Holy Prophet AsA Military Leader

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam........ ' O Muhammad! We have sent you to be a real blessing for the people of the world' (21:107) 'He brings them out of the depths of darkness into the light.' (2:257) This publication takes the liberty, by the grace of the Almighty to portray the unique and exemplary roles of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam:

AsA Military Leader The Prophet Sallallahu Aliahi Wasallam historically is noted to be a proficient and sublime figure in military leadership, adored by his Companions and furthermore humane towards the defeated. His intelligence, skill and determination are proven, having held 28 major and minor expeditions himself and fifty expeditions under the command of his Companions, all were victorious in aim. Establishing law and order, completely destroying the strength and fighting ability of his enemies with the sacrifice of just over 1 000 lives, peace was achieved for the first time in history in the entire Peninsula of Arabia in less than a decade. His, (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sole purpose being the establishment of Islam sacrificing family ties and home strove to defend and preserve his religion. In effect he (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had to subdue rising oppression and the obstacles shadowing his path to maintain peace, so circumstantially became a military leader, warrior and conqueror. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam tolerated the abuses of the unbelievers, he never became disheartened or impatient. Their abuse grew into raids, plunders and war against his people. The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam stood steadfast and patiently alone amongst the polytheism, their offences failed against his high degree of patience and perseverance resulting in victory. Hadhrat Baraa Ibn Aazib (R.A.) was once questioned, "Oh, Abu Ammarah did you ever flee from the battle when fighting aside the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ?" He replied, "I swear by the Almighty Allah, the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam never turned away although others did." The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam attacked them with arrows upon his mount. Abu Sufyan Ibn Harith held the reins of the Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam mount whilst the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam went on proclaiming, "I am a Prophet and it is no falsification, And I am the son of Abdul Muttalib." (Tirmizi Sharif) The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was regarded as a courageous warrior showing no signs of timidity or weakness, his approach was admirable upon the battlefield when facing a multitude of dangers and severe tasks. He fought steadfastly amongst the first lines nearest to the enemy, his determination and valour were exemplary. Hadhrat Ali (R.A.) states, "When the battle grew fierce there was none nearest to the enemy lines than the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam." Hadhrat Baraa (R.A.) also narrates regarding the Battle of Hunain, " There was no one as courageous as the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that day." The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam inspired men with the truth. In a hadith it has been stated, "Never desire fighting but pray to Allah for peace and security. And when you have to fight the enemy, fight with steadfastness and know that Paradise is under the shadow of the sword. (Riyadhus Saaliheen). Giving realistic and logical explanation he created confidence and will power to such an extent that his Companions were willing to sacrifice all possessions and their lives for its cause. He disciplined his Companions spiritually to strive to the utmost with all their resources. As Allah Ta'aalaa states in the Qur'an, "And hold fast, all of you together to the rope of Allah and do not let anything divide you. ( Aali- Imraan ). The Companions co-operated fully and worked in unity to achieve their aim. Thus, in unison despite his position during the Battle of the Trench he took equal share in digging the trench and helped others with their load. He instilled hope in his Companions and instructed them to turn to Allah in difficult circumstances as at the time of the battle of Badr. Although they were of small number, Allah sent Angels of numerical strength as divine aid. Preparing his men to meet all situations he managed to emerge with flying colours on occasions of extremity by his ingenious skill, its right application in due course helped him achieve total victory at the time of nearing defeat, as in the Battle of Uhud. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam exercised self control when many Companions panicked and ran back midst the confusion, he composedly brought the situation under control, as many a time; changing the picture of the entire battle. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was fully conscious of his lack of manpower and material compared to the enemy strength. He used all possible means of defeating them, approaching them physically, psychologically and spiritually. During war, all is dependant upon the quality, character and morale of the leadership. The Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam tactics and strategical moves proved effective, showing positive results. His military strategies included urgency, secrecy,speed and mobility. At the time of the Battle of Uhud and Hudaibiyah he organised such tactics that the enemy was completely surprised by the speed of the operation and were caught unprepared. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ordered military training for his army thus giving sufficient practise on and off the battlefield. This enabled efficiency and ruled the importance of preparation and precaution, organising internal and external defences. His precautions included patrolling systems, secret signs and codes establishing a strong system of communication, Hadhrat Ka'ab Ibn Malik (R.A) narrates, "Whenever the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam intended to go into the Battle he used secret codes. (Bukhari Shareef). The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam kept himself well informed of all events occurring in surrounding tribes and the border area of Madina. As a result of his principles within a period of eight years they became the most powerful striking force in the region; his intelligence and ability attested. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam dealt with arising problems wisely not to endanger the objective assessing the present problems, defining solutions in accordance to human capacity. Relevantly he always discussed important matters with colleagues to reach best of solutions. The Holy Prophet's Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam policies reproached the barbaric and uncivil war customs replacing them with humane and just laws. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Jahash (R.A) was once sent on a mission, he captured prisoners and their property without the permission of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. When the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam heard of this happening he condemned it and declared his action illegal. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam never shed innocent blood and neither of women nor children. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Masood (R.A) relates, " The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam expressed disapproval upon the killing of womenfolk and children." (Bukhari Shareef). Furthermore, despite the conflicts, the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam negotiated peace with them (as in Hudaiybiya) but was short lived by the opposition party, this relatively paved way for the conquest of Makkah. Gathering a large force of 10,000 men the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam entered the Holy city which completely destroyed their morale, turning his entry into a peaceful one; without blood shead. Abu Sufyaan exclaimed on this occasion rushing into the city and calling to the people at the top of his voice, " O men of Quraish ! Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has come with an army such as you've never seen before. Put up no resistance." Even at such a triumphant moment, having become the conqueror of Makkah the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam rode in on a white mule, his head lowered with humility to Allah Ta'aalaa. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was never taught the art of war and neither proposed to become a military leader, being forced into this struggle he fought against the combined strengths of all his enemies with utmost skill and determination, and defeated them on all fronts. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam in comparison with other military leaders in history is found to be towering above all, both in war strategy, strength and skill, proving greatness and malignantly, changing the course of human history and influencing human culture and activities in every area of life. A moving hero in every field.