TASKS AFTER EMIGRATION - Imam Ali the Commander of Faithful [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

TASKS AFTER EMIGRATION

Madinah entered a new era of its history with the
arrival of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.). There he
erected the pillars of the realm of the Qur'an, and
fortified it so as to be a lighthouse radiating the
beacon of Truth to all horizons, and dispersing the dense
darkness of the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyah).

After the higrah (emigration), the Mission transformed
into a state providing much means of protection and
might. This did not imply that an end had come to the
enemy's menace and plots to extinguish the light of Islam
however. On the contrary, the forces of ignorance, with
their diverse aspects, resolved to wage war against Islam
and its state. Many tribes entered the arena against
Islam and the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), as they
realized that their very existence was endangered by this
religion and code of life. Now that Islam had organized
into a state, with a governing head and an army for
defense, it was catering to its needs and carrying out
its objectives. it was more a threat the ever to the idol
worshippers' dominance over the lands of Arabia.

Therefore, the post emigration period placed before the
Muslims wider and more important tasks such as
strengthening the state and guarding it, building a
society and consolidating it, repelling the enemy,
spreading the message of Islam and its unique way of
life.

The nature of the struggle changed from being a
struggle among individuals and tribes, or the nobility
and unarmed commoners who possessed nothing but their
religion and faith in Allah, to an organized military
conflict between forces brought together by common
interests and desires, even if temporarily on the one
side, and the great blossom of Islam as the danger which
would destroy their very existence on the other This
military conflict exploded in an unprecedented way in
history.

It suffices to know that the state, built on the Qur'an,
witnessed, within the ten years that the Messenger of
Allah (s.a.w.) spent in Madinah, dozens of military
operations, defensive and offensive wars, in which the
Muslims made numerous sacrifices and faced all kinds of
difficulties. But, at last, the existence of Arab
Ignorance was overcome, and the state of Islam prevailed
over the whole Arab Peninsula.

Going over the history of those crucial early years of
the Final Message, we realize that the role of Imam Ali
bin Abi) was unsurpassed. In all the wars Islam fought
against Talib (a.s., its enemies, Imam Ali (a.s.) was
always the victor, not merely through taking part in the
excursions in person, but by his sacrifices and bravery
which surpassed all others. His combat skills and feats
of daring were so well known that many of the enemy would
not face him, knowingly, on the battlefield.

It is worthwhile to refer to some of the battles fought
by the Islamic forces in those days and Imam Ali's (a.s.)
specific role in each of them.

1. THE BATTLE OF BADR:

Badr lies 200 miles from Mecca and 80 miles from
Madinah. It was the site of the first battle fought by
the forces of the Islamic state. The Muslims were
outnumbered by 3:1 by an army of Meccans led by Abu Jahl.
In the winter of 2 A.H. (after higrah) his army was
proceeding toward Madinah when the Messenger of Allah
(s.a.w.) sent out his forces of 313 to prevent bloodshed
inside the city limits.

The provisions of the Muslims was scanty. Three or
four men had to share one camel, taking turns riding. The
standard bearer of this small courageous band was Imam
Ali (a.s.).(38) There was a single horseman-- Miqdad bin
Aswad Kindi. Some of the Muslims were armed only with
sticks made from palm trees.

Warfare in those days was quite different than what we
know today. Before the general battle began, a number of
duels were fought between the leading warriors Of each
side. When the Muslims reached the fertile vale of Badr,
a favorite watering place and camping ground on the
caravan route, three stations northwards from Mecca, the
Prophet ordered a halt, taking suitable positions near a
stream of fresh water, to await the arrival of the
infidel army On the next day, Friday, the 17th of
Ramadhan, the enemy blowing their trupets, approached the
Muslims.(39)

Three of the infidel warriors, Utbah, the
father-in-law of Abu Sufyan, his brother, Shaibah, and
Al-Walid came out of the ranks and arrogantly challenged
the Muslims. Three Ansars of Madinah immediately stepped
out to accept the challenge. The Meccans were outraged
and refused to fight the Ansars saying: "We have not
come all this way to cross arms with the Madinites,
against whom we bear no grudge. We challenge the people
of Mecca who have the courage to defy us."

Upon hearing this Imam Ali (a.s.) and Ubaidah, both
cousins of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), and Hamzah,
his uncle, responded to the challenge.

Sir Thomas Bodley (1545-1613), the English diplomat
and founder of the Bodleian Library, says: "At the
taunt of the Quraishites, Ali dashed out of the Muslim
ranks glittering in breastplate and helmet. He was soon
followed by Ubaidah bin al-Harith, a paternal cousin of
Muhammad, and Hamzah who wore an ostrich feather in his
cuirass. The three companions were thus closely related
to Muhammad and fulfilled the Quraish demand for
Hashimite blood!"

Col. Bodley continues, "The three duels were as
rapid as they were murderous. Hamzah killed Shaibah,
while Ali killed Al-Walid. Ubaidah was mortally wounded,
but before he fell, Ali and Hamzah were able to come to
his rescue. Hamzah hurled himself at Utbah, and with a
sweep of his sword cut off his head. In a few minutes
three of Mecca's most important warriors had been sent to
find out the truth about the hell which Muhammad had
promised them!"

"Three more Meccans ventured forward from Abu
Jahl's army to challenge Imam Ali (a.s.) and Hamzah. They
too went down before the sword of Islam. A further three
were dealt the same fate. In a moment of hesitation, the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) sent his soldiers charging
into a general attack."(40)

The Muslims invoked Allah to help them and give them
victory over their enemy. Allah, the Exalted, responded
by supplying them with angels:

"When you sought aid from your Lord, so He
answered you: I will assist you with a thousand of the
angels following one another."

Holy Qur'an (8:9)

The line of Quraish wavered and a number of their
bravest and noblest fell; they took to flight
ignominiously. in their haste to escape they threw away
their armour and abandoned their transport animals with
all their camp and equipment.

The battle ended with the death of seventy of the
unbelievers, almost half of them killed by Imam Ali
(a.s.) alone.(41)

2. THE BATTLE OF UHUD:

Thirteen months later, the Messenger Of Allah
(s.a.w.), had given the standard of the Muhajirin (the
emigrants) to Imam Ali (a.s.) once again. This time at
Uhud. It was the 7th of Shawwal in the year 3 A.H. Again
the soldiers of Islam faced the treacherous Quraish of
Mecca.

The Quraish, led by Abu Sufyan, advanced in the form
of a crescent and the right wing of their cavalry was led
by Khalid bin Walid, a notorious warrior. Abu Amru, a
Meccan champion, stepping forward with his fifty archers,
showered arrows towards the Muslims who retaliated
promptly. Thus the fight began. The Meccan archers
withdrew and their standard bearer, Talha bin Abi Talha,
coming forth, challenged the Muslims. Imam Ali (a.s.)
stepped forward and struck off one of his legs. He fell
and another champion hoisted the standard. He was killed
by Hamzah. A third now took the standard and was slain by
Imam Ali (a.s.) Thus nine or ten standard bearers fell,
one after the other, by Imam Ali's (a.s.) sword alone.

It is narrated by many authorities that when Imam Ali
(a.s.) struck off the leg Talha, as he fell to the ground
his lower garment became loosened and fell off. Instead
of finishing him off, Imam Ali (a.s.) turned away from
him and the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) questioned him
about his behavior he said that the man was nude and
entreated for the sake of Allah to spare his life.(42)

Imam Ali (a.s.) and Hamzah, the champions of Badr,
unsparingly dealing out death, worked havoc among the
enemy. Hamza, however, while duelling with Saba bin
Abd-al-Uzzah, a Meccan champion, was treacherously
speared from behind by Wahshi, an Ethiopian slave, who
lurked behind a rock for this very purpose, having been
promised his freedom by Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan. She
was present at the battle and looking for revenge for the
death of her father and brother slain by Imam Ali and
Hamzah in the battle of Badr.

Imam Ali (a.s.) and two other Muslim champions charged
the enemy. The force of the charge broke the enemy's
ranks, they wavered and Imam Ali (a.s.) and his aides
gained the enemy camp. The Meccans turned and fled,
leaving their camp to the Muslims who at once proceeded
to appropriate it.

It appeared victory was on the Muslims' side. But the
warriors whom the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) had ordered
to cover them from the back at Mount Uhud, seeing defeat
of the disbelievers and urged by their greed, left their
posts to get their portion of the booty. This gave a
golden opportunity to Khalid bin Walid, to mount an
attack on the Muslims' rear. The situation turned against
the Muslims and in favor of the disbelievers. The Muslims
lost many of their best. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)
himself was wounded in the face. A rumor began that the
Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) had been killed.

The Muslims were checked. They found themselves
surrounded by the Meccans, fearing the death of their
leader, confused and off-guard. Discipline could not be
restored. Some were saying that Muhammad would not have
been killed had he been a true Prophet, others were
talking about seeking pardon from Abu Sufyan and taking
refuge with him. The following verses were revealed about
these 'Muslims':

"And Muhammad is no more than a Prophet; the
Prophets have already passed away before him; if then he
dies or is killed, will you turn back upon your heels?
And whoever turns back upon his heels, he will by no
means do harm to Allah in the least; and Allah will
reward the grateful."

Holy Qur'an (3: 143)

"O you who believe! if you obey those who
disbelieve, they will turn you back upon your heels, so
you will turn back losers.

"Holy Qur'an (3:148)

"Remember when you ran off precipitately on
the heights and looked not back any of you, while the
Prophet was calling you from the rear! So He has
inflicted on you with anguish after anguish, that you
might not grieve at what you lose, nor at what befell
you; and Allah is Aware of what you do."

Holy Qur'an (3:152)

These verses refer to the behavior and conduct of the
majority of the Muslims at the battle of Uhud. An enquiry
into the details as to who is Who in Islam with reference
to the reports about the conduct of the companions in the
several defensive battles fought to save Islam and the
Muslims, would disclose as to the legitimacy of the claim
to companionship of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) of many of
those who later on, with selfish motives managed to
become the leaders of the Muslims and consequently misled
them also in religious matters.(43) Of course, many true
believers resolved to fight for their sincere belief even
though their beloved prophet might be dead. Their thirst
for martyrdom was quenched.

Now the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) was deserted by
his main force, only Imam Ali (a.s.), Abu Dajjanah and
Sahl bin Hunaif surrounded the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) to
defend him from attack by the forces of Abu Sufyan. Imam
Ali (a.s.) was fighting hard to save the Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.) and Islam. His gallantry was such that he was
praised by Arch Angel Gabriel (a.s.) whose voice was
heard saying:

"There is no (victorious) youth save Ali!
There is no sword (weapon of success) except the
'Dhulfiqar'!

(the sword of Imam Ali (a.s.)) (44)

Imam Ali (a.s.) received sixteen wounds in this
battle, four of which were so serious that he was falling
down from his horse. On each occasion a beautiful youth
took hold of him, lifted him up to his saddle and soothed
him by saying: "Go on fighting, O hero! Allah and
His Prophet appreciate your services." This was none
other than Gabriel the Evangel (a.s.), who praised Imam
Ali (a.s.) to the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) for his zeal
and ardent devotion to him at the time when all others
had deserted him. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) told Gabriel
(a.s.):

"No wonder! Ali comes from me and I myself
come from him."

Whereupon Gabriel (a.s.) remarked that he also came from
both of them. (All were created from the same Light.)(45)

On finding out that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)
was only wounded and not killed, the Muslims began to
rally around him. The Meccans, having no courage to rout
them, contented themselves with the honor of snatching
back the victory from the Muhammad (s.a.w.); and left the
field after mangling and mutilating the bodies of the
Muslims. Halting at Rowha, 8 miles from Uhud, Abu Sufyan
felt uneasy at the utter fruitlessness of his campaign
having taken the biggest loss of men, and began to
contemplate a raid on Madinah. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.),
suspecting some treachery, resolved on immediate action
and pursued them the next morning as far as Hamra
al-Asad. He was informed that the Meccans, receiving
intelligence of his advance, had already taken their road
homeward.

3. THE BATTLE OF AHZAB (THE ALLIES):

Again in the month of Shawwal, two years later in 5
A.H., another great war was on the rise. The Jews allied
themselves with the unbelievers of Mecca led by Abu
Sufyan, the Bedouin tribes of Ghatafan, Solaim, Bani Qais
and Bani Asad as well as the Jews of Kaibar to destroy
Islam and its Prophet in a final escapade.

This battle is historical in its nature and an example of
the excellent defensive capabilities of the Messenger of
Allah (s.a.w.). it is known also as the Battle of Khandaq
(ditch or trench) because of the innovative strategy of
digging a trench fifteen feet wide and as deep along the
undefended north-west edge of the city. The enemy soon
approached and were struck dumb with astonishment. This
mode of defence was unknown to the Arabs, and they were
at a loss to understand how to overcome this obstacle so
they laid seige.

Madinah was besieged by 10,000 idolators(46) from
diverse clans. Banu Quraidah severed their peace
agreement with the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) and joined
the ranks of the unbelievers. Thus, the balance of forces
changed in favor of the enemy. The Muslims were deeply
frightened. The Qur'an describes them saying:

"When they came upon you from above you and
from below you, and when the eyes turned dull and the
hearts rose up to the throats, and you began to think
diverse thoughts concerning Allah."

Holy Qur'an (33:10)

More than a fortnight elapsed, when a party of the
besiegers' horsemen found the narrowest and weakest
guarded part of the ditch. Amru bin Abd Wid, Nawfal bin
Abdullah and Dzarar bin Al-Khattab, led by Ikrimah bin
Abu Jahl, spurring their horses leaped forward towards
the Muslims and challenged them to single combat.

Amru bin Abd Wid, on horseback, strolled conceitedly
on the other side of the trench, taunting the Muslims and
taking pride in his heroic deeds. He, then, shouted:
"Is there anyone among you who will challenge me in
a single combat?"

Imam Ali (a.s.) asked the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)
to permit him to accept the challenge, but the Messenger
of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Sit down. It is
Amru."

Abd Wid repeated his challenge debasing the Muslims
and mocking them, saying: "Where is your Paradise to
which you allege to go if you were killed? So, why don't
you send me a man accepting my challenge?"

As none of the Muslims showed willingness to accept
his challenge, Imam Ali (a.s.) repeated his request:
"I am for him, O Messenger of Allah!"

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) again declined saying:

"Sit down, it is Amru!"

Imam Ali (a.s.) showed little respect for Amru and
others like him, and said, "What if he is
Amru!".

At this stage the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) agreed
to let him go. He gave Ali (a.s.) his own sword,
Dhulfiqar, dressed him with his own armor, and put his
own turban on his head, and then he said,

"O Lord! this is my brother and cousin. So, my
Lord, do not let me alone. You are the best of
inheritors!"(47)

Ali went to the battle-field and talked to Amru,
saying:

"you had made a promise to God that no man of
the Quraish would give you two courses without you
choosing one of them."

"Indeed," replied Amru, "What is
that""

"I summon you to Allah, His Messenger and to
Islam," Imam Ali (a.s.) said.

"I have no need of that,", he answered.

"Then I summon you to fight, said Imam Ali
(a.s.).

"Go back,", he told him, "There was
great friendship between me and your father, and I do not
like to kill you."

"But, by Allah, I like to kill you."

Amru became angry and darted at Imam Ali (a.s.), who
faced him boldly, as usual, and killed him. The voice of
Imam Ali (a.s.) was heard heralding "Allahu
Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest!) which indicated
victory.(48)

When Imam Ali (a.s.) returned from the battlefield,
the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) received him and said:

"The fighting of Ali bin Abi Talib with Amru
bin Abd Wid is greater in measure than the actions of my
people until the Day of Resurrection."(49)

After the killing of Amru bin Abd Wid, Imam Ali (a.s.)
had the gap in the trench which Amru had breached
blocked, and took his post at that point(50) with the
intention of confronting anyone who might try to cross
the trench. Otherwise, the army of the disbelievers, with
their thousands, would have invaded Madinah and beaten
the Muslims.

Thus, Imam Ali's (a.s.) heroism in the Battle of Ahzab
was the most decisive factor in victory for the Muslims,
and in defeating the army of the disbelievers. The death
of Amru struck terror in the hearts of the enemy and they
began to abandon the fight group by group. Soon Abu
Sufyan, as well, had to retreat.

The crushing defeat suffered by the unbelievers in the
Battle of Ahzab at the hands of Imam Ali (a.s.) so
shattered their power and pride that they never
afterwards thought of advancing towards Medinah with any
sinister design. This battle also showed them beyond
doubt that with a selfless supporter, and a dauntless
warrior like Imam Ali (a.s.) to protect the Holy Prophet
of Allah (s.a.w.) and his Mission, Islam had come to
stay.(51)

Following the Battle of Ahzab, several minor wars took
place in which the reputation of Imam Ali (a.s.) gained
great notoriety and fear in the hearts of anyone who
opposed him. Many great warriors would refuse to face him
on the battlefield and sometimes Imam Ali (a.s.) in order
to put an end to a battle would disguise himself or move
stealthily at night so that the enemy would not recognise
him. The battles of Banu Quraidah, Banu Mustalaeq and
Fadak are some of these.

4. THE BATTLE OF KHAIBAR:

Khaibar is situated about 100 miles to the north east
of Medinah, and means, literally, a fortified place. The
Jews of Khaibar constituted a serious threat to the
Muslims. The Jews who had lost their fights against the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) had slowly and imperceptibly
collected in the vicinity of this fort and had begun to
incite their brethen to wage war against the Muslims.

The valley surrounding Khaibar was considered as one of
the most fertile of the desert oases and its great
gardens of date palms were most jealously guarded by the
various Jewish tribes whose territory it was. The Jews of
Khaibar were considered the bravest warriors, and they
posed a most powerful challenge to the supremacy of
Islam.

The valley of Khaibar was studded with fortresses
strongly situated on rocky hillocks, which numbered about
ten. Many of these strongholds were considered
impregnable.(52)

The Jews, counting on their large numbers and upon
their valor as well as their strongholds, resolved to
resist. When the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) heard of
this he set out with 1,400 Muslims to face them. The
Jews, about 10,000 strong, all armored, collected
themselves in their forts. But, when besieged in any of
their citadels, they could not resist very long and
eventually evacuated it after one or two sorties. The
Muslims advanced fighting and subduing the forts until
the last one appeared to be invulnerable.

The Jews rallied around their chief, the king of their
nation, Kinanah bin Al-Rab. He lived in this strongly
fortified citadel of Khaibar named Al-Qamus, built on a
steep rock and considered totally unapproachable. Three
times the Muslim army returned unsuccessful from this
fort. Ultimately, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) made
his famous announcement which marks one of the most
brilliant additions in the laurels of Imam Ali (a.s.).

Realising that the Muslim leaders present there were
unable to subdue this last fort which occupied the key
position for the Jews, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.),
pointing to the banner of the Muslim army, announced:

"Tomorrow I shall hand over this banner to a
man who attacks relentlessly and never flees away; he
loves Allah and His Prophet and Allah and His Prophet
love him, and he would not return until Allah grants him
victory."(53)

This announcement kindled a desire in the heart of
every Muslim present to be the man who was "beloved
of God and His Prophet." The most covetous for this
unique honor was Sa'd bin Waqqas and Umar bin Khattab. No
one thought of Imam Ali (a.s.), the cousin and Vicegerent
of the Prophet. The hero of all previous wars was
suffering badly from sore eyes and could not see
anything.

Imam Ali (a.s.), who had been left behind in Medinah
because of his illness, could not remain there and
despite his loss of sight, left for Khaibar reaching
there just on the eve of this great day.

The longed for morning dawned, but the Messenger of Allah
(s.a.w.) appeared not to take notice of anyone. When he
broke the silence he asked for Imam Ali (a.s.) and all,
in one voice, answered that he was at a considerable
distance and was suffering badly from sore eyes so that
he was utterly unable to see. The Prophet commanded them
to bring Imam Ali (a.s.) to him. On being informed of the
Prophet's (s.a.w.) call, Imam Ali (a.s.) presented
himself to the Prophet (s.a.w.) led by Selma bin Akuas he
himself could not see his way.

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), taking Imam Ali's
(a.s.) head into his lap, applied the saliva of his mouth
to his eyes and prayed for his recovery. Instantaneously,
his eyes became so clear as if he had never suffered from
the disease. It is said that throughout his life he never
had any more trouble with his eyes again.

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) handed over the banner to
Imam Ali (a.s.), armed him with Dhulfiqar, and thus
designated him as the man whom Allah and His Prophet
loved. He directed him to lead the assault and to fight
until the Jews submitted. Imam Ali (a.s.) with his force
scrambled up the stony rock in front of the fortress and
planted the banner over its top resolving never to recede
until the citadel was taken.

The Jews sallied forth to drive down the assailants. A
Jewish priest asked Imam Ali (a.s.) his name which he
gave as Ali bin Abi Talib or Haidar (the name his mother
gave him).The priest, hearing the name, warned his men
that the assailant would not withdraw without capturing
the citadel. However, Harith, a Jewish champion, who had
vigorously repulsed the previous attacks, stepped forward
and killed several of the Muslims. Imam Ali (a.s.)
advanced and killed Harith in hand to hand combat. The
brother of Harith was a gigantic man with a huge form. He
was unequalled in valor among the Jews. To revenge the
death of his brother he came out covered from his neck to
his waist with a double coat of mail wearing a helmet for
protection against the stroke of a scimitar. He had a
huge gird on both his sides and brandished a big spear
with tripleforked sharp pointed heads.

Stepping forward from the Jewish lines he challenged
his adversaries to single combat.

"I am Marhab," he cried, "as all Khaibar
knows, the greatest warrior in the world." None
among the Muslims would dare to go forward to confront
him. Imam Ali (a.s.) himself advanced wearing a scarlet
vest covered with a breastplate of steel saying:
"I am he whom his mother named Haidar, a lion of the
wilderness; I weigh my foes in a gigantic balance."
Imam Ali's word were not meaningless. He knew, through
inspiration, that Marhab had lately dreamt of a rugged
lion tearing him to pieces; so he reminded Marhab of the
dream. The words had their effect. As they closed in on
each other, Marhab made a thrust at Imam Ali (a.s.) with
his three-pronged lance. Imam Ali (a.s.) warded off the
strike and before Marhab could recover, he dealt him a
blow with Dhulfiqar which divided his buckler, passed
through his helmet right down to his chest severing him
in half. He fell lifeless to the ground and the winner
announced his victory in his usual manner of shouting, "Allahu
Akbar".

The Muslims rushed forward in a body, seven of the
Jews' most distinguished warriors fell by Imam Ali's
(a.s.) sword. The Jews retreated into the citadel with
the Muslims hotly in pursuit. In the heat of the battle,
a Jew dealt a blow on Imam Ali's (a.s.) arm knocking down
his shield which another Jew ran away with. Imam Ali
(a.s.), being enraged, performed superhuman feats of
prowess, he jumped over a trench, approached the iron
gate of the fortress, wrenched if off its hinges and used
it as a buckler for the remained of the battle.

Abu Rafe, one of those who stormed the fort with Imam Ali
(a.s.), testified that after the war he examined the gate
and tried with seven other person to turn it over but the
attempt failed. The citadel was captured and the victory
was decisive. The Jews lost 93 men, while on 19 Muslims
were martyred throughout the campaign.

According to Suyuti in "Tarikh al-Khulafa",
Imam Ali (a.s.) held the gate in one hand, making his
companions stand on the flat gate, went on placing them
across the ditch by a movement of his hand. Suyuti adds
that later the gate could not be moved by 80 persons!
(54)

After the victory, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)
received Imam Ali (a.s.) with a warm embrace and a kiss
on the brow. He said:

"Ali, had I not been afraid that the Muslims
would start regarding you as the Christians regard Jesus,
I would have said things about you which would have made
the Muslims venerate you and to consider the dust of your
feet as something worth venerating; but it will suffice
to say that you are from me and I am from you; you will
inherit me and I will inherit you; you are to me what
Aaron was to Moses; you will fight for my causes, you
will be nearest to me on the Day of Judgement; you will
be next to me at the Fountain of Kawthar; enmity against
you is enmity against me; a war against you is a war
against me; your friendship is my friendship; to be at
peace with you is to be at peace with me; your flesh is
my flesh; your blood is my blood; who obeys you obeys me;
truth is on your tongue, in your heart and in your mind.
You have as much faith in Allah as I have. You are a door
to me. As per the order of Allah, I give you these
tidings that your friends will be rewarded in Heaven and
your enemies are doomed for Hell."(55)

The terms of surrender of the Jews of Khaibar have
been recorded as such: The inhabitants were free to leave
the country after giving up their whole property to the
victors, each one taking a camel load of food stuffs with
him. Concealment of valuables was deemed an infraction of
the conditions and the violator was subject to capital
punishment. People preferring to live in the country
might occupy and reside in the houses possessed by them
and might also cultivate the land they occupied; but no
immoveable property was to be owned by them, they being
treated as tenants bound to cede half of their products
to the conqueror who could put them in exile at his will
and pleasure.

5. IN THE BATTLE OF HUNAIN:

It seems that the month of Shawwal was the month for
wars. Again in this month in the year 8 A.H. the Battle
of Hunain took place.

The tribes of Banu Hawazin and Banu Thaqeef who lived
outside of Mecca had remained outside of the growing
state of Islam. They began mobilising their forces to
attach the Muslims and had collected an army of 20,000.
The Muslims marched out to meet them with 12,000 forces.
The unbelievers hid themselves in the hilly area of
Hunain between Ta'if and Mecca and the Muslims reached
there in the early morning when the unbelievers gave them
a surprise attack from their hiding places.

The Muslims, taken unprepared lost all courage and great
confusion followed in their ranks. They began to run
away. Nobody remained with the Messenger of Allah
(s.a.w.) except Imam Ali (a.s.),(56) Al Abbas and some of
Ahlul-Bait (the close relatives of the Messenger
(s.a.w.)). Their steadfastness brought victory after the
Muslims were urged on by their example to return to the
battlefield.

These are a few examples of the heroic and miraculous
achievements of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) recorded
before the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), his leader, in
the most critical moments of the early days of Islam.(57)

Imam Ali (a.s.) took part in all the wars faced by the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) except the Battle of
Tabuk(58), where he did not participate in obedience to
the Messenger's (s.a.w.) order. In all these wars he
played the largest role, not counting those which he had
led himself.

Any researcher looking into the life of Imam Ali (a.s.),
especially concerning his battles, will be spell-bound at
his unrivalled bravery and the beneficial sacrifices he
made. Yet heroism, as a mere attribute, was not the most
prominent characteristic of his leading example for the
sake of Allah (Jihad), though it was strategically
employed and remains a feature of Imam Ali's (a.s.)
personality. The most important aspect of his heroism was
concerning his faithfulness to Allah and his sacrifice
for Him.

Ali's faith in Allah was the only motive behind his great
episodes of heroism which the history of Islam has
recorded in its most illuminated pages, the like of which
it has not been reproduced about anyone else.

Many of the elite Arab rulers, not to speak of the
ordinary people, have at times shown, in many military
situations, weakness and defeat, yet as far as Imam Ali
(a.s.) is concerned, history records nothing on his
account but resistance and triumph in all circumstances
regardless of whether others remained to help him or
deserted him at any stage of the battle. This is a fact
which can be explained only through the merits which Imam
Ali (a.s.) had been endowed with: true faith, seeking
Allah's help and depending on Him, serving Him alone, and
being indifferent to anything except Him, big or small.
Further, Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) enjoyed superior
valor and resolution and was fearless and sublime.