Battles in the Era of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen (Hazrat Musleh Mau'd's (ra) Narration)

Whilst mentioning the battles that took place during the era of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen [The Rightly Guided Caliphs], Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“Islam has not only given the command to challenge [the aggressors] but owing to certain wisdom and reasons it has also commanded to endure the injustices. Hence, Allah the Almighty grants permission that if one receives a slap, he can slap in return; however, if one feels that it would be wise not to retaliate, then one ought to remain quiet and not retaliate in the same manner. Thus, this argument which is generally presented in these instances [of battle] refutes the allegation levelled by the enemy against Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Uthman (ra).

“It is clear that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)did not commit any injustice; rather, it was the Byzantine Emperor who committed injustice. Hazrat Umar (ra) did not commit any injustice; rather, it was Chosroes who committed injustice. Hazrat Usmanra did not commit any injustice; rather, it was the tribes dwelling in Afghanistan and Bukhara and the Kurds etc. who committed injustice. However, we do not find any argument or reason as to why Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Uthman (ra) did not forgive them.

“When [Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)] left for battle, he could have said to the Byzantine Emperor that a certain commander had committed an error and if their government apologised for it then they would forgive them and if not then they would proceed for battle. He did not say to the Byzantine Emperor that he or one section of his army had committed injustice on a certain occasion, but since their teaching also states that one can forgive their enemy, therefore if they sought an apology then they were ready to forgive. In fact, as soon as he committed an injustice, the Muslims were ready to challenge them in battle and continued to challenge them.

“Similarly, when the soldiers of Chosroes attacked at the border of Iraq, a battle between the companions and Chosroes was politically justified and lawful, but nonetheless Hazrat Umar (ra) could have said to Chosroes that he himself may have not given an instruction to attack, but the soldiers did this of their own accord, therefore the Muslims were willing to overlook this attack providing they apologise and show remorse over their action; however, Hazrat Umar (ra) did not do this.

“Again, in the era of Hazrat Uthman (ra), he did not say to the enemy that though they had committed an injustice, since their religion also taught to forgive one’s injustices, therefore they would forgive them. In fact, he immediately stood to challenge them and sent his armies and fought against them and continued to battle against them. After all, what was the reason for this?”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further continues:

“If we ponder over this, we find that there was no other reason for this except for the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)knew that whenever the external danger subsides, internal conflict will begin. He felt that it wasn’t the Byzantine emperor who launched an attack but it was in fact God, so that through this trial, the Muslims would reform themselves and instil in them a new life and bring about a transformation in themselves. Hazrat Umar (ra) knew that it wasn’t Chosroes who launched the attack, but it was in fact God Who did so lest the Muslims became neglectful and indolent and immersed themselves in material pursuits; rather, they should always remain vigilant and ready. Hazrat Uthman (ra) knew that it wasn’t the various tribes who launched an attack on the Muslims, in fact it was God so that the Muslims became vigilant and instilled a new life and spirit within themselves.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 30, pp. 175-176)