Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 103

Chapter Six 103 on the condition that we would not fight on your side against them. Though this pledge was not binding, Muḥammad sa said, “Then go and fulfill your pledge! We only ask God for help, and He alone do we trust. ” 1 Muḥammad sa was still arranging the ranks of the Muslim army when the army of disbelievers started advancing towards the battlefield. It was time when the disbelievers could see the smaller number of the Muslim army, 2 but the organization of the Muslim army done by Muḥammad sa was so remarkable that the disbelievers were awed by their strength. The Qur’ān says that the Muslims appeared twice their real strength to the Quraish, while the Quraish appeared less than their real strength to the Muslims. 3 The disbelievers’ army was disheartened while the confidence of the Muslim army increased. At this stage, the army of the Quraish started to become concerned. They sent ‘Umair bin Wahb to assess the real strength of the Muslim army. ‘Umair was so overwhelmed by the unmatched determination and majesty of the Muslims that on his return he said: I have not been able to spot any hidden reinforcements, but O company of the Quraish! I have witnessed that in the Muslim army, it is not men who ride upon the saddles of these she-camels, rather, death is seated upon them. Destruction is mounted upon the backs of the she-camels of Yathrib. 4 When the Quraish heard these words of ‘Umair, a wave of anxiety rippled through their ranks. 1 Muslim, Kitābul-Jihād (Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah) and Bāb al-Wafā bil ‘Ihd (Fulfilment of Covenants). 2 Ibni Hishām and Aṭ-Ṭabarī. 3 The Qur’ān, Āl ‘Imrān and Al-Anfāl. 4 Aṭ-Ṭabarī, Ibni Sa‘d , and Ibni Hishām.