Ghazwah of Ḥamrā’ul-Asad

This night was a night of great fear in Madīnah, because although the army of the Quraish had apparently taken to Makkah, it was apprehended that this move may be a plot to catch the Muslims off guard, and suddenly return to attack Madīnah. Hence, on this night an arrangement was made for security in Madīnah and the Companions particularly stood guard all night long at the residence of the Holy Prophet(sa).1 The next morning it was discovered that this apprehension was not mere speculation, because prior to Fajr Ṣalāt, the Holy Prophet(sa) received news that the army of the Quraish had stalled at a few miles from Madīnah and a heated debate was taking place amongst the chieftains of Makkah, that making use of this victory, why not attack Madīnah. Some of the Quraish were taunting one another saying:

“You did not kill Muḥammad[sa], nor did you take the Muslim women as slaves, nor did you seize their wealth and possessions; rather, when you gained dominance over them and received the opportunity to destroy them completely, you just left them and turned back, so that they may collect strength again. There is still time, let us return and attack Madīnah and uproot the Muslims once and for all.”

In contrast to this, the others argued:

“You have attained victory. Consider this to be good fortune enough and return to Makkah, lest we lose this repute as well, and this victory is turned to defeat. Now if you return and attack Madīnah, the Muslims shall indeed fight with all their strength, and those who did not participate at Uḥud shall come forth in the field of battle as well.”2

Ultimately, however, the opinion of the passionate ones prevailed and the Quraish prepared to set back to Madīnah.3 When the Holy Prophet(sa) was informed of these events, he immediately announced that the Muslims should prepare, but along with this he also ordered that except for those people who had participated at Uḥud, no one else should set out with them.4 As such, the warriors of Uḥud, most of whom were wounded, tied up their wounds and betook to the company of their Master. It is written that on this occasion, the Muslims set out with such joy and zeal, as if they were a triumphant army which sets out in pursuit of the enemy. After travelling a distance of eight miles, the Holy Prophet(sa) reached Ḥamrā’ul-Asad,5 where the dead bodies of two Muslims were found laying on the plain. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that these were the two spies whom the Holy Prophet(sa) had sent in the footsteps of the Quraish. Upon finding an opportunity, the Quraish had executed them. The Holy Prophet(sa) instructed that a single grave be dug, and both of them were buried together. Now that it was evening time, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed that camp be set up at this very location. He further instructed that fires be lit at different places throughout the plain. As such, in no time, 500 fires were lit in the plain of Ḥamrā’ul-Asad, which struck awe into the heart of any spectator from afar.6 Most probably, on this occasion, an idolatrous chief of the Khuzā‘ah tribe named Ma‘bad presented himself before the Holy Prophet(sa) and offered his condolences for those who had fallen at Uḥud, whereafter he continued on his way. On the following day when he reached Rauḥā’, lo and behold, he found the army of the Quraish encamped there and that preparations were underway to return to Madīnah. Ma‘bad went to Abū Sufyān at once and said:

“What are you about to do? By God, I have just let behind the army of Muḥammad[sa] at Ḥamrā’ul-Asad, and never before have I seen such an awe- inspiring army. They are so passionate due to their regret for the defeat at Uḥud that they shall reduce you to ashes on sight.”

Abū Sufyān and his followers were so awe-struck by these comments of Ma‘bad, that they abandoned the idea of returning to Madīnah and made haste to Makkah at once.7 When the Holy Prophet(sa) received news that the army of the Quraish had fled in this manner, he thanked God and said, “This is the awe of God, which He has struck into the hearts of the disbelievers.”8

After this, the Holy Prophet(sa) remained in Ḥamrā’ul-Asad for another two or three days, and after an absence of five days, he returned to Madīnah. In this campaign, two warriors from among the Quraish, one of whom was treacherous and the other a spy, were captured by the Muslims. According to the laws of war, since their punishment was death, they were executed by order of the Holy Prophet(sa). From among them, one was a renowned poet of Makkah named Abū ‘Uzzah, who was taken captive at the hands of the Muslims in the battle of Badr. On that occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) released him without ransom upon his seeking forgiveness and promising that he would never come forth to fight the Muslims again. However, he betrayed the Muslims and participated in war against the Muslims again. Moreover, not only did he participate himself, but with his provocative couplets, he incited others as well. Hence, since the treachery of such a man could have proven to be severely injurious to the Muslims, when he was now taken captive at the hands of the Muslims a second time, the Holy Prophet(sa) ordered that he be put to death. Abū ‘Uzzah attempted to talk his way to freedom again with a verbal apology, but the Holy Prophet(sa) refused and said:

“A believer is not stung by the same hold twice.”9

The second captive was Mu‘āwiyyah bin Mughīrah. This individual was from among the relatives of Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān bin ‘Affān(ra), but was a staunch enemy of Islām. After the battle of Uḥud, he continued to secretly circle the vicinity of Madīnah, but the Companions spotted him, apprehended him and presented him before the Holy Prophet(sa). Ḥaḍrat ‘Uthmān(ra) interceded on his behalf and the Holy Prophet(sa) released him on the condition that he would leave within three days, otherwise he would be executed according to the punishment which was meted out to spies. Mu‘āwiyyah promised that he would leave within three days, but when this time limit had expired and he was still found to be circling Madīnah secretly just as before, he was executed.10 History has not recorded his motive, but for someone to secretly remain in the vicinity of Madīnah, and then to remain there past the stipulated term despite being warned, demonstrates that he harboured dangerous intent. It is very likely that agitated and vexed by the safe return of the Holy Prophet(sa) from the field of Uḥud, he came to Madīnah with some ill-motive against the very person of the Holy Prophet(sa) and planned to make a secret strike with the help of a conspiracy hatched by the Jews or idolators of Madīnah. Nonetheless, God the Exalted granted His protection and his plan could not succeed.