Nights of Fear in Madīnah

All of these things shed light upon the bloody intentions of the Quraish of Makkah, which they harboured against Islām, after the migration. The Muslims were not unaware of these intentions. Rather, they knew full well that this change in the conduct of the Makkans, would soon bring about its results. Although they firmly believed in the promises of Allāh, but naturally, they were very fearful and apprehensive as well, as to the trials they would be compelled to bear. In the beginning, this fear was so prevalent that the Companions found it difficult to sleep at night in Madīnah, apprehensive of an impending attack. Of course, these dangers were far greater for the Holy Prophet(sa) as compared to other Muslims. Moreover, since the Holy Prophet(sa) was most concerned for the security of the Muslims, for this reason, he would remain more alert than others. As such it is narrated in Nasa’ī1:

“In the beginning, when the Holy Prophet(sa) arrived to Madīnah, he would often remain awake at night.”

A similar narration is also recorded in Bukhārī2 and Muslim3:

“One night the Holy Prophet(sa) remained awake until very late. Then he stated, ‘If a suitable man from among our friends were to stand guard, I may be able to sleep a bit.’ Suddenly we heard the clanking of arms. The Holy Prophet inquired, ‘Who is there?’ ‘O Messenger of Allāh! It is I, Sa‘d bin Abī Waqqāṣ’ was the response, ‘I have come to stand guard.’ It was after this reassurance that the Holy Prophet(sa) went to sleep.”

Another narration in this very chapter of Muslim specifies that this incident was from the initial era after the migration. It should be remembered that this anxiety of the Holy Prophet(sa) was not for his own person, rather, it was for the security of Islām and the Muslims. In these days of fear, the Holy Prophet(sa) considered it necessary to maintain security in Madīnah at night. As such, for this purpose the Holy Prophet(sa) himself would often remain awake at night, and would also urge other Muslims to remain alert and vigilant. This apprehension of the Holy Prophet(sa) was not due to fear or cowardice; rather, it was due to caution and vigilance. As far as the inherent bravery and courage of the Holy Prophet(sa) was concerned, this was accepted by friend and foe alike. As such, there is a narration that one night there was a clamour in Madīnah. People came out of their homes anxiously, and headed in the direction of the clamour. The people had only proceeded a short distance when they saw the Holy Prophet(sa) returning from the opposite direction, riding on the bare back of the horse of Abū Ṭalḥah(ra), with his sword hanging at his side. When the Holy Prophet(sa) drew near, he said to his Companions, “I have investigated the matter. Nothing to worry about, nothing to worry about.”4 Upon this, the people returned. It seems as if on this night as well, the Holy Prophet(sa) was awake; and as soon as he heard this clamour, he dashed out immediately on the bare back of the horse of Abū Ṭalḥah(ra). Before other people could even reach there, he had already investigated, and returned.