Ghazwa (الغزوة) is an Arabic word which can be translated as War, Battle, or Fight. In Islamic history, the term Ghazwa typically refers to the wars between Islamic forces and the forces of the disbelievers that happened during the earlier years of Islam, specifically those where the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, was personally present. The Arabic word Ghazi (غازي) denotes a person who took part in an Islamic battle or the Ghazwa.

A Ghazwa refers to a battle that was fought by the Islamic forces in the early years of Islam in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ for self-defense and spreading the Message of Islam, as well as for the protection of the Muslims. The verses 190-191 of Surah Al-Baqarah describe it as under:

Translation

  1. And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight against you but do not commit aggression because AIIah does not like aggressors.
  2. Fight against them wherever they confront you in combat and drive them out from where they drove you out. Though killing is bad. persecution is worse than killing Do not fight against them near the Masjid Haram unless they attack you there.

The ethics of an Islamic war are outlined in these verses. In that context, there had been around 27 Ghazwas, during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. It includes the major battles between the Muslims of Medina and the Meccans, such as Ghazwa Badr, Ghazwa Uhud and Ghazwa Khandaq (the battle of Trench), apart from many small-scale encounters.

Ghazwa Badr

The Battle of Badr, known as Ghazwa Badr (غَزْوَةُ بَدْرٍ), in Islamic history, is the first formal encounter between the Muslims of Medina and the disbelievers of Mecca, the Quraysh tribe. It happened on the 17th of Ramadan, 2 AH (13 March 624. CE). It is referred to in the Quran as “Youm al-Furqan” (يَوْمُ الْفُرْقَانْ), “The Day of Criterion,” the day that drew a clear line between the Truth and the Falsehood (the battle between Haq and Batil).

Ghazwa Badr is mentioned in the Quran in different verses, such as the 13th verse of Surah Al-e-Imran:

Translation

You have already come across an instructive sign in the two hosts that encountered each other in battle (at Badr): one host fighting in the way of Allah, and the other that of unbelievers. They saw with their own eyes that one host was twice the number of the other. But (the result of the battle has proved that) Allah succours with His victory whomsoever He wills. In this, there is surely a lesson for all who have eyes to see.

Here, it is narrated that the battle of Badr was fought in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and He brought victory to those who were fighting for the Truth.

In the 123rd verse of Surah Al-e-Imran, it is narrated that the victory in Ghazwa Badr was only possible with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

Translation

For sure Allah helped you at Badr when you were utterly weak. Beware, then, of Allah; perhaps you will be thankful.

The Background of Ghazwa Badr

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ and his companions were compelled to migrate from Mecca due to extreme persecutions by the Quraysh tribe. They were forced to leave behind their valuable assets, land and wealth. Despite that, they gradually settled in Medina under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.

On the other hand, the Quraysh of Mecca were trying to destabilize the newly established Islamic State. Resultantly, many small scale conflicts occurred between the Quraysh and Muslims. The trading convoys of the Meccans had to travel on the conventional route that passed through the outskirts of Medina. The Muslims of Medina often clashed with the Meccan trade convoys in small-scale battles on this route.

One such trade caravan, led by Abu Sufyan (a renowned leader of the Quraysh) was traveling back to Mecca, reportedly with some 50,000 Dinars. He was afraid that the Muslims of Medina may intercept this caravan. So, he sent an emergency message to the Quraysh to send a backup force for the safety of the wealth and goods, he was carrying. The Quraysh thought it was a good chance to attack the Muslims and finish this conflict forever.

They gathered an army of around 1000 soldiers under the leadership of Abu Jahl (Amr Ibn Hisham). He led his army towards Medina. Meanwhile, Abu Sufyan changed his route and safely crossed the outskirts of Medina. He sent a message to Quraysh that the threat of an ambush by Muslims had been averted, but Abu Jahl decided to engage Muslims in what he thought would be the first and the last battle. He continued his march towards Medina.

The Day of Ghazwa Badr

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ decided to protect Muslims and strengthen the newly established Islamic State, for which he was ready to fight with the Quraysh. He gathered an army of 313 men. They could only get two horses and 70 camels, whereas the Quraysh army led by Abu Jahl comprised of 1000 men, 100 horses and 170 camels. Apparently, the Muslim army was far less in numbers than the Meccans. But the Prophet was confident that Muslims would win this battle, with the Will and Command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.

During the night prior to the battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ continuously prayed for the victory of the Muslims over the disbelievers of Mecca. He prayed for the help of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and said that if this group of believers is defeated at the hands of the Meccans, there would be no one left on this earth, to worship the Almighty Allah. Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ sent Angels to help the Muslim army overcome the Meccans, as narrated in the 124th verse of Surah Al-e-Imran:

Translation

And recall when you said to the believers: ‘Will it not suffice you that your Lord will aid you by sending down three thousand angels?

Another divine help came in the shape of rain one night prior to the day of battle. This is narrated in the 11th verse of Surah Al-Anfal as under:

Translation

And recall when Allah brought on you drowsiness, giving you a feeling of peace and security from Him, and He sent down rain upon you from the sky that He might cleanse you through it and take away from you the pollution of Satan and strengthen your hearts, and steady your feet through it.

On the 17th of Ramadan, 2 AH, the 13th of March 624 CE, the actual battle began at Badr. As per the norms of that era, it started with individual duels, which Muslim Soldiers successfully won like Hamza Ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Ubaydah Ibn al-Haris, and Ali Ibn Abu Talib, رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.

After that, the battle started between the two armies, which hardly lasted for a few hours; eventually, it ended by the afternoon, with Muslims emerging victorious over an army three times more in numbers than the Muslims.

Fourteen men from the army of the Muslims were martyred in this conflict, whereas 70 Meccans were killed and another 70 were made prisoners by the Muslims. Abu Jahl, Umayyah Ibn Khalaf, Utbah Ibn Rabiya, and Shaybah Ibn Rabiya were among the prominent Meccans who were killed in Ghazwa Badr.

The victory at Badr was a historic event and is remembered as a landmark in the history of Islam. It provided much-needed confidence and strength to the Muslim Community in Medina.

Ghazwa Uhud

The Battle of Uhud, commonly known as Ghazwa Uhud (غزوة أحد) is the second war between the newly established Islamic State in Medina and the Quraysh of Mecca, the disbelievers. It happened on the 23rd of March, 625 CE, corresponding to the 7th Shawwal, 3 AH, just after one year of the first battle, the Ghazwa Badr.

Background of Ghazwa Uhud

After the unconditional defeat by the Muslims in the battle of Badr, the Meccans were in a state of shock. They had lost their notables in the battle of Badr, including their leader, Amr Ibn Hisham, commonly known as Abu Jahl in Islamic literature. Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb became the chief of the Quraysh tribe. He was under pressure from the Quraysh to avenge the defeat at Badr. Moreover, their historical rivals, the Hawazins, were also encouraged to fight with them, realizing the weakness of the Quraysh. The prestige of the Quraysh was at stake.

Hence, within one year, the Quraysh of Mecca prepared a massive army of over 3000 men, with 3000 camels and 200 horses. Led by Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb, the Quraysh got ready for another war with the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ and his followers. They marched towards Medina and eventually encamped on the North side of Medina.

Preparations by Muslims

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ gathered an army of around 1000 men, including some 300 men from the Khazraj tribe, under the leadership of Abdullah Ibn Ubayy. However, Abdullah Ibn Ubayy soon withdrew his men and returned back to Medina. So, the Muslim army was reduced to around 750 men, including 50 archers. The Muslim army had only 4 horses.

Despite meager numbers as compared to Meccans, the Muslims were confident enough to repeat the history of Badr. They marched out of Medina and encamped at the slopes of Mount Uhud.

The betrayal of the hypocrites, led by Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, is also mentioned in the Quran as a test and differentiating between the believers and hypocrites. It is mentioned in the verses 166-168 of Surah Al-e-Imran as under:

Translation

  1. What befell you on the day when the two hosts met was by the leave of Allah, and in order that He might mark out those who believe
  2. and those who are hypocrites. And when these hypocrites were asked: ‘Come and fight in the way of Allah’, or (at least) ‘defend yourselves’, they answered: ‘If we but knew that there would be fighting, we would certainly have followed. They were nearer then to infidelity than to faith. They utter from their mouths what is not in their hearts. Allah knows well what they conceal.
  3. These are the ones who stayed away, saying about their brothers: ‘Had they followed us, they would not have been slain.’ Say: ‘If you speak the truth then avert death when it comes to you.’

The Strategy of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

To protect the rear side of the Muslim Camp, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ deployed 50 archers on a hill, on the West side of the Camp. It was a strategic move by the Prophet. He planned this with a view to protect the Muslims from any possible attack from the rear side if they attempted to attack from the rear side. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ instructed these archers not to leave this place, whatever might be the outcome of the war.

The Day of Battle of Uhud

The Muslim army successfully defended the initial attack by the Meccans, led by Abu Amir, forcing Abu Amir and his men back to the Meccan Camp. Then the flag bearer of the Meccans, Tallha Ibn Abi Tallaha, came forward and was killed instantly by Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. Then the brother of Tallha moved forward, who was killed by Hazrat Hamza رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ.

After that, both armies started the free battle. Soon, the Meccans started retrieving as the Muslim army swept through them. The Muslims were foreseeing another historical victory over their rivals. However, the situation turned against the Muslims when the archers, deployed by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ignored the strict instructions and left their positions.

Seeing the victory of the Muslim forces, the archers deployed on the hill to protect the back side of the Muslim army left their posts to join the victory, although they were strictly instructed not to do so under any circumstances. A group of the Meccan army, led by Khalid Ibn Walid (Who later on accepted Islam), attacked the Muslim army from the rear side, which was left unguarded as the archers had moved away from their positions. The Muslim army suffered heavy losses due to this disobedience by the archers.

The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ also suffered injuries. The victory that was just within the reach of Muslims was averted. More than 70 Muslims were martyred in the battle of Uhud, including Hazrat Hamza رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. Many others were injured, including the Prophet himself.

The battle was ended and the chief of Meccans, Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb decided to go back without any further encounter.

Lesson for the Muslims

The lesson learned from the events that happened during Ghazwa Uhud was that believers should always obey the orders of the Prophet under any circumstances. They could have won this battle had the archers not disobeyed the orders of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ and remained alert at their posts but unfortunately, they did not adhere to the instructions of the Prophet.

This critical aspect of Ghazwa Uhud is also mentioned in the Quran in the 152nd verse of Surah Al-e-Imran:

Translation

Allah surely fulfilled His promise (of succor) when you were slaying them by His leave until the moment when you flagged and quarreled among yourselves about the matter, and acted against the order of (the Prophet). Soon He showed you what you had intensely desired – for some among you sought this world and some of you sought the Next. Thereupon, in order to put you to a test He turned you away from your foes. Still, He pardoned you after that for Allah is Bounteous to those who believe.

This incidence of disobedience by the archers is also mentioned in Hadith 3039 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. It is a detailed Hadith about various aspects of Ghazwa Uhud.

Ghazwa Khandaq – Battle of the Trench

The third major war between the believers of Medina and the disbelievers of Mecca is known as the “Battle of the Trench.” In Islamic history is known as Ghazwa Khandaq (غزوة الخندق); Khandaq is the Arabic phrase for “Trench.” This historic battle is also referred to as “the battle of confederates” or Ghazwa Ahzab (غزوة الاحزاب), as is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Ahzab. Ghazwa Khandaq started on the 31st of March, 627 CE, lasting for two weeks. It ended on the 14th of April, 627 CE.

Background of Ghazwa Khandaq

Once the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ migrated from Mecca to Medina, along with his followers and believers, there was a consistent conflict between the Muslims and the Pagans of Mecca. It resulted in the first battle between them, known as Ghazwa Badr, which the Muslims categorically won despite being far fewer than the Meccans in numbers. The Quraysh were eager to take revenge for this defeat, which resulted in the battle of Uhud just a year later.

The battle of Uhud started with an upper hand by the Muslims. Still, they lost the initiative due to the disobedience of the archers, who the Prophet deployed at a hill to protect the Muslim army from an ambush from the rear end. Practically, this war ended without a clear victory for any of the sides.

The Meccans were anxious to end this conflict by capturing Medina. They planned to finish the new religion of Islam by force. Meanwhile, Banu Nadir, a Jewish tribe the Prophet expelled from Medina, allied with the Quraysh of Mecca. The Quraysh eventually made a grand alliance with some other tribes, joining them for a final encounter with the Muslims.

They gathered an army of around 10,000 soldiers under the leadership of the chief of Quraysh, Abu Sufyan. The army consisted of around 600 horses and around 1500 camels. It was a well-equipped army. They started marching towards Medina on the 27th of December, 626 CE.

Preparations by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

The news of the incoming army led by Abu Sufyan reached the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. He started consultations with his companions on tackling this attack of around 10,000 men with many horses and camels. Some of the companions suggested fighting with the Confederates in an open battleground, as was done in the battle of Badr. However, considering the outcome of the battle of Uhud, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ decided to adopt a defensive strategy, while staying inside Medina.

One of the companions of the Prophet, known as Hazrat Salma Farsi رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ (Salman the Persian) suggested defending Medina by digging a trench (Khandaq) around the entry points of the city. The Arabs were not familiar with this type of defense. However, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ agreed with the suggestion and the work started on digging a trench to avoid invasion of the confederate army.

The Battle Starts

The trench was successfully dug by January 627. The Meccan army led by Abu Sufyan also reached the outskirts of Medina. They were caught by surprise to see a trench in front of them, as the Arabs were not familiar with defending a city with a trench around it. They were forced to stay outside of Medina. It created a siege of Medina. This siege continued for around a month. The Meccans got irritated with this situation. They were also facing scarcity of food during this continued siege conditions because Muslims had already harvested their crops, and nothing was left for the Meccans.

They decided to give it another try to cross the trench. Somehow, Amr Ibn Abu Wudd and Ikrama Ibn Abu Jahl succeeded in crossing the trench and stayed near the Hill of Sala. Per the norms of that era, they challenged the Muslims for a Duel. Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ came forward returned victorious. After that, the Meccans repeatedly tried to cross the trench but failed to do so.

On the other hand, Banu Qurayza breached the treaty with the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ by allying with the Meccans. This was bad news for Muslims. Moreover, Muslims were also facing a shortage of livelihood due to the continued siege of Medina. The fear was evident within the believers.

This situation is narrated in detail, in verses 9-22 of Surah Al-Ahzab as under:

Translation

  1. Believers, call to mind Allah’s favour to you when enemy hosts invaded you. Then We sent against them a wind and hosts that you did not see although Allah was observing all that you were then doing.
  2. When they came upon you from above you and from below you, when your eyes were stupefied with horror and your hearts leapt to your throats, and you began to entertain diverse thoughts about Allah.
  3. The believers were then put to a severe test and were most violently convulsed.
  4. And call to mind when the hypocrites and all those with diseased hearts said: “All that Allah and His Messenger had promised us was nothing but deceit.”
  5. And when a section of them said: “(O people of Yathrib), now there is no place for you to stay, so turn back.” (And call to mind) when a section of them was seeking permission from the Prophet to leave, saying: “Our houses are exposed (to attack),” although they were not exposed (to attack); they only wished to flee (from the battle-front)
  6. If the enemy were to enter the town from various directions, and they were summoned to act treacherously, they would have succumbed to it and would have shown little reluctance in doing so
  7. They had earlier covenanted with Allah that they would not turn their backs in flight. And a covenant made with Allah must needs be answered for
  8. (O Prophet), tell them: “If you run away from death or slaying, this flight will not avail you. You will have little time after that to enjoy (the pleasures of life).”
  9. Say (to them): “Who can protect you from Allah if He desires an evil for you? And who can prevent Him if He desires to show mercy to you?” They shall find none other than Allah to be their protector or helper.
  10. Allah knows well those of you who create obstructions (in war efforts) and say to their brethren: “Come and join us.” They hardly take any part in battle.
  11. They are utterly niggardly (in coming to your aid). Whenever there is danger, you will see them looking at you, their eyes rolling as though they were on the verge of fainting at the approach of death. But when the danger passes away, their greed for wealth prompts them to greet you with their sharp, scissor-like tongues. These are the ones who never truly believed, and so Allah has caused their deeds to be reduced to naught. That is easy enough for Allah.
  12. They think that the invading confederates have not yet gone. But if the confederates were to mount another assault, they would wish to be in the desert among the bedouins and keep themselves informed about you from there. But even if they remained in your midst, hardly would they fight
  13. Surely there was a good example for you in the Messenger of Allah, for all those who look forward to Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much.
  14. As for the true believers, when they saw the invading confederates, they cried out: “This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and what Allah and His Messenger said was absolutely true.” This only increased their faith and submission

The situation in Medina gradually improved. The Ghatafan tribe entered into negotiations with the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, which resulted in their support for the Muslims. The Meccans were also facing difficulties in continuing the siege. Later on, the weather also deteriorated, which had an impact on the Meccan army hence they decided to retreat. The war ended in embarrassment for the Meccans and victory for the Muslims. Three men of the Meccans were killed in this battle, whereas 5 Muslims embraced martyrdom.

This proved to be a decisive encounter between the believers and the disbelievers, where Muslims emerged as a dominant power in Arab.

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