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Madinah in The Time of The Prophet - Introduction
Life in Madinah during first ten years was brilliant. It began with the arrival of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), from the emigration (migration) from Makkah (because of the persecution of he and the Muslims by the polytheist, disbeliever Quraish tribe of Makkah) and ended with his death on the twelfth of the month of Rabi'a Al-Awwal, in the eleventh year of the Hijrah. Everything that had occurred in the preceding period prepared the way for him, the most important of which was the acceptance of Islam of a number of the people of Madinah during their encounter with the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) in Makkah, during the pilgrimage season. The Madinan tribes of Al-Aous and Al-Khazraj had been worn down and were weary from their many long years of animosity and battling each other. They were yearning for and aspiring to a new life, but the Jews who were resident in Madinah, through their scheming and treachery, continuously threatened any peace between the two tribes. Then the Prophet (Peace be upon him) appeared in their midst and exalted them.

They established that they were prepared and willing to put the past behind them and excluding all else, that their intent and desire was to accept the faith of the new religion. This is exactly what happened.

In the tenth year of the Prophet's mission six of the Al-Khazraj went to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). The following year saw their numbers multiply and they swore fealty to him (and Islam) at Al-Aqaba (which was the First Pledge of Al-Aqaba), which is close to Makkah. One of the Prophet's followers, Musa'ab bin 'Umair (Allah be pleased with him) returned with them to propagate Islam in Yathrib, the result being the acceptance of Islam by many of the Yathribians at his hand. In the following pilgrimage season the number of faithful of Yathrib reached seventy-two men and two women
 

The Hijrah

 

Circumstances and conditions warranting, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) then dispatched the Muslims of Makkah to begin the emigration to Madinah. He, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), followed later with his friend Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him). They arrived at Qubaa' first and erected a mosque in a few days.

Then, they proceeded to Madinah and demarcated 'The Prophet's Mosque' in the place where the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) she-camel knelt down (by Allah's Will). Rooms were built contiguous to the mosque where he would live with his wives (Allah be pleased with all of them).
 

New Transformation




This was the start of a huge transformation in Madinan society. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) abolished the name 'Yathrib' and renamed it Al-Madinah ..... also referring to it by many other names such as 'Taabah' (pleasant) and 'Taibah' (goodness), etc. A new society emerged in Al-Madinah where the Muhajireen (the Muslim emigrants to Madinah) and the Ansaar (the helpers; the people of Madinah who accepted Islam) associated with each other as brothers. The old enmities between Al-Aous and Al-Khazraj ended as they all became brothers in Islam. Only a very small number of Jews accepted Islam. Those who did not enter Islam and become Muslim, isolated themselves and plotted and schemed against Islam and the Muslims.

In Ramadan, in the first year of the Hijrah, a small group of Muslims left Madinah to pursue and aggressively threaten the caravans of the polytheist Quraish. The Quraish were shamed by the Muslim attacks on their caravans and garnered favour with several (tribes) from the Hijaz and the Nejd, as adversaries of the Muslims.

The disbelievers wanted to smite the new society, before its religion succeeded. If the Muslims were not crushed, then Islam would prevail. The conversion of the other tribes to this new religion would mean that the Quraish cause would be lost and they would forever have to endure them. The Muslim raids worked however, and they prevailed, triumphing many times.

The increasing strength of the Muslim community in Madinah made the Quraish fearful for their commerce, so they started a war of propaganda through poetry, to arouse sympathy for themselves. The Quraish, renowned in Arabia for their poets, such as 'Abdullah bin Al-Zuba'ari, Abu Sufyaan bin Al-Haarith, Ibn Khatal and others began this derogatory poetic campaign against Islam and the Muslims with satire and defamation. Their intent was to distort the picture of Islam with the other Arab tribes, before the Muslims could contact them and invite them to the new religion. Confronted with this, the Muslims countered with their own poets, like Hassaan bin Thaabit, 'Abdullah bin Ruwahah and Ka'ab bin Maalik.
 

The Battle of Badr




In the month of Ramadan, in the second year of the Hijrah, the Muslims left Madinah under the command of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) to intercept a Quraish caravan led by Abu Sufyaan. Abu Sufyaan, however, changed his route to the coast, as he had been notified of the Muslim's plans and alerted the people of Makkah, who came to battle the Muslims. The two groups met in Badr on the 17th of Ramadan. Allah gave victory to His Messenger and the Believers, despite their small number and meager equipment. The Muslims numbered three hundred and seventeen, while the polytheist Quraish were more than one thousand. The triumphant success of the Muslims in the face of adversity yielded them many other benefits. Their morale was raised, as well as their status with the other tribes who had not yet entered into the fold of Islam.

This profound loss deeply agitated the Quraish, while strengthening the new religion, Islam. Islamic society was developing and increasing and attracted the remaining tribes of Madinah and some of those around it. The polytheists of Makkah readied themselves and their equipment, to avenge their blood spilled and take revenge. During the course of the year, the Muslims in Madinah realised that they must guarantee the safety of their brothers inside and outside of the city. The Muslims took the initiative after that and besieged those who had helped the aggressors of Badr against the Muslims, the tribes of Ghatafaan and Saleem. These tribes became fearful of the repercussions, so they fled, abandoning their homes and leaving behind a great deal of wealth, which the Muslims confiscated. One of the three Jewish tribes, Banu Qaynaqa'a, who were living in Madinah were strong, arrogant and aggressive. They endeavoured to injure some Muslims and for this, were expelled from Madinah.
 

The Battle of Uhud
 

In the month of Shawwal, in the third year of the Hijrah, the Quraish left Makkah with three thousand warriors and two hundred horsemen to effect their reprisals against the Muslims. This news reached the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), so he sought the counsel of the Sahaabah (his Companions; a companion is defined as one who saw the Prophet, Peace be upon him, in his lifetime and died a Muslim). Some of them advised him to lure them to Madinah and strike them on the roads, especially since the people of Madinah were familiar with their own roads. Others, who had gained experience in city fighting, attained from the long years of strife between Al-Aous and Al-Khazraj, inclined the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) to that view. The rest of them, eager for Jihad (striving in the cause of Allah), requested that the enemy be met outside of the city and insisted on this position. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) finally responded favourably to this last plan. The Muslims left the city and advanced to Mount 'Uhud. In the road, they met the leader of the hypocrite Makkans, 'Abdullah bin Ubai bin Salool, and three hundred of his followers, so they retreated to Madinah. Subsequently, they moved forward to a district near Mount Uhud. They grouped in an area between Mount Uhud and a smaller mountain near it called Mount 'Ainain (also known as Mount Roomaat). The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) stationed the archers on Mount 'Ainain and gave them strict orders not to quit that location until they received his specific orders to do so. This had a very important impact on the outcome of the battle. He positioned the remainder of his warriors in two lines in opposition to the polytheists. When the battle started, two of the Makkan horsemen under the leadership of Khalid bin Al-Waleed, attempted to penetrate the ranks of the Muslims from their left side, their real objective being the archers. The infantry attacked and the two sides were engaged in battle. The Makkan flag was felled by the Muslims, after killing ten of the polytheist flag bearers, one after another. Their infantry rushed into panic and began to flee, with some of the Muslims pursuing them in the confusion that ensued.

The Muslim archers upon seeing this thought the battle was over to their advantage, the majority of them abandoning their positions in order to pursue the fleeing polytheists and to gather the spoils of the battle. They neglected to survey the entire battlefield and they forgot the exhortative orders of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). The Makkan leader, Khalid bin Al-Waleed, acted upon these conditions and used them to his advantage. He circled around the Muslims with his horsemen and came from behind Uhud to take the remainder of the archers on the mountain by surprise. He slayed them and then attacked the rest of the Muslims from the rear position. The fleeing Makkan polytheists seeing this, returned to the fray and turned the balance of the battle in their favour. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) retreated, encircled by a group of the Sahaabah (Allah be pleased with all of them) to an area close to Mount Uhud. The polytheists attempted to reach them, but were unsuccessful. Despondent by not attaining the best result and achieving their goal, the polytheists quit the battle. They withdrew, riding their camels to return to Makkah, feeling threatened by further assaults. The Muslims gathered and buried their martyrs (those who died in the cause of Allah), the number of whom were sixty-nine. Among them were Hamzah bin 'Abd Al-Muttalib (Allah be pleased with him) the uncle of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), (whose corpse was mutilated and defiled by the Quraish woman, Hind bint 'Utbah) and Mus'ab bin 'Umair (Allah be pleased with him).
 

What Happened After the Battle




The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) saw that a result of the Battle of Uhud for the Muslims was the increased antagonism and enmity towards them of the Jews, polytheists and hypocrites. The Muslims decided to demonstrate their strength and anger, to counter this. On the morning of the second day, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) ordered and allowed only those present at the battle to leave with him to pursue the polytheists. They left, the polytheists however, were moving to Makkah with great strides for they were happy with the results of their performance in the battle. The Quraish stopped, regretting that they hadn't attacked Madinah and exterminate the Muslims. They had resolved to return, but the news reached them that the Muslims were pursuing them. Fearful, for they had no way of knowing if the numbers of the Muslims who would attack them had increased, they quickened the pace of their march to Makkah. The Muslims proceeded until they reached ' Hamraa' Al-Assad ' , where they waited in vain for the fleeing polytheists. They remained there for three days, then returned to Madinah, stronger and more resolved to make Jihad (struggling in the cause of Allah).>

Life in Madinah continued, but the people were divided into two distinct, yet parallel factions. The first consisted of those dedicated to propagating Islam and deepening the faith in the hearts of the Muslims.

This was manifested in the Sahaabah who gathered around the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) and learned from him their religious law and the teachings of Islamic behavior. They invited those people of Madinah who had not yet accepted Islam, as well as those around it, to become Muslim. The second faction consisted of those enemies of the Muslims and Islam, who were opposed to their battling and raiding. The Muslims endeavoured and expanded their struggle for Allah, whether in the environs of Madinah or in other areas far from it, gathering in the tribes who had defined themselves as Muslim. The result of this was that Madinah rid itself of the second of the Jewish tribes, Bani Nadeer. They had violated the agreement that they had had with the Muslims and attempted to assassinate the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). The result of their scheming and treachery was their siege by the Muslims and their subsequent expulsion to Ash-Sham. The Muslims expanded their struggles by going to battle and making forays in other parts of the Hijaaz and the Nejd, as well as ' Dawmah Al-Jundal, where a famous battle occurred. They struck out at the tribes who were aggressively assaulting the Muslims. Some of the tribes they pursued knew beforehand that the Muslims were coming and fled before they arrived. The fifth year witnessed the biggest military campaign in this period, Ghazwat Al-Khandaq (the Battle of the Trench [or Ditch]).
 

Ghazwat Al-Khandaq
(The Battle of the Trench)




In spite of the triumph of the Quraish on the day of Uhud, they truly were not able to protect their trade routes. The Muslims persisted in making forays on the caravans and threatened the roads in all directions. The Quraish were determined to destroy the Muslims once and for all. They were encouraged by one of the Jewish tribes, Bani Nadeer, who had been expelled from Madinah by the Muslims. (Salaam bin Mushakum and Huyayy bin Akhtab were the instigators). They incited the allied tribes and urged them to participate in their planned attacks. They pledged one-half of the dates of Khaiber to the tribe of Ghatafaan in exchange for their participation with the Quraish in battle and for menacing the Muslims along with the tribe of Bani Quraidthah. They concentrated on mobilisation until their numbers reached ten thousand warriors and proceeded to Madinah in the month of Sha’baan, in the fifth year of the Hijrah, (corresponding to February, 627 A.D.). When this news reached the ears of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), he consulted with the Sahaabah and gathered their opinions about the fortification and defense of Madinah. Salmaan Al-Faarsi (Allah be pleased with him) suggested digging a trench in the one place where it was possible for an army to invade Madinah. (Madinah is surrounded by 'Harrat', fields of lava rocks, which serve as a natural defense, as it is impossible to pass through them). He gathered the Muslim warriors, their numbers being three thousand. They commenced the excavation of the trench, until its length reached five thousand cubits (a cubit is an old measure of length and is approximately eighteen inches), its width reached nine cubits and the depth of it was between seven and ten cubits. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) had distributed the Muslims along the area to be excavated and required each ten of the Muslims to dig forty cubits of the length of the trench. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) himself worked alongside them. It was intensely cold and there was little food, but their strong belief prevailed over the hunger and the cold. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) bound a stone to his stomach, to dissipate his intense hunger. He repeated with his companions, chants, which encouraged them to strive in their efforts. During that time several things occurred: the miracle of the food increasing, the good news of the opening of the lands of Ash-Shaam, 'Iraq and Yemen; and he received the news of the martyrdom of 'Amaar bin Yaasir at the hands of a group of Quraish oppressors. They completed excavating the trench in six days. The Sahaabah were then distributed along the length of the trench and a rotation of sentries was organised. When the enemy (the polytheist Quraish and their confederates) arrived and saw the trench and the army behind it, they were shocked, for they had never seen its like before. Some of the Quraish cavalry unsuccessfully tried to span the trench, but were plunged into it instead. The Muslims merely observed all of this from their unique vantage point. The enemy futilely repeated their attempts to breach the trench in a large group. The battle went on for a long time, distracting the Muslims from performing the Asr (afternoon) prayer in its correct time. A number of days after the siege of Madinah began, the Jews of Bani Quraidthah violated their agreement with the Muslims.

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) dispatched patrols warning them of the presence of the Muslim army, so they became afraid for their women and children. The siege intensified, but there was no a compromise. The bowmen bombarded the Muslims and fruitlessly attempted to storm through the trench. During this time, one of the enemy, Na'eem bin Masa'ood Al-Ghatafaani entered Islam, but concealed this from the others. Thus, he was able to move with ease between the confederated enemy and the Jews. As a result, the Quraidthah did not leave to engage the Muslims. The siege continued for twenty-four days, with the Quraish and their allies finally realising that their efforts were not producing any results. Finally, a strong frigid wind severely blew, destroying the tents of the disbelievers, extinguishing their fires and overturning their pots. They resolved to decamp and quit, returning to their land without having gained anything.

This battle was revealed in the Words of Allah, the Most High, in the Glorious Qur'an, "O you who believe! Remember Allah's favour to you when there came against you hosts and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab]. And Allah is the Ever All-Seer of what you do.", (Surah Al-Ahzab #33 The Confederates, Verse 9). Allah, the Great and All-Mighty, also said in the Glorious Qur'an, "And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage, they gained no advantage [booty, etc.]. Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting [by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels]. And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty.", (Surah Al-Ahzab #33 The Confederates, Verse 25).

In this battle, eight Muslims achieved martyrdom and four of the polytheists were killed. This was the last time the disbelievers attacked Madinah.

From this turn of events, the Muslims derived two advantages which made their position even stronger. The words of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) came to pass after the direct withdrawal of the confederated enemy, "Now, we have stung them, without them stinging us.". The second result of the battle was that it rid Madinah of the last of the Jewish tribes, Bani Quraidthah, who had attempted to betray the Muslims. Allah sent revelation to His Messenger (Peace be upon him), bidding the Muslims to proceed to fight the Jews and sent forth His Messenger (Peace be upon him) to do that. Thus, they were blockaded with an intense and interminable siege. They requested the appointment of a judge to arrive at a verdict and end the siege. Sa'ad bin Mu'aadh was chosen at their request. His judgement, which was carried out, was that their warriors be put to death and their women and children be taken captive. After that, Madinah became a potent centre of Islamic development and growth. Her people knew great peace and those who were not true believers were exposed for their hypocritical beliefs and thus, lived in fear.
 

The Agreement of Al-Hudaybiyah, Its Effects and Consequences




In the sixth year of the Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) left Madinah with sixteen hundred of the Muslims, to perform 'Umrah. The Quraish attempted to prevent this, but conciliated them with the Agreement of Hudaybiyah, whose main provision was the suspension of war. This effectively provided the Muslims the opportunity to actively propagate Islam and invite the local tribes, as well as those outside of the Arabian peninsula, to accept Islam. They were able to encounter their adversaries without the intervention of the Quraish and their confederates. It also allowed them to extend the northern border of the influence of their rule, to Khaiber and Wadi Al-Quraa. They conquered Khaiber, captured from it great spoils and made peace with those of its people who remained. Many of those jointly worked the land with the Muslims, knowing that the Muslims could expel them at any time. The rest of the tribes in the Muslim areas became docile. The number of Muslims in Madinah increased, as nearly all of her people entered Islam and the remainder of Muslims who had been (trapped) in Makkah emigrated to it, as well as those from other areas. Now, only about one-ninth of the Muslims were able to offer prayers in the Prophet's Masjid, at any one time. The result of this was that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) ordered the area of the masjid to be increased.

The land adjacent to it was added to it and the building extended to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of true believers. Life in Madinah flourished and delegations of propagators were sent out to spread Islam. They were courteous to those adversarial and antagonistic to them; to those who blocked the road to their spreading the faith of Islam and who called on others to oppose them. Most of the delegations were successful with the nomads, who entered Islam, however they often had some tribes flee from them, while others would strike painful blows at them. Some of the Muslims were lost, as those in the Battle of Mu'tah, where great numbers were felled as martyrs, before their leader Khalid bin Al-Waleed called the retreat. In general, however, the results were successful for Islam and the Muslims. Their strength increased and their lives in Madinah stabilised under the law of Islam, as the true religion rooted itself. Allah, the Almighty, sent down revelation to His Messenger (Peace be upon him), which organised and systemised the affairs of His Religion and its adherents.
 

The Conquest of Makkah Al-Mukarramah




In the eighth year of the Hijrah, the greatest of the Muslim's conquests was realised. That was the opening and conquest of Makkah, the largest bastion of polytheism and disbelief, at the time. The Quraish had been examining the victories that the Muslims had had, over some of the allied tribes of their confederation and the peace that they had made with them. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) went to Makkah with ten thousand men and claimed it as his. In order to avoid, what would now be a futile confrontation, they relented. Abu Sufyaan had gone to Madinah before they moved their army to strike blindly, to attack to ascertain their strength, but was unsuccessful in his attempt. He left a second time when the army approached from Makkah, but he was not able to do anything. He accepted Islam and returned to Makkah to caution them against resisting the Muslims. He requested that they stick to their homes or to The Holy Mosque. They believed in themselves.

The army arrived at Makkah and there was a limited encounter between the force and the leader of it, Khalid bin Al-Waleed and some of the Makkans. Thus, they conquered Makkah.

Makkah was conquered, the idols destroyed and the Adthan (the call to prayer) was made from the top of the Ka'aba. The Muslims continued in an eastward march, until they came up against the tribe, Hawazin, and vanquished them in the Battle of Hunain. They then laid siege to Ta'if and finally returned to Madinah. Groups were then dispatched, who destroyed the rest of the idols in the Arabian Peninsula. They concentrated on spreading the concept of Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allah) in most areas of the Arabian Peninsula.
 

Arab Delegations to Madinah





Madinah became a centre for attracting and receiving delegations in constant progression, who came to declare their Islam voluntarily. From Madinah, delegations were sent out to Tabuk, Dawmah Al-Jundal and Yemen to spread Islam. Madinah prospered and flourished, reaching an extreme degree of expansion in the time of the Prophet (Peace be upon him).
 

The Farewell Hajj




In the tenth year of the Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) left Madinah with thousands of Muslims and those of the surrounding areas, to perform Hajj. They hearkened to his guidance, counsel and directives, for he was leaving them the security and protection provided by the true religion, Islam.
 

To the Highest Companion




The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) returned to Madinah, the city he loved, from the Hajj and ordered the preparation of the army to go to Ash-Shaam. The leader he appointed was Usamah bin Zaid. Before they left, however, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) became ill. His illness intensified, so he ordered Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) to be the Imam (leader) of the prayers. It was not long before the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) succeeded to the Highest Companion, in the month Rabi'a Al-Awwal, in the eleventh year of the Hijrah. By his death, a radiantly brilliant stage in the life of Madinah came to an end. Madinah became the capital of the Islamic state, emerging as a centre of guidance for the Muslim society and carrying a great legacy of virtue. Allah, the Most Merciful, keeps it as a light for the earth and as an authority for the Muslims. It commands a great place in the heart of every Muslim, now and shall until the Final Day.
 

Caliphate of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (11-13 A.H.)




During most of this period, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah was the capital of the growing and developing Islamic state, the centre of education and guidance for the Muslims and for spreading Islam in the newly conquered territories. It was also the centre of political organisation and economic activity.

Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him) assumed power, after deliberation between the 'Muhajireen' (the Makkan immigrants) and the 'Ansaar' (the original Madinans, whom the Prophet [Peace be upon him] called by this name which means 'Helpers'). This counsel was held in the roofed gallery (saqeefah) of Bani Sa'adah.

Abu Bakr dispatched the army which had been ordered and prepared by the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) before he died, under the leadership of Usamah bin Zaid, to the borders of Al-Shaam. Some of the tribes who were not firmly established in Islam were refusing to pay their Zakaat (tax). Some other tribes were apostatising, while others were claiming or designating prophets. Other tribes bordering on Madinah were covetous of the spoils of battle. Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) endeavoured to strengthen, consolidate and stabilise peace and security in Madinah. When the army of Usamah returned victorious, with the spoils of the battle, Abu Bakr directed a campaign to intimidate the greedy of Madinah, finally expelling them. Then he prepared attacks on those who were in opposition to Zakaat, to discipline them. He fought the apostates and false prophets.

Madinah became the centre of active support for peace and tranquility, which were returned to the Arabian Peninsula. After that, he directed the activities of the Muslims to the conquests of Al-Shaam and 'Iraq. Many of the people of Madinah joined in Jihaad and a large number of them achieved martyrdom. Most of those however, were those who had memorised the Glorious Qur'an. This was catastrophic, so Abu Bakr ordered the Qur'an to be gathered and arranged (in the order revealed by Allah to His Prophet and Messenger, Mohammed, [Peace be upon him]) and unified, in book form. (As the Qur'an was revealed and recited to the people, they had written it down on pieces of wood, leather, etc.).

As battles were won, there arrived in Madinah captives and spoils. Many of the captives were manumitted and were married to the Muslims, establishing a new generation of new blood.

Abu Bakr died on the twenty-second of the month of Jumaada Al-Aakhir in the year thirteen after the emigration. Madinah was the capital of an expansive Islamic territory, which encompassed all of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern portion of the land of Al-Shaam.
 

Caliphate of 'Umar bin Al-Khattaab (13-24 A.H.)




In the thirteenth year after the emigration, 'Umar bin Al-Khattaab assumed power. He was unflinching in the administration of his responsibilities and his interpretive judgements were attended by diligence and discernment. He deputed people to make Jihaad to expand their conquests in Al-Shaam and Persia, and Allah gave them victory. The result was immense wealth arriving in Madinah. 'Umar originated a counsel to dispose of these spoils and granted a yearly allocation of them to everyone born Muslim. During this time, 'Umar instituted bureaux of the army and post. He personally complied with the review and inspection of his citizens' affairs. He went out night and day, touring the markets and streets, observing and pursuing the conditions of his people with great concern. Madinah remained calm, peaceful, secure and serene, for years.

As Madinah developed, flourished and prospered, new emigrants arrived, expanding the populace. Eventually, conditions in the Prophet's Mosque became tight, as it became overcrowded with the faithful. 'Umar (also) expanded it onto adjacent land.

In the eighteenth year after the emigration, a terrible drought and ensuing famine occurred in the area. Many of the tribes appeared at the outskirts of Madinah appealing for assistance. 'Umar apportioned them enough food and established provisions collectively. He wrote to the territories and requested relief. He patrolled the homes and tents himself, supervising the distribution of food, depriving himself until the people were fed. Then, he gathered the people together and at the head of them placed Al-'Abbaas, the uncle of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). They prayed Salaat Al-Istissqaa' (the prayer for rain). Allah opened up the clouds and the rain poured down upon them, flowing heavily in torrents. Relief finally arrived from the territories, as well as the spoils of battle and the treasures of the vanquished, which his retinue distributed to the people.

'Umar also executed the commands of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) and expelled the non-Muslims from the Arabian Peninsula. He purified Madinah and the remainder of the 'peninsula' for the Muslims. His rule saw the spread of justice and prosperity for the welfare of the Muslims.

'Umar appealed, in his supplication to Allah, to die a martyr in Madinah. His supplication was accepted for while he led the people in the Fajr (dawn) prayer, he was stabbed by Abu Lu'lu'ah Al-Majoosi. His assassinator had harbored a venomous hatred for Islam and the Muslims. 'Umar succeeded to martyrdom three days later, on the first of Muharram, in the year 24 A.H..
 

Caliphate of 'Uthmaan bin 'Affaan (24-35 A.H.)




'Uthmaan bin 'Affaan succeeded 'Umar as Caliph, when he was in his seventieth year. He was rich, gentle and clement. Life in Madinah and the Islamic territories, during his tenure, knew six shining years of abundance, comfort, serenity and calm. It is noted that he made Jihaad to open new lands to Islam, that he was philanthropic, that he sacrificed for Madinah and the people and that he incessantly worked for them and their affairs with his knowledge of their daily lives.

During his rule, the population increased and the buildings spread, as Madinah expanded in all directions; to Mount Sila'a, Qiblatain and Qubaa', eventually reaching Waadi Al-'Aqeeq. 'Uthmaan personally inspected conditions in the market.

In the twenty-ninth year after the emigration, he renovated and expanded the Prophet's Mosque, having it reconstructed of chiseled stone. In the thirtieth year, he assigned some of the Companions who were familiar with the original copy of the Glorious Qur'an, which had been gathered together in book form in the time of Abu Bakr, to scrutinise and verify it. He then had one exact and perfect, error-free copy, written which adhered to the original. Copies of that were then sent out to all of the territories to maintain the integrity of Allah's Revelation.

During these six brilliant years in the lives of the people, 'Uthmaan was generous, mild, and fair with regard to their worldly affairs and knew of, through personal observation, any violations of those things which were prohibited. He established the borders of Madinah and spread the wealth between the ever-increasing numbers of Madinans.

In the thirty-second year after the emigrqtion, threads of unrest began to unwind through the hands of a Jewish enemy of Islam, 'Abdullah bin Saba'. He took advantage of the prosperity and leniency of the Caliph and began to spin and circulate a web of rumours, regarding 'Uthmaan. His scheming was exposed and he was expelled from Madinah. He travelled to Kufah, then to Basrah and then to Egypt. Along the way he continued spreading the rumours and fomenting dissent with his cunning, about 'Uthmaan. The Caliph's governors were motivated to dissent, as the provocation of the Jew was succeeding in arousing a number of their subjects. They corresponded, finally assembling in Madinah, before the Hajj in the thirty-fifth year. The Caliph dealt with them with the breadth of his clemency. He reasoned with them and refuted the malicious prevarications and accusations. They left Madinah, but soon returned and laid siege to the Caliph in his home. They contended that they had discovered a letter from 'Uthmaan to the governor of Egypt, in which he conspired to kill them. The army and the police with 'Uthmaan, were not capable of opposing them. They spread out in Madinah and took authority over its affairs. An army from Al-Shaam arrived to support the Caliph, so the insurrectors stormed 'Uthmaan's home and took it by force. The youth who were the sons of the Companions attempted to defend him from these fomenters of turmoil, but were defeated. ‘Uthmaan was murdered whilst he was reading the Glorious Qur'an. His murder was the greatest tragedy stemming from the unrest and confusion that prevailed in Madinah.

They attempted to persuade 'Ali, Talhah and Zubair that one of them should assume the Caliphate, however all three refused. After eight days, the urgency of the chaos that now prevailed forced 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) to reconsider their proposal before the situation became even more aggravated. He agreed to his becoming Caliph and to rectify matters through his wisdom.
 

Caliphate of 'Ali bin Abi Taalib (36-40 A.H.)




'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) assumed the Caliphate in the beginning of the thirty-sixth year A.H. His first concern was to restore peace, order and calm to Madinah, eradicate the turmoil from its root, then tackle the unrest that was spreading to the territories and dislodge the conspirators from them. The voices of those who were attempting to capitalise on the circumstances that brought about the turmoil were remote. 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) organised and brought security to the outskirts of Madinah and then began to rectify the affairs of the territories, by isolating the governors who had agitated and aggravated the confusion by circulating the rumours. He removed them from their posts and dispatched his own (new) appointments to take their places, but the unrest was now deep-seated throughout.

He requested some of the Companions, at the head of them 'Aishah (Allah be pleased with her), to retaliate and punish the murderers of 'Uthmaan. She had left Madinah for the Hajj before the martyrdom of 'Uthmaan. As soon as she was informed of this, she proceeded with her escort and a group of Companions to 'Iraq. Mu'aawiyah refused to pledge fealty to 'Ali as Caliph. 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) turned to Al-Shaam, raising the call to avenge the assassination of 'Uthmaan. 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) was compelled to leave, taking with him those who volunteered, to stem the spread of the turmoil and proceeded with his group, accompanied by 'Aishah (Allah be pleased with her) and her retinue. He tried to persuade her to return to Madinah. Some of them were able to rebel and a battle raged between 'Ali's men and the group with 'Aishah (Allah be pleased with her). A number of (the Prophet's) Companions that surrounded the camel that 'Aishah rode were killed. 'Ali and his men seized authority of the command and completed the battle. 'Aishah and her escort returned to Madinah fortified with honour.

'Ali and his army did not return, they turned and headed to Kufah, where they halted to prepare for a confrontation with the dissenters and Mu'aawiyah. Appointed as regent of Madinah was Sahl bin Hanif Al-Ansaari. The calm that had been spoiled in the life of Madinah started to return, as they distanced themselves from what had transpired in 'Iraq and Al-Shaam. However, with 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) in Kufah, were a number of the sons of Madinah, who were involved in the arbitration and settlement, with Mu'aawiyah. Further emigration to Madinah was halted and only those who remained from the people of Madinah and those who were going to visit the Prophet's Mosque and make 'salaam' (greetings) on the Prophet (Peace be upon him), were allowed to depart for it. No one could go without a purpose. Thus the population of Madinah decreased and its economic activity was reduced, as a result. In the thirty-eighth year of the Hijrah, Sahl bin Hanif, the Governor of Madinah died.

The governorship was assumed by 'Ali Abu Ayoub Al-Ansaari. He was advanced in years, and in reason. He maintained the conduct of his predecessors. Only a few number of caravans arrived, so interest in agriculture increased to ensure that the fundamental requirements of nourishment were met. While 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) was engaged in battling Al-Khawaarij in 'Iraq, Mu'aawiyah dispatched his army to Madinah under the leadership of Basr bin Arta'h. At this Abu Ayoub left the city and the army of Basr entered it uncontested, obtaining the fealty of its citizenry to Mu'aawiyah. Basr bin Arta'h revoked the protection of those accused of assisting in the dissent that led to the assassination of 'Uthmaan, killing them and razing their homes. He then quit Madinah with his army, appointing as successor to Abu Ayoub, Abu Hurairah.

Abu Hurairah returned the lives of the Madinans to tranquility, lessons continued in the Prophet's Mosque and the previous unrest was avoided. Upon hearing that the army of 'Ali bin Abi Taalib under the leadership of Jaariyah bin Qudaamah was coming, Abu Hurairah fled Madinah. The army arrived with the news that 'Ali had been martyred in Kufah. The people swore their allegiance to Al-Hassan, the son of 'Ali, as Caliph. Upon the succession of Al-Hassan, who left to assume his duties as ruler, Abu Hurairah returned to Madinah with the best of the people receiving him. He continued with the proper conduct of his predecessors. The people of Madinah lived their lives at that time, between their work and continuing their knowledge through lessons in the Prophet's Mosque.

What remained of the unrest abated when Al-Hassan bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) renounced his right of succession as Caliph, in favour of Mu'aawiyah and returned to Madinah with those Madinans who had been with him. Madinah was metamorphosed into a city of guidance and became one of the provinces of the new Ummayyad (from the name of the ensuing dynasty) state. It is a compelling example of politics. The people of Madinah concerned themselves with their own welfare and prospered in their lives. They concentrated on their worship, and seminars to gain knowledge. Their characteristic concerns became centred on their agricultural and commercial endeavours.
 

Ummayyad Period (41-64 A.H.)




The Ummayyad era began in Madinah in the year 41 A.H. when Allah, the Almighty, reconciled what had come between the Muslims. Al-Hassan bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) relinquished the Caliphate to Mu'aawiyah. Mu'aawiyah secured a pledge of fealty from the people of Madinah. He moved the seat of the Caliphate to Damascus (to make the administration more central to the entire Islamic state), thereby relegating Madinah to becoming merely one of the provinces. The Madinans who had left during the time of war between 'Ali and Mu'aawiyah were now able to return to the city, as the suffering of the people had subsided. Mu'aawiyah visited Madinah and under his guidance, the grants were restored to the people, in order to reconcile and placate them. He gave the best of the grants to the Hashemi's (the people of the family of the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him]).

Mu'aawiyah appointed Marwaan bin Al Hakm as the Governor of Madinah. Marwaan was concerned and devoted to the people and their affairs. He attended to public trusts, such as Al-'Ayn Al-Zarqa' (The Blue Spring) which provided water for the people and irrigation for some of their orchards and groves. He revived agriculture and commerce.

Mu'aawiyah persisted in his desire to have the complete and unquestioned allegiance of Madinah, as he wanted to be able to control its populace. He attempted this through the grants and by giving special accord and distinction to the Hashemi's. In the year 49 A.H., he dismissed Marwaan as governor and replaced him with Sa'eed bin Al-'Aas. His tenure as governor lasted for five years, during which Madinah knew peace, calm and security. He was unilaterally lenient with the people.

At the time when Mu'aawiyah began to secure an oath of fealty from his subjects for his son Yazeed, (whom he deigned to succeed him as Caliph), Marwaan bin Al-Hakm became indignant. To appease Marwaan, Mu'aawiyah restored him to the Province of Madinah, (this occurred in the year 54 A.H.), and further promised him that he would continue in that position after Yazeed assumed the Caliphate. Marwaan was about to make the pledge, but Mu'aawiyah arrived in Madinah. He secured the fealty of the Madinans, as he was accomplished in subtlety and astuteness. However, some of the more distinguished Madinans opposed him. They were Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him), 'Abdullah bin Al-Zubair (Allah be pleased with him), 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) and 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Allah be pleased with him). As a result, Mu'aawiyah suspended the grants of Madinah and Marwaan intensified on the people. Marwaan established agricultural production for his own account, as well as that of Mu'aawiyah. The people thus became disillusioned and displeased with him, so Mu'awiyah removed him from his posting a second time. Marwaan was replaced by Al-Waleed bin 'Utbah bin Abu Sufyaan, as Governor of Madinah.

When Mu'aawiyah died in the year 60 A.H., the period of calm tranquilty and secure peace ended. Mu'aawiyah, during his Caliphate, succeeded in gathering and uniting the Muslims and spearheaded their efforts of Islamic conquests. His death ushered in a period of unrest, unease and turmoil. The people of Madinah gave their fealty to Yazeed, with the exception of Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him), 'Abdullah bin Al-Zubair (Allah be pleased with him) and a few others. These exceptors went to Makkah threatening a schism by secession. Enraged by this, Yazeed removed Al-Waleed bin 'Utbah as the Governor of Madinah and replaced him with 'Amru bin Sa'eed "Al-Ashdaq". He was intense and assigned to head his police force, 'Amru bin Al-Zubair. The latter was severe to all whom he supposed supported Hussain bin 'Ali(Allah be pleased with him), or his own brother, 'Abdullah bin Al-Zubair, and punished many of them. He left Madinah at the head of an army of seven hundred men and went to Makkah to battle his brother, 'Abdullah. He met his end with the revenge of his brother for what he did to the people of Madinah. Yazeed removed "Al-Ashdaq" and installed Al-Waleed bin 'Utbah for a second time.

KARBALAA
Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) was a revolutionary person, a righteous man, the religious authority, the Imam of Muslim Ummah. As the representative of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him)'s main concern was to safeguard and protect Islam and guide fellow Muslims. On the other hand, the staying power of the rulers (Mu'awiya and his son Yazid) depended solely on the might of the sword. They used brute force to rule over the Muslim empire even by all possible illicit means.

Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) as head of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) never recognized Mu'awiya nor his followers. Before him Ali (a.s.) had fought battles against Mu'awiya because Mu'awiya continuously violated the Islamic principles. Al-Hasan (a.s.) had to swallow the bitter pill of making a peace agreement with Mu'awiya, in order to safeguard the security of the Ummah which was at stake. When Yazid son of Mu'awiya declared himself as a ruler over the Ummah, he demanded Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) allegiance of loyalty. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali on his part flatly rejected Yazid's rule and behavior, for there was no way Yazid could represent Islam, it would be blasphemy. But Yazid, the tyrant ruler over the Ummah, was adamant in his demand, and tension between the two parties increased day by day.

Al-Hussain bin 'Ali was quick to realize that giving allegiance of loyalty to Yazid would serve no purpose but to jeopardize the survival of Islam. To safeguard and protect Islam, therefore, Al-Hussain bin 'Ali had no choice but to confront and collide with Yazid's rulership irrespective of consequences. Since Yazid had ordered his commanders to seize Al-Hussain bin 'Ali's allegiance of loyalty at any cost, even by brutal force, the commanders had to assemble a relatively large army, surrounding Al-Hussain bin 'Ali's camp in a desert called Karbala. Then they cut off the basic necessities to the camp, including access to water. The camp consisted of Al-Hussain bin 'Ali, his family, friends, and companions, all of whom stood fast and firmly with him. These braves would rather face death for the noble cause of Islam, than submit to the outrageous tyranny and the un-Islamic ways of Yazid.

Thus, Karbala proved to be a clash involving Islamic truths versus falsehood, right versus wrong, belief versus disbelief, the oppressed versus the oppressor, faith against brute force. Karbala was about standing in the face of oppression, regardless no matter the cost. Thus, in Karbala, Al-Husain the 57 year old grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), sacrificed his totality and all he had, for one goal. This goal was to let the truth triumph over falsehood eventually, and he did that brilliantly. His goal was to foil the plan that Mu'awiya had expertly developed for his son, Yazid, which was to establish a permanent Benu Umayya rulership over the Muslim Ummah (even by sacrificing the Islamic principles), but doing it in the name of Islam. Brilliantly, Al Husain succeeded in foiling this plan and he exposed the disreputable nature of Benu Umayya though this was at the expense of his life
Upon Mu'awiya's death, Yazid, 30 years old, managed to impose himself on the people and become the Khalifa. At first people refused to accept him as a representative of the Prophet (pbuh) and Islamic Ummah, but Yazid approached people in mosques for their favors. Like his father Mu'awiya, Yazid used all possible means like bribery, coercion, pressure, threats, and force to receive the people's acceptance of him as the legitimate ruler. Many people were worried, threats to their lives and livelihood was too menacing, so they grudgingly and reluctantly gave in. But, Al Husain (a.s.) and his family (who practiced Islam in its true sense), did not give in. As the true representative of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Al-Husain flatly refused accepting Yazid either as a Khalifa or a leader of Islam. Despite Yazid's intimidating military power the Imam stood firm in his resolve and chose to challenge Benu Umayya's authorities.

Yazid commissioned Waleed Ibn Ut'ba, his Governor over Medina, to ask for Imam Husain's allegiance of loyalty or else upon refusal, his head. Waleed invited Al-Husain to a meeting for the purpose. Al Husain did not give his word at the meeting and decided to leave Medina along with his family to proceed to Mecca. When Al-Husain reached Mecca he received 12,000 letters from Kufa urging him to go to Kufa to be their leader, and be the Khalifa. Imam sent an emissary, his cousin Muslim Ibn Aqeel, to Kufa to ascertain first-hand information about the situation in Iraq. In the mean time Yazid spread a network of informants and secret agents in Mecca to assassinate  Al-Hussain bin 'Ali during pilgrimage. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali learned about the spies, and carefully evaluated the situation in Mecca. Al Husain knew that Yazid son of Mu'awiya had no regard for Islamic values and teachings, that he would do anything to enforce his tyrannical rule. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali also knew that giving allegiance of loyalty to an imposter like Yazid would certainly place Islam at great jeopardy. Therefore he decided to leave Mecca for Kufa to prepare for a confrontation with Yazid and his forces.

Many friends and relatives urged Al-Hussain bin 'Ali not to go to Kufa, but he insisted on going. Al Husain, along with family, friends, and companions began the journey toward Kufa (1,100 miles) in a long caravan in the blistering heat of summer.


ON THE WAY TO KARBALA

During the early phase of the journey the caravan met Al-Farazdaq (a famous poet) at a place called al-Sifah. Al-Farazdaq advised Al-Hussain bin 'Ali not to go to Kufa because though people's hearts were with him (Imam), their swords would be against him. But the Imam continued with the journey, and he received the first letter from his emissary Muslim Ibn Aqeel with good news. The letter indicated that the people were more than ready to welcome the Imam in Kufa and were looking forward to his leadership. Imam Husain decided to send another emissary to Kufa with a message. The caravan kept proceeding toward Kufa. Many days passed but the Imam did not receive any more responses from Muslim Ibn Aqeel.

In Kufa Muslim Bin Aqeel with the help of Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi and Hani Ibn Urwah continued to hold secret meetings with the supporters of Al-Hussain bin 'Ali. Within a short time the gatherings started to gain momentum. Yazid through his spies and informants learned about Muslim's successes in Kufa. He appointed the tyrant Ubaidullah Ibn Ziyad to replace al-Nu'man Ibn al-Basheer as Governor of Kufa.

Meanwhile, as Al-Husain's caravan got closer to its destination (Kufa), coming to a place called Zubalah, Al Husain unexpectedly received shocking news. The shocking news was about Muslim Ibn Aqeel and the person who provided him shelter, Hani's Ibn Urwah, both of whom were arrested and beheaded by the Governor Ibn Ziyad. Mukhtar was also arrested and imprisoned and tortured by Ibn Ziyad.

Al-Hussain bin 'Ali gathered his companions and disclosed to them about the bad news, and said, "Our suppoeters have deserted us, those of you who prefer to leave us may do so freely and without guilt." Becoming scared, some companions left the caravan. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali continued with the journey along with close companions and family members until he was face to face with 1,000 horsemen led by Hur al-Riyahi representing the enemy. The enemy army blocked the camps of Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (a.s.) from advancing. Tension started to rise between the two. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali addressed the enemy explaining to them his motives for going to Kufa, that it was in response to the invitation of the people. He even showed them a bagful of letters he received from Kufa. Hur said that he and his men were not the writers of those letters. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali told them that if they did not like him to advance with the journey, he was prepared to return to Hijaz. Hur replied, "We are commissioned to follow you until we take you to Governor Ibn Ziyad, and suggested to the Al-Hussain bin 'Ali to go towards a station which is neither Kufa nor Medina." Al Husain found the proposal fair and turned the caravan away from Kufa. Hur and his army marched parallel to Al-Hussain bin 'Ali. The two sides reached a village called Nainawa where Ibn Ziyad's messenger (Yazid's governor over Kufa) delivered a message to Hur. The message read, " ...force Husain to a halt. But let him stop in an open space, without vegetation or water." Hur conveyed the contents of the letter to Al Husain. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali, his family and companions defiantly resumed their journey and reached a place where another enemy force blocked their move and forced them to stop. When Al Husain learned that the place was called Karbala, he felt he reached the destination and ordered his camp to be setup.

That day was 2nd of Muharram, Hijri 61.

KARBALA

Upon learning that his army had succeeded to lay a siege around the Al-Hussain bin 'Ali's camp, Governor Ibn Ziyad sent additional military units to Karbala and appointed Umar Ibn Sa'ad in charge. Al Husain (a.s.) opened a dialogue with Umar Ibn Sa'ad and convinced him to lift the siege so that Al-Hussain bin 'Ali with his family and companions could leave Iraq. Umar Ibn Sa'ad liked the Al-Hussain bin 'Ali's proposal and sent a message to Governor Ibn Ziyad notifying him about the results of the talks with Al Husain (a.s.). Ibn Ziyad also found the Al Husain's proposal acceptable. However before agreeing to it officially, Shimr Bin Dhil-Jawshan, opposed it strongly. As a result Ziyad wrote a letter to Umar Ibn Sa'ad commanding him to either go to war with Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (a.s.) or be relieved of his duties as commander of the army and Shimr would not only replace him but despatch Ibn Sa'ad's head to Kufa.

Umar Ibn bin Sa'ad got the letter. After pondering over the consequences he decided to fight Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (a.s.). On the 7th day of Muharram he moved his troops closer to the camp and began to surround the Husaini camp. Ibn Sa'ad laid a blockade around the camp to cut it off from access to the river Euphrates, to deprive it of water in a move to force them to surrender.

Two days later, (on the 9th of Muharram), the enemy's military forces closed in on the camp of Al Husain (a.s.). Al-Hussain bin 'Ali asked his brother, Abbas, to talk to Ibn Sa'ad and request a delay of the aggression by one night. Umar Ibn Sa'ad agreed to the demand. He ordered his troops to delay the aggression till next morning. Al Husain and his pious companions spent that night in prayers. During the night the Al-Hussain bin 'Ali told the companions, " ....the enemy is interested in none but me, me alone. I'll be most delighted to permit each and every one of you to go back, and I urge you to do so...." All companions screamed in response, "By Allah, never, never! We will either live with you or die together with you."


ASHURAA

Finally, the day of Ashuraa dawned upon the soil of Karbala. It was the day when Jihad would be in full bloom, blood would be shed, 72 innocent lives would be sacrificed, and a decisive battle would be won to save Islam and the Ummah.

It had been a few days since the water supply was cut off by the enemy. Children were crying for water, the women were desperate for water, Zainul-Abideen, the son of Al Husain (a.s.) was sick with fever. The suffering from the thirst was too painful to bear. And despite this, not a single person in the camp made any complaints or even questioned the mission of  Husain. Each member supported the Al-Hussain wholeheartedly and enthusiastically.

Next morning Al Husain (a.s.) went out of the camp and saw Umar Ibn Sa'ad mobilizing his troops to start the hostility. He stared at the intimidating army, and as large as it was Al Husain showed no signs of compromise. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali raised his hands in prayer:

"O Allah! It is Thee in whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. Thou are my refuge and provision in everything that happens to me. How many grievances weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to handle them, during which friend deserts me, and enemy rejoices in it. I lay it before Thee and complain of it to Thee, because of my desire in Thee, Thee alone. You relieve me of it and remove it from me. Thou are the Master of all Grace, the Essence of Goodness, and the Ultimate Resort of all Desire."
Before the actual engagement was to take place, Hur, the previous commander of the enemy force, felt his conscience violently stirring, he was in turmoil. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, he suddenly broke away from Umar Ibn Sa'ad's camp (along with two others). They rushed toward Al Husain (a.s.) to join his camp. Hur's heart was jumping with joy, his mind relieved of an agonizing tension. Hur's defection worried Umar Ibn Sa'ad very much, lest others do the same and defect. So Umar Ibn Sa'ad threw an arrow in the air to indicate the start of the battle. This was the outset of a catastrophe and a tragic event that Mu'awiya had once conceived to happen.


THE BATTLE

Al Husain's supporters insisted on being the first to fight. Therefore, they took the brunt of the enemy attack. The battle was ferocious. Within a short time the Husain's supporters slay a large number of the enemy fighters, they were on the offensive and the enemy on the defensive. This caused apprehension and confusion in the enemy military, the 72 of Husain's against the 5,000 of the enemy (some say 30,000) being on the defensive. So worried and nervous, the enemy commander-in-chief ordered his army not only to set fire to the Al Husain's tents (which were occupied mostly by frightened females and children), but at the same time reinforced his fighters with more troops.

The heroes began to fall, they were men of valor welcoming martyrdom, they fell one after another, for the enemy was overwhelming in number. By noon time the Al-Hussain bin 'Ali stopped the fight to perform the Salat. By this time those left were mainly his family and a few supporters. They performed the Salat together. Two supporters were guarding the performers of Salat. The enemy was standing still, watching!! When Salat was finished one of the guards fell dead; there were 17 arrows in his back.

Ali Akbar, Husain's son obtained permission to fight and dashed toward the enemy. He engaged them in fierce fighting, falling on them like thunder, slaying numerous fighters. He continued to move forward, deep inside the enemy. The enemy was overpowering in number, it overwhelmed him cutting him with swords and spears, and his body became nothing but wounds gushing blood, until he died. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (a.s.) rushed to the area and picked up the wounded limp body and brought it to the appalled camp. His sister and others in the camp were horrified and shocked at the scene.

Abbas and five other brothers of Al Husain went to fight. They also engaged the enemy in a fierce fighting, almost doing the impossible. Abbas went toward the river to bring some water for the thirsty children. While he was returning on his horse with the water, he was attacked by a large horde of the enemy, overwhelming and severely wounding him. As much as he tried Abbas could not save the water, he fell from his horse to breath his last.

Next to the battle field went the sons of Husain, Al-Hasan and Zainab and their cousins (about 17 of them). They were all in their teens but each stood bravely, believing in the mission, facing a formidable enemy, and showed no less enthusiasm in their quest to embrace the martyrdom.


AL-HUSAIN AND HIS BABY

By the afternoon 70 brave persons had sacrificed their lives in Karbala to save Islam. All had fought under nerve racking conditions, severe thirst, dehydration, exhaustion, and agonizing feeling of what would happen to the family of the Prophet (pbuh) afterwards. Husain endured all that and more, for he saw all his beloved ones brutally cut to pieces, including children. Remaining the only one, Al Husain was to face the enemy head on. Precisely at that moment  Husain heard his baby crying incessantly, agonizing because of the thirst. Imam Husain's love for his family was unbound, especially for a suffering baby. He held the six months old baby, his youngest son (Ali Asghar) in his arms, and appealed to the enemy fighters for some water for the baby. Al-Hussain bin 'Ali wanted to awaken their conscience and stir their human feelings but the stone-hearted enemy, instead of giving water, zoomed an arrow toward the agonizing baby and killed him instantly. Al Husain was shocked. He felt an unbearable wave of pain. The sight of the limp baby in his arms was agonizingly painful.
 

AL-HUSAIN BY HIMSELF

Husain (a.s.) was alone, one man against thousands. He took them on, fighting them bravely, and kept fighting, receiving many wounds in the process. Thousands of enemy fighters were surrounding him but none dared to move toward him. The silence was broken when Shimr screamed for an attack, then screamed again, threatening, and in response they attacked collectively, and one sword fell on Al Husain's left wrist and deeply cut his left hand. The blood gushed like a fountain. Another sword was soon to follow and it hit his upper back.Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (a.s.) felt numb as he fell to the ground, bleeding profusely. He was near the point of shock, even though staggering he tried to stand by leaning on his sword. Then he received the fatal blow.

It was at this point, that Shimr whose mother was a disbeliever, came forward and severed  Husain's noble head from the body, the noble head kissed often by the Prophet (pbuh)! Shimr and others had the audacity to carry it on the tip of a spear to Yazid, 600 miles away!

Umar Ibn Sa'ad ordered the horsemen to trample upon the supine bodies of Al-Hussain bin 'Ali and all others killed, to disfigure them even further, as if the wounds, the bloodied bodies, and the headless forms were not enough.

For three days the exposed bodies of the martyrs were left lying in the desert of Karbala. Afterwards, the people of the tribe of Bani-Asad, who were not far away from the battle field, helped bury them.

Umar Ibn Sa'ad and his forces (representing Benu Umayya) took the women and children as prisoners in shackles, put them on camels, and proceeded in a caravan from Karbala to Kufa. At the forefront of the procession were the heads of Imam Husain (a.s.) and his followers on the tip of spears. The scene was both grotesque and pathetic. This was the leftover of the beloved family of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), in such a deplorable unimaginable condition.

 When the news of the martyrdom in Karbalaa',(after he had left Makkah for Karbalaa') of Al-Hussain bin 'Ali (Allah be pleased with him) and all of his men (Allah be pleased with all of them), reached Madinah, the city was filled with pandemonium and the roar of the weeping, for the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). Some of them held the 'Ummayyad's responsible. The Ummayyad's became despised, so the Madinans retracted their pledge of fealty to them. Yazeed removed Al-Waleed bin 'Utbah (the one who was not good in his treatment of Ibn Zubair in Makkah) as governor, as a result. In his place he assigned 'Uthmaan bin Mohammed bin Abu Sufyaan. He was lenient and knew everything about the affairs of the city, the province and its people. Rumours began to spread about the Caliph, Yazeed. They accused him of licentiousness, dissipation and amusing himself through hunting for sport. At this, some of the Madinans revoked their pledge to the Ummayyads. The feelings of the Madinans became constricted and filled with spite and rancor. Caravans were delayed and Mu'aawiyah's agricultural representative tried to go to Al-Shaam, but the people prevented this. He requested support from the governor who sent some of his provincial police. They clashed with the people who routed them. The Madinans then announced the revocation of their fealty to the Caliph. They expulsed the governor, 'Uthmaan, and pledged loyalty to 'Abdullah bin Handthalah and 'Abdullah bin Muti'e. This was the catalyst that began the intensification of turmoil. The elite of their intellectuals, (in error), were zealous in their opinion of it and refused to take part. At their head was 'Ali bin Al-Hussain, Zain Al-'Aabdeen and 'Abdullah bin 'Umar. They agreed with the insurrection in Madinah. The insurgency was ignited by 'Abdullah bin Al-Zubair, in Makkah. This only served to intensify the position of Yazeed, who feared that a rupture in the Islamic state would occur if the inhabitants of the "Two Holy Harams" (Makkah and Madinah) remained in tumult with him. He sent Al-Nu'maan bin Basheer to negotiate with the people of Madinah, a promise of loyalty, with a commitment to offer and guarantee what they wanted. The negotiations failed, so Yazeed sent an army of approximately twelve thousand men, under the leadership of Muslim bin 'Uqbah, to squelch the uprising in Madinah and Makkah. (That was in the year 63 A.H.). This only served to aggravate an already serious situation in Madinah. When the news of the impending arrival of the army reached Madinah, the insurgents ousted all of the Ummayyads resident in the city. They began their preparations for a big battle by restoring the excavation of Al-Khandaq (The Trench). The Caliph's army reached Madinah on the 25th of the month of Dhul Hijjah and requested the Madinans to return to the pledge of fealty, which they had dishonored, in return for the resumption of their security and grants. They were given a respite of three days. The Madinans realised that it was not feasible, that there was no advantage, that nothing would change. The battle raged. The army penetrated Madinah from the direction of Al-Harrah Al-Sharqiyah (the eastern lava-rock fields) and killed the leader of the insurgents, and around thousand of the sons of the Muhajireen and Ansaar, (those who had emigrated to Madinah with the Prophet [Peace be upon him] and those who were of the original people of Madinah, who had assisted the newcomers). Some of the troops plundered the wealth of Madinah over a period of three days. Muslim bin 'Uqbah subjugated many of the Madinans and tried to extract the pledge of submission from them. Those who wavered in according it were killed. Madinah suffered the worst and most bloody battle in its history. In this battle of destruction, many of the sons of Madinah were killed, its wealth seized and the populace humiliated.

The Caliph Yazeed endeavoured to broach the schism that existed between himself and the people of Madinah, so he sent donations and food to all of them, in an attempt to assuage them for what happened to them in the "Bloody Battle". Ruh bin Zunbaa'a assumed the governorship of the province, the army returned to Al-Shaam and Yazeed died without attaining an increase in his domination over, his authority on, or his amelioration of the people of Madinah.

At the death of Yazeed, 'Abdullah bin Al-Zubair declared himself Caliph, in Makkah. The people of Madinah did not hesitate in declaring their pledge of loyalty to him. Thus, started a new period in the political life of Madinah. The new Caliph appointed his brother, 'Ubaidullah bin Al-Zubair, as governor. However, in Damascus, Marwaan succeeded as Caliph upon the death of Yazeed. He died after nine months, never having gained control over the Hijaaz. An army was returned to Madinah under the control of Hubaish bin Duljah.

 

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