The Battle of Uhud
There are also narrations regarding the Battle of Uhud. This battle took place in Shawwal 3 AH, 624 CE, between the Muslims and the Quraish. Towards the end of 3 AH, news reached of an attack on Medina by an army consisting of the Quraish of Mecca and the other tribes who had formed alliances with them. The Holy Prophet (sa) gathered the Muslims and informed them of the attack planned by the Quraish and sought their counsel as to whether they should remain in Medina and fight against them or go out of Medina.
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 483-484)
With regard to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes:
“The Holy Prophet (sa) gathered the Muslims and sought their counsel with regard to this attack of the Quraish; whether they should remain in Medina, or set out to fight the enemy […] Prior to beginning, the Holy Prophet (sa) mentioned the attack of the Quraish and their deadly intentions. Then, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Last night in my dream, I saw a cow, and I also saw that the tip of my sword had broken. Then, I saw the cow being slaughtered, and I also saw that I had placed my hand in a secure and strong coat of mail.’ It has also been related in one narration that the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘I saw as if I was mounted on the back of a ram.’ The Companions (ra) enquired, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! How have you interpreted this dream?’ The Holy Prophet (sa) responded, ‘I have understood the slaughtering of the cow to infer that some of my Companions (ra) shall be martyred, and it seems as if the breaking of the tip of my sword is an indication towards the martyrdom of someone from among my relatives, or perhaps I shall myself suffer an injury in this campaign. As for placing my hand in a coat of mail, I have understood this to infer that in order to fend off this attack, it is more appropriate for us to remain in Medina […]’.
“The Holy Prophet (sa) interpreted the dream of himself being mounted on a ram to symbolize the leader of the army of the Quraish, i.e., its flag-bearer – who would, God-willing, be slain at the hands of the Muslims. After this, the Holy Prophet (sa) sought the counsel of his Companions (ra), as to what should be done in the current state of affairs.
“Upon weighing the pros and cons of the situation at hand, and perhaps being somewhat swayed by the dream of the Holy Prophet (sa), some of the prominent Companions (ra) submitted the opinion that it was more appropriate to remain in Medina and fight. The Holy Prophet (sa) also preferred this proposal and said, ‘It seems more beneficial for us to stay in Medina and fight them.’ However, a majority of the Companions (ra), and especially those young men who had not participated in the Battle of Badr, and were restless to receive an opportunity to serve the religion by means of their own martyrdom, very forcefully insisted that they should go forth from the city and fight in an open field. This group presented their opinion with such persistence that upon witnessing their zeal, the Holy Prophet (sa) accepted their proposal and decided that the Muslims would fight the disbelievers in an open field. After the Friday Prayer, the Holy Prophet (sa) publicly urged the Muslims to attain spiritual reward through Jihad in the cause of Allah by participating in this Ghazwah.
“Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (sa) retired to his residence, where he tied his turban, put on his equipment and took his arms with the assistance of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra), and came out in the name of Allah.
“However, during this time”, owing to the admonishment of some of the Companions (ra), “the party of young men began to realize their mistake; in that they should not have insisted upon their own opinion in opposition to the view of God’s Messenger (sa), and most of them were now inclined towards remorse.
“When these people saw the Holy Prophet (sa) coming with his arms, clad in double the armour, and his helmet, etc., their regret grew even more. They almost unanimously submitted, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! We have committed a mistake in insisting upon our own view over your own. You should employ whatever strategy you deem most appropriate. God-willing, it shall be most blessed.’
“The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘It does not befit a Prophet of God to put on his arms and then lay them down before God issues forth a verdict. So go forth now, in the name of Allah and if you are steadfast, then be certain that the succour of Allah the Exalted shall be with you.’”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 484-486)
The Holy Prophet’s (sa) Sword
On the occasion of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet (sa) held his sword in his hand and stated, “Who is it that shall do justice to this?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was also amongst those who expressed their desire to be granted this sword.
(Sharh al-Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 404)
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) has mentioned this incident in The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets as follows:
“The Holy Prophet (sa) took his sword in hand and said, ‘Who shall take this sword and do justice to it?’ Many Companions (ra) extended their hands in the desire of this honour, which included Hazrat Umar (ra) and Zubair (ra), and in light of various narrations, even Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Ali (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa), however, restrained his hand and continued to say, ‘Is there anyone to do this sword justice?’ Finally, Abu Dujanah Ansari (ra) extended his hand and submitted, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! Grant me this honour.’ And so the Holy Prophet (sa) gave him the sword.”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 489)
A Test & Lesson for the Believers
During the Battle of Uhud, when the disbelievers turned around and launched another attack, the Muslims suffered a loss. At the time, news also spread that the Holy Prophet (sa) had been martyred. Ibn Ishaq relates that upon the news of the Holy Prophet (sa) being martyred and when some of the people had dispersed, the first person who saw the Holy Prophet (sa) was Hazrat Kaab (ra) bin Malik. He relates, “I saw the sparkle of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) eyes from his helmet and shouted, ‘O Muslims! Rejoice, for the Messenger (sa) of Allah is here!’ Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet (sa) indicated by the gesture of his hand to remain silent. When the Muslims recognised the Holy Prophet (sa), he went along with them towards the valley. With him were Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Talha (ra) bin Ubaidullah, Hazrat Zubair (ra) bin Awam, Hazrat Harith (ra) bin Simmah and various other esteemed Companions (ra).”
(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Fikr, 2002], p. 70)
On the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophet (sa) took bai‘at from a group of Companions (ra) on the condition that they would be ready to sacrifice their lives. At a time when it appeared as if the Muslims were suffering a loss, these people remained steadfast and risked their lives in order to defend the Holy Prophet (sa) to the point that some of them even embraced martyrdom. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Talha (ra), Hazrat Zubair (ra), Hazrat Saad (ra), Hazrat Sahl (ra) bin Hunaif and Hazrat Abu Dujanahra were all among these fortunate people who took this pledge.
(Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 431)
More On Battle of Uhud
It is then written that during the Battle of Uhud, Abu Sufyan challenged the Muslims to meet the following year. Further details of this have been recorded by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra). He writes:
“After the battle of Uhud, whilst returning from the battlefield, Abu Sufyan challenged the Muslims to both parties meeting again the following year at Badr, and the Holy Prophet (sa) announced his acceptance of this challenge. Hence, the following year, in 4 AH at the end of the month of Shawwal, the Holy Prophet (sa) set out from Medina with a force of 1,500 Companions and appointed Abdullah bin Abdullah bin Ubayy as the Amir in his absence. On the other hand, Abu Sufyan bin al-Harb also set out from Mecca with an army of the Quraish, consisting of 2,000 men. However, despite the victory at Uhud, and a force this large, his heart was fearful and even though he was bent upon the destruction of Islam, he wished not to confront the Muslims until he could gather a larger force. As such, he was still in Mecca, when he dispatched a man by the name of Nuaim, who belonged to a neutral tribe, towards Medina and emphatically instructed him that in any way possible, he should intimidate and threaten the Muslims, and craft fabricated stories to hold them back from setting out for war.
“Hence, this individual came to Medina and crafting false stories of the preparation, strength, zeal and fury of the Quraish, created a state of unrest in Medina. This was carried out to such an extent that various people of weaker dispositions began to harbour fear in taking part in the battle.
“However, the Holy Prophet (sa) encouraged the Muslims to go forth and in his address, he stated, ‘We have already accepted the challenge of the Quraish and we have promised to set out on this occasion, therefore, we cannot turn back. Even if I am required to go alone, I shall go and stand firm in the face of the enemy.’
“As a result, the fear of the people was dispelled and they became prepared to set out in the company of the Holy Prophet (sa) with great zeal and sincerity. In any case, the Holy Prophet (sa) set out from Medina with 1,500 Companions and on the opposing end, Abu Sufyan set out from Mecca with his 2,000 men. However, the power of God was such that the Muslims reached Badr according to their promise, but the army of the Quraish came out to some distance and then retreated to Mecca.
“According to the accounts, it is stated that when Abu Sufyan learnt of the failure of Nuaim, he became fearful in his heart and after having travelled some distance, he retreated with his army admonishing them, ‘This year the famine is very severe, and people are facing financial difficulty. Therefore, it is not wise to fight at this time. We shall attack Medina with greater preparation when a time of affluence is at hand.’
“The Muslim army stayed at Badr for eight days, and since a festival would take place there every year in the beginning of Dhu Al-Qa‘dah (which has been mentioned previously), during the festival, many Companions engaged in trade and were able to generate significant profits. As a matter of fact, in this eight-day business venture, they were able to multiply their initial capital two-fold. When the festival came to an end, and the army of the Quraish did not arrive, the Holy Prophet (sa) departed from Badr and returned to Medina. The Quraish returned to Mecca and began to prepare for an attack upon Medina. This ghazwah is known as the ghazwah of Badr al-Mau‘id.”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 529-530)
Whilst mentioning further details about the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) states:
“The feats of valour that were displayed by the Companions (ra) who had gathered around the Holy Prophet (sa) were such that history is unable to present the like thereof. These people would revolve around the Holy Prophet (sa) like moths around a flame and continuously put their lives at stake for the Holy Prophet (sa). The Companions (ra) would take every blow upon themselves and along with protecting the Holy Prophet (sa) they would continue to strike the enemy. Hazrat Ali (ra) and Zubair (ra) attacked the enemy countless times and persistently drove back their ranks. In the course of this rain of arrows, Abu Talha Ansari (ra) broke three bows, and stood firm like a rock and covered the body of the Holy Prophet (sa) with his own shield. The Holy Prophet (sa) would hand arrows to Saad (ra) himself and Saad (ra) would continue to shower the enemy with arrow upon arrow. At one instance, the Holy Prophet (sa) addressed Saad (ra) saying, ‘May my mother and father be sacrificed upon you – go on shooting arrows!’ Even to the very end of his life, Saad (ra) would recall these words of the Holy Prophet (sa) with great pride. For a very long time, Abu Dujanahra shielded the body of the Holy Prophet (sa) with his own, and would take every arrow and stone to his own body. This was to such an extent that his body became heavily pierced with arrows, but he did not even sigh, lest his body flinched and the Holy Prophet (sa) became even slightly exposed to a single arrow. In order to protect the Holy Prophet (sa), Talha (ra) took countless blows to his own body, and it was in this very attempt that his hand was paralysed and rendered useless forever. But how long could these few devotees withstand this grand flood, which was ravaging forward moment by moment from all fronts with its horrific waves. The Muslims would sway from side to side with every wave of every attack waged by the enemy, but as soon as its force would somewhat subside, these helpless Muslims would continue fighting and close in around their beloved Mastersa. At times, the force of the attack would be so perilous that the Holy Prophet (sa) would practically be left standing alone. There was one occasion when only twelve men were left standing around the Holy Prophet (sa), and there was even a time when only two people were left standing by the Holy Prophet (sa). Among these devotees the names of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Ali (ra), Talha (ra), Zubair (ra), Saad (ra) bin Waqas, Abu Dujanah Ansari (ra), Saad (ra) bin Muaz and Talha Ansari (ra) have been especially recorded.”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 495-496)
The Holy Prophet's (sa) Blessed Teeth Break
Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) narrates the entire account in which the blessed teeth of the Holy Prophet (sa) were broken during the Battle of Uhud. Regarding this, Hazrat Aisha (ra) says that when Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) would narrate the incident from the Day of Uhud, he would say that the day belonged to Talha. Narrating details of this Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) would say:
“I was from among those people who returned back to the Holy Prophet (sa). When I returned, I saw that there was an individual protecting the Holy Prophet (sa) and fighting alongside him.” The narrator says: “I believe that he [i.e. Abu Bakr] said he was protecting him.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) further says: “I said to myself, ‘I wish that person is Talha.’ I lost out on the opportunity, but deep down, I wished if only this person belonged to my tribe, as this would please me more.” This is what Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) thought at the time. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) further says: “There was a person between myself and the Holy Prophet (sa) who I could not recognise, even though I was closer to that individual than the Holy Prophet (sa). He was walking so fast that I was unable to keep up with him. When I observed closely, I realised it was Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah (ra). I reached the Holy Prophet (sa). His lateral incisors (i.e. the tooth between the two front incisors and canines) was broken and his face was wounded. Rings of the helmet had become lodged in the Holy Prophet’s (sa) cheek. The Holy Prophet (sa) said to go and check on our companion (by this the Holy Prophet (sa) meant to check up on Talha (ra)) as he had lost a lot of blood. (Instead of asking for them to see to his injuries, the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed to see to Talha (ra)) and so we left him. I stepped forward to remove the chains of the helmet from the Holy Prophet’s (sa) cheek. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) said: ‘I swear by the right I have over you, please leave this task for me.’ I therefore left it to Abu Ubaidah. He did not wish to pull the rings out by his hand, in case it causes pain to the Holy Prophet (sa). So he tried to pull the rings out with his teeth. When he pulled one chain out, his own front tooth broke as well. I stepped forward in order to remove the second ring in the same manner that he did.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) says: “I said that I will try to take out the other ring, but Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) said again: ‘I swear by the right I have over you, please leave this task for me.’” He said this to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stepped aside, and Abu Ubaidah (ra) did the same as before; when he pulled the second ring out, his other front incisor also broke. Abu Ubaidah (ra) was the most handsome of all those whose front two teeth were broken. After tending to the injuries of the Holy Prophet (sa), they went to Talha, he was [sitting] in a ditch. They saw that on his body he had close to 70 sword, spear and arrow wounds and one of his fingers had been severed. They treated his injuries and applied ointment.
(Mustafa Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-Ibad, Vol. 4, Ghazwat Uhud [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1993], pp. 199-200) (Lughat al-Hadith, Zair Lafz Ruba‘i, Nu‘mani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005)
Aside from Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra), there are narrations which state that Hazrat Uqbah (ra) bin Wahb and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) pulled out these rings.
(Sharh al-Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 425)
However, the first narration seems more authentic. During the Battle of Uhud, when the Holy Prophet (sa) climbed the mount along with his Companions (ra), the disbelievers chased after him. In a narration of Sahih al-Bukhari, it is mentioned that, “Abu Sufyan asked three times if Muhammad (sa) was present among them. The Holy Prophet (sa) stopped the Companions (ra) from saying anything. Abu Sufyan then asked three times if the son of Abu Quhafah”, i.e. Abu Bakr, “was present among them. And then asked three times if the son of Khattab, i.e. Umar was present among them. He then returned to his comrades and said to them: “All of these have been killed.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umar (ra) was unable to restrain himself and said: “By God you are a liar, O enemy of Allah! Whoever you have mentioned are all alive. And many things that you find unpleasant are yet to befall you.”
*(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar, Bab ma Yukrahu min al-Tanazu’ wa al-Ikhtilaf fi al-Harb…, Hadith 3039) *
Meccans Believe they have Defeated the Muslims
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has stated that the Holy Prophet (sa) was injured and fell unconscious. Then narrating the events after he regained consciousness, he writes:
“After a little while, the Holy Prophet (sa) returned to consciousness. The Companions (ra) who surrounded him sent out messengers to tell Muslims to assemble again. A disrupted army began to assemble once again. They escorted the Holy Prophet (sa) to the foot of the mount. Whilst the remaining army stood at the foot of the mount, Abu Sufyan (ra), cried aloud, ‘We have killed Muhammad (sa).’ The Holy Prophet (sa) forbade the Muslims to answer, lest the enemy should know the truth and attack again and the exhausted and badly-wounded Muslims fall prey to their attack. Not receiving a reply from the Muslims, Abu Sufyanra became certain the Holy Prophet (sa) had been killed. He followed his first cry by a second and said, ‘We have also killed Abu Bakr (ra).’ The Holy Prophet (sa) stopped Abu Bakr (ra) from replying. Abu Sufyan followed by a third, and said, ‘We have also killed ‘Umar (ra).’ At this point, Umar, who had a spirited disposition, wanted to say that ‘By God’s grace we are all alive and ready to fight you,’ however the Holy Prophet (sa) stopped him from saying anything, lest it puts the Muslims in further hardship. The disbelievers were now certain that they had killed the founder of Islam along with two of its pillars. Relishing in their victory, Abu Sufyanra raised the slogan,
أُعْلُ هُبَل أُعْلُ هُبَل
“‘Glory to Hubal! Glory to Hubal! For our revered idol Hubal has put an end to Islam.’”
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further says:
“The Holy Prophet (sa) ordered his Companions (ra) to remain silent upon hearing the news of Abu Bakr’s, Umar’s and his own death, lest the enemy army returns and launches another attack on the badly injured Muslims and these handful of Muslims become martyrs. But now it was the case of the honour of God Almighty, and a slogan of an idol was raised in the battlefield, the soul of the Holy Prophet (sa) became restless and in a state passion and vigour, he turned to the Companions (ra) and asked: ‘Why do you not reply to him.’ The Companions (ra) asked, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! What should we say?’ He replied:
“‘Say:
اللّٰهُ أَعْلَى وَأَجَلُّ اللّٰهُ أَعْلَى وَأَجَلُّ
“‘“You lie that Hubal is exalted. Allah, the One Who has no partner is Honoured and He alone is Exalted.’” And through this, he also conveyed to the enemy that he was still alive. This bold and courageous reply had such a deep impact on the enemy army that despite their hopes being crushed and despite the fact that only a handful of injured Muslims stood before them, and from a logical standpoint it was very easy for them to return and attack them, they could not muster the courage to do so. Content with the sort of victory they had won, they returned to Mecca rejoicing.”
(Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 252-253)
Hazrat Aisha (ra) narrates that the following verse was regarding the Companions (ra):
اَلَّذِیۡنَ اسۡتَجَابُوۡا لِلّٰہِ وَالرَّسُوۡلِ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ مَاۤ اَصَابَہُمُ الۡقَرۡحُ ؕۛ لِلَّذِیۡنَ اَحۡسَنُوۡا مِنۡہُمۡ وَاتَّقَوۡا اَجۡرٌ عَظِیۡمٌ
“As to those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger after they had received an injury – such of them as do good and act righteously shall have a great reward.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.173)
She narrates:
“This verse is regarding the Companions (ra); i.e. those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger (sa) after they had received an injury – such of them as do good and act righteously shall have a great reward.”
Hazrat Aisha (ra) said to Urwah: “O my nephew! Your father Zubair (ra) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) were also from among them. During the Battle of Uhud, when the Holy Prophet (sa) was injured and the idolaters turned back, the Holy Prophet (sa) was worried lest they return. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked: ‘Who will go after them?’”
In response 70 Companions (ra) were ready to go, and according to Urwah, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Zubair (ra) were among them.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Alladhina istajabu lillah wa al-Rasul…, Hadith 4077)
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes:
“It is strange to note that on this occasion, although the Quraish had attained victory against the Muslims, and with respect to their apparent means, if they had desired, they could have further capitalized on this opportunity; not to mention, the opportunity to attack Medina was open to them in any case. However, the Power of God was such that despite this victory, in their hearts, the Quraish were struck with awe, and considering the victory attained in the field of Uhud as being lucky enough, they thought it wise to make haste to Mecca.
“Nevertheless, despite all this, as an act of further precaution, the Holy Prophet (sa) immediately dispatched a party of seventy Companions (ra), which also included Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Zubair (ra), in pursuit of the army of the Quraish. This is the narration, as it is related in Bukhari. The manner in which most historians describe the account is that the Holy Prophet (sa) sent Hazrat Ali (ra), or in light of various narrations, Saad (ra) bin Abi Waqas in the footsteps of the Quraish and instructed him to bring news as to whether the army of the Quraish intended to attack Medina. The Holy Prophet (sa) went on to tell him that if the Quraish were mounted on their camels and were taking their horses along unmounted, then they should rest assured that they were returning to Mecca, and did not intend to attack Medina. However, if they were mounted on horses then they would know that their intention was not good. The Holy Prophet (sa) strictly instructed him that if the army of the Quraish was heading towards Medina, he should be informed at once and in a state of great passion, he said, ‘At this time, if the Quraish attack Medina, by God, we shall fight them and give them a taste of their own.’ Thus, the men dispatched by the Holy Prophet (sa) went and quickly returned with the good news that the army of the Quraish was proceeding towards Mecca.”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 499-500)
Hamra-al-Asad
With regards to the Battle of Hamra al-Asad, it is written that the Holy Prophet (sa) returned from the [Battle of] Uhud on a Saturday. On Sunday, at the time of Fajr, Hazrat Bilal (ra) gave the call for prayer and sat down, waiting for the Holy Prophet (sa) to come out. In the meantime, Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Auf Muzani came looking for the Holy Prophet (sa). When the Holy Prophet (sa) came out, Abdullah stood up and informed him that he was returning from his family, while he was in Malal, the Quraish had set up a camp there. Malal is the name of a place on the way to Mecca, located at a distance of 28 miles from Medina.
Furthermore, he said that he heard Abu Sufyan and his companions saying, “You all achieved nothing! You caused them harm (i.e. you harmed the Muslims) and you caused them pain, but then you left them and did not annihilate them.” The disbelievers responded, “There are still numerous prominent individuals among them (i.e. from among the Muslims), who will gather against you. Hence, let us return and destroy those individuals who are left behind.” Safwan bin Umayyah was sitting among the disbelievers and he stopped them from doing this and said, “Oh my people! You should refrain from doing this as they have already fought you and I fear that those who were previously unable to join the battle will now join them in order to fight you. You should return as victory is yours and I fear that if you return [to confront them], you will suffer defeat.”
Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) called for Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra) and informed them of what this companion, Muzani had told him. In reply, both of them submitted, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! Let us advance towards the enemy so that they will not be able to attack our children!” When the Holy Prophet (sa) had completed the morning prayer, he gathered the people and said to Hazrat Bilalra to announce, “The Messneger (sa) of Allah is commanding you to advance towards the enemy and only those individuals should set out with us, who had joined us in battle the previous day (that is, only those who were present in the Battle of Uhud).”
The Holy Prophet (sa) asked for his flag, which had been tied up since the previous day and had not been opened again. The Holy Prophet (sa) handed this flag to Hazrat Ali (ra). It is also recorded that the flag was given to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).
(Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], pp. 308-309) (Yaqut Ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-’Arabi], p. 225)
Nevertheless, when this convoy of Muslims reached Hamra al-Asad, which is located at a distance of eight miles from Medina, the idolaters became fearful and. abandoning the idea of going to Medina. they instead headed towards Mecca.
(Muhammad al-Salabi, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) aur Karname [Pakistan: Maktabat al-Furqan], p. 113)