Q(a) Write about the main events of two battles: Khaybar, Mu’ta, Hunain,

Tabuk. [10] [June 2015P1(2058/12)]

Battle of Hunain:
A few days after the peaceful conquest of Makkah, the Prophet received
information about a coalition of tribes, Hawazin and Banu Thaqeef,
traditional rivals of Quraysh. Despite their historical conflicts, the joint tribes
decided to unite against Islam following the fall of Makkah. Under the
leadership of Malik bin Awf al-Nasri, an army of 20,000 was mobilized. The
Hawazin also took along women, children, and wealth, making their camp
near Dhul-Majaz, close to Makkah. Banu Thaqeef took care of the temples of
their goddesses and were the main inhabitants of Taif. The leader of their
tribe was Malik bin Awf al-Nasri. The people of the Hawazin tribe were
warlike and were masters of archery. In response, the Prophet gathered an
army of approximately 12,000, including 2,000 new converts from Makkah,
such as Abu Sufyan of Banu Umayya. Hazrat Abu Bakr remarked,

“This time we are more numerous than the army, we shall not be defeated
this time for the smallness of our number”

Even Safwan bin Umayya, a former adversary of Islam, contributed funds

and weapons. Confident in the Muslim strength, the Prophet led the army to
confront the Hawazin in the valley of Awtas in Shawwal 8 AH (January 630
AD). The initial moments of the battle were challenging as the archers of
Hawazin, positioned strategically, showered arrows on the Muslim forces,
causing initial unrest. Some soldiers fled, but the Prophet remained
steadfast, surrounded by close companions. The Quran later acknowledged
this in Surah Al-Tawbah,

“Allah has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the
day of Hunayn when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail
you at all, and the earth was confining for you with its vastness; then you
turned back, fleeing.” (9:25)

The Holy Prophet remained firm and surrounded by Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat
Umar, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Abbass, and Abu Sufyan who held the reign of
Prophet’s horse ‘duldul’. Amidst the chaos, Hazrat Abbas called on the
fleeing Muslims to rally around the Prophet. Hazrat Abbas said,
“O Ansar! People of Bait-e-Rizwan, O! Men of Surah Al-Baqarah rally
around the prophet”

The tide turned as the Muslims regrouped and fought back with renewed
vigor. The Prophet, symbolically throwing a handful of dust at the enemy,
played a role in boosting morale. 70 men of the Banu Thaqeef tribe were
killed. The Hawazin and their allies were eventually defeated, with
significant casualties, and the remaining forces fled to al-Taif. The spoils of
war included 6,000 captives, 28,000 camels, 4,000 sheep, and 4,000 pieces of
silver. The captured wealth was sent to al-Jirana. The Prophet then
proceeded towards al-Taif, though his siege there was not successful.
However, later on, the people of al-Taif embraced Islam during the Year of
the Delegations, further solidifying the Prophet's influence over the region.
The Battle of Hunain marked a significant victory, eliminating the southern
threat to Makkah. The Prophet's ability to reconcile with the defeated
Hawazin, releasing captives, and their subsequent conversion to Islam
showcased the mercy and diplomacy of the Prophet. This victory, combined
with later successes in
al-Taif and Madinah's northern territories, further strengthened the position
of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

Tabuk Expedition:
After securing the southern front through the victory at the Battle of Hunain,
the Holy Prophet Muhammad turned his attention to the north, specifically
the potential threat from the Persians and Romans/Byzantines. Arab-Roman
hostility had been brewing since the Battle of Mu'tah, and the Romans, like
the Persians, were not supportive of the rise of Islam. In 9 AH (630-31 AD),
the Nabateans informed the Prophet that the Roman Emperor Heraclius was
planning an attack on Madinah. Responding to this intelligence, the Prophet
ordered immediate preparations for the expedition. The Muslims came
forward and generously donated as the Muslims were poor at that time and
it was a harsh summer, the Muslims were also facing a famine. Hazrat Abu
Bakr brought all his provisions. Hazrat Umar donated half his wealth and
Hazrat Usman donated 300 camels and 1000 dinars. Only the hypocrites
refrained from giving charity as stated in Surah Al Tawbah,
“Those who criticize the contributors among the believers concerning
[their] charities and [criticize] the ones who find nothing [to spend]
except their effort, so they ridicule them - Allah will ridicule them,
and they will have a painful punishment.” (9:79)

Before leaving, the Prophet appointed Hazrat Muhammad bin Muslamah (or
Siba bin Urfutah) as the governor of Madinah and entrusted Hazrat Ali with
the care of the Prophet's family. Leading an army of 30,000, the Prophet
reached Tabuk, yet encountered no Roman forces during his stay. It is
speculated that the Romans had abandoned their plans to confront the
Muslims. Despite the absence of a military engagement, the expedition
served a valuable purpose by conveying the military strength of the Muslims
to the Romans. During this time, the Prophet entered into peace treaties
with several regional tribes. Yuhannah bin Rawbah, the head of Ailah,
agreed to pay Jiziyah. Similar agreements were reached with the leaders of
Jarba' and Adhruh. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid was dispatched to Ukaidir, the
head of Dumat al-Jandal, who agreed to collect Jiziyah from Ailah, Tabuk,
Dumat
al-Jandal, and Taima. Many tribes along the Arabia-Syria border also aligned
themselves with the Muslims. Ultimately, the Prophet returned to Madinah
without engaging in any battle, but the expedition significantly boosted the
morale of the Muslim community. This expedition, though not marked by
direct conflict, played a strategic role in consolidating the influence of Islam
in the region and establishing peaceful alliances with various tribes along the
northern frontiers.

Q(b) The Battle of Tabuk became a mission of peace instead of war.

What can Muslims learn from this? [J 2018/2058/12]

The Prophet Muhammad's initial intent was to confront the Byzantines in

battle, but when they did not engage, he shifted the mission toward
diplomacy and peace. This underscores the importance of preferring peace
over conflict whenever possible. In today's context, Muslims can learn the
significance of seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts, promoting
dialogue, and prioritizing diplomatic solutions. As stated in Surah Anfal,

“If the enemy is inclined towards peace, make peace with them. And put
your trust in Allah.”
 The Prophet Muhammad's approach at Tabuk highlights the principle of
fighting in self-defense. Muslims are reminded that engaging in conflict
should be a last resort, and efforts should be made to resolve disputes
through peaceful means. As stated in Surah Al-Baqarah,

“Fight in the cause of Allah ˹only˺ against those who wage war
against you, but do not exceed the limits. Allah does not like
transgressors.”

The Prophet's engagement in making treaties with bordering tribes during

the mission to Tabuk underscores the importance of diplomacy in Islam.
Muslims can learn that seeking diplomatic solutions, forming treaties, and
maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring communities contribute to
regional stability and harmony. The Battle of Tabuk demonstrated the power
of unity among Muslims. The solidarity among the Muslim community at that
time helped avert the need for military engagement. This lesson emphasizes
the importance of internal cohesion within the Muslim Ummah and how
presenting a united front can contribute to conflict prevention. In the
context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Muslims can reflect on the
potential impact of unity among themselves in advocating for a just
resolution.

Q(b) What can leaders of today learn from the Battle of Hunain?

Leaders today can learn an important lesson from the Battle of Hunain;
don't be too sure of success. It's essential for leaders not to think they will
always win without facing difficulties. As the Holy Prophet once said,

"No one who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will
enter Paradise."

This battle showed that when people become too confident, they might face
unexpected problems. The Battle of Hunain began with a setback for the
Muslim forces due to the unexpected tactics of the enemy. Leaders today
should learn the importance of adaptability and strategic planning. The
Battle of Hunain highlights the vital duty of safeguarding the Holy Prophet.
Leaders today can learn that ensuring the safety and well-being of those
under their charge, especially in times of adversity, is a primary responsibility.
As the Holy Prophet stated,
"All of you are shepherds, and each one is responsible for his flock.
A leader of the people is a guardian and is responsible for his
subjects."

After the initial setback, the Prophet Muhammad strategically retreated,

regrouped, and then successfully turned the tide of the battle. The resilience
and determination displayed by Prophet Muhammad during the challenging
moments of the Battle of Hunain offer a lesson in leading by example.
Leaders today should recognize the impact of their actions on the morale
of their teams.