The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 79
II - Commencement of Jihād by the Sword & Fundamental Discussion on Jihād 79 publicly as well. Albeit, he would convey the news only to selected Companions. 1 4. When the Holy Prophet sa would set out on an expedition, it was his general practice not to reveal his point of destination. At times, if he was to travel south for example, he would proceed a few miles north first, and then divert to the south. 2 5. It was a habit of the Holy Prophet sa to inspect the army at a short distance from the city. After ensuring that everything was in order he would proceed onwards. 6. Whenever an important mission presented itself, the Holy Prophet sa would call upon the Companions to participate. Then, those people who were prepared for this would arrange their own equipment for war and a mount, etc. Albeit, if an affluent Companion had the power to do so, he would help others as well. The Holy Prophet sa would generally encourage such aid and at times, whenever possible, he would provide assistance himself as well. 7. Small children, i. e. , children less than 15 years of age were generally not taken along for war. Those children, who in their eagerness would slip through, were sent back at the time of inspection, which would usually take place outside the city. 8. In war, a few women would accompany the participants as well, who in addition to arranging for food would also provide medical care and nurse the wounded. During the course of battle they would also distribute water amongst the warriors. On certain occasions, Muslim women have also been known to take up the sword against the disbelievers. 9. It was a practice of the Holy Prophet sa to take one or more of his wives along with him on such journeys, depending on the 1 * Sharḥul-‘Allāmatiz-Zarqānī ‘Alal-Mawāhibil-Ladunniyyah, By Allāmah Shihābuddīn Al-Qusṭalānī, Volume 2, p. 392, Ghazwatu Uḥud, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) * Sharḥul-‘Allāmatiz-Zarqānī ‘Alal-Mawāhibil-Ladunniyyah, By Allāmah Shihābuddīn Al-Qusṭalānī, Volume 3, p. 18, Ghazwatul-Khandaq Wa Hiyal-Aḥzāb, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 2 * Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Maghāzī, Bābu Ḥadīthi Ka‘bibni Mālikin…. . , Ḥadīth No. 4418 * Sharḥul-‘Allāmatiz-Zarqānī ‘Alal-Mawāhibil-Ladunniyyah, By Allāmah Shihābuddīn Al-Qusṭalānī, Volume 3, pp. 106-107, Ghazwatu Banī Laḥyān, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)