Causes of the Battle of Uhud
Primary reasons behind the battle
The Battle of Badr, which preceded the Battle of Uhud, had a significant impact on the hearts of the polytheists following their defeat by the Muslims. In response, the polytheists resolved to fight against the Muslims for the following reasons:
- A desire for vengeance and retaliation.
- To restore their status among the Arab tribes.
- To secure their trade routes to Syria.
Parties Involved in the Battle
The Battle of Uhud took place between the polytheists and the Muslims. Quraysh assembled three thousand fighters under the leadership of Abu Sufyan bin Harb, heading towards Medina. Upon learning of the polytheists’ intentions, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gathered his companions to consult them on how to confront the enemy.
The Prophet then led the Muslims to Mount Uhud, just outside Medina, where they numbered around one thousand. However, Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul, the leader of the hypocrites, withdrew with three hundred men, leaving the Muslims with a total of seven hundred fighters.
Location and Timing of the Battle
The Battle of Uhud occurred on the 7th of Shawwal in the third year of Hijra. The Prophet (peace be upon him) consulted his companions about confronting the polytheists, suggesting that the battle take place within the city to fight fiercely should the enemy advance. If they intruded, they would defend themselves from narrow entrances and the rooftops.
Despite the Prophet’s preference, those eager to fight, such as Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, advocated for an engagement outside the city. The Prophet consented to their suggestion, and despite initially disagreeing with the Prophet’s plan, they offered to confront the polytheists within the city. The Prophet responded, “It is not appropriate for a prophet to wear his armor and then remove it until he fights.” They camped at Uhud, setting their backs towards the mountain with their faces turned towards Medina.
Commencement of the Battle of Uhud
Preparation for the Battle
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prepared the army for combat, assigning fifty archers to guard the western flank of Mount Archers, overseeing their protection against the polytheists’ cavalry. He instructed them: “Do not leave your positions. If you see us overcoming them, do not leave; if they overpower us, do not assist us,” meaning they must remain where they were regardless of the battle’s outcome.
The Prophet established three banners:
- One led by As’id bin Hudhayr.
- A banner for the emigrants, led by either Ali bin Abi Talib or Mus’ab bin Umair.
- A banner for the Khazraj tribe, led by either Al-Hubab bin Al-Mundhir or Sa’ad bin Ubadah.
Simultaneously, the polytheists prepared for the Battle of Uhud under Abu Sufyan’s command, positioning Khalid bin Al-Walid on the right flank, Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl on the left, Safwan bin Umayyah at the infantry, and Abdullah bin Abi Rabi’ah overseeing the archers.
Attempts by Sufyan to Discourage the Muslims
On Friday, the Prophet led the prayers and urged the people to remain steadfast, promising them victory should they persevere. After the afternoon prayer, they assembled for the battle; however, Quraysh attempted to sow discord among the Muslims before the fighting commenced. Sufyan bin Harb sent a message to the Ansar saying, “Let us handle our cousin, and we will leave you alone; we have no need to fight you.” The Ansar, however, ignored his plea and responded unfavorably, guided by their faith in Allah (Exalted and Mighty).
Undeterred, the Quraysh sent the wicked priest Abdullah bin Sa’ifi, who openly declared his enmity and incited the polytheists to engage the Muslims. Yet, their efforts failed, as the hearts of the Muslims remained steadfast in faith.
Confrontation of the Armies
As the armies faced each other, the Muslim forces began to gain the upper hand, driving the polytheists to retreat behind their women. The Muslims rallied around their banners, with Talha bin Abi Talha al-Abdari leading the charge for the polytheists, known for his valor. The Muslims hesitated momentarily due to his intimidation until Al-Zubair bin Al-Awwam (may Allah be pleased with him) charged forth and felled him to the ground, slaying him. The Prophet later remarked, “Every Prophet has a companion, and Al-Zubair is my companion.”
The polytheists, undeterred by defeat, dispatched Osman bin Abi Talha to lead their standard, but he fell at the hands of Hamza bin Abdel Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him). A third brother, Abu Sa’ad, took the banner but met a similar fate, leading to the death of ten warriors from the household of Abu Talha.
With the polytheist banner down, Abu Dujanah (may Allah be pleased with him) advanced, slaying numerous competitors, and soon the Muslims gained ground in battle until Hanthalah (may Allah be pleased with him) arrived and took many polytheist heads before facing a final attack that cost him his life.
Archers Leaving Their Posts Without Permission
As the battle intensified and Muslims began to overpower the polytheists, the latter retreated from the battlefield. Believing victory was assured, the archers descended from their positions to seize the spoils left behind. However, their leader Abdullah bin Jubayr reminded them of the Prophet’s order to remain until granted permission to leave. Disregarding his instructions, most archers descended the mountain, leaving only Abdullah bin Jubayr and a few others behind.
Encirclement of Muslims by the Polytheists
When the archers disobeyed the Prophet’s directive and vacated their posts, Khalid bin Al-Walid seized the opportunity. At that time, he commanded the polytheist forces, encircling the Muslims from behind, attacking Abdullah bin Jubayr and his remaining companions, pelting the Muslims with arrows. The polytheists renewed their assault, particularly after the arrival of Amrah bint Al-Alqama Al-Harithiyah, who raised the polytheist banner.
The Muslims found themselves besieged from all directions, creating chaos within their ranks. The renewed assault by the polytheists led to the martyrdom of seventy companions, including the Prophet’s uncle Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib and Mus’ab bin Umair (may Allah be pleased with them).
Rumors of the Prophet’s Death
As the battle raged on and confusion grew among the Muslims, Mus’ab bin Umair, the standard bearer for the Muslims, fell. Resembling the Prophet (peace be upon him), his death led his killer to incorrectly believe he had slain the Prophet. His proclamation “I have killed Muhammad” shook the resolve of the Muslims and left them bewildered. Meanwhile, the Prophet remained steadfast, suffering injuries during the fighting; his right canine was broken, his helmet was damaged, and blood flowed from his blessed face.
Defending the Prophet
In the midst of the fierce combat and rumors of the Prophet’s demise, the companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) surrounded him protectively. Among those who defended him were:
- Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq.
- Ali bin Abi Talib.
- Abu Dujanah.
- Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas.
- Talha bin Ubaidullah.
- Umm ‘Amarah bint Kabb.
Results of the Battle of Uhud
Some key outcomes of the Battle of Uhud include:
- The martyrdom of seventy companions, who were subsequently buried at Uhud.
- The rise of hypocrisy, particularly among the hypocrites in Medina due to the events surrounding the Prophet (peace be upon him).
- The Muslims later marched to Hamarat Al-Asad to regain their honor and dignity.
The Prophet’s Stance After the Battle
After the battle concluded, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lined up the Muslims behind him, thanking Allah for the protection shown to them. He said, “O Allah, all praise is due to You. O Allah, there is no one who can withhold what You have granted, nor grant what You have withheld. There is no guide for those You have led astray, nor misleader for those You have guided. There is no appropriator of what You have given, nor grantor of what You have withheld, and nothing can bring close that which You have kept far, nor distance what You have brought close. O Allah, bestow upon us of Your grace, mercy, blessings, and provision.”
Martyrs of the Battle of Uhud
As mentioned earlier, seventy companions fell as martyrs during the Battle of Uhud, including:
- Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
- Mus’ab bin Umair, the standard bearer for the Muslims, who resembled the Prophet (peace be upon him).
- Abdullah bin Jahsh.
- Anas bin Al-Nadr.
- Sa’ad bin Al-Rabi.
- Abdullah bin Amr bin Haram.
- Hanthalah bin Abi ‘Amir.
- Abdullah bin Jubayr.