The Battle of Ain Jaloot - Ramadan 658 Hijri

The month of Ramadhan is indeed a month of blessing in which the Muslim seeks to gain nearness and the
immense reward from Allah ‫سبحانه وتعالى‬. It is also a month in which many lessons can be drawn from
Islamic history. During this month the Muslims fought many battles thereby expanding the mercy of Islam
into new lands and also repelling the aggressors that invaded the Islamic lands to restore the protection and
authority of Islam and the Muslims. One such famous battle was the Battle of Ain Jaloot in 658 Hijri against
the Tartar invasion, which is considered as one of the greatest victories in the annals of human history.
Considering the current predicament of the Muslims in Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir, Indonesia, Bosnia,
Chechnya - indeed the Muslims all over the world, there are many comparisons and key lessons that can be
learnt from this famous battle.

Overview of the Battle

Towards the end of 656 Hijri the Tatars launched one of their largest assaults on the land of the Islamic
Khilafah, resulting in the seizure of the Khilafah capital, Baghdad, the killing of the Khalifah Mu'atasim
Billah, and the occupation of three quarters of Islamic land. Heading towards Egypt and Morocco, the last
stronghold of the Muslims, the Tartars sent a threatening letter to the Ameer of Egypt, Mahmoud Saifudeen
Qutuz, which included the following statement, "We have demolished the land, orphaned the children,
tortured the people and slain them, made their honoured despised and their leader a captive. Do you
think that you can escape from us? After a while you will know what's coming to you..." Due to the
Muslims weakness and low morale, it was thought that such a threat would suffice in breaking any
resistance from the Muslims. However, Qutuz had a different reply. He killed the Tatarian delegation and
left their corpses hanging in his capital, lifting his soldiers and people's spirit on the one hand, and putting
down his enemy's and that of their spies and loyalists on the other hand.

This raised the spirit of the Muslims and simultaneously shocked the tartars for they realised they were
facing a leader unlike those they had previously encountered.

Qutuz rallied the Muslims to prepare for the inevitable battle that would occur. Under his leadership,
Muslims were rallied upon Iman, unity and the necessary weapons of steel to confront the enemy. He sought
the help of Governors and Scholars alike to unify, stand for the defense of Islam and focus the efforts of the
Muslims towards the liberation of the Islamic lands.

Then it was time to engage the enemy on the battlefield at Ain Jaloot on the Friday 25th Ramadhan 658.
Qutuz led the Muslims into the battle, which initially swayed towards the Tartars. Observing this, Qutuz
climbed on a rock, throwing his helmet away, shouting "Wa Islamah. Wa Islamah." Urging the army to
keep firm and fight Allah's enemies. The frustrated leaders of the army looked towards that voice to see their
leader's flushed face, hitting angrily with his sword and engaging the enemy. Qutuz's courage stunned his
leaders who promptly followed his footsteps, lifting the morality of the Muslim army. Soon, the battle
shifted in favour of the Muslims, until the Tatarian army was shattered and fled from the battle. Victory was
for Islam and the Muslims. As for the Tartars, when they realised their incursion and dominance in the
Islamic East was fading and that Muslims regained their power, they escaped towards their homeland, which
eased Qutuz's efforts to liberate all of Shaam in a few weeks.

Such a decisive victory for the Muslims under a sincere leadership, at a time when they were weak and
overpowered by the enemy draws many comparisons with the situation of the Muslims today:

Comparison 1 - Treachery of the Rulers

The ability of the Tartars to have achieved from the beginning such a crushing blow against the Muslims,
taking the capital of the Khilafah, killing those sincere to the Deen and then taking hold over two-thirds of
Islamic land resulted from the treachery of Al-‘Alkami. Al-‘Alkami was the minister to Khaleefah
Mu'atasim Billah. He tricked Mu'atasim to make peace with the Tartars whilst at the same time conducting
secret correspondence with the Tatars, promising them to halt any resistance against them providing that
they appoint him as Khaleefah and allow him to establish his own state in Baghdad. This treachery led to the
death of Mu'atasim and the sincere governors and scholars who went to negotiate with the Tartars only to be
killed. It also led to the death of Al-‘Alkami at the hands of the Tartars, for their promises to him meant
nothing.

Compare the treachery of Al-‘Alkami to that of the rulers over the Muslims today. The Muslims are being
tricked into making peace with Israel through the actions of the rulers, many of whom have publicly already
made their peace, like Mubarak of Egypt, Abdullah of Jordan and Arafat of Palestine. The result of this
treachery is the continual existence of Israel and the betrayal and bloodshed of the Muslims in Palestine who
live as oppressed prisoners under Israeli rule. What did these leaders get in return from the enemy? Bankrupt
economies, social deprivation, absence of political will, the perpetual fear of Israeli aggression and a Muslim
Ummah that has recognized their treachery and work to remove them from power. As for the example of
Musharraf, he attempted to convince the Muslims of Pakistan the benefits of allowing America to bomb the
Muslims in Afghanistan for economic benefit, the easing of sanctions and a say in the formation of a new
government in Afghanistan. What did Musharraf get in return for his services to America? The economic
benefits promised by America are insignificant in dealing with the total debt that Pakistan is servicing and
linked to the harsh structural adjustment policies of the IMF that seek to place the vital economic resources
in the hands of private foreign investors and institutions whilst placing further hardship upon the Muslims of
Pakistan. Politically, Musharraf was ‘shocked' to discover that the Northern Alliance had entered Kabul with
the permission of America, though America had agreed to halt the Northern Alliance advance into Kabul
until it had consulted with the Pakistani leadership.

These rulers and their treachery has gained nothing for Islam, the Muslims, neither for themselves - yet they
persist in their treachery.

Allah ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬says:

‫اَّلِذ يَن َيَّتِخ ُذ وَن اْلَك اِفِريَن َأْو ِلَياء ِم ن ُد وِن اْلُم ْؤ ِمِنيَن َأَيْبَتُغ وَن ِع نَد ُهُم اْلِع َّز َة َفِإَّن الِع َّز َة ِهّلِل َج ِم يًعا‬
"As for those who take the Kafir as allies in preference to the believers, do they hope to be honoured by
them, when behold all honour (Izza) belongs to Allah alone." [TMQ An-Nisa: 139]

Comparison 2 - Responding to the Threat of the Enemy

The Tartars had sent a chilling reminder to the Muslims about any opposition to their expansion and rule.
But though the Muslims were weak and of low morale, Qutuz stood firm upon Islam responding to the
threatening letter with an equal threat. His stance to the delegates of the Tartars was to inform them that they
were dealing with a people that would not permit the desecration of Islam, its people and its lands. Then he
took steps to mobilize his resources to prepare for the battle.

Compare this to when President Bush of America declared that the war of Afghanistan was a war in which
countries had to choose sides. To the UN delegates he stated and threatened categorically this choice was,
"Either you are with us or against us." How did the rulers over the Muslims respond to this threat which
would mean the desecration of Islam, its people and lands?

Musharraf, Karimov and the Turkish leadership were from those who not only supported America in its
threat, but provided the necessary intelligence and logistical support for America to carry out its attack upon
the Muslims of Afghanistan. Gaddafi of Libya, Abdullah of Jordan were from those who publicly supported
America and even gave their support for the bombing to continue during the month of Ramadhan. Others
such as Bashier (Sudan) and Arafat offered their support by compiling a list of ‘suspected terrorists' in their
states and handing them over to the CIA.
The likes of Bashar al-Assad of Syria implicitly gave their support to America by wanting to gain assurance
that America's threat was confined to Afghanistan and did not extend to the Arab states. As for the likes of
Saddam Hussein his flaunting opposition to America's threat cannot be considered in the same ilk as the
stance of Qutuz. Qutuz stood upon Islam and his desire to protect Islam whereby Saddam, without the need
of America has desecrated Islam, taken the blood of the Muslims and siphoned their resources in Iraq. As for
his political stance it is purely for the benefit of his western backers i.e. Britain.

While Qutuz's response to the Tartars threat raised the spirit of the Muslims and simultaneously shocked the
enemy, the response of the rulers of today in similar circumstances has left the Muslim Ummah in despair
and simultaneously reassured the Americans about their compliance to her will.

Allah ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬says:

‫َيا َأُّيَها اَّلِذ يَن آَم ُنوا ِإن َتنُصُروا َهَّللا َينُصْر ُك ْم َو ُيَثِّبْت َأْقَد اَم ُك ْم‬
"O you who believe! If you aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly." [TMQ
Muhammad 47:7]

Comparison 3 - Response of the Scholars

Amongst the many publicly renowned scholars who contributed to encouraging the Muslims to unify and
prepare for the Jihad was the "Sheikh of Scholars" Al-`Izz Bin Abdis-Salam. Aside from responding to this
command with vigour rallying the Muslims and using the Mimbar (pulpit) of the masaajid to remind the
Muslims of their responsibilities, such was the integrity of Al-‘Izz that even when Qutuz required a fatwah
to impose taxes upon the people in order to equip the Muslim army, Al-‘Izz refused until all the wealth of
the governors and their leaders was spent.

Compare this with the scholars who have taken the public positions in the Muslim world today, whilst those
of sincerity languish in the prisons of the Muslim world. How the scholars taking the public positions have
permitted the rulers to partake in such betrayal against Islam and the Muslims in Afghanistan and in their
own states. When Prince Nayef, the Saudi Interior Minister said "Nobody has the right to issue a fatwa
(religious ruling) calling for a jihad [holy war] and support for the Afghan regime, except the ifta
(jurisprudence) council or whoever is assigned by that council to issue a fatwa. All religious scholars
agree on this, and jihad is not obligatory unless ordered by the leader of the country," where were the
scholars of the ifta council to declare the Jihad? In America, one such Imam declared the duty of the
Muslims in the American army to defend their homeland (America) and attack those who America considers
her enemy. How, instead of restraining the just ruler to the truth, they permit the corruption of the unjust
rulers who have sought to retain the division of the Muslim lands and the implementation of Kufr upon the
heads of the Muslims. In addition they have permitted the rulers to take the wealth through the imposition of
harsh and unbearable taxes like in Pakistan with the General Sales Tax (GST) and the raising of VAT in
Sudan as a substitute for direct taxes.

Abi al-'Awar as-Silmi (radhi Allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah ‫ صلى هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬said:
"Beware of the doors of the ruler for they have indeed become a source of trouble and humiliation."
(Saheeh ad-Dailamee, Ibn Mundah, Ibn-'Asaaki - as-Saheehah: 1253)

Comparison 4 - Preparation for the Battle

Qutuz gathered the governors, the scholars and the Muslims upon Iman, unity, the preparation to fight and
focusing upon the victory of Allah ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬over the enemy. The necessary money was raised towards
this objective and the army was mobilized to engage in the battle to defend Islam, its followers and lands
and to fight the usurping aggressor.

Compare this with today, how the rulers have prepared the governors, scholars and army for the battle.
Musharraf helped the Americans prepare for the battle against the Muslims and deserted the Muslims
completely. He instructed the army to prepare to stand on the Afghan-Pakistani border to prevent any
Muslims fleeing from Afghanistan to seek refuge in Pakistan rather than stand alongside their Muslims
brothers in Afghanistan to fight against the enemy. Musharraf used the army to quell any demonstrations
that voiced support for the Jihad in Afghanistan and prohibited the raising of money towards the Jihad.
While this was occurring, a unit of the Jordanian army was returning from over a 1500 mile distance UN
duty to protect British interests in Sierra Leone and flew over Palestine upon their return, forgetting that
Muslims, just 10 metres next door in Palestine were suffering at the hands of Israeli aggression.

Have the rulers forgotten the words of Allah ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬when He ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬says:

‫َو َأِع ُّد وْا َلُهم َّم ا اْسَتَطْع ُتم ِّم ن ُقَّوٍة َو ِم ن ِّر َباِط اْلَخ ْيِل ُتْر ِهُبوَن ِبِه َع ْد َّو ِهّللا َو َع ُد َّو ُك ْم َو آَخ ِريَن ِم ن‬
‫ُد وِنِهْم َال َتْع َلُم وَنُهُم ُهّللا َيْع َلُم ُهْم َو َم ا ُتنِفُقوْا ِم ن َش ْي ٍء ِفي َس ِبيِل ِهّللا ُيَو َّف ِإَلْيُك ْم َو َأنُتْم َال ُتْظَلُم وَن‬
"Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike
terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not
know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto
you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly." [TMQ Al-Anfaal 8:60]

And He ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬says:

‫َيا َأُّيَها اَّلِذ يَن آَم ُنوا اَل َتَّتِخ ُذ وا َع ُد ِّو ي َو َع ُد َّو ُك ْم َأْو ِلَياء‬
"O you who believe do not take my enemy and your enemy as allies and protectors." [TMQ Al-
Mumtahinah: 1]

Comparison 5 - Calling to Islam at times of Need

During the battle, when initially the Tartars were in ascendancy Qutuz climbed on a rock, throwing his
helmet away, shouting "Wa Islamah.. Wa Islamah..", urging the army to keep firm and fight Allah's
enemies. This attitude can be seen from the example of the Messenger of Allah ‫ صلى هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬during
the battle of Uhud when he rallied the nine Sahabah (Ridhwan Allahu Alaihim) who were around him by
shouting, "Come on! I am the Messenger of Allah," at such a time when the Qurayshi army had gained
the upper hand in the battle and many of the Muslims had become weak and deserted the battle believing
that the Messenger of Allah ‫ صلى هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬had been killed. This was the Iman, passion and love of
Islam that that Qutuz wanted to build within the Muslims.

Compare this to the rulers of today. Though the need to rally the Muslims upon Islam and Allah's ‫سبحانه‬
‫ وتعالى‬help is evident, we find the rulers shouting, "Wa America!! Wa UN!! Wa NATO!!" Arafat and the
Arab rulers did not seek to rally the Muslims behind Islam on the matter of Israel. On the contrary Arafat
announced that there could be no peace unless America was the broker. Likewise, when Musharraf was put
under pressure from America on the matter of Afghanistan, he responded by rallying the Muslims to accept
the American demand to use her air bases to launch attacks against Afghanistan.

Do the rulers not remember the duaa' of the Messenger of Allah ‫صلى هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬, after he was chased out
of Ta'if bleeding from the stones that were thrown at him by the children and slaves and he lamented, "O
Allah! To you I complain of my weakness, little resources and lowliness before man. O Most Merciful!
You are the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord. To whom would you confide me? To one afar
who will misuse me or an enemy to whom You have given dominance over me? If You are not angry
with me I do not care Your favour of well-being on me is sufficient for me. I take refuge in the light of
your countenance by which the darkness is illuminated and the things of this world and the next are
rightly ordered, lest Your Anger descends upon me or Your Wrath not Light upon me but come down
upon me. It is for You to be satisfied until You are well pleased. There is no power and no might
except in You."

Comparison 6 - Impact of the Battle

The direct outcome of this battle was the liberation of the Muslims from the Tatarian rule and their corrupt
creed, lifting the spirit and esteem of Muslims, and regaining the strength and position of the Islamic State
which stood for centuries defending Islam and Muslims against the spread of Kufr.

Compare today. Look at the Arab-Israeli wars, the Pakistan-Indian wars, Bosnia, Palestine, Gulf Crisis etc -
the direct outcome has been one of the rulers over the Muslims reinforcing the subjugation of Kufr,
destroying the esteem and spirit of the Muslims and betraying Islam and the people. The aftermath of
Afghanistan shows the Afghan leaders gathered around with begging bowls at the Bonn conference over the
new government for Afghanistan after the blood of Muslims is spilt whilst America sizes up its options to
attack another part of the Muslim land in its pursuit of ‘terrorists'.

Conclusion

The battle of Ain Jaloot was a glorious event in the annals of Islamic History and if the comparisons which
were made were to evoke a true lesson that we would learn from and tread the path of, it would be the
following:

Under the sincere Islamic leadership, the Muslims were unified, gained strength and direction from their
weakness, their Iman re-ignited and the prepared armies of the Muslims were unleashed to repel the
aggressor, defend the lands and body of the Muslims and return the authority to Islam.

Today we lack this sincere leadership and the Islamic system that would mobilize the resources of the
Muslims towards the duty of Islam and the Muslims. Leaders who seek victory for the enemies of Allah, His
Messenger and the Muslims lead us.

The blessed month of Ramadhan should not pass without the Muslims recognizing and engaging in the duty
to remove these leaderships and their corrupt systems that they implement upon us.

May Allah ‫ سبحانه وتعالى‬Help us to complete our fast and obligations and to establish His rule, the Khilafah.