War Again

The origin and growth of Islam; the story continues....

At Mecca all sorts of oppositions were suppressed; it was then that Mohammed heard that the Byssantians are marching towards them.  Lot of preparations were required for the Muslims to face a big force like that of Byssantians. He asked the tribes to organize a big army. There was a pretty good response to the call of Mohammed. They all came forward ready to march through the desert leaving behind their home and possessions. However, there were some people who refused to participate in the war. They were hypocrites who had embraced Islam for personal gains. Mohammed asked one of them whether he had any objection to be part of the army. He replied, “O, prophet of God, please give me exemption; please don’t put me into trouble. It is a fact that there is nobody who may match me. But when I see Byssantian women, I am afraid that I may lose may patience.” In the meanwhile some people assembled secretly.  No one knew about this. The purpose was to create confusion and put fear in the minds of the people about war. 

Mohammed formed a group under the leadership of Thahell Abdulla. Some people came forward with support and Haffar contributed one thousand Dinars. The rich people followed him and contributed accordingly. The poor people also cooperated according to their ability. Some among them were not able to raise funds for travel expenses. Mohammed told them that he has not sufficient resources to take them along with. They got frustrated and started weeping. Because of tears in their eyes they were called Dukaven. There were eight thousand soldiers in the army. Mohammed made arrangements for carrying on the administration in Medina, in his absence. Mohammed recruited Mohammed Bin Masalma to look after the affairs of the state. He also entrusted Ali to look after his domestic affairs. In Mohammed’s absence Abu Bekker led prayer till the prophet started from Medina and took over the command of the army. Abdulla Ibn Ubayy had joined the army along with his tribe. Mohammed thought that it would be better that he and his army remained in Medina because Mohammed had doubt about his integrity. Mohammed commanded the army to march towards Sham. Ten thousand horsemen followed the army. Abu Khaisema who witnessed  return home. His wives were waiting for him with eatables. He reamarked, “Should I seek pleased with   behind while prophet of God was in desert suffering from scorching sun and terrible heat. Please help me to join the army. Thus Abu Khaisema joined the army. The army advanced towards Hijr. There were remnants of ancient Byssantian buildings, constructed by the tribe of Hamud. A carving out from the rock, Mohammed ordered the army to rest there. He advised them not to go out in the night without the company of other persons. It was a place swept by strong winds of sand. In the morning they found that the well was filled with sand. There was not even a drop of water to drink. They were very much worried not knowing where they would get water, to quench their thirst. They had to travel still long distance. Suddenly the atmosphere became cloudy and the rains started. They drank the rain water and also collected it.

The army marched forward to Thabuk. The Byssantians by that time came to know about the march of the Muslim army and its strength. The army of Byssantians which was moving towards Thabuk was forced to retreat. They thought that it would be better for them to take refuge in the fort where Mohammed and his army came. They found that the Byssantian army has already withdrawn. A tribe residing at the border had already made peace treaty with Mohammed and therefore there was no reason to apprehend an attack against the Byssantians anymore. 

Justice P K Shamsuddin

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