Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a Military Commander
English Essay on "Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a Military Commander"
Most of the people think of a Prophet (PBUH) as an ascetic removed from this world’s hustle and bustle, concerned with something etherial and transcendental, hard for common people to comprehend, much less to practise. It is different with the Prophet of Islam (PBUH). He had a multi-dimensional personality. That is why Allah has termed his personality Best Model for Believers to follow. He was a model in his personal moral life, in his family life, in his community and social relations, in his reform mission, in his political and military life Life in Makkah had made it clear that unless there is a separate State for Mus1ins it would be hard for them to practise Islam. For establishing a State acquisition of power and for maintaining peace war sometimes becomes necessary. It is evident that despite the peace-loving nature of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) the enemies did• no allow him to live in peace at Madinah also. So during his 10 years at Madina he was forced to engage himself in continued battles against enemies. Notwithstanding his advanced age, he had to spend his Madinite period mostly in battles and military expeditions. The way in which he inspired his followers for jehad and guided them in critical times speaks highly o his success as a military commander. His war policies provide guidance even today.
His Bravery: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was very brave. He feared nothing except Allah. In his youth he had wielded lancet Abu Bara, had knocked down thrice a known wrestler, Rukana. Not caring for the enemies at his house door, he stepped out alone during the Hijra night. In the cave of Thaur he comforted his companion, Abu Bakr (RA). At Madina a rumour spread that Makkans hd attacked Madina. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) alone went out at night and kept watch. During the Battle of Uhad he took a lancet from a Companion and thrust it into the neck of Ubayy bin Khalaf. On return from the expedition against Banu Ghatfar, a Bedouin drew a sword against him and called out “who will save you now.” “Allah,” the Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied. The Bedouin was overawed at this fearlessness and the sword fell from his hand. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) picked it up and said, “Who will save you now.” The Bedouin began to tremble. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) forgave him. On one occasion the enemies tried to kill him by throwing a heavy stone from a wall he was resting under. He came to know of it; was not afraid and silently walked away. During Uhad and Hunain when Muslims fell out to booty, the enemy attacked from behind. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) kept fighting along with a few faithful ones.
His War Policies: “War only for peace and defence,” is the basic policy of Jehad. Basically, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a peace-lover. During the cold war with Makkans he tolerated all atrocities and humilations and did not choose war. It was only when the Makkans started hot battes that Jehad was allowed. All his Madinite life was spent either in actually fighting or in preparations for fighting and defence. He fought 85 battles, big and small. In 28 battles he took part personally and in 57 he deputed his companions to command. In spite of that, whenever possible he preferred peaceful negotiations as in the case of Hudaybia Truce and oher peace treaties. He negotiated peace with Abduallah bin Uhayy whom Makkans excited on war against Muslims. In the Be’r Maoona case, in which only companions survived, he asked for blood money from Banu Nudhair, but they threatened war, so the HolyProphet (PBUH) fought’ with them and exiled them. When, at ,Hudaybia, he heard of Khaled bin Walid coming from Makkah, he changed course to avoid war, and finally negotiated peace even on apparently humiliating terms.
His Steps to Avert War: (i) Peace treaties and, alliances with neighbours and others: This policy compelled Makkans to think twice before attacking Madina.
(ii) Intercepting trade caravans from carrying arms to Makkans: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was in favour of nipping the evil in the bud. Whenever he heard of Makkan caravans coming from abroad with cash or weapons, the would intercept them on the way, so that they could not add to the strength of the enemy: Some such precautionary checks were taken with Saiful Bahr, Rabigh Kharrar, Abwa, Zul Ashira, Bawat and even Badr trade caravans.
(iii) Overawing measures: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to send mobile squads around enemy lands. These would intercept caravans, pursue dacoits, subdue fighters, etc. These steps overawed the enemies and they mostly refrained from aggression against Muslims. Performing umrah in AH 7 and lighting fires all around the Muslim camps on the occasion of conquest of Makkah were mainly overawing strategies.
(iv) Defensie and precautionary offensives: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) aim was establishment of permanent peace. So, whenever, he apprehended mischief on the part of enemy he would take the initiative to crush them before they could harm the Muslims. Campaigns of Khayber, Hawazin, Hunain, Aoitas, Taif, Tabuk, etc., though seemingly aggressive, were precautionary steps for permanent peace in the land.
Taking Precautionary Measures: (i) Internal solidarity: Fighting aggression needs power. So in peace times the Holy Prophet (PBUH) concentrated on acquisition of pwwer and strength. During the Makkan period he made his people morally strong, creating in them discipline, obedience to their leader, and keeping them mobile, active and physically fit. At Madina also, whenever he found spare time from battles and military campaigns, he concentrated on intern al solidarity.
(ii) Increasing manpower: This was done through conversion of non Muslims to Islam through preaching and through peace pacts and alliances. Manpower increased from 313 fighters in Badr to 10,000 at the conquest of Makkah. Economic strength was gained through booty, Zakat and Ushr, voluntary contributions to war fund. Civil defence was assured through deputing some Companions at Madina. Women were left in safe quarters and duties allotted to various men. Night watch was kept by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself or by his close Companions, how would sleep armed. In cases of increased danger, mobile squads were also appointed, as during the Battle of Ditch, when internal attack by Jews was feared. Mobile squads also roamed in peace-times to know various routes. This provided military exercises also.
(iii) Military alert: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was always on alert against enemies. He foresaw enemy intentions and took immediate measure to counteract them. Abu Sufyan’s sudden retreat in Badr was taken as a war strategy and soldiers rushed to Madina for defence, he was pursued and made to flee. Companions were also appointed as spies to inform him about enemy moves, as in Badr and Uhad. He used to stay for three days in the battlefield after the battle lest the enemy should return. Fleeing enemy was pursued for miles to make his return impossible: Cutting off supplies, and exiling suspects were also precautionary measures.
War Strategies: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) averted war as long as possible. But if pressed to fight, he would allow no laxity, and would fight till the enemy was completely routed. He made Madina his military headquarters from where detachments were sent to fight the enemy. Except during the Battle of the Ditch, Madina was not made a battlefield, so that agriculture and trade may not suffer. War aims were different according to the nature of the situation. Sometimes curtailing Muslim losses, inflicting casualties on enemies, curbing mischief mongers, keeping enemy at bay, or punishment was the main aim. Peace was the main objective in war. Every offer and chance of peace would be availed of. After war, amnesty was usual if the enemy surrendered.
(i) Secrecy: The Holy Prophet (PBUH would keep his war intentions secret as far as possible, so that news of his mows may not reach enemy prematurely. Even he close Companions did not know of his intentions in marching to Badr till late when they were asked to get ready for war. Routes to be followed were also kept secret. Sometimes lie would give enemies wrong impressions by adopting different routes, not repeating old strategies. Special care was taken to prevent any war information’s leaking out to enemies. Once a companion wrote about Muslims’ war intentions to his relatives in Makkah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH), coming to know, sent fast courier who snatched the letter from the messenger on his way.
(ii) Consultations: Companions were freely consulted about war matters. In Badr he pitched tents at a place suggested by Habib bin Munzar. In the Battle of the Ditch he acted oh the advice of Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA). On the occasion of Badr he followed the suggestion of some youth to go out to face the enemy (against his own will to fight within Madina). The main cause of his successes was the spirity of undaunted valour and unquestionable obedience to their leader, that he instilled in his followers, he would encourage them, show kindness to them and forgive them for minor faults. He would renew their pledge of loyalty every off and on to refresh it, as at Hudaybia.
(iii) Choice of Battlefield: He would select his camping place with utmost care, where Muslims would suffer least and enemy the greatest. This was shown at Badr, Uhad, Khayber ahd Tabuk.
(iv) Battle array: He had no separate army. All Muslims were his soldiers. He would select from them as the situation demanded. He would allot duties to various groups. Sometimes he would depute trusted Companions as commanders. Sometimes he would take women folk with him for nursing and water supply. In the battle field he would arrange his troops under five wings, each under a trusted Companion. He would keep reserve soldiers in case of eventualities. He would mend defence lines immediately as in Uhad and Hunain. Alternatives were kept ready.
(v) On-the-spot instructions: He would supervise battle moves personally and issue on-the-spot instructions. At Badr he threw handful pebbles to give signal to his men for massive attack. In Uhad reserve soldiers were ordered to attack the enemy from behind. He would pursue the defeated, enemy even if the troops were fatigued. Perseverance was his keyword. He would allow no laxity in fighting. Those who showed lethargy were severely punished (as social boycott of three Companions in Tabuk). He would keep his men ever ready and alert, providing them every chance for exercise, manoeuvres and decision-making. He had full trust in Allah and instilled the same spirit in his followers. They would offer prayers even in battlefields. They fought in Badr battle while fasting.
(vi) Treating enemies: He would announce amnesty to defeated enemies. War prisoners were set free for ransom or even for teaching illiterate Muslims to read and write. Minorities were allowed to decide their affairs according to their own Sacred Books. Special instructions were given to Mujahideen not to cut crops, not to burn trees, not to fight innocent citizens, not to slay women, children or old persons, not to mutilate dead bodies, and not to violate treaties. Prisoners were not to be ill-treated. Captive women were to be rehabilitated by marrying them to Muslims.
(vii) Immediate steps: He would always nip the evil in the bud, attack enemy before he attacks, crush their war efforts, pursue them till completely routed. He would choose the best of available alternatives. He would hasten to face the enemy if he made offensive advances, he would never allow the enemy to think that Muslims were weak. Quick reaction, immediate punishment and effective counteraction were his answers to mischief mongers. He was quick to turn enemy lapses to the benefit of the Muslims. He was quick to punish the for his violation of treaties. He turned out mischief monger Jews from Madina to save Muslims from their mischief’s. He always wanted to show the enemy that Muslims were not easy morsels for them. He rejected Abu Sufyans offer to renew Hudaybia Treaty after its lapse because noe the Muslims were not weak and could dictate theor own terms.
As a commander he achieved unprecedented success. He had no regular army, nor war equipment. His manpower was also very much inferior to that of the enemy, nor had he enough funds to provide material facilities to his troops. Although he had to face much stronger, better equipped and experienced enemy forces of the Makkans, the Tribals, the Jews of Madina, the royal forces of Iranians, Romans and Syrians, yet he achieved success after success and domination after dominations. What was the secret? It was, of course, the unflinchable faith in Allah and regarding death as a coveted thing rather than something to be shunned.
His Bravery: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was very brave. He feared nothing except Allah. In his youth he had wielded lancet Abu Bara, had knocked down thrice a known wrestler, Rukana. Not caring for the enemies at his house door, he stepped out alone during the Hijra night. In the cave of Thaur he comforted his companion, Abu Bakr (RA). At Madina a rumour spread that Makkans hd attacked Madina. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) alone went out at night and kept watch. During the Battle of Uhad he took a lancet from a Companion and thrust it into the neck of Ubayy bin Khalaf. On return from the expedition against Banu Ghatfar, a Bedouin drew a sword against him and called out “who will save you now.” “Allah,” the Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied. The Bedouin was overawed at this fearlessness and the sword fell from his hand. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) picked it up and said, “Who will save you now.” The Bedouin began to tremble. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) forgave him. On one occasion the enemies tried to kill him by throwing a heavy stone from a wall he was resting under. He came to know of it; was not afraid and silently walked away. During Uhad and Hunain when Muslims fell out to booty, the enemy attacked from behind. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) kept fighting along with a few faithful ones.
His War Policies: “War only for peace and defence,” is the basic policy of Jehad. Basically, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a peace-lover. During the cold war with Makkans he tolerated all atrocities and humilations and did not choose war. It was only when the Makkans started hot battes that Jehad was allowed. All his Madinite life was spent either in actually fighting or in preparations for fighting and defence. He fought 85 battles, big and small. In 28 battles he took part personally and in 57 he deputed his companions to command. In spite of that, whenever possible he preferred peaceful negotiations as in the case of Hudaybia Truce and oher peace treaties. He negotiated peace with Abduallah bin Uhayy whom Makkans excited on war against Muslims. In the Be’r Maoona case, in which only companions survived, he asked for blood money from Banu Nudhair, but they threatened war, so the HolyProphet (PBUH) fought’ with them and exiled them. When, at ,Hudaybia, he heard of Khaled bin Walid coming from Makkah, he changed course to avoid war, and finally negotiated peace even on apparently humiliating terms.
His Steps to Avert War: (i) Peace treaties and, alliances with neighbours and others: This policy compelled Makkans to think twice before attacking Madina.
(ii) Intercepting trade caravans from carrying arms to Makkans: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was in favour of nipping the evil in the bud. Whenever he heard of Makkan caravans coming from abroad with cash or weapons, the would intercept them on the way, so that they could not add to the strength of the enemy: Some such precautionary checks were taken with Saiful Bahr, Rabigh Kharrar, Abwa, Zul Ashira, Bawat and even Badr trade caravans.
(iii) Overawing measures: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to send mobile squads around enemy lands. These would intercept caravans, pursue dacoits, subdue fighters, etc. These steps overawed the enemies and they mostly refrained from aggression against Muslims. Performing umrah in AH 7 and lighting fires all around the Muslim camps on the occasion of conquest of Makkah were mainly overawing strategies.
(iv) Defensie and precautionary offensives: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) aim was establishment of permanent peace. So, whenever, he apprehended mischief on the part of enemy he would take the initiative to crush them before they could harm the Muslims. Campaigns of Khayber, Hawazin, Hunain, Aoitas, Taif, Tabuk, etc., though seemingly aggressive, were precautionary steps for permanent peace in the land.
Taking Precautionary Measures: (i) Internal solidarity: Fighting aggression needs power. So in peace times the Holy Prophet (PBUH) concentrated on acquisition of pwwer and strength. During the Makkan period he made his people morally strong, creating in them discipline, obedience to their leader, and keeping them mobile, active and physically fit. At Madina also, whenever he found spare time from battles and military campaigns, he concentrated on intern al solidarity.
(ii) Increasing manpower: This was done through conversion of non Muslims to Islam through preaching and through peace pacts and alliances. Manpower increased from 313 fighters in Badr to 10,000 at the conquest of Makkah. Economic strength was gained through booty, Zakat and Ushr, voluntary contributions to war fund. Civil defence was assured through deputing some Companions at Madina. Women were left in safe quarters and duties allotted to various men. Night watch was kept by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself or by his close Companions, how would sleep armed. In cases of increased danger, mobile squads were also appointed, as during the Battle of Ditch, when internal attack by Jews was feared. Mobile squads also roamed in peace-times to know various routes. This provided military exercises also.
(iii) Military alert: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was always on alert against enemies. He foresaw enemy intentions and took immediate measure to counteract them. Abu Sufyan’s sudden retreat in Badr was taken as a war strategy and soldiers rushed to Madina for defence, he was pursued and made to flee. Companions were also appointed as spies to inform him about enemy moves, as in Badr and Uhad. He used to stay for three days in the battlefield after the battle lest the enemy should return. Fleeing enemy was pursued for miles to make his return impossible: Cutting off supplies, and exiling suspects were also precautionary measures.
War Strategies: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) averted war as long as possible. But if pressed to fight, he would allow no laxity, and would fight till the enemy was completely routed. He made Madina his military headquarters from where detachments were sent to fight the enemy. Except during the Battle of the Ditch, Madina was not made a battlefield, so that agriculture and trade may not suffer. War aims were different according to the nature of the situation. Sometimes curtailing Muslim losses, inflicting casualties on enemies, curbing mischief mongers, keeping enemy at bay, or punishment was the main aim. Peace was the main objective in war. Every offer and chance of peace would be availed of. After war, amnesty was usual if the enemy surrendered.
(i) Secrecy: The Holy Prophet (PBUH would keep his war intentions secret as far as possible, so that news of his mows may not reach enemy prematurely. Even he close Companions did not know of his intentions in marching to Badr till late when they were asked to get ready for war. Routes to be followed were also kept secret. Sometimes lie would give enemies wrong impressions by adopting different routes, not repeating old strategies. Special care was taken to prevent any war information’s leaking out to enemies. Once a companion wrote about Muslims’ war intentions to his relatives in Makkah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH), coming to know, sent fast courier who snatched the letter from the messenger on his way.
(ii) Consultations: Companions were freely consulted about war matters. In Badr he pitched tents at a place suggested by Habib bin Munzar. In the Battle of the Ditch he acted oh the advice of Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA). On the occasion of Badr he followed the suggestion of some youth to go out to face the enemy (against his own will to fight within Madina). The main cause of his successes was the spirity of undaunted valour and unquestionable obedience to their leader, that he instilled in his followers, he would encourage them, show kindness to them and forgive them for minor faults. He would renew their pledge of loyalty every off and on to refresh it, as at Hudaybia.
(iii) Choice of Battlefield: He would select his camping place with utmost care, where Muslims would suffer least and enemy the greatest. This was shown at Badr, Uhad, Khayber ahd Tabuk.
(iv) Battle array: He had no separate army. All Muslims were his soldiers. He would select from them as the situation demanded. He would allot duties to various groups. Sometimes he would depute trusted Companions as commanders. Sometimes he would take women folk with him for nursing and water supply. In the battle field he would arrange his troops under five wings, each under a trusted Companion. He would keep reserve soldiers in case of eventualities. He would mend defence lines immediately as in Uhad and Hunain. Alternatives were kept ready.
(v) On-the-spot instructions: He would supervise battle moves personally and issue on-the-spot instructions. At Badr he threw handful pebbles to give signal to his men for massive attack. In Uhad reserve soldiers were ordered to attack the enemy from behind. He would pursue the defeated, enemy even if the troops were fatigued. Perseverance was his keyword. He would allow no laxity in fighting. Those who showed lethargy were severely punished (as social boycott of three Companions in Tabuk). He would keep his men ever ready and alert, providing them every chance for exercise, manoeuvres and decision-making. He had full trust in Allah and instilled the same spirit in his followers. They would offer prayers even in battlefields. They fought in Badr battle while fasting.
(vi) Treating enemies: He would announce amnesty to defeated enemies. War prisoners were set free for ransom or even for teaching illiterate Muslims to read and write. Minorities were allowed to decide their affairs according to their own Sacred Books. Special instructions were given to Mujahideen not to cut crops, not to burn trees, not to fight innocent citizens, not to slay women, children or old persons, not to mutilate dead bodies, and not to violate treaties. Prisoners were not to be ill-treated. Captive women were to be rehabilitated by marrying them to Muslims.
(vii) Immediate steps: He would always nip the evil in the bud, attack enemy before he attacks, crush their war efforts, pursue them till completely routed. He would choose the best of available alternatives. He would hasten to face the enemy if he made offensive advances, he would never allow the enemy to think that Muslims were weak. Quick reaction, immediate punishment and effective counteraction were his answers to mischief mongers. He was quick to turn enemy lapses to the benefit of the Muslims. He was quick to punish the for his violation of treaties. He turned out mischief monger Jews from Madina to save Muslims from their mischief’s. He always wanted to show the enemy that Muslims were not easy morsels for them. He rejected Abu Sufyans offer to renew Hudaybia Treaty after its lapse because noe the Muslims were not weak and could dictate theor own terms.
As a commander he achieved unprecedented success. He had no regular army, nor war equipment. His manpower was also very much inferior to that of the enemy, nor had he enough funds to provide material facilities to his troops. Although he had to face much stronger, better equipped and experienced enemy forces of the Makkans, the Tribals, the Jews of Madina, the royal forces of Iranians, Romans and Syrians, yet he achieved success after success and domination after dominations. What was the secret? It was, of course, the unflinchable faith in Allah and regarding death as a coveted thing rather than something to be shunned.
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