Thursday, April 05, 2007

Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه : By Allâh! I know well that Rasûlullâh’s صلى الله عليه و سلم words are true. There can be no doubt whatsoever that we will conquer Rome and Persia but we do not know if that will be during this war or at some other opportunity, nor do we know which army will accomplish this.

‘Uthmân رضي الله عنه : That is true, but we should have hope in Allâh.

Al-Wâqidî narrates:

9,000 men under ‘Amr رضي الله عنه marched to Palestine. The previous day, the Khalifâh gave Abû ‘Ubaydah Jarrâh رضي الله عنه a flag and appointed him as Commander-in-Chief of all the Islâmic armies. He ordered him to advance towards al-Jâbiyah and said, “O Trustworthy one of this Ummah, you have heard my advice to ‘Amr bin al-‘As. I now bid you farewell.”

Abû ‘Ubaydah رضي الله عنه then departed while Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه returned and called Khâlid bin al-Walîd al-Makhzûmî رضي الله عنه . He appointed him commander over Lakhm and Juthâm as well as a cavalry of 900 men and gave him the black banner of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم . These 900 had demonstrated their daring and self-sacrifice in most battles they had fought with Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم. Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه then said to him, “O Abû Sulaymân (i.e. Khâlid), I have appointed you over this army which you must take to Aylah and Persia. I have hope in Allâh that he will conquer these lands through you. If He wills you shall be assisted.”

Khâlid رضي الله عنه then departed for ‘Irâq.

Abû ad-Dardâ رضي الله عنه narrates:

Abû ‘Ubaydah رضي الله عنه was also present when Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه was advising ‘Amr bin al-‘As رضي الله عنه . Thereafter he said, “Now leave with Allâh’s blessing and help. I advise you to fear Him, wage Jihâd in His Path and fight the Disbelievers. Allâh will certainly help the person who seeks His help.”

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Abû Dardâ رضي الله عنه narrates that he was part of ’Amr’s رضي الله عنه army when it departed and heard Abû Bâkr’s رضي الله عنه departing advice:

Fear Allâh in secret and open. Maintain your modesty towards Him in private because He always watches you. You know very well that I have appointed you over such people who are more honourable and pious than you. Perform all acts to earn the Hereafter and to please Allâh. Be like an affectionate father towards your men.

Do not race in your march. Enquire as to their welfare. Amongst them are different kinds of people including frail and weak ones, and you have a long journey ahead of you. Allâh is the Helper of His Dîn and will make it triumph over every other religion even if the Polytheists dislike it. Do not take your army on the route which Yazîd bin Abî Sufyân, Rabî‘ah bin ‘âmir and Shurahbîl bin Hasanah took. Instead, take the Aylah route and you will, if Allâh wills, reach Palestine. Upon reaching there, appoint spies and informants and keep intelligence about Abû ‘Ubaydah’s condition. If he is victorious then start campaigning in Palestine, otherwise if he needs assistance then send armies one after the other under Suhayl, ‘Ikramah, Harith and Sa‘îd bin Khâlid.

Do not be lazy or negligent in the task to which you have been appointed. Avoid indolence as far as possible. When you see the greater enemy number do not say, “What trouble has Abû Bâkr bin Abî Quhâfah trapped us in. He has sent us against an enemy it is impossible to fight against,” because, O ‘Amr, you have seen many times how small numbers have taken on greater numbers of polytheists. Remember the Battle of Khaybar and you will recall how the Muslims gained victory before your very eyes.

O ‘Amr, there are with you such Muhâjirîn and Ansâr who fought at Badr. Respect and honour them. Fulfil their rights and do not be arrogant in your leadership towards them thinking, “Because Abû Bâkr appointed me over them I must be better than them.” Beware the deception of the ego. Consider yourself but a fellow soldier with them. Consult them in whatever task presents itself. Salâh is the greatest thing. Call the athân as soon as the time of Salâh sets in.

Never pray any salâh without athân. Pray when the whole army has heard it. Those who pray with you in congregation will have attained a great virtue while those who pray in their tents will receive their full reward. Listen attentively to ambassadors and do not put them off for the sake of others. Always remain on your guard against the enemy. Emphasise the importance of reading the Qurân to your companions. Appoint watchmen and security and oversee them.

Spend time with your companions at night. Neither punish too harshly nor give so much leeway which will embolden them against you. As far as possible avoid whipping anyone – lest he should join the enemy and help them against you. Do not investigate anyone too deeply, but accept him at face value. Make effort in your work. Have faith in Allâh when facing the enemy and keep this advice in mind. Emphasise to your companions that they should not fall to extremes and if they do they should be punished. When advising them be brief.

Rectify yourself so that our subjects may be rectified, for a pious ruler is closer to Allâh than an ordinary person. I have appointed you as commander over the ‘Arabs, so recognise the worth of each tribe and clan. Treat them as an affectionate father would. Investigate the condition of the whole army at the time of marching. Send scouts ahead and keep those whom you can rely upon at the back for security. Be patient when you meet the enemy and be firm.

Do not turn back and expose yourself as cowardly, weak and helpless. Qurân readers should be particular in reciting the Qurân. The men should be prevented from discussing the Pre-Islâmic period since this will lead to enmity. Turn away from worldly beauty and adornment until you meet those who have gone before you, who died hungry. Join these people whom Allâh has praised in the Qurân:

وَجَعَلْنَاهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْهِمْ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَإِقَامَ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاء الزَّكَاةِ وَكَانُوا لَنَا عَابِدِينَ

And we made them leaders guiding (mankind) by Our command, and revealed to them the doing of good deeds, performing salâh and paying zakâh and they were Our worshippers. [21:73]

(6)Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه appoints ’Amr رضي الله عنه as commander

While Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه was pondering over who should be appointed as commander of Abû ‘Ubaydah’s Reconnaissance, Suhayl bin ‘Amr, ‘Ikramah bin Abî Jahl and Harith bin Hisham رضي الله عنهم arrived. They were carrying their weapons and desired that they should be given command of the army. Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه perceived this and therefore consulted ‘Umar رضي الله عنه who replied, “I do not find this appropriate.”

Hârith turned to him and said, “O Abû Hafs (i.e. Umar رضي الله عنه ), you were a sword against us before we embraced Islâm. Now that Allâh has guided us, you still have no regard for our relationship whereas Allâh has commanded the fulfilling of relatives’ rights.”

‘Umar رضي الله عنه : I consider those who are first in Islâm more appropriate.

Suhayl رضي الله عنه : If that is your criterion then we will not disobey you in any manner. However much time we spent in pre-Islâm fighting against Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم, we will now spend twice that amount and whatever effort we made fighting him, we will now double our efforts against the enemies of Allâh.

‘Ikramah رضي الله عنه : O people, I make you my witnesses before Allâh that I dedicate myself to the Path of Allâh and hand my life over to Him. Myself, my companions, my children and wealth are all for Allâh. We will never leave Jihâd.

Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه : O Allâh, grant them greater than what they expect.

Thereafter, he handed the flag to ‘Amr bin al-‘As bin Wâil as-Sahmî and said, “I appoint you as commander of the army of the people of Makkah, Thaqîf, Tâif, Hawâzin, Banû Kilâb and Hadramawt. When you reach Palestine, write to Abû ‘Ubaydah, ‘If you require any assistance then I am here.’ Do not do anything without his consultation. If you separate then may Allâh bless whatever the two of you intend.”

‘Amr رضي الله عنه went to ‘Umar رضي الله عنه and said, “You know my harshness against the enemy and my patience in Jihâd. It would be well if you ask the Khalifâh to make me commander over Abû ‘Ubaydah. You know my rank with Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم and I hope that Allâh will grant victory through me and destroy the enemy.”

‘Umar رضي الله عنه : What you say is correct and I do believe you but I cannot assent to you commanding Abû ‘Ubaydah. I consider him higher ranking than you. He preceded you in Islâm and Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم said, “Abû ‘Ubaydah is the trustworthy one of this Ummah.”

‘Amr رضي الله عنه : If I command him then he will not be humiliated nor will there be any decrease in his status.

‘Umar رضي الله عنه : How sad, O ‘Amr, that you desire worldly honour and prestige. Fear Allâh. Choose the honour of the world to come.

‘Amr رضي الله عنه : The matter is as you have stated it.

‘Amr رضي الله عنه ordered the army to march and so they left under his command in this order: Makkah, Banû Kilâb, Asnâhî, Hawâzîn and Thaqîf. The Muhâjirîn and Ansâr stayed to join Abû ‘Ubaydah. ‘Amr رضي الله عنه made Saîd bin Khâlid رضي الله عنه head of his Advance Reconnaissance.

’Abdullâh bin ’Umar رضي الله عنه narrates:

I was also part of that army when Abû Arwâ ad-Dâwsi conveyed Abû Bâkr’s orders to Sa‘îd bin Khâlid. At that time Sa‘îd رضي الله عنه was leading us in Salâh at al-Jurf. When he heard the order, he immediately returned the flag saying, “I have dedicated my life for the service of the Dîn and have placed myself firmly in the Path of Allâh. I will fight under the banner of Abû Bâkr with a clean heart in any place and under anyone’s command.”

Abû ’âmir narrates:

400 men came from Hadramawt also.
Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه sent a letter to Usayd bin Salamah al-Kilâbî and Banû Kilâb summoning them to partake in the Jihâd against Rome. Dahhak bin Sufyân bin Awf رضي الله عنه stood to address the gathered tribe, “O Banû Kilâb, make fear of Allâh your distinguishing sign and respond to the summons of the Khalifâh by coming to the assistance of the Dîn of Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم.”

An old man who had traveled several times to Syria stood up and said, “O Dahhak, you encourage us to fight such people who have prestige, power, implements of war and innumerable horses. How can the ‘Arabs find the strength to fight them when we are few, hungry and weak?”

Dahhak replied, “The victories of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم were not based on numbers or implements of war but on raising the Word of Allâh which is the actual reason why he was sent. You will probably recall that at Badr, Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم had only 313 men against the Quraysh who had a numerous army, implements of war, horses, countless weapons and were short of nothing. For as long as he remained on Earth, victory and conquest were always his. Now look at his Khalifâh, Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه . You saw how, as soon as he was appointed, he defeated the Apostates with the sword. Remember that for as long as you do not help the Muslims, as Himyar and Tayy are doing, you will never have respect in the eyes of the Khalîfah and the Muslims. By Allâh! Do not disgrace yourselves amongst the ‘Arabs. You have more horses and camels than other ‘Arabs, not to mention the number of armies and weapons. Fear Allâh and obey the Khalîfah’s order immediately.”

This speech roused Banû Kilâb who hastened to al-Madinâh mounted on camels. They also brought other camels to be used as beasts of burden and had ‘Arab horses. They entered al-Madinâh wearing their weapons. At that time Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه was coming out to send off an army to Syria. He was very glad to see them and ordered them to join the rest of the army. He presented the flag to Dahhak bin Sufyân رضي الله عنه who in turn presented him with horses and camels he had brought with him to be used against Rome. Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه was happy to see all the horses reddish-white and said, “I have heard Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم say that the horses of Yaman have white legs.”

The gathering army caused a noise and commotion. The children of the Muhâjirîn and Ansâr joined them, resulting in a huge force assembling at Jurf. Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه appointed Abû ‘Ubaydah bin Jarrâh رضي الله عنه as Commander-in-Chief. An honourable youth, Sa‘îd bin Khâlid bin Sa‘îd bin al-‘âs رضي الله عنه , had complained to Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه “When you intended to appoint my father, an officer in your army, as commander of the Reconnaissance, the Muslims objected and so you dismissed him although he had dedicated himself to the Path of Allâh. Similarly I have dedicated my life to the Path of Allâh and have always obeyed your summons and given you my allegiance. I have never swayed. If you should now make me commander of the Reconnaissance, I have hope that Allâh will not make me helpless.’’

Because he was more experienced than his father and an able horseman, Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه appointed him as the commander of Reconnaissance Forces. He gave him a flag and command over 2,000 cavalry. When ‘Umar رضي الله عنه heard of Sa‘îd’s رضي الله عنه request and acceptance thereof, he became angry. He went to Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه and said, “O Khalifâh of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم, you are giving the flag to Sa‘îd whereas others are better suited than him. By Allâh! I know that whatever he said against enemies was directed at none other than me. By Allâh! I have never said a word against his father nor committed any act of enmity against him.”

This confused Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه since he felt bad about deposing Sa‘îd رضي الله عنه as well as opposing ‘Umar رضي الله عنه because firstly, ‘Umar had firm faith in his heart; secondly, he always gave good advice; and thirdly, Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم held him in high esteem. Perplexed, he went to ‘Aishah and told her the whole incident. She advised, “My father, you know that ‘Umar always keeps the welfare of the Dîn at heart. His words are always well-intended and he bears no ill-will against any Muslim.”

Abû Bâkr رضي الله عنه called Abû Arwâ ad-Dâwsi and ordered him, “Go to Sa‘îd bin Khâlid and tell him to return the flag to me.”

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

‘Abdullâh bin Saîd narrates from Abû ‘Amir:

We were in Taîf when 400 men of Hawâzin and Thafîq immediately responded upon reading Abû Bakr’s رضي الله عنه letter. On the way we met the men from Makkah so that we became a total of 900. each of us said, “I am enough to confront 900 Roman horsemen all on my own”.

When we arrived at al-Madînah, we encamped at Baqî. Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه was informed and he ordered, “Leave your camp and go straight to where you brothers, Shurahbîl bin Hasanah, Yazîd bin Abî Sufyân and Rabî’ah bin ‘Amir are.”

At that time, they were all waiting at the border. Upon reaching them, we waited there for twenty days during which time other delegations came and joined us.

Shaddâd bin Aws رضي الله عنه narrates:

Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه came one day with a few Muhâjirîn and Ansâr and gave a befitting speech while standing. After praising Allâh and sending salutation on Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم he said, “O people, amongst the obligations which Allâh has decreed upon the Muslims is Jihâd, the reward for which is very great in the eyes of Allâh. Purify your intentions and have only good desires so that your rewards may increase. O slaves of Allâh, hasten to fulfil your obligation of your Rabb and the Sunnah of your True Guide. There can only be one of two outcomes to the endeavour upon which you embark – victory or martyrdom. Whoever is martyred will meet those who have died before him and his reward is upon Allâh.”

‘Abdullâh bin Saîd narrates:

I said to Abû ‘Amîr, “Describe Abû Bakr.”

He said, “He had a wheatish- coloured complexion, thin tall body and his beard was not very thick.”

Sunday, January 14, 2007

5)Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه summons the people of Makkah for Jihâd

In the name of Allâh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
From: ‘Abdullâh al-‘Atîq bin Abî Quhâfah

To: The people of Sacred Makkah and surrounds.

As-Salâmu ‘Alaykum

All praise belongs to Allâh alone and salutation be to His Messenger. I have prepared to wage Jihâd on the enemies of the Muslims, and to conquer Syria. I am informing you of this so that you may immediately comply with Allâh’s command:

انْفِرُواْ خِفَافًا وَثِقَالاً وَجَاهِدُواْ بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

Go forth lightly armed or heavily armed and wage Jihâd with your wealth and lives in the path of Allâh. That is better for you if only you knew. [9:41]

This verse was revealed in your city, so you are more responsible than others to comply. Whoever shows himself true by implementing this is the best person. Whoever assists the Dîn of Allâh will be assisted by Allâh. As for him who remains aloof from this task, Allâh does not care for him. Race towards a Paradise filled with grape-vines prepared by Allâh for the Mujâhidîn, Muhâjirîn, and Ansâr etc.

Sufficient is Allâh for us, and what an excellent Disposer of affairs He is!

He stamped it with Rasûlullâh’s صلى الله عليه و سلم seal and sent it with ‘Abdullâh bin Huthâfah رضي الله عنه to Makkah. When Ibn Huthâfah رضي الله عنه reached Makkah he shouted loudly. When the people had gathered around him, he read it aloud. Suhayl bin Amr, Harith bin Hishâm and ‘Ikramah bin Abi Jahl رضي الله عنه stood up and said, “We accept the invitation of he who calls to Allâh and his Rasûl and accept the word of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم as true.”

Harith and ‘Ikramah رضي الله عنه then said, “By Allâh, we will definitely help His Dîn. Why do we lag behind others? While it is true they have overtaken us by reaching their goal before us and we have been deprived of that great virtue, at least we can have our names included with their by joining them.”

‘Ikramah رضي الله عنه took fourteen men from his tribe, Makhzûm, while Suhayl bin ‘Amr رضي الله عنه went with forty youths from Banû ‘Amir, including Harith bin Hishâm. Others from Makkah joined them until they became an army of 500 going to al-Madinah. Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه wrote to the Hawâzin and Thafiq tribes who sent 400 men to al-Madînah.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Pure is that Being who took his slave on a night journey from the Sacred Masjid (in Makkah) to the Furthest Masjid (in Jerusalem) whose precincts we have blessed so that We may show him Our sings. [17:1]

Priest: it is in the Scriptures that it will be compulsory for that Prophet and his followers to fast one month of the year called ‘Ramadân’.

Rabî’ah رضي الله عنه : That is also correct. One month of fasting has been made compulsory upon us as mentioned in the Qur’ân:

Ramadân is that month in which the Qur’ân was revealed. It is a guidance for humanity and distinguishes between truth and falsehood…[2:185]

In another place He says:

Fasting has been prescribed upon you just as it was prescribed upon those before you. [2:183]

Priest: We have also read in our Scriptures that if one of his followers performs a good deed, then the reward of ten good deeds is written for him. Whereas if he commits an evil, only one is written down against him.

Rabi’âh رضي الله عنه : The Qur’ân explains it like this:

He who performs good receives ten the like thereof and he who performs evil is only accountable for the like thereof and they will not be wronged. [6:160]

Priest: It is written that God orders his followers to send salutations upon him.

Rabi’âh رضي الله عنه : Yes, He has ordered it in these words:

Allâh and His Angels send salutations upon His Prophet, O you who believe convey salutations and greetings of peace upon him.[33:56]

The priest was amazed to hear this answer and said to the commander of the army, “Truth is with these people”.

After this dialogue, a courtier told Sergius, “This is the Bedouin who killed your brother yesterday.”

Upon hearing this, Sergius blazed with rage until his eyes turned red with fury and he intended to assault Rabi’âh رضي الله عنه . Rabî’âh رضي الله عنه however realised his intention and got up with lightning speed. He grabbed a sword and struck Sergius with such force that he fell to the ground. The Romans charged at him, so he jumped onto his horse shouting, “Is there any challenger?” and faced them for combat.

Yazîd bin Abî Sufyân رضي الله عنه saw the battle and shouted, “O Muslims, the enemy has betrayed a Companion of your Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. Attack at once!” The Muslims attacked and the two forces were completely interlocked. The Romans were firmly holding their battle stations when suddenly a second Muslim force under Shurahbîl bin Hasanah رضي الله عنه , the scribe of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم, arrived. When the Muslims saw their brothers coming, their spirits rose and they fought so zealously that their swords were in a constant meeting with enemy heads. Out of 8,000 Romans, not a single one survived. Tabûk was far from Syria so the ‘Arabs were able to pursue and slay them all and capture all their wealth, Turkish horses, tents and treasure. They met Shurahbîl and his companions and exchanged salâm and du’â. After erecting camp, Shurahbîl رضي الله عنه consulted Yazîd and Rabî’âh رضي الله عنه about the booty and the two agreed, “All booty captured from the Romans should be sent to the Khalîfah so that the Muslims may see it. This will encourage them to participate in Jihâd and send their troops here.”

Shaddâd bin Aws رضي الله عنه and 500 horsemen took all the booty, except for weapons and war equipment, to the Khalîfah. The remaining troops stayed at Tabûk awaiting the arrival of more Muslim armies.

When the Muslims of al-Madînah saw Shaddâd bin Aws رضي الله عنه arriving with the booty, they raised cries of, “Lâ ilaha illallah! Allâhu Akbar”.

Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه enquired as to the shouting. They replied, “Shaddâd has returned with booty.”

In the meantime, Shaddâd رضي الله عنه and his men came, dismounted and went to the Masjid to perform Tahîyatul Masjid and offer salâm at the grave of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم. They then went to Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه to give him the good news and related the whole incident with the Romans. Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه prostrated out of thanks and considered this to be a good omen. He used the booty to prepare another Muslim army and wrote to the people of Makkah to encourage them to participate in Jihâd.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

3)Battle of Tabûk

Upon hearing this, Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه immediately arose and walked to the Mujâhidîn camp outside al-Madinah. ‘Umar, ‘Uthmân, ‘Ali, Sa’id bin Zayd bin ‘Amr bin Nufayl, the tribes of Aws and Khazraj رضي الله عنهم and others accompanied him. Upon seeing him the Mujâhidîn rejoiced and welcomed his with shouts of “Allâhu Akbar!”. Their shouts filled the sky and were so loud and numerous that they echoed off the mountains so that the very mountains replied, “Allâhu Akbar!” to the shouts of the Mujâhidîn. The Khalîfah climbed an elevation from where he gazed at the waves of ranks which covered every inch of the earth. His face glittered with happiness and he prayed, “O Allâh, grant them patience. Help them. Do not make them prisoners in the claws of the Disbelievers.”

After this du’â he called Yazîd bin Abî Sufyân رضي الله عنه and gave him a battalion flag and command over 1,000 horsemen. Thereafter, he gave a flag to al-Hijâzi’s famous horseman, Rabî’ah bin ‘Amir is a man of great status and nobility. Be acquainted with his bravery and methods of attack. I place him under you, but you are to place him in every advance group. Consult with him and act upon his consultation. Do not oppose his opinion.”

Yazîd رضي الله عنه replied, “I readily accept all this.”

Yazîd رضي الله عنه and Rabî’ah رضي الله عنه came on horseback at the head of the two armies to take leave of Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه who went on foot with them. Yazîd رضي الله عنه said, “O Khalîfah of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم, I fear Allâh and feel ashamed before Him that we ride while you walk. Either mount or let us walk.” He replied, “Neither will I ride, nor will you dismount. I hope for reward from Allâh by means of this walk.”

Thus he marched until Thanîyatul Wadâ’ where he stopped. Yazîd رضي الله عنه came and said, “O Khalîfah of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم, please advise us.”

Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه said, “When you leave a place do not cause the men difficulty in marching. Do not punish your men harshly. Consult them in every matter. Do not abandon justice and stay far from injustice and tyranny because no tyrant nation has ever obtained success nor been victorious over another nation. Act upon the Qur’ân’s dictate:

Monday, December 25, 2006

Anas رضي الله عنه narrates:

When the Himayr passed by with all their families, dependants, provisions and equipment, the Mathhij tribe came after them. They were riding extremely fine, expensive horses and carried sharp spears in their hands. Their leader, Qays bin Hubayrah al-Murâdi approached Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه , introduced himself and his tribe and then recited this poem:

Our Army hastened unto thee,
Kings of Murâd are we,
We have come so that you can see,
How we kill Romans with the swords we carry.

Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه made du’â for them and they went ahead. The tribe of Tayy came next. Their chief, Habis bin Saîd at-Tâî, wanted to dismount and walk to the Khalîfah. Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه took an oath and prevented him from doing so. When Habis came near they greeted and shook hands the Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه thanked them. Next came an enormous contingent of the tribe of Azd under the command of Jundub bin ‘Amr ad-Dawsî. Amongst them was Abû Hurayrah رضي الله عنه carrying a bow and quiver. Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه burst out laughing upon seeing him like this and asked, “Why have you come? You do not know the art of warfare!”

Abû Hurayrah رضي الله عنه replied, “Firstly, I wish to participate in the rewards of Jihâd, and secondly, if Allâh wills, I will get to eat Syrian fruits!”

Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه laughed a lot at this reply.

After this, Banû ‘Abs arrived under the command of Maysarah bin Masrûq al-‘Absî followed by the Kinânah under Fathm bin Ashyam al-Kinâni. All the tribes of Yaman who came brought their children, wealth, women, horses and camels etc, along with them, Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه was very happy to see this display and thanked Allâh.

The tribes encamped separately around al-Madînah. Since the army had become numerous, food and space became insufficient. Food supplies become low and there was difficulty in finding grain and pasturage for the horses. Their chiefs therefore consulted each other and decided to ask the Khalîfah to despatch them to Syria due to the problem of overcrowding at al-Madînah. They went to him, made salâm and sat down. They then looked at each other wondering who would speak first until eventually Qays bin Hubayrah said, “O Khalîfah of Rasûlullâh صلى الله عليه و سلم, you summoned us to a task to which we responded immediately in obedience to Allâh and his Rasûl صلى الله عليه و سلم and out of eagerness for Jihâd. Through Allâh’s grace our army is prepared and all war provisions made. However, our troops are undergoing difficulty since your city cannot accommodate all the horses, mules and camels, nor are all the men’s needs fulfilled. We therefore request you to either permit us to fight, or if the decision for war has been cancelled, then permit us to return to our homeland.”

In this way each chief in his turn expressed the same idea. Upon hearing them all, Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه replied, “By Allâh! I had no intention of giving you difficulty. I merely desired that all the contingents should arrive so that the army’s numbers should be completed.”

They said, “There remains no tribe still to come. All have arrived. Therefore place your trust in Allâh and send us.”

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Saturday, December 23, 2006

2)Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه summons the Yamanîs for Jihâd

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

Map 1


Map 2

I apologise for the poor picture quality but it is the best that I could come up with according to the tools at hand..ws

Monday, December 18, 2006

Al-Imâm al-Wâqidî

The author of this book is al-Imâm Abû ‘Abdillâh Muhammad bin ‘Umar al-Wâqidî al-Madanî who was born at the beginning of 130 Hijrî in al-Madînah al-Munawwarah. His surname is derived from his grandfather’s name, Wâqid, and thus he became famous as al-Imâm al-Wâqidî. He began his studies in Madînah. Amongst his prominent teachers were Ibn Abi Dhahab Ma’mar bin Râshid, al-Imâm Mâlik bin Anas and al-Imâm Sufyân ath-Thawrî. Initially he earned a living as a wheat trader, and when a calamity struck he migrated to Irâq in 180 Hijrî during the reign of Mamûn ar-Rashîd, there Yahyâ al-Barmakî welcomed him due to his great learning and he was included as one of Mamûn’s elite. He was soon appointed as judge and held this post until his death on 11 Dhul Hijjah 207 Hijrî. He is buried in the graveyard of Khayzarân.

The Imâm was both a Muhaddith and Historian but since he concentrated on History, his hadith narrations need to be scrutinised before acceptance whereas he is doubtlessly acknowledged as a master of History. Besides Futûh ush-Shâm, al-Imâm al-Wâqidî also wrote:

· Al-Maghâzi an-Nabawî (Campaigns of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم)
· Fath Ifrîqiyah (Conquest of North Africa)
· Fath al-‘Ajam (Conquest of Irân)
· Fath Misr wal-Iskandrîyah (Conquest of Egypt and Alexandria)
· Akhbâr Makkah (Narrations of Makkah)
· At-Tabaqât (The Generations)
· Futûh al-‘Irâq (Conquest of Irâq)
· Sîrah Abî Bakr wal-Wafât (Life and death of Abû Bakr رضي الله عنه)
· Kitâb as-Sardah (Birth of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم)
· Tarîkh al-Fuqahâ (History of the Jurists)
· Kitâb al-Jamal (Battle of the Camel)
· Kitâb as-Siffîn (Battle of Siffîn)
· Maqtal al-Husayn (Killing of al-Husayn رضي الله عنه)
· Tafsîr al-Qurân etc.

Ash-Shâm

The word ‘Syria’ as used in this book refers not to the area of the modern republic, but to the larger ancient region called ‘ash-Shâm’ in ‘Arabic. It bears great significance in Islâm viz. the Qurân calls it a ‘Blessed Land.’ In it is al-Masjid al-Aqsâ; it is home to more Prophets than any other land; many Prophets are buried there, such as Ibrâhim رضي الله عنه; many Sahâbah are buried there, such as Mu’âwiyah رضي الله عنه ; Syrian ‘Ulamâ are countless, for example, al-Imâm an-Nawawî. Syria has produced many great warriors (as-Sultân Nûruddîn) and martyrs (ash-Shaykh ‘Abdullah Azzâm). ‘Isâ عليه السلام will descend in Damascus and have his capital at Baytul Muqaddas; ad-Dajjâl will be slain at Lud; the Abdâl are mostly found in Syria; and Syria is the Place of Gathering for Judgement Day.

‘Arabic benedictions appearing after names

صلى الله عليه و سلم, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Allâh’s salutations and peace be upon him i.e the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم
عليه السلام, ‘alayhis salâm, peace be upon him (a prophet or angel)
رضي الله عنه , radiyallâhu ‘anhu, may Allâh be pleased with him (a sahâbî)
رضي الله عنهم radiyallahu anhum, may Allâh be pleased with them (a sahâbah)

Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh



The Islamic Conquest of Syria is the first English translation of Futuh ush-Shaam, the ninth century Arabic classic which details the Muslim advance into Syria.

The English reader has, for the first time, the opportunity to read about the great epic struggle of a small ill-equipped band of Muslims that overthrew the superpower of their day.

Events that have been only briefly mentioned in other books are graphically described. Such as the Battle of al Yarmuk which changed the course of world history.

The great personalities of early Islam are brought to life in a unique way.

The strategies of Khalid bin al-Walid(ra), the piety of Abu `Ubaydah Ibn al-Jarrah (ra) the bravery of Dirar al-Kindi and many more are vividly described..

The text also sheds light on some lesser known aspects of Islamic history such as the significant role of women and the Roman princes who had embraced Islam.