Ghazwah of Banū Muṣṭaliq and the Great Calumny - Sha‘bān 5 A.H.

The opposition of the Quraish began to take on a more dangerous form day by day and through their conspiracies, they had already incited many tribes against Islām and the Founder of Islām. However, now their animosity created a new threat, in that, those tribes of Ḥijāz who had thus far, held good relations with the Muslims, now began to stand up against them due to the seditious designs of the Quraish.1 In this respect, the Banū Muṣṭaliq, a branch of the renowned Khuzā‘ah tribe took the lead, and began to mobilise in order to launch an attack against Madīnah.2 Their chief, Ḥarath bin Abī Ḍarrār toured the other tribes of that region and brought various other tribes aboard as well.3 When the Holy Prophet(sa) received news of this, as an act of precaution, the Holy Prophet(sa) dispatched a Companion named Buraidah bin Ḥaṣīb(ra) towards the Banū Muṣṭaliq in order to gather intelligence, and urged him to return swiftly with insight into the state of affairs. When Buraidah(ra) arrived he found that in fact, a very large gathering was present and preparations were underway to attack Madīnah with great vehemence and uproar. He returned at once and relayed his findings to the Holy Prophet(sa).4 According to his custom, as a pre-emptive measure, the Holy Prophet(sa) urged his Companions to set out towards the dwellings of Banū Muṣṭaliq. A large number of Companions prepared to go forth. In fact, a large group of hypocrites, who prior to this had never come along in such numbers also set out.5 The Holy Prophet(sa) left behind Abū Dharr Ghifārī(ra)6 or in light of various narrations, Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra)7 as the Amīr of Madīnah, and set out in the name of Allāh from Madīnah in Sha‘bān 5 A.H.8 There were only thirty horses in the army, albeit, camels were available in a somewhat greater number. The Muslims travelled on these horses and camels in turns. During the course of this journey, the Muslims happened to find a spy of the disbelievers, who was taken captive and presented to the Holy Prophet(sa). After questioning him, when the Holy Prophet(sa) was assured that he was actually a spy, the Holy Prophet(sa) attempted to probe him for information relevant to the disbelievers, but he refused. Furthermore, since his attitude was suspicious, according to the customary law of warfare, Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) executed him.9 After this, the Muslim army continued to advance. When the Banū Muṣṭaliq found out about the imminent arrival of the Muslims, and received news that their spy had been killed, they became very fearful. Their actual intention was to somehow attack Madīnah unexpectedly, but now the tables had turned. They became immensely awe-stricken and the other tribes who had come out to join them in support became so fearful due to the power of God, that they immediately left their side and returned to their homes.10 However, as for the Banū Muṣṭaliq, the Quraish had so deeply intoxicated them with enmity towards the Muslims that they still did not hold back from war, and remained fully bent upon fighting the Muslim army with full force. When the Holy Prophet(sa) reached Muraisī‘ close to where the Banū Muṣṭaliq were present, which is a place situated between Makkah and Madīnah near the coast of the sea, the Holy Prophet(sa) ordered the setup of camp. After arranging the ranks and the distribution of flags, etc., the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) to move forward and announce to the Banū Muṣṭaliq that even now if they refrain from their enmity towards Islām and accepted the rule of the Holy Prophet(sa), they would be given peace, and the Muslims would return. However, they vehemently refused and prepared for war.11 It is even written that the first arrow was shot by a man from their tribe.12 When the Holy Prophet(sa) witnessed their hostility, he ordered the Companions to fight as well. For some time both sides exchanged a shower of arrows, upon which the Holy Prophet(sa) ordered the Companions to launch a sudden attack. As a result of this sudden assault the disbelievers lost their footing. The Muslims surrounded them so skillfully that their entire tribe became surrounded and was forced to throw in their arms. With only ten casualties among the disbelievers and one from among the Muslims, this war, which could have taken on a dangerous form, came to an end.13

At this instance, it is also necessary to mention that there is a narration regarding this Ghazwah in Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, where it is related that the Holy Prophet(sa) attacked the Banū Muṣṭaliq at a time when they were unaware and giving water to their animals.14 However, if one contemplates, this narration is not in contradiction to the account related by historians. Rather, both these narrations relate to two different times. That is to say, when the Muslim army reached close to the Banū Muṣṭaliq, at the time, since they were unaware that the Muslims had reached so close (even though they were definitely aware that the Muslim army was about to arrive), they were still at ease in an unorganised state. It is this very state to which Bukhārī has made mention. However, when they received news that the Muslims had arrived according to their previous preparation, they immediately aligned in battle array and prepared to fight. The historians have alluded to this second state. ‘Allāmah Ibni Ḥajar and other research scholars have reconciled these two varying narrations in this very manner, and it is this elucidation which seems to be correct.15

At the end of this war, the Holy Prophet(sa) remained in Muraisī‘ for a few days. However, during this stay an untoward incident took place, which almost led to the outbreak of civil war between the weaker Muslims. However, the wisdom and magnetic influence of the Holy Prophet(sa) saved the Muslims from the dangerous outcomes of this mischief. It so happened that a servant of Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) named Jahjāh went to the main spring in Muraisī‘ to fetch some water. Coincidentally, another person named Sinān who was from among the confederates of the Anṣār, arrived at the spring as well. Both of these individuals were ignorant commoners. An altercation ensued between the two of them at the spring, and Jahjāh struck Sinān. That did it, and Sinān began to scream and shout, “O People of the Anṣār! Come to my aid, I have been beaten.” When Jahjāh saw that Sinān was calling his people to aid him, he also began to call for his own, “O Muhājirīn, come hither, run!”16 When the Anṣār and Muhājirīn heard this voice, a multitude of them rushed towards the spring with their swords in hand, and before they knew it, quite a large horde of people had gathered. Certain ignorant youngsters were about to attack each other, but a few wise and faithful Muhājirīn and Anṣār arrived on the scene in time, who immediately separated the people and reconciled between them.17 When the Holy Prophet(sa) received news of this, he stated that this was a manifestation of ignorant conduct and expressed his displeasure.18 In this way, the matter was settled. However, when news of this occurrence reached ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy bin Sulūl, who was also present in this Ghazwah, this evil man desired to revive the disorder. He greatly incited his followers against the Holy Prophet(sa) and said, “This is all your own fault, it is you who have granted refuge to these strangers and allowed them to rule upon you. You still have an opportunity to relinquish your support for them and they shall leave themselves.” Eventually, this wretched man went so far as to say:

“Just wait and see, now when we arrive to Madīnah, the most honoured man or people shall exile the most disgraceful person or people from the city.”19

At the time, a sincere young man from among the Muslims named Zaid bin Arqam(ra) was present. Upon hearing these words regarding the Holy Prophet(sa) from the mouth of ‘Abdullāh, he became restless, and conveyed news of this incident to the Holy Prophet(sa) through his paternal-uncle. At the time, Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) was sitting in the company of the Holy Prophet(sa) and upon hearing these words, he became inflamed in anger and indignation. He submitted to the Holy Prophet(sa), “O Messenger of Allāh! Grant me permission, I shall behead this hypocritical and seditious man.” The Holy Prophet(sa) responded, “Let it be ‘Umar! Would you like people to spread the news that Muḥammad kills his own followers?” Then, the Holy Prophet(sa) summoned ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy and his followers, and inquired of them as regards to this matter.” They all swore that they had not said such things.20 Some from among the Anṣār also interceded and submitted, “Perhaps Zaid bin Arqam may have been mistaken.”21 On this occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) accepted the statement of ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy and his followers, and rejected the submission of Zaid(ra). Upon this, Zaid(ra) was deeply grieved, but Qur’ānic revelation was later sent down in confirmation of Zaid(ra), and the hypocrites were declared to be liars.22 The Holy Prophet(sa) summoned ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy and his followers to inform them of this confirmation and instructed Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) to order an immediate departure.23 It was noon, and generally the Holy Prophet(sa) would not depart at such an hour, because due to the climate in Arabia, this was a time of intense heat and it was extremely difficult to travel at this time. However, in light of the prevalent circumstances, the Holy Prophet(sa) considered it best to depart at once. Therefore, according to his command the Muslim army prepared to depart immediately. It was perhaps on this very occasion that Usaid bin Ḥuḍair Anṣārī, who was a very renowned chieftain of the Aus tribe, presented himself before the Holy Prophet(sa) and submitted, “O Messenger of Allāh! You do not normally march at this time of day. What has happened today?” The Holy Prophet(sa) said, “Usaid! Have you not heard the words of ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy? He says that, ‘Once we arrive to Madīnah, the most honoured individual shall cast out the meanest.’” Usaid(ra) spontaneously said, “Indeed, O Messenger of Allāh, you may certainly throw out ‘Abdullāh from Madīnah. By God! It is you who are the most honourable and it is he who is the most disgraceful.” Then, Usaid(ra) went on to submit:

“O Messenger of Allāh! You are aware that prior to your arrival ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy was very revered amongst his people, and they were about to accept him as a king, but this was mixed to dust when you arrived. Due to this reason, his heart harbours jealousy towards you. Do not care for his nonsense, and forgive him.”24

After some time, the son of ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy, whose name was Ḥabbāb, but the Holy Prophet(sa) changed it to ‘Abdullāh, and he was a very faithful Companion, presented himself before the Holy Prophet(sa) in a state of concern and said:

“O Messenger of Allāh, I have heard that you intend to execute my father on account of his blasphemy and sedition. If this is your verdict, then permit me. I shall sever my father’s head and place it before you, but I urge you not to command anyone else. I fear that a tinge of ignorance may flare up in my body, and at some time, I may cause harm to the executioner of my father, and fall into hell despite longing for the pleasure of Allāh.”

The Holy Prophet(sa) calmed him and said, “We have no such intention, rather, in any case, we shall demonstrate compassion and benevolence towards your father.”25 However, ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy was so incensed against his father that when the Muslim army set back for Madīnah, ‘Abdullāh(ra) stood before his father and blocked his passage, saying, “By God! I shall not permit you to return, until you confess with your own tongue that the Holy Prophet(sa) is most honoured and you are the most disgraced.” ‘Abdullāh pressed his father to such an extent that finally he was compelled to say these words, upon which ‘Abdullāh left him free to proceed.26

When the return journey began, the remainder of that day, the entire night, and the start of the following day, were all spent by the Muslim army in continuous march. When camp was finally setup, the people were so terribly exhausted that they all fell into a deep sleep.27 Hence, in this manner, through the wisdom of the Holy Prophet(sa) the people’s attention was diverted away from this unpleasant incident and redirected to something else for quite an extended period of time. Thus, through His Grace, Allāh the Exalted safeguarded the Muslims from the mischief of the hypocrites. In actuality, it had always been the effort of the hypocrites to spur a state of civil war and internal division amongst the Muslims, and if it was possible to lower the position of the Holy Prophet(sa) in their eyes. However, Islām and the magnetic personality of the Holy Prophet(sa) had created such a bond of unity amongst the Muslims, that no conspiracy could fracture it. Such feelings of respect and veneration, loyalty and faithfulness, and love and affection had taken root in the hearts of the Muslims for the Holy Prophet(sa), that it was not in the power of man to shake these emotions. As such, just contemplate this occurrence alone. ‘Abdullāh bin Ubayy, chief of the hypocrites attempted to capitalise on a temporary conflict between two common Muslims, and somehow sow the seed of dissension and discord between the Muslims, and injure the love and awe of the Holy Prophet(sa). However, he was met with absolute failure, and was made to drink from the goblet of humiliation at the hands of his own son in such a manner that he perhaps never forgot it until his last breathe.