Battles
Family: War, peace and the conduct of conflict · 159 entries
Entries on this theme
Person
Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
c. 560 CELeader of Mecca through the years of open war against the Muslims — commander at Uhud and the Trench — who submitted at the conquest of Mecca and ended his life a Muslim; father of the first Umayyad caliph.Utba ibn Rabi'a
c. 565 CEAn elder of Banu Abd Shams who argued for a negotiated settlement with Muhammad — and is remembered dying at Badr, father of Hind bint Utba.Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib
c. 568 CEAn uncle of the Prophet who became one of the fiercest early defenders of Islam; killed at Uhud and remembered in tradition as the Master of the Martyrs.Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham)
c. 570 CEThe most implacable leader of Meccan opposition to Muhammad: organizer of the boycott of Banu Hashim, persecutor of the weak converts, and the Quraysh commander killed at Badr.Umayya ibn Khalaf
c. 570 CEA headman of the clan of Jumah remembered above all as the owner who tortured Bilal — one of the named persecutors of the weak converts, killed at Badr.Uqba ibn Abi Mu'ayt
c. 570 CEA Qurashi of Banu Abd Shams among the documented harassers of the Prophet in Mecca; captured at Badr, he was one of the two captives executed on the march home — a fact the sources record soberly.al-Nadr ibn al-Harith
c. 575 CEA Qurashi who had traveled to al-Hira and returned with Persian tales of kings and heroes, offering them against the Prophet's recitation — captured at Badr and executed on the march home.Hind bint Utba
c. 575 CEDaughter of the Meccan elder Utba ibn Rabi'a and wife of Abu Sufyan: the sira's most vivid figure of Meccan defiance at Uhud, who converted with the conquest of Mecca; mother of the caliph Mu'awiya.Malik ibn Awf al-Nasri
c. 580 CEThe young commander of Hawazin who fielded the tribal confederation against the Muslims at Hunayn — and within weeks accepted Islam, reconciled with the Prophet at al-Ji'rana, and led his people back to their faith and their property.Musaylima
c. 580 CEChief and religious claimant of Banu Hanifa in Yamama who preached a parallel prophecy to Muhammad's and exchanged letters with him — killed at Yamama in the bloodiest battle of the Ridda wars.Zayd ibn Haritha
c. 580 (approx.) CEA freedman of the Prophet, once adopted by him, who became one of the earliest Muslims and commanded the expedition to Mu'ta, where he was killed; the only Companion named in the Qur'an.Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl
c. 585 CESon of Abu Jahl: a leader of the Meccan opposition who was pardoned at the conquest of Mecca, became a Muslim, and died fighting under the banner of Islam on the Syrian front.Khalid ibn al-Walid
c. 585 CEThe great commander on both sides of the early wars: the cavalry leader who turned the day at Uhud for the Meccans, then converted in 629 and led the Muslim armies at Mu'ta, in the Ridda wars and at the Yarmuk.Mus'ab ibn Umayr
c. 585 CEA refined young Qurayshi of wealth who embraced Islam early and was sent to Medina before the Hijra as the community's first emissary and teacher; killed bearing the standard at Uhud.Ja'far ibn Abi Talib
c. 590 CEA brother of Ali who led the Muslim emigration to Abyssinia and answered the Negus for his people; killed at Mu'ta carrying the army's standard after Zayd ibn Haritha.Nusayba bint Ka'b (Umm Umara)
c. 590 CEAn Ansari woman of Medina who pledged at Aqaba and fought at Uhud shielding the Prophet with sword and shield — the tradition's most famous woman warrior of the first generation.Tulayha ibn Khuwaylid
c. 590 CEWar-chief of Banu Asad who claimed prophecy at the Prophet's death, was broken by Khalid at Buzakha, fled to Syria — then returned, became a Muslim, and fought in the conquests he had once stood against.al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam
c. 594 CEOne of the earliest converts and a cousin of the Prophet through his mother Safiyya; at Badr he was one of the army's two horsemen, commanded the right wing, and joined the patrol that captured Quraysh's water-bearers.Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
c. 595 CEOne of the earliest converts, an archer at Badr, and the commander who broke the Sasanian army at al-Qadisiyya about 636; founder of the garrison city of Kufa.Wahshi ibn Harb
c. 600 CEAn Abyssinian slave famous for his javelin: promised his freedom for killing Hamza at Uhud, he later became a Muslim and, in the tradition's account, also killed the false prophet Musaylima at Yamama.Ubayda ibn al-Harith
A Hashimi Muhajir, the eldest of the three Muslim duelists at Badr; he exchanged two blows with Utba ibn Rabi'a that left both mortally wounded, and died at al-Safra days later on the march home.Mu'awwidh ibn Afra
A young Khazraji — known by his mother's name Afra — who with Mu'adh ibn Amr ibn al-Jamuh struck Abu Jahl at Badr and left him dying; Mu'awwidh fought on until he was killed in the same battle.Umayr ibn al-Humam
A Khazraji Companion who, hearing the Prophet's call to a paradise wide as the heavens at Badr, threw away the dates he was eating — reckoning life until they were finished too long — and fought until he was killed.Sa'd ibn Mu'adh
Chief of the Aws and standard-bearer of the Ansar at Badr, where he pledged the Ansar's full support in the war council and proposed building the command shelter; later gave the ruling on Banu Qurayza and died of a wound received then.Abd Allah ibn Rawaha
Companion from the Ansar and poet of early Islam; appointed third commander of the Mu'tah expedition. After both of his comrades Zayd and Ja'far were killed he hesitated briefly then charged and was martyred. The Prophet announced his death while still in Medina, reporting in a vision that his throne was slightly tilted beside his companions' because of his hesitation before pressing on.Abdullah ibn Abi Umayya
A Qurashi nobleman of Banu Makhzum, brother of Umm Salama and maternal cousin of the Prophet; after opposing the early call, he accepted Islam on the road to the conquest of Mecca and was martyred by an arrow during the siege of Ta'if.Abu Amir al-Ash'ari
A senior Ash'ari Companion and paternal uncle of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari; appointed by the Prophet to lead the pursuit column against the routed Hawazin at Awtas, he slew nine enemy champions before falling martyred to an arrow, handing the banner to Abu Musa.al-Huwayrith ibn Nuqaydh
A Qurashi in Mecca who persistently harassed the Prophet; when al-Abbas was escorting the Prophet's daughters Fatima and Umm Kulthum to Medina, al-Huwayrith prodded their camel so they fell; he was ordered killed on the Conquest and slain by Ali ibn Abi Talib.Ayman ibn Ubayd
The son of Barakah (Umm Ayman, the Prophet's nursemaid) and half-brother of Usama ibn Zayd; an Ethiopian-Arab Muslim who remained steadfast around the Prophet when the lines broke at Hunayn and fell fighting as a martyr.Durayd ibn al-Simma
A legendary pre-Islamic knight, tribal champion and poet of Banu Jusham (Hawazin); an old, blind veteran carried in a litter at Hunayn, he vehemently criticized Malik ibn Awf's strategy of bringing women and herds into battle, and was slain at Awtas.Sa'id ibn Sa'id ibn al-As
An early Muslim of Banu Umayya, brother of Khalid ibn Sa'id and Amr ibn Sa'id; he migrated to Abyssinia and fell as a martyr to an arrow at the siege of Ta'if.Suraqa ibn al-Harith
An Ansari Companion from Banu al-Najjar of the Khazraj; he witnessed Badr and other early battles and fell martyred fighting at the Battle of Hunayn.Thabit ibn al-Jidh'
An Ansari veteran of the Second Pledge of al-Aqaba from Banu Salama (Khazraj); he fought at Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, and attained martyrdom during the siege of Ta'if.Yazid ibn Zam'a
A Qurashi Companion from Banu al-Muttalib (nephew of Sawda bint Zam'a); at the Battle of Hunayn, his spirited horse named al-Janah bolted and threw him, leading to his martyrdom.Amir ibn al-Tufayl
Chief and horseman of Banu Amir ibn Sa'sa'a, remembered as the betrayer of the Bi'r Ma'una envoys; within the 9 AH delegation he plotted with Arbad ibn Qays to strike the Prophet and died shortly after of a throat swelling.Arbad ibn Qays
A leader of Banu Amir, maternal half-brother of the poet Labid, who circled behind the Prophet and half-drew his sword during the 9 AH delegation; the tradition says his hand was stayed, and lightning struck him dead on the way home.Mu'adh ibn Amr ibn al-Jamuh
A young Khazraji who, with Mu'awwidh ibn Afra, struck down Abu Jahl at Badr; the Prophet judged that both had killed him and awarded Mu'adh the spoils; his hand was severed by Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl in the same fight.al-Miqdad ibn Amr
A Bahrani confederate adopted into Quraysh and one of the first Muslims; at Badr he was one of the army's two horsemen, commanded the left wing, and made the council's famous pledge to fight to Bark al-Ghimad.Abbas ibn Mirdas al-Sulami
A knight, poet and chieftain of Banu Sulaym; he embraced Islam prior to the conquest of Mecca after a miraculous encounter with his idol Dimar, led the Sulaym contingent at the Conquest and Hunayn, and was renowned for his stirring war poetry.Abdullah ibn Abi Hadrad al-Aslami
A Companion of Banu Aslam dispatched by the Prophet as an undercover scout to Hawazin's camp at Awtas before Hunayn; he stayed among them, overheard Malik ibn Awf's orders, and brought vital intelligence back to Medina's army.Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Haram
A prominent chief of Banu Salima of the Khazraj, father of Jabir ibn Abdullah; he embraced Islam and took the Second Pledge of Aqaba where he was appointed a naqib; he fought at Badr and was the first Muslim martyred at the battle of Uhud, where the Prophet spoke of God speaking to him without a veil.Abdullah ibn Atik
A heroic Companion from Banu Salima of the Khazraj fluent in Jewish dialect; chosen by the Prophet to lead the five-man covert mission to Khaybar to assassinate Sallam ibn Abi al-Huqayq (Abu Rafi'); though his leg was fractured on withdrawal, the Prophet wiped it and it healed instantly.Abdullah ibn Jahsh
One of the earliest Muslims and an ally of Banu Abd Shams; he emigrated to Abyssinia and fought at Badr; the Prophet sent him to Nakhla, and reports say he was the first commander in Islam and the first to be given a banner; he was killed at Uhud and buried in one grave with Hamza, and al-Zubayr ibn Bakkar says he was nicknamed 'the one mutilated for God'.Abdullah ibn Unays
A Juhani and ally of Banu Salima among the Ansar; he was at al-Aqaba and later campaigns and was one of those who broke the idols of Banu Salima; the Prophet sent him alone to Khalid ibn Nubayh al-Anzi, whom he killed; Jabir travelled a month to him for a hadith; he entered Egypt and went out to Ifriqiya, and died in Syria in 54 AH as is known.Abu Basir (Utba ibn Usayd)
A determined Meccan convert who escaped to Medina following the Hudaybiyya Treaty; surrendered to Quraysh envoys in adherence to treaty terms, he overpowered his guard on the journey back and established a coastal guerrilla base at al-Is, intercepting Quraysh caravans until Quraysh begged the Prophet to accept them in Medina.al-Akhnas ibn Shariq
A Thaqafi leader allied to Banu Zuhra who marched with the Meccan army, then judged a battle against Medina unnecessary after the caravan escaped and led the whole Zuhra contingent — some 300 men — home before Badr.al-Ala ibn Jariya al-Thaqafi
A leader of Thaqif allied to Banu Zuhra; he embraced Islam after the fall of Mecca and was granted one hundred camels at al-Ji'rana among al-Mu'allafa Qulubuhum to reconcile his tribe.al-Aqra' ibn Habis al-Tamimi
A paramount chieftain and arbitrator of Banu Tamim in Najd; given one hundred camels at al-Ji'rana among al-Mu'allafa Qulubuhum to reconcile his tribe, he became a loyal Companion and participated in the early Islamic conquests.al-Harith ibn Hisham
A prominent nobleman of Banu Makhzum and brother of Abu Jahl; after fierce opposition to Islam at Badr and Uhud, he embraced Islam on the day of the conquest of Mecca, was granted one hundred camels at al-Ji'rana among al-Mu'allafa Qulubuhum, and fell as a martyr in the conquest of Syria.Amr ibn al-Jamuh
A chief of the Ansar from Banu Salima, who kept a wooden idol in his house until he embraced Islam, after the young men of his clan threw it repeatedly into the dung pits; Ibn al-Kalbi says he was the last of the Ansar to become Muslim; the Prophet told Banu Salima 'rather, your chief is Amr ibn al-Jamuh', and he gave the wedding feast when the Prophet married; he was killed at Uhud.Amr ibn Salim al-Khuza'i
A man of Banu Ka'b of Khuza'a who stood before the Prophet in the Medina mosque and recited his famous plea for help after the al-Watir attack — 'that which stirred the conquest of Mecca', in Ibn Ishaq's words.Anas ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi
A companion of Ghaniy who volunteered to stand night watch over the Muslim camp on the eve of the battle of Hunayn.Asim ibn Thabit
A prominent warrior and archer of the Aws who fought at Badr and Uhud; chosen as commander of the ten scouts sent in the Expedition of al-Raji' in 4 AH, where he refused surrender and fought until martyrdom; God sent a swarm of wasps to shield his body from desecration by Quraysh.Bishr ibn al-Bara'
A noble Ansari Companion from Banu Salima of the Khazraj, son of al-Bara' ibn Ma'rur; Badri veteran who was present at the conquest of Khaybar; ate from the poisoned sheep offered by Zaynab bint al-Harith and died of its effects.Budayl ibn Warqa' al-Khuza'i
A Khuza'i leader of the truce years: he sheltered the driven-in Khuza'a in his house, led their complaint delegation to Medina, met Abu Sufyan at Usfan while concealing his own visit, and scouted the Muslim army with him at Marr al-Zahran — where he slipped away to warn the Prophet. As 'Budayl ibn Umm Asram' he answered al-Akhzar's war poem.Harb ibn Umayya
The senior Umayyad whom Quraysh and Kinana chose to lead them in the Fijar war against Qays 'Aylan, for his standing in age and honour; father of Abu Sufyan.Hatib ibn Abi Balta'a
A Companion settled in Mecca without clan or kin there, a halif with children and wealth among them. When the Prophet resolved on the march to Mecca, Hatib wrote to warn Quraysh; the letter was intercepted, and the tradition holds that the Prophet excused him citing the people of Badr — and that the opening of Sura al-Mumtahana came down concerning him.Himas ibn Qays al-Dili
A warrior of Banu Bakr who prepared weapons before the Conquest boasting he would kill Muhammad's companions; he fought at al-Khandama, broke and fled to his house, reciting famous verses to his wife.al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir
A Khazraji Companion whose counsel at Badr — to occupy the nearest well, block the others and build a reservoir — the Prophet accepted, giving the Muslim camp control of the water.Hudhayfa ibn al-Yaman
A prominent Companion known as the 'Keeper of the Prophet's Secrets'; at the climax of the Battle of the Trench, the Prophet sent him across the lines on a freezing, gale-swept night into the confederate camp to gather intelligence, bringing back news of Abu Sufyan ordering the final retreat.Ikrama ibn Abi Jahl
Son of Abu Jahl and fierce opponent of early Islam; fought against Muslims until the Conquest of Mecca where he fled to Yemen; brought back by his wife Umm Hakim, he embraced Islam with profound repentance, served as a brave general in the Ridda Wars, and was martyred heroically at the Battle of Yarmuk.Ka'b ibn Malik al-Ansari
One of the three chief poets of the Prophet from the Ansar (Banu Salama of Khazraj); he witnessed the Second Pledge of al-Aqaba, fought in the early campaigns, defended the community with his eloquent verses at Hunayn, and was later one of the three whose repentance at Tabuk was accepted.Khirash ibn Umayya al-Ka'bi
A warrior of Banu Ka'b of Khuza'a who, following the conquest of Mecca, ambushed and killed Ibn al-Anwa' al-Hudhali for pre-Islamic blood; the Prophet strongly condemned the act, paid the victim's wergild himself, and delivered the sermon of Mecca's perpetual inviolability.Khunays ibn Khalid al-Khuza'i
A Khuza'i Companion (kunya Abu Sakhr, allied to Banu Munqidh) in Khalid ibn al-Walid's cavalry; he took an alternate path on entering Mecca and was killed at al-Khandama along with Kurz ibn Jabir.Kurz ibn Jabir al-Fihri
A Companion from Banu Muharib ibn Fihr; in the conquest of Mecca he rode in Khalid ibn al-Walid's cavalry, strayed off the main road with Khunays ibn Khalid, and was killed defending his fallen comrade at al-Khandama.Malik ibn Abbad al-Hadrami
A trader of Banu al-Hadrami under the protection pact of Banu al-Aswad ibn Razn; Khuza'a killed him on their land and took his goods — the first link in the feud that ended at al-Watir.Marhab of Khaybar
The formidable warrior-chieftain of the Jewish community of Khaybar; renowned for his strength and poetry; advanced in double armor challenging the Muslim army before the fortress of Na'im, where he was slain in single combat by Ali ibn Abi Talib.Mukhayriq
A Jewish scholar said to be from Banu al-Nadir, or Banu Qaynuqa according to others; in al-Waqidi's account he embraced Islam and was killed at Uhud; he left his wealth, seven orchards in Medina, to the Prophet, who made them a charitable endowment; Umar ibn Shabba reports from Ibn Shihab that the Prophet called him the foremost of the Jews.Nawfal ibn Mu'awiya al-Dili
Chief of Banu al-Dil of Banu Bakr in the truce years; he led the night attack on Khuza'a at al-Watir seeking blood-revenge and refused to halt at the sanctuary's bounds — the breach that precipitated the conquest of Mecca.Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud
A shrewd chieftain of Banu Ashja' of Ghatafan who converted to Islam secretly during the siege of the Trench; instructed by the Prophet that 'war is deceit', he successfully sowed mutual distrust between the confederate leaders (Quraysh and Ghatafan) and Banu Qurayza, precipitating the collapse of the siege.Qarib ibn al-Aswad
A leader of the Ahlaf faction of Thaqif who commanded their contingent at the Battle of Hunayn; upon the confederation's collapse, he skillfully extricated his men toward Ta'if, preventing mass casualties among his clan.Qutba ibn Amir ibn Hadida
A Khazraji companion — one of the six Ansar who first met the Prophet at al-Aqaba and among its twelve nuqaba' — who witnessed Badr, and in Safar 9 AH commanded the twenty-man raid against a Khath'am clan near Tabala.Rabi'a ibn Rufay' (Ibn al-Dughunna)
A warrior of Banu Sulaym (known as Ibn al-Dughunna) who caught up with the aged Durayd ibn al-Simma at Awtas after the rout of Hunayn and killed him after an exchange of swords.Sa'd ibn Khaythama
An Ansari of the Aws, one of the twelve naqibs on the night of al-Aqaba and the naqib of Banu Amr ibn Awf; the Prophet used to sit with people in his house at Quba, called 'the house of the crow'; he was killed at Badr after his lot was drawn over his father's, and Ibn Hajar rejects Abu Nu'aym's claim that he was the Abu Khaythama who stayed behind from Tabuk.Sa'd ibn Zayd al-Ashhali
A noble Companion from Banu Abd al-Ashhal of the Aws; Badri veteran who was entrusted by the Prophet with the mission to demolish the ancient idol Manat at al-Mushallal in Ramadan 8 AH.Safwan ibn al-Mu'attal
A righteous Companion and veteran warrior from Banu Sulaym assigned to travel behind the army to collect dropped luggage; when he found Aisha left behind at al-Muraysi', he recognized her, lowered his camel without uttering a word beyond 'Inna lillahi wa-inna ilayhi raji'un', and safely escorted her to Medina; he was martyred during the Armenian conquests.Salama ibn al-Akwa'
A famed Companion celebrated as the swiftest runner and premier foot-archer among the Muslims; hero of the Expedition of Dhu Qarad where he pursued the raiders on foot and recovered the captured camels; fought valiantly at Khaybar, Hunayn, and the Ridwan Pledge.Salama ibn al-Mayla' al-Juhani
A warrior of Juhayna who was killed in Khalid ibn al-Walid's cavalry during the entry into Mecca on the day of the Conquest.Sawad ibn Ghaziyya
An Ansari Companion at Badr who, when the Prophet's arrow nicked him while straightening the ranks, bared his own belly for retaliation; the Prophet embraced him instead — the best-known of the 'wonders of faith' vignettes from the battle.Shayba ibn Uthman al-Hajabi
A hereditary custodian of the Kaaba from Banu Abd al-Dar who joined the march to Hunayn intending to assassinate the Prophet to avenge his father and uncle slain at Uhud; upon drawing close, he was overcome with awe, and the Prophet placed his hand on his chest and prayed for him, whereupon he embraced Islam and fought loyally.Shuja ibn Wahb al-Asadi
An early Muhajir Companion from Banu Asad ibn Khuzayma who migrated to Abyssinia and fought at Badr and Uhud; chosen as the Prophet's envoy to al-Harith ibn Abi Shimr al-Ghassani, ruler of Damascus; later martyred at the battle of al-Yamama.Subay' Dhu al-Khimar
Leader of Banu Malik of Thaqif alongside his brother Ahmar at the Battle of Hunayn; his clan bore the brunt of the Muslim counterattack and suffered heavy casualties around their banner before falling back to Ta'if.Suraqa ibn Malik
A Mudliji horseman who chased the bounty on the fugitives; when his mare sank beneath him twice he sought safe-conduct instead, and spent the rest of the day turning pursuers away — 'the day's beginning against them, its end guarding them'.Tamim ibn Asad al-Khuza'i
The Khuza'i man who escaped the al-Watir night attack when his companion Munabbih fell; the long apology poem to Budayl ibn Umm Asram is his — though Ibn Hisham notes it is also ascribed to Hubayb ibn Abdullah al-A'lam al-Hudhali.Uthman ibn Hunayf
An Ansari, brother of Sahl ibn Hunayf; al-Tirmidhi alone said he fought at Badr, while the majority say his first campaign was Uhud; Umar sent him to survey the land after Kufa was conquered, and Ali appointed him over Basra but Talha and al-Zubayr took it from him, the well-known episode behind the battle of the Camel; he died in Mu'awiya's caliphate.Uyayna ibn Hisn al-Fazari
A powerful, mercurial chieftain of Banu Fazara in Najd (dubbed 'the foolish chief obeyed by ten thousand swords'); granted one hundred camels at al-Ji'rana among al-Mu'allafa Qulubuhum, he later faltered during the Ridda wars before repenting and returning to Islam.
Group
The early Muslim community
The first generation of believers gathered around the Prophet in Mecca and Medina — the persecuted handful of the first decade that became the founding community of Islam.The Ansar
'The Helpers' — the Muslims of Medina, of Aws and Khazraj, who invited the Prophet to their city, sheltered the refugees, and supplied the community's fighting strength.Banu al-Dil
A clan of Banu Bakr ibn Abd Manat ibn Kinana — its leading house, Banu al-Aswad ibn Razn, had been killed by Khuza'a before Islam; in the truce of Hudaybiyya its men under Nawfal ibn Mu'awiya carried out the night attack on al-Watir.Banu Bakr ibn Abd Manat
A tribe of Kinana that entered Quraysh's pact at Hudaybiyya; the night attack by its Banu al-Dil clan on Khuza'a at al-Watir — secretly armed by Quraysh — broke the truce and set off the conquest of Mecca.Banu Jusham
A warrior clan of the Hawazin confederation; among them was the aged veteran commander and poet Durayd ibn al-Simma, who advised against driving the women and wealth into battle at Hunayn.Banu Nasr
A leading clan of the Hawazin confederation; from it hailed Malik ibn Awf al-Nasri, commander of the polytheist confederation at the Battle of Hunayn.Banu Qurayza
Medina's last Jewish tribe — besieged after the Battle of the Trench for treating with the confederates, judged by the arbitration they themselves accepted, and their men put to death in the gravest single act of violence of the Prophet's era.Hawazin
The great nomadic confederation of the Hijaz — rival of Quraysh and the Prophet's own foster-kin — that fielded the last massed Arab army against the Muslims at Hunayn and then came over within the year.The Jewish communities of Khaybar
The Jewish oasis communities of Khaybar, north of Medina — farmers and smiths behind strong fortresses, including exiles of Banu Nadir — subdued in 628 and left on the land under tribute until Umar's expulsion.Khuza'a
The tribe of the Meccan lowland, long allied to the Prophet's house by marriage and oath; it entered his pact at Hudaybiyya, was attacked at al-Watir by Banu Bakr with Quraysh's secret aid, and its appeal to Medina set off the conquest of Mecca.Quraysh
The tribe that held Mecca and the custodianship of the Kaaba — the Prophet's own people, its elite his fiercest opponents for a decade, then, after 630, the core of the new community's leadership.Thaqif
The tribe of Ta'if, keepers of the sanctuary of al-Lat — who drove the Prophet out with stones when he came to them alone, then, after Hunayn, negotiated their city into Islam on their own terms.
Event
Expedition of Sayf al-Bahr
c. March 623 CE · Ramadan 1 AHThe first expedition dispatched by the Prophet, led by Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib with 30 Muhajirun in Ramadan 1 AH to intercept a Quraysh caravan; mediated by Majdi ibn Amr without clash.Expedition of Rabigh
c. April 623 CE · Shawwal 1 AHAn expedition led by Ubayda ibn al-Harith in Shawwal 1 AH with 60 Muhajirun; witnessed the first arrow shot in Islam by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas and the defection of al-Miqdad and Utba ibn Ghazwan to the Muslims.Expedition of al-Kharrar
c. May 623 CE · Dhu al-Qa'da 1 AHAn expedition led by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas with 20 Muhajirun in Dhu al-Qada 1 AH marching on foot by night towards al-Kharrar; found the caravan had passed the day before.Expedition of al-Abwa (Waddan)
c. August 623 CE · Safar 2 AHThe first expedition led personally by the Prophet in Safar 2 AH with 70 Muhajirun; established an alliance treaty with Amr ibn Makhshi of Banu Damra.Expedition of Buwat
c. September 623 CE · Rabi' I 2 AHAn expedition led by the Prophet in Rabi' al-Awwal 2 AH with 200 companions to intercept a Quraysh caravan led by Umayya ibn Khalaf; reached Mount Buwat without encounter.Expedition of Safwan (First Badr)
c. September 623 CE · Rabi' I 2 AHAn expedition led by the Prophet in Rabi' al-Awwal 2 AH in pursuit of Kurz ibn Jabir al-Fihri after he raided the pastures of Medina; chased him to the valley of Safwan near Badr.Expedition of Dhu al-Ushayra
c. November 623 CE · Jumada I 2 AHAn expedition led by the Prophet in Jumada al-Ula/al-Akhirah 2 AH with 150-200 Muhajirun to intercept a Quraysh caravan to Sham (the caravan pursued later at Badr); concluded a treaty with Banu Mudlij.Expedition of Nakhla
c. January 624 CE · Rajab 2 AHA secretive expedition dispatched by the Prophet under Abdullah ibn Jahsh in Rajab 2 AH with 12 Muhajirun; intercepted a Quraysh caravan at Nakhla, resulting in the death of Amr ibn al-Hadrami and captives; resolved by Qur'an 2:217.The duel at Badr
13 March 624 CE · 17 Ramadan 2 AHThe opening single combat of Badr: Utba, Shayba and al-Walid of Quraysh against Ubayda, Hamza and Ali; all three Qurayshis fell, and Ubayda died of his wound days later.The Battle of Badr
13 March 624 CE · 17 Ramadan 2 AHThe first major battle between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh of Mecca, fought at the wells of Badr on 17 Ramadan 2 AH.Expedition of al-Kudr
c. April 624 CE · Shawwal 2 AHAn expedition of 200 Muslims led by the Prophet in Shawwal 2 AH to al-Kudr to disperse Banu Sulaym and Ghatafan gathering against Medina; the tribes scattered and Muslims captured 500 camels.Siege of Banu Qaynuqa
c. 9 April 624 CE · 15 Shawwal 2 AHA fifteen-day siege of the Jewish tribe Banu Qaynuqa in Shawwal 2 AH after their breach of the covenant; ended in their unconditional surrender and expulsion from Medina.Expedition of al-Sawiq
c. May 624 CE · Dhu al-Hijja 2 AHAn expedition in Dhu al-Hijjah 2 AH pursuing Abu Sufyan who raided the outskirts of Medina with 200 riders; the Meccans dumped bags of roasted barley flour (sawiq) to lighten their load during flight.Expedition of Dhu Amarr
c. July 624 CE · Muharram 3 AHAn expedition led by the Prophet with 450 men in Muharram 3 AH to disperse Banu Thalaba and Muharib at Dhu Amarr; the Bedouins fled to mountain tops without fighting.Expedition of Buhran
c. October 624 CE · Rabi' II 3 AHAn expedition led by the Prophet with 300 men in Rabi' al-Thani 3 AH to Buhran in the direction of al-Furu'; stayed through Jumada al-Ula without encounter.Expedition of al-Qarada
c. November 624 CE · Jumada II 3 AHA successful raid in Jumada al-Akhirah 3 AH led by Zayd ibn Haritha with 100 riders to al-Qarada in Najd, intercepting a rich Quraysh caravan led by Safwan ibn Umayya valued at 100,000 dirhams.The Battle of Uhud
March 625 CE · Shawwal 3 AHA battle near Mount Uhud in which the Quraysh gained the upper hand and Hamza, the Prophet's uncle, was killed.Uhud war council and Muslim mobilization
22 March 625 CE · 6 Shawwal 3 AHWhen news of the Quraysh army heading for Medina reached the Prophet he held a senior war council. His view was to stay in Medina and fight the polytheists through the alleys, and Abdullah ibn Ubayy agreed; but the young Companions who had missed Badr pressed to march out until he yielded. The Prophet put on his armour and girt his sword, then divided his army into three battalions: the Muhajirun under the banner of Mus'ab ibn Umayr, the Aws under Usayd ibn Hudayr, and the Khazraj under al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.252}.Battle over the Quraysh standard at Uhud
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHThe weight of the battle circled the polytheists' standard, which was carried by the Banu Abd al-Dar. The first to bear it, Talha ibn Abi Talha, was killed by al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam. The Banu Abd al-Dar carried it in turn until they were wiped out: Uthman, Abu Sa'd, Artat, Shurayh, Abu Zayd ibn Abd Manaf, Ibn Sharhabil and others. Last to carry it was an Abyssinian slave named Sawab, who fought until his hands were cut off and fell upon it with his chest until he was killed. The standard fell to the ground with none left to bear it {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.259}.Burial of the Uhud martyrs
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHThe Messenger of God looked over the martyrs and said: 'I am witness over these.' He ordered that anyone who had carried a slain man back to Medina return him, and that they be buried where they fell, in their clothes, the iron and leather removed, unwashed; two or three were laid in one grave, the one who had taken most of the Qur'an placed first. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Haram and Amr ibn al-Jamuh were buried together for the love between them. They looked for Hanzala and found him dripping water; the Prophet said the angels were washing him, and he was called the angels' washed. Among the martyrs they found Mus'ab ibn Umayr, for whom no shroud was found but a striped cloak {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.281}.Defection of the hypocrites at Uhud
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHOn the road to Uhud, when the army was near al-Shawt, Abdullah ibn Ubayy broke away and withdrew with some three hundred fighters on the pretext that the Messenger had rejected his advice to stay in Medina. This withdrawal revealed for the first time the hypocrisy that had been hidden. The Banu Haritha of the Aws and Banu Salama of the Khazraj wavered toward going back, then held firm by God's help; Abdullah ibn Haram, Jabir's father, tried to turn the hypocrites back and they refused {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.253}.Defense of the Prophet at Uhud
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHAfter the wheeling manoeuvre only nine men remained with the Prophet at the rear. Utba ibn Abi Waqqas threw stones at him; his lower right incisor was broken and his lip wounded. Abdullah ibn Qami'a struck his cheek with a sword so that two rings of the helmet sank into it. In the hardest moment Talha ibn Ubaydullah and Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas stood with him and shielded him. Sa'd shot until his quiver was emptied; Talha fought like eleven men until his fingers were cut and he bore thirty-five or thirty-nine wounds. Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah pulled the two helmet rings from his cheek with his front teeth. Abu Dujana shielded him with his back from the arrows. Umm Umara Nusayba bint Ka'b defended him until she took twelve wounds {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.267}.Muslim deployment at Uhud and the archers' post
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHThe Prophet halted with seven hundred fighters in the gorge of Mount Uhud, facing Medina with his back to the mountain — the best position on the field. He picked fifty skilled archers under Abdullah ibn Jubayr ibn al-Nu'man al-Ansari al-Awsi and posted them on a small hill southeast of the camp known as the Archers' Hill, ordering them not to leave their position in victory or defeat, and told their commander: 'keep the cavalry off us with your arrows so they cannot come at us from behind.' He put al-Mundhir ibn Amr on the right wing and al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam on the left, supported by al-Miqdad {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.255}.Khalid's flanking manoeuvre at Uhud
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHWhen the Muslims' backs were left bare of archers, Khalid ibn al-Walid wheeled with lightning speed to the rear of the Muslim army and wiped out Abdullah ibn Jubayr and his nine companions on the hill, then fell on the Muslims from behind. Hearing the cry of Khalid's cavalry, the polytheists turned back on the Muslims. A woman named Umra bint Alqama al-Harithiyya raised the fallen polytheist standard and they rallied around it. The Muslims were trapped between Khalid's horse behind them and Quraysh's army returning from the front {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.264}.Martyrdom of Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib at Uhud
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHHamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib was fighting in the open like a grey camel, sweeping the ranks aside. Wahshi ibn Harb, an Abyssinian slave of Jubayr ibn Mut'im, lay in wait behind a tree or rock; Jubayr had promised Wahshi his freedom if he killed Hamza in revenge for his uncle Tu'ayma ibn Adi, slain at Badr. 'I shook my spear until I was satisfied, then hurled it at him; it struck his flank and came out between his legs' {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.261}. Wahshi finished him and returned to Mecca and was freed. Then Hind bint Utba came and cut open his liver and chewed it but could not swallow it {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.276}.Muslim withdrawal to the mountain pass at Uhud
23 March 625 CE · 7 Shawwal 3 AHWhen about thirty Companions had gathered around the Prophet he began an orderly withdrawal into the mountain gorge, cutting a path through the attacking polytheists. During the retreat he killed Ubayy ibn Khalaf with his own hand. The polytheists made a last attempt to climb the mountain under Abu Sufyan and Khalid, and Umar and a party of the Muhajirun fought until they drove them down. The Messenger of God settled in the gorge, where Fatima washed his wound and cauterised it with a burnt mat to stop the bleeding. Muhammad ibn Maslama brought fresh water from which the Prophet drank and prayed for him; he prayed the noon prayer sitting, from the effect of his wounds {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.278}.Expedition to Hamra al-Asad
24 March 625 CE · 8 Shawwal 3 AHOn the morning of Sunday 8 Shawwal 3 AH the Prophet called the people to pursue Quraysh and said: only those who fought with us may come. The Muslims answered despite their wounds. They reached Hamra al-Asad, eight miles from Medina, and camped. The Prophet sent Ma'bad ibn Abi Ma'bad al-Khuza'i to Abu Sufyan, and at al-Rawha he waged a propaganda war of nerves on him: 'Muhammad has come out with a gathering I have never seen the like of, burning for you.' The Meccan army's resolve collapsed and they kept withdrawing to Mecca. Abu Sufyan sent riders of Abd al-Qays to threaten the Muslims, which only increased their faith. The Prophet stayed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then returned and executed Abu Azza al-Jumahi, who had broken his pledge {cite:mubarakpuri-raheeq p.284}.The Battle of the Trench (al-Ahzab)
c. February 627 CE · Shawwal 5 AHIn Shawwal 5 AH (February-March 627 CE), a confederate army of 10,000 Meccans and Bedouin allies besieged Medina; upon Salman al-Farisi's advice the Muslims dug a protective trench on their northern boundary; the siege endured for nearly a month amidst cold, hunger, and the treachery of Banu Qurayza, until broken by Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud's stratagem and a violent night windstorm.The Siege and Judgment of Banu Qurayza
c. March 627 CE · Dhu al-Qa'da 5 AHIn Dhu al-Qa'da 5 AH (March 627 CE), immediately after the confederates withdrew, the Prophet marched on Banu Qurayza for breaking their treaty during the siege of Medina; after twenty-five nights of siege they surrendered unconditionally and accepted the arbitration of Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, who decreed the execution of the combatants and captivity of women and children.The Expedition of Banu al-Mustaliq (al-Muraysi')
c. December 627 CE · Sha'ban 6 AHIn Sha'ban 6 AH (December 627 CE), the Prophet led an expedition against Banu al-Mustaliq at the watering-place of al-Muraysi' after intelligence revealed their mobilization; following a brief exchange, their forces scattered, their camp was taken, and the Prophet married Juwayriyya bint al-Harith, prompting the Muslims to free a hundred families of her clan.The Conquest of Khaybar
c. May 628 CE · Muharram 7 AHIn Muharram 7 AH (May-June 628 CE), the Prophet marched with 1,400 companions of Hudaybiyya against the formidable Jewish oasis of Khaybar; following fierce assaults and the capture of eight major fortresses (including Na'im, al-Sa'b ibn Mu'adh, al-Zubayr, Ubayy, and al-Qamus), the Jewish leaders surrendered and agreed to cultivate the land for half of its produce.The Expedition of Dhu Qarad (Ghazwat al-Ghaba)
c. May 628 CE · Muharram 7 AHShortly before Khaybar in 7 AH, Uyayna ibn Hisn raided the Prophet's milch camels at al-Ghaba; Salama ibn al-Akwa' pursued them alone on foot with stones and arrows, holding off the raiders until the cavalry arrived, recovering the camels.The Expedition of Dhat al-Riqa'
c. July 628 CE · Rabi' I 7 AHIn the 7th year AH after Khaybar (debated timing), the Prophet led an expedition into Najd against gathering clans of Ghatafan; named from the rags the Muslims wrapped around their injured feet; here Salat al-Khawf (prayer of fear) was performed and the incident of Abbad ibn Bishr praying while struck by arrows occurred.The Bakr–Khuza'a clash at al-Watir
629 CE · 8 AHA night raid by Banu al-Dil of Banu Bakr — secretly armed and joined by men of Quraysh — on Khuza'a at their watering place al-Watir in lower Mecca. The breach of the Hudaybiyya truce it caused is the spark the tradition gives for the conquest of Mecca.The Battle of Mu'tah
September 629 CE · Jumada I 8 AHA Muslim force of three thousand sent north toward the Byzantine frontier met a larger Byzantine-led army at Mu'tah in Jumada I, 8 AH; after its three appointed commanders fell one by one, Khalid ibn al-Walid took command and withdrew the survivors. Ibn Ishaq (via Urwa ibn al-Zubayr) records a tactical withdrawal; Ibn Hisham cites al-Zuhri that God granted them victory.The Expedition of Dhat al-Salasil
c. October 629 CE · Jumada II 8 AHIn Jumada II 8 AH (October 629 CE), following the Battle of Mu'tah, the Prophet dispatched Amr ibn al-As with 300 men (later reinforced by 200 led by Abu Ubayda) to Dhat al-Salasil on the borders of Syria to win over and neutralize the Quda'a and Bali tribes; Amr demonstrated tactical prudence, routed the gatherings, and established Muslim authority in the northern deserts.The Battle of Hunayn
c. 630 CE · Shawwal 8 AHA battle in a valley near Mecca against the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif, shortly after the conquest of Mecca.The Demolition of al-Uzza and Major Idols
c. January 630 CE · Ramadan 8 AHIn Ramadan 8 AH immediately following the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet dispatched detachments to obliterate the major pagan sanctuaries of Arabia: Khalid ibn al-Walid destroyed al-Uzza at Nakhla, Amr ibn al-As demolished Suwa' of Hudhayl, and Sa'd ibn Zayd al-Ashhali destroyed Manat at al-Mushallal.The expedition to Awtas
c. January 630 CE · Shawwal 8 AHA detachment sent by the Prophet under Abu Amir al-Ash'ari in pursuit of the routed Hawazin remnants encamped at Awtas; Abu Amir was struck by an arrow and martyred after routing nine enemy champions, whereupon Abu Musa al-Ash'ari took the banner and secured victory.The skirmish of al-Khandama
January 630 CE · Ramadan 8 AHA sharp clash on the heights of al-Khandama where armed resisters from Quraysh and Banu Bakr under Safwan ibn Umayya, Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl, and Suhayl ibn Amr attempted to bar Khalid ibn al-Walid's entry; the resistance was quickly routed, leaving twelve to thirteen Meccan fighters dead, while Kurz ibn Jabir, Khunays ibn Khalid, and Salama ibn al-Mayla' fell on the Muslim side.The Conquest of Mecca (Fath Makka)
c. 11 January 630 CE · 20 Ramadan 8 AHIn Ramadan 8 AH (January 630 CE), following Banu Bakr and Quraysh's breach of the Hudaybiyya peace at al-Watir, the Prophet mobilized 10,000 Muslims and entered Mecca in triumphant humility; dividing the army into four columns, the city was taken almost without resistance; the 360 idols around the Kaaba were shattered, and the Prophet announced a general amnesty to the populace: 'Go, for you are free'.The plot of Amir ibn al-Tufayl and Arbad ibn Qays
c. 631 CE · 9 AHWithin the Banu Amir delegation of 9 AH, Amir ibn al-Tufayl engaged the Prophet in talk while Arbad ibn Qays circled behind him and half-drew his sword; the tradition reports that God restrained his hand, and on their return Arbad was struck by lightning and Amir died of a throat swelling.The farewell prayer over the martyrs of Uhud
c. April 632 CE · Safar 11 AHIn early Safar 11 AH the Prophet went out to Uhud and prayed over the martyrs 'as one bidding farewell to the living and the dead', then said from the minbar that he was their forerunner, that he could see his Basin, and that he feared not polytheism for them but rivalry over the world.The Badr war council
Ramadan 2 AHThe consultative council the Prophet held at Dhi Afran after news of the Quraysh levy reached him, in which the Muslim commanders — and Sa'd ibn Mu'adh speaking for the Ansar — pledged to fight beyond the letter of the Aqaba pledge.The affair of the Badr prisoners
Ramadan 2 AHThe aftermath decision over the seventy Badr captives: the consultation in which Abu Bakr advised ransom and Umar advised execution, the ransom terms (1000–4000 dirhams, or teaching ten boys to write), the executions of al-Nadr and Uqba, and the exegetical comments in 8:67-68 and 47:4.The Qulayb at Badr
Ramadan 2 AHAfter the battle the Quraysh dead were cast into a pit (the qulayb) at Badr, where the Prophet addressed them by name; when Umar asked how he spoke to the dead he answered that they heard him no less than the living.
Work
Hassan ibn Thabit's elegies for the Mu'tah martyrs
Three elegies by Hassan ibn Thabit mourning the Mu'tah commanders: the first for all three together, the second for Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, and the third for Zayd and Ibn Rawaha. Transmitted by Ibn Ishaq within his Mu'tah account.Ka'b ibn Malik's elegy for the Mu'tah martyrs
Elegy by Ka'b ibn Malik al-Ansari praising the endurance and courage of the Mu'tah martyrs. Transmitted by Ibn Ishaq within the Mu'tah narrative.Abbas ibn Mirdas's ode on the Battle of Hunayn
The ode composed by Abbas ibn Mirdas al-Sulami celebrating the steadfastness of Banu Sulaym and the Muslims' counter-rally at the Battle of Hunayn, answering Hawazin's poets.Ka'b ibn Malik's ode on Hunayn and the march to Ta'if
The ode by Ka'b ibn Malik al-Ansari commemorating the victory at Hunayn and the army's advance to besiege the fortress of Ta'if.Abbas ibn Mirdas's verses of reproach on the Ji'rana division
The verses of gentle reproach composed by Abbas ibn Mirdas when granted fewer camels than Uyayna and al-Aqra', upon which the Prophet ordered his share completed to a full hundred until he was satisfied.
Concept
The Weepers (al-bakka'un)
Seven men of the Ansar and others who came to the Prophet asking for mounts to join the Tabuk campaign; when he had nothing to carry them, they turned back with tears streaming down their faces.The army of hardship (jaysh al-usra)
The name Ibn Hisham records for the army of the Tabuk expedition, in a report about Uthman ibn Affan spending a thousand dinars on it.Staying behind from the Tabuk expedition
Ibn Ishaq's classification of those who did not march with the Prophet to Tabuk: bedouin asking to be excused, the weepers who found no mount, men who stayed behind without doubt such as Abu Khaythama, and the hypocrites and doubters by his description.
Place
al-Ji'rana
A settlement between Mecca and Ta'if where the Prophet halted the spoils and captives of Hunayn, received Hawazin's delegation and granted them general amnesty, distributed the shares to al-Mu'allafa Qulubuhum, addressed the Ansar, and entered ihram for Umrah.al-Khandama
A rugged mountain on the edge of Mecca where resisters from Quraysh and Banu Bakr gathered under Safwan ibn Umayya, Ikrima ibn Abi Jahl, and Suhayl ibn Amr, and clashed with Khalid ibn al-Walid's column on the morning of the Conquest.al-Watir
A watering place of Khuza'a in lower Mecca where Banu al-Dil of Banu Bakr made the night attack that broke the Hudaybiyya truce.Awtas
A valley in the territory of Hawazin where Malik ibn Awf mustered the tribal confederation before Hunayn, and where the defeated remnants of Hawazin rallied under Durayd ibn al-Simma before being pursued by Abu Amir al-Ash'ari.Dhu Tuwa
A valley in lower Mecca where the Prophet halted the army, bowed his head in humility on his mount until his beard nearly touched the saddle, divided the columns for entry, and where Abu Quhafa was brought to embrace Islam.Marr al-Zahran
A major valley stage one stage north of Mecca (modern Wadi Fatima); there the ten-thousand-strong Muslim army encamped and lit ten thousand fires, Abu Sufyan was brought in by al-Abbas, and the tribes paraded in iron before the entry.Wadi Hunayn
A deep, hollow valley in the Tihama lowlands between Mecca and Ta'if with narrow gorges where the Hawazin confederation laid their ambush against the Muslim army in Shawwal 8 AH.
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