muslim leaders were killed in the battle
Who was successful
Imam Ali (a) took an army to fight and won a decisive victory
Which surah is ayah from
(Surat at-Tawbah, 9:25-26)
Rasullaulahs action
Rasulullah (s) took the people himself, leaving Imam Ali (a) in charge in Medina. To clarify the importance and love for Imam Ali (a), Rasulullah (s) said the words, ‘O Ali, you are to me as Harun was to Musa, except that there is no nabi after me.’
Tabuk
– united we stand – just simply looking at the might of the united ummah got the enemy scared and Alhamdulillah no blood was shed. Today, I will stand with my fellow Muslims as one! (
Rasillalah's reaction
Rasulullah (s) heard the news about Ja’far and wept. He said Ja’far lost his arms in the battle before he died, so Allah replaced them with wings so he can fly.
Abu Bakr and then?
and then later Umar) took an army to fight but both returned to Medina unsuccessful
A part of the ayat with regards to this battle
when your great number impressed you, but it did not avail you in any way, and the earth became narrow for you in spite of its expanse, whereupon you turned your backs [to flee]. Then Allah sent down His composure upon His apostle and upon the mu’minin, and He sent down hosts you did not see, and He punished the faithless, and that is the recompense of the faithless.
Sura and ayah number and translation
The ayah from Surat at-Tawbah, 9:38 referring to those who backed out of the Muslim army before the expedition
Unity Dua
Dua Wahda