The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 74
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 74 miscarriages, would attack men in a state of sleep whilst they were negligent of their surroundings, and much more. These were things, which generally, the Arab society did not consider unlawful. It was the general custom of the Arabs to light a fire at an elevated location during wars. This fire would be kept alit during combat. If the fire was extinguished it was considered an abysmal omen. Hence, we shall come to see ahead that during the Battle of the Confederates, for some reason, when the fire of one commander was lit out, he became frightened, and retreated from the battle grounds all alone that same night. As a result of this, a state of chaos erupted within the rest of the army. Generally, women also participated in wars and their prime responsibility was to incite a sense of honour and passion by reciting poetic couplets, in order to kindle the fire of war. It was also women who would tend to the wounds of warriors – a practice, which to some extent, also carried forth in Islām as well. In battle, it was customary that first there would be one-to-one combat followed by a general assault. The Arabs utilised three primary pieces of equipment in warfare which were: the bow and arrow, spear and sword. For defensive purposes they would use chain armour composed of rings and a helmet. The Arabs fought in combat on horses as well as on foot. However, it was considered a symbol of courage between two warriors to step down from one’s horse during combat and cut the legs of one’s dear horse, so as to prove that no room for retreat has been left. In wars, camels were used as a means of conveyance. Among the Arabs, courage and bravery were considered exceptionally salient qualities. Arab poets would present stories and tales of their own bravery, as well as that of their tribe, with heartfelt passion and fervour. It was as if bravery was the most prominent of all their national traits. The fear of death was considered very shameful and one who feared death was taunted and reproached by all. In actuality, courage was inseparably correlative to the Arab way of life. Tales of Arabian honour and arrogance are also quite renowned. The famous Mu‘allaqah 1 of ‘ Umar bin Kulthūm addressed to ‘ Umar bin Hind in a particular Arab manner is a common example of the Arab’s sense of honour. Generally, when it came to personal gain, the Arabs were not ones to endow 1 The Attached [Poem] (Publishers)