1AH

Abu Ayub Ansari (RA)

• When the Prophet (PBUH) entered the city, everyone wanted Him to stay at his house. Everyone
insisted but the Prophet (PBUH) ordered: “Let the reins of the camel loose and I shall get down and
stay where it stops by itself.” The camel went ahead further and further till it stopped at a big open
land. Nearby was the house of Abu Ayub. Thus, the Prophet (PBUH) stayed with Abu Ayub, who paid
him the greatest respect.

The City of Prophet (PBUH)

• Yasrib was then changed to “Medina-tun-Nabi’, the city of the Prophet (PBUH). Islam eradicated
the age-long enmity between the tribes of Aws and Khazraj and they were given the designation of
“Ansars’ (helpers). As mentioned in the Holy Quran: “And remember with gratitude Allah's favour on
you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love…” (3:103).

Prophet (PBUH)’S Mosque

• The place where Prophet (PBUH)'s camel had stopped was an open courtyard with some palm
trees belonged to two orphan brothers, i.e. Sahl and Suhayl. They offered the property as a present,
but the Prophet (PBUH) paid for the plot.
• The plot was cleared of the trees, and a mosque 54 yards in width and 60 yards in length was built
over it with clay bricks and mud. It was roofed with palm-wood timbers covered with palm branches,
leaves and clay.
• Quran says, “…. there is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more
worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein...” (9:108)

Call to Prayer (Azan):

• For congregational prayers, the system of calling Azan was introduced, as suggested by Hazrat
Umar. Bilal ibn Rabah was appointed the very first mua’zin i.e. caller to prayer.

Establishing Brotherhood
• Prophet (PBUH) established brotherhood between emigrants & helpers. It was based on mutual
economic and psychological support and the principle of being inheritors to each other, which in
turn aimed to provide emigrants with support to get over the sorrow and misery they felt because of
homesickness.
• The Ansar volunteered to share half with these brothers, everything they earned or possessed. It is
narrated in the Quran: “Surely those (Muhajirun) who believed and migrated and strived hard in the
way of Allah with their property and souls, and those (Ansar) who sheltered and helped them, these
are indeed friends (and protectors) of one another”(8:72).
• Brotherhood thus established between Salman Farisi and Abu’d-Dardaa; Ammar and Huzaifa;
Musab and Abu Ayyub, Abu Bakr and Kharij etc. Prophet (PBUH) established brotherhood between
himself and Ali.
Treaty with the Jews
• Yasrib was a pluralistic society composed of people of different religions with a large population of
Jews. There were 12 tribes of Arabs divided between Aws and Khazraj and ten Jewish tribes
including Banu Nazir, Banu Quraizah and Banu Qainuqa. The strong need to create a centralized
government in Madinah to end the prevailing anarchy culminated in the creation of the Charter of
Madinah.
Salient features include
• All parties has freedom to practice their religion,
• Equal rights and responsibilities and were protected against oppression,
• System of financial aid was developed between tribes,
• In war from outsider, all tribes of Madinah will respond jointly,
• Prophet (PBUH) was the final authority for settling the disputes,
• Quraysh were to be boycotted commercially, and nobody was to extend any support to them.

Importance
It is a landmark document, not only in Muslim history but also in the constitutional history of the
world. This charter transformed all aspects of life in Madinah including political, religious and social
life. Its biggest achievement was bringing hostile tribes together to form a polity and establishing
long term peace among them. It put an end to the prevailing anarchy and protected the life, liberty,
property and religious freedom of all people included in the accord. It created a state where equal
rights and responsibilities were truly provided for all citizens. It replaced the traditional tribal kinship
with a new social order i.e. nation state.

Hypocrites
• With the growing influence of Muslims in Madinah, another group appeared i.e., group of
munafiqs (hypocrites), that did not believe heartily but seemed to be believers.
• Their leader Abdullah bin Ubay was decided to the ruler of Madinah just before the Prophet
(PBUH) arrived in Madinah. However, his dream to be the leader, shatters with the Prophet (PBUH)’s
arrival.
• Apparently, he became a Muslim but continued to influence those who viewed Islam with hatred
and suspicion. They proved to be more dangerous than the unbelievers, because they were able to
know the secrets of the Muslims and pass them on to the enemies of Islam.
• They are known as ‘Hypocrites’ or Munafiqin in the Holy Quran that says the following about them:
“When it is said to them, ‘Come to what Allah has revealed, and to the Messenger’, thou see the
hypocrites avert their faces from thee in disgust" (4:61).
• Their betrayed at the time of Battle of Uhad, withdrawing three hundred of his supporters.
• After Trench, spying Muslim activities and reporting to exiled Jews.
• During the Expedition of Muraysi, he worked hard to set Muhajirs against Ansar and overstepped
the mark by saying, “Once we return to Madinah, the strong ones will definitely drive out the weak
ones.” Thereupon, the Surah al-Munafiqun was sent down.
• They built a mosque i.e. Masjid e Zarar, outside Madinah to hold meetings against Islam. When
Allah revealed verses “And (there are) those (hypocrites) who took for themselves a mosque for
causing harm and disbelief and division among the believers……” (9:107-110), this mosque was
demolished and burnt by the Prophet (PBUH).
• Demoralizing the Muslims, as they were getting ready for the Tabuk expedition, “Do not set out in
this scorching heat!” They also seek excuse to the Prophet (PBUH) and eighty of them were given the
permission. The Quran mentions their situation as follows: “Those who were left behind (in the
Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their inaction behind the back of the Messenger of God…” (9: 81-82).
• Soon after the Tabuk Expedition, Abdullah fell ill and died. With his death, many of the hypocrites
repented and turned to the genuine faith.
2AH
Change of Qibla
• In Madinah, for almost sixteen months, Muslims continued to pray facing the direction of Al-Aqsa
Mosque. In 2 A.H. while Prophet (PBUH) was leading As’r prayer, he received the divine order i.e.
“Indeed, We see the turning of our face to the heavens; so, We shall surely turn you to a qibla which
you shall like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque…” (2:144).

Zakat
• Zakat was made obligatory, “And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah and make not your
own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do well.”
(2:195)

Fasting
• Ramadan fast was commanded in the same year as, “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you
as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint” (2:183).
Battle of Badr
Causes
• Firstly, the increasing strength of the Muslims was seen by Quraysh, as a threat both to their
prestige as custodians of the Ka’abah and to their social and economic leadership.
• Threats & Raids i.e., Nakhla [Abdullah b Jahsh vs Amr b. Hardami]
• Secondly, the Jews began to plot, and their various tribes’ broke treaties with the Muslims.
• Thirdly, the hypocrites were working against the interests of the Muslims.
• In the second year of Hijrah i.e., 2 AH/624 A.D, Muslims came to know of a trade caravan coming
back from Syria to Makkah, headed by Abu Sufyan. This trade caravan was extraordinarily equipped
for the preparations of war against Muslims.
• Abu Sufyan feared that the Muslims might intercept his trade caravan. He changed his route and
had given a rescue call in Makkah.

Events
• Quraysh on this call, prepared an army of 1300 men, 200 horses, 700 camels, led by Abu Jahl.
• Abu Sufyan, however, safely escaped& send message to Abu Jahl to come back. But arrogance
didn’t allow them to move back. However, 300 men from Bani Zahrah refused to participate, rest
1000 men, motivated for war move forward and camped at Badr i.e. (200 miles from Mecca &80
miles from Medina).
• In the month of Safar 2 A.H, Allah has already given permission to fight against the unbelievers,
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not
transgressors.” (2:190).
• Prophet (PBUH) consulted his companions, Emigrants approved their inclusion straight away, but
they were very less in number. Saad bin Mu’az from Ansar stood up and said, “We received you as
the Prophet (PBUH) of Allah and had sworn allegiance to you, promising to obey you…..do whatever
pleased you”.
• This situation is described in the Qur'an: “……and Allah desired to manifest the truth of what was
true by His words and to cut off the root of the unbelievers…”.(8:8)
• A small defence force of 313 Muslims (86 emigrants & 227 helpers); most of them were unarmed
and had only 70 camels and 2 horses, moved out of the city and stationed at the wells of Badr.
Muslim army was divided into two groups; emigrants led by Hazrat Ali & helpers by Saad bin Muaz.
• Night before battle, the Prophet (PBUH) prayed, “O Lord! If this small band were to perish, there
will be none to worship Thee” (Bukhari). Allah replied to this supplication as, “[Remember] when you
asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, “Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from
the angels, following one another. (8: 9)
• Allah helped them by sending rain which provided them with water enough for their needs and
made the sandy ground firm for them, while the firm clay of the Meccans' side became muddy and
slippery. Allah says, “…and we sent down upon you water from the cloud so that He might thereby
purify you… and keep (your) footsteps thereby firm.(8:11)
• Battle began on Friday, 17th Ramadan/2A.H. with the Arab Tradition of individual combat, a triplet
of disbelievers namely: Utbah ibn Rabiah, his son Walid and his brother Sheibah came out and asked
the Prophet (PBUH) to send His men of equal strength and caliber to fight them. Prophet (PBUH)
selected Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Hamza and Hazrat Ubaidah bin Haris. The first two had great wins over
their opponents, while the Last One got injured and later became the first martyr of Badr. This
heated them up and they went for an attack.
• The Prophet (PBUH) took a handful of soil and threw it in the air towards the faces of the idolaters.
This caused them to tremble, and they turned their backs, thereupon, Muslims took them with great
power. Allah says, “And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who
threw that...” (8: 17)
• 70 of the best Quraysh warriors including Abu Jahl {by Mua’z & Maaz0}, Umayya ibn Khalaf {by
Bilal} were killed in the war.
• 70 Qurayshite were taken as prisoners including Prophet (PBUH)’s uncle Abbas, Ali’s brother Aqeel,
Prophet (PBUH)’s son-in-law Abul Aas. Prisoners were treated with great humility and kindness. The
richer prisoners paid ransom and were set free. The rest were asked to teach ten people each to
read and write and this teaching was to count as their ransom. Poor were free without ransom.
• 14 of the Muslims (6 emigrants, 8 helpers) embraced martyrdom in this battle.
• Allah talks about this emphatic victory of Muslims over infidels in the Holy Quran as: “Already
there has been for you a sign in the two armies which met – one fighting in the cause of Allah and
another of disbelievers. They saw them [to be] twice their [own] number by [their] eyesight…”
[Quran, 3: 13]
• Quran stated: “Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear
Allah. Thus, May ye show your gratitude.” (3:123).

Consequences
• It demonstrated the great devotion of the disciples to their cause and their complete faith in the
Prophet (PBUH) and his mission. Stood before them in the Meccan ranks were many of their close
relatives, sons, fathers, or uncles. Yet the disciples never faltered. Personal feelings and sentiments
were subordinated to the supreme cause.
• The battle also proved that mere numerical superiority is of no avail if the cause is not righteous.
Allah helps those who make sacrifices in His cause.
• This victory gave Muslims confidence in their physical power. They were soon recognized as a
power to be reckoned with, and smaller tribes were cautioned against joining forces against them.
• This victory dealt a severe blow to the prestige of Quraysh. Several of their chiefs, such as Abu Jahl,
Utbah, Shaibah, and Umayyah ibn Khalaf had been killed and, consequently, Abu Sufyan became
their undisputed chief.
• Abdullah bin Ubbay and his followers professed Islam, though in name only, and as munafiqun
(hypocrites), they were always a source of danger. The Jews of Medina and its vicinity were alarmed
at the new power that had emerged.
• Banu Qainuqa expelled from Madina.
3AH
Battle of Uhud

Causes
• After Badr, the rise of Madinah was a threat to the political & commercial interests of Quraysh.
• Jews of Banu Nazir namely, Ka’ab bin Ashraf mourned and instigated Quraysh by writing poems.
• Poets urged the people with their militant verses and provoked fanatical zeal.
• Revenge of Badar was the main cause of Ohad.

Events
• In 3AH, Abu Sufyan along with the coastal tribes raised an army numbered 3000. 700 armoured
soldiers, 200 cavalrymen & 3000 camels.
• Women led by Hinda wife of Abu Sufyan took their place in the rear of the army, beating their
drums and chanting poetry to morally boost the army.
• Prophet (PBUH)’s own opinion was to fight within Madinah and Abdullah ibn Ubayy also agreed to
this. However, after consultation, majority urged Him to meet the enemy outside the city.
• When the Prophet (PBUH) was ready to march out, People changed their mind again, but He
replied, “It is not fitting that a Prophet (PBUH) who has put on his armour should put it aside until he
has fought”. He marched out with only 1000 men.
• ‘Abdullah ibn Ubay with his 300 men left on the excuse that the Prophet (PBUH) had turned down
his suggestion of fighting inside the city. Quran says, “What ye suffered on the day the two armies
met was with the leave of God, in order that He might test the Believers. And the Hypocrites also…”
(3:166)
• Prophet (PBUH) reached Uhud (3km from Madinah) in the morning of 7 Shawal, 3AH and took up
his position below the mountain. The army was arrayed in fighting formations and 50 archers under
‘Abdullah ibn Zubair was instructed, “Keep the cavalry away from us with arrows so that they do not
come up from our rear whether the battle is going for us or against us”.
• Muslims standard was in the hands of Musab ibn Umair. Zubair bin Awam was the commander of
the armoured soldiers and Hazrat Hamza the unarmoured soldiers. Abu Dujanah fought with the
sword of the Prophet (PBUH).
• The right- and left-wing commander of the polytheist army was Khalid bin Walid and Ikrima bin
Abu Jahl.
• Talha, the pagans' standard-bearer, challenged the Muslims for individual combat. 9 or 10
standard-bearers were killed one after the other by Muslims. (Ibn Hisham).
• Wahshi, a slave, an expert at throwing the javelin waited for Hazrat Hamza in ambush. He was
commissioned by Hinda, wife of Abu Sufyan, to kill Hamza to avenge the death of her father Utbah.
Hazrat Hamza was killed by Wahshi. His body was later mutilated by Hinda.
• Muslims collectively launched an attack against the Meccan army, breaking its centre. The
Meccans were seen turning to their heels, leaving their camp to the Muslims. Muslims eagerness for
spoil, however, turned the tide of victory.
• Most of the archers who were guarding the passage in the hill left their posts. Khalid ibn Walid
gathered cavalry and attacked at the rear of Muslims. For that group of archers, who disobey
Prophet (PBUH), Quran says, “Allah was true in His promise towards you when you blasted them by
His leave; until you lost heart and quarrelled about the matter and were rebellious…” (3: 152)
• The retreating Meccan forces rallied again and launched a fresh attack from the front. The
Muslims' standard-bearer, Musab ibn Umair was martyred.
• A Qurayshite, Ibn Suraqah cry that Muhammad had been killed (Nau’zu’billah). This threw the
Muslims into further confusion thus causing great loss. Quran says: “And Muhammad is no more
than a Prophet (PBUH); Prophets have already passed away before him; if then he dies or is killed,
will you turn back upon your heels?” (3:144)
• Kaa’b ibn Malik saw the Prophet (PBUH) and shouted that the Prophet (PBUH) was still alive. The
spirit of the Muslims revived.
• Prophet (PBUH) now became the chief target of the Meccans. Ali, Sa’ad, Zubair, Talha, Abu
Dajjanah, Zaid, Um e ‘Amarah and few other brave companions protected Prophet (PBUH) from
furious onslaughts of Meccans. It was there, two upper teeth of Prophet (PBUH) dislodged. After
some furious fighting, they managed to retreat to the heights of Uhud.
• In this battle, 70 Muslims were martyred and 40 wounded. The Meccans lost 30.
• For those who laid their lives in the way of Allah, the following glad tiding had been revealed: “And
reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are sustained by
their Lord” (3:169).
• However, Muslims were pardoned as: “Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts
Met, -it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allah Has
blotted out (their fault): For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing” (3:155).

Consequences:
• This battle convinced the Muslims that Allah supported them only as long as they supported His
cause. They saw with their own eyes the victory change into defeat when they forgot the real reason
for battle and ran for the booty.
• This battle distinguished the true believers from the hypocrites. Those who were sincere to Allah
and Prophet (PBUH) were able to pass this test. About sixty verses of Surah Al-Imran comment on
this battle.
• Muslims got to know the significance of Prophet (PBUH)’s command that, “He who obeys the
Messenger has obeyed Allah; but those who turn away—we have not sent you over them as
guardian”. (4:80)
• The defeat at Uhud did, indeed, create serious problems for the Muslims. It encouraged the
nomadic tribes on the one hand to make raids upon Medina and, on the other hand, encouraged the
Jews of Medina to generate further trouble.
• The Meccans were determined to beat the Muslims—this objective they could not achieve. Their
infantry had suffered such losses that they could not even drive home the advantage they gained in
the last stages of the battle.
• The Meccans realized that on their own they could not crush the Islamic movement. They now
started instigating other tribes to make common cause with them. Most of the tribes were already
hostile to Islam.
• Banu Nazir expelled from Madina.
Q: What lessons might be learned from the outcome of the Battle of Uhud? [4]
{MJ-2021/12}
• Muslims should listen to and obey the orders of the Prophet (Pbuh) to gain success.
• Decisions do not have to be made by leaders on their own, and consultation with others can be
beneficial.
• Loyalty is important for Muslims and communities, and they should stick together in difficult times.
•
•
Q: Why is it important for Muslims to show obedience to God in difficult situations? [4]
{MJ-2017/11}
• They could say that in difficult times, such as times of war, they should not give up hope of victory
or of ease in their situation, and that they should continue to pray and worship God and carry on
doing good deeds, because God is there for those who ask for help.
• In times of difficulty such as illness, God is testing how a person reacts, whether they lose hope
and despair, or whether they continue being steadfast in their faith. God says call on Me and I’ll
answer you.
•
5AH
Battle of Trench

Causes
• Departing Uhud, Abu Sufyan challenged to meet again the following year. Prophet (PBUH) reached
badr at the appointed time with 1500 men and waited for 8 days. However, Abu Sufyan didn’t make
up, and Prophet (PBUH) returned to Madinah. This campaign i.e. Badr the minor, helped Muslims
regaining their former position.
• Growing power of the Muslims was a continuous threat to social, religious & economic interests of
Quraysh.
• Banu Nazir decided to seek revenge on being exiled from Madinah. 20 leaders from the Jews and
50 from Quraysh made a covenant in the Ka’ba that as long as they lived, they would fight against
Islam.
Events
• Jews and Quraysh along with their allies, Ghatfan, Asad, Aslam, Ashja, Kinanah, Fizarah etc. raised
an army of 10000. The Meccans—4000, including 300 cavaliers and 1500 camels were joined by
6000 allies.
• In 5 AH, under the command of Abu Sufyan they set to attack Medina.
• Meanwhile, Prophet (PBUH) received this news through Banu Khuza. On consultation, Salman
Farsi, a Persian convert proposed digging a trench on the unsafe north side to defend Madinah.
Trench—approximately 5.5 kilometers in length, 9 meters in width, and 4.5 meters in depth was dug
in 6 days by 3000 companions and the Prophet (PBUH). Muslims were divided into groups of 10 and
each party was allotted 10 yards to dig. Trench was dug before the Meccans reached Madinah.
• Many hypocrites could not withstand hunger, scarcity& fear asked permission to leave: “…and a
party of them asked permission of the Prophet (PBUH) saying: Verily our houses are exposed, and
they were not exposed; they only described to flee away” (33:13).
• 3000 Muslims—having two standard bearers, Zaid bin Haris for emigrants & Sa’ad bin Abadah for
helpers.
• The Meccans were astonished to see the trench because they were not familiar of such military
tactic.
• Meanwhile, Hu’yy Ibn Akhtab, chief of Banu Nadir, met secretly with Ka’b ibn Asad, chief of Banu
Quraizah, a Jewish tribe which was still in Medina. Banu Quraizah agreed to attack at the rear of
Muslims.
• Prophet (PBUH) sent chiefs of Aws and Khazraj i.e. Sa’d Ibn Mu’az and Sa’d Ibn ‘Abadah to discover
the truth. Searching inquiries & scouting of their own, they confirmed Jews scheme.
• Due to this mighty attack on Muslims from different tribes, battle of trench is also called as Battle
of Ahzab & Battle of Allies. Qur'an says, “When they came upon you from above you and from below
you, and when the eyes turned dull, and the hearts rose up to the throats…” (33:10).
• Nu’aym Ibn Mas’ud—Allies leader, who had secretly accepted Islam was granted permission by
Prophet (PBUH) to disunite the allies. The strategy of Nu’aym started to yield positive results.
• The Meccans army threw arrows and stones at the Muslims. ‘Amr bin Abdwud, Ikramah bin Abu
Jahl, Nawfal bin Abdullah succeeded in crossing the trench. Ikramah managed to escape, however
rest were put to death by Hazrat Ali. The enemies tried to overrun the Muslim side of the trench but
were repelled at every point.
• Muslims were running out of provisions. Even the Prophet (PBUH) had to tie a stone on his
stomach. Meccan army was getting restive, too; it could not put up any further with the rain and
cold; its horses were perishing daily and provisions nearing depletion.
• The Prophet (PBUH) went to the place where the Mosque of Victory now stands and prayed to
Allah: “O Lord! Revealer of the Sacred Book, the One Who is swift in taking account, turn the
confederate host away! Turn them to flight, O Lord, and make the earth underneath them quake!”
• One-night, fierce storm raged, uprooting the tents of the enemies, extinguished their fires, and
their horses were running around. Abu Sufyan decided to lift the siege and to march back at once.
Qur'an says, “O ye who believe! Remember the bounty of Allah unto you when came upon you the
hosts, so We sent against them a strong wind and hosts that ye saw not, and Allah sees all what you
do” (33:9).
• Next morning, Muslims discovered the sudden disappearance of the enemy. The siege lasted for
27long days, Quran says, “And Allah turned back the unbelievers in their rage; they did not achieve
any advantage, and Allah sufficed for the believers in fighting, and Allah is Strong, Mighty” (33:25).
• Prophet (PBUH) praised Allah as, “There is no god but Allah; He is the unique one. God made His
army victorious and helped His slave. He defeated Ahzab (Arab tribes) alone!” (Bukhari)
• During this battle, 5 Muslims were martyred; 9 unbelievers were killed.
Consequences:
• Failure of the siege marked the beginning of Prophet (PBUH)’s undoubted political dominance in
the city of Madinah.
• It was the last attempt of the Quraysh to destroy Islam. Following their withdrawal in defeat and
humiliation, Prophet (PBUH) declared: “From this moment we will march upon them; they will no
longer be able to raid us” (Bukhari).
• The defeat caused the Meccans to lose their trade with Syria and much of their prestige as
custodians of Ka’bah.
• Prophet (PBUH) used his victory to negotiate greater concessions for the Muslims in a treaty of
Ḥudaibiya/628AD.
• No more adventure from the Meccans finally leading to conquest of Mecca.
• Tribes under influence of Quraysh now started admitting Muslims as the new power, leading to
their conversion.
• Banu Quraizah faced the consequences.

Q: What can Muslims learn from this event about taking advice from others? [4]
[MJ-2020/11]
• Even if you are in a position of authority or power, you should not think that you cannot take
advice from others.
• There will often be people who know more than you or have more experience or wisdom about a
subject. Therefore, when you are in need, or have a dilemma, it is good to ask others who know, as
the Prophet (Pbuh) would also consult and take advice from his companions.
• It is not necessary to always follow the advice, but people should be open to receiving it.
•
Q: What can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s involvement in the digging of the trench?
[ON-2017/12]
• Candidates can offer a variety of lessons but should give an explanation for their answer.
• The Prophet (Pbuh) was the leader of the army and yet he took part in digging the trench, despite
his severe hunger.
• This teaches Muslims that no matter what their position, whether heads of state or community
leaders, they should take part in hard work required for the benefit of the community or others.
• It also provides a lesson in patience and perseverance, and that God will help if you don’t give up.
• It also teaches humility, that you do not think yourself above certain types of work.
•