Battle of Hamra al-Asad

With regard to the Battle of Hamra al-Asad, it is reported that after the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet (sa) returned to Medina. The disbelievers headed towards Mecca; however, the Holy Prophet (sa) received news that the Quraish were planning to attack [the Muslims] once again. Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) set out with his companions to a place called Hamra al-Asad. Hamra al-Asad was situated eight miles from Medina. I will narrate a part of what Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) has written with regard to the expedition of Hamra al-Asad:

“Although the army of the Quraish had apparently taken to Mecca, it was apprehended that this move may be a plot to catch the Muslims off guard, and suddenly return to attack Medina. Hence, on this night, an arrangement was made for security in Medina and the Companions particularly stood guard all night long at the residence of the Holy Prophet (sa). The next morning it was discovered that this apprehension was not mere speculation, because prior to Fajr Salat, the Holy Prophet (sa) received news that the army of the Quraish had stalled at a few miles from Medina and a heated debate was taking place amongst the chieftains of Mecca, that making use of this victory, why not attack Medina. Some of the Quraish were taunting one another saying, ‘You did not kill Muhammad (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 Medina 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 Mecca, lest we lose this repute as well, and this victory is turned to defeat…’

Ultimately, however, the opinion of the passionate ones prevailed and the Quraish prepared to set back to Medina. 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 Uhud, no one else should set out with them.”

(Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2, Hamra al-Asad [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah], p. 346) (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 504-505)

It is also mentioned in narrations that when the Holy Prophet (sa) learned of this discussion between the Quraish, the Holy Prophet (sa) called Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra) and informed them of the matter. Both of them advised that they ought to go after the enemy.

(Al-Waqidi, Kitab al-Tarikh wa al-Maghazi [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2013], p. 278)

[Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) continues:]

“As such, the warriors of Uhud, 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 Hamra al-Asad […] 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 Hamra al-Asad, which struck awe into the heart of any spectator from afar.

“Most probably, on this occasion, an idolatrous chief of the Khuza‘ah tribe named Ma‘bad presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) and offered his condolences for those who had fallen at Uhud, whereafter he continued on his way. On the following day, when he reached Rauha, lo and behold, he found the army of the Quraish encamped there and that preparations were underway to return to Medina. Ma‘bad went to Abu Sufyan at once and said:

“‘What are you about to do? By God, I have just left behind the army of Muhammad (sa) at Hamra al-Asad, and never before have I seen such an awe-inspiring army. They are so passionate due to their regret for the defeat at Uhud that they shall reduce you to ashes on sight.’

“Abu Sufyan and his followers were so awe-struck by these comments of Ma‘bad, that they abandoned the idea of returning to Medina and made haste to Mecca at once. 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.’ After this, the Holy Prophet (sa) remained in Hamra al-Asad for another two or three days.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), pp. 504-505)