In this episode, we will discuss the lessons of the Battle of Uhud and the discussion will be based entirely on various verses of the Quran. Allah has described various types of Jihad in detail in the Holy Quran. For example, Surah Anfal only mentions the Battle of Badr. Allah Almighty describes the Battle of Uhud in Surah Al Imran. However, these verses are not just descriptions. Through these verses, Allah sometimes spoke of the rewards of the Companions, praised them, sometimes warned them, and sometimes rebuked them. Allah Almighty has described in the verses some things that if followed, people would never go wrong. Allah Almighty also knows the state of people’s hearts. Allah Almighty says about this:
Similar situations [as yours] have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied. This [Qur’an] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.
(Quran 3:137-138)
We begin today’s discussion with this verse. This verse was a comfort from Allah to the companions. Allah Almighty has removed the distress that the companions felt during the Battle of Uhud through this verse. Allah Almighty says in this verse that many have made mistakes in the past, but in the end, it was the disbelievers who were defeated and destroyed. Many say that the Battle of Uhud was a defeat for the Muslims, while others say that the victory was in vain because the Quraysh could not capture Medina. In this, Allah says to the Muslims, “If you are believers, you will surely be victorious.” What is surprising is that this verse was not revealed when the Muslims won the Battle of Badr very easily. This verse was revealed after the Battle of Uhud. When the Muslims were defeated in battle. It is noteworthy here that Muslims, even though they are weak and few in number, are still the greatest nation. The superiority of Muslims is due to their religious beliefs. Muslims lose their superiority only when they become attracted to other cultures.
The second lesson of the Battle of Uhud is that we must continue to fight even if it is difficult. In this regard, Allah Almighty says:
If a wound should touch you – there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs – and Allah does not like the wrongdoers.
(Quran 3:140)
When the Muslims were defeated and devastated in the Battle of Uhud, Allah Almighty said that what happened to you also happened to the Quraysh in the Battle of Badr. But they were discouraged, instead they re-prepared and fought against you again. Allah Almighty tells Muslims not to be discouraged but to continue fighting with fierce enthusiasm. Allah tests people’s faith through trials. Allah says in this verse that He wants to know that they are believers. The best way to test faith is to wage jihad or war. High status can be achieved through jihad.
Allah accepted 70 people killed in this war as martyrs. That is, even through defeat, Allah grants some Muslims the status of martyrdom.
Jihad is a purification process through which people can attain purity. In this verse, Allah says that:
And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.
(Quran 3:141)
Through the defeat of the Muslims, Allah increases the burden of sins of the infidels. Allah Almighty says in the same verse that He will destroy the disbelievers. In other words, the destruction of the infidels was ensured through the defeat of the Muslims.
In this regard, Allah Almighty says that one has to accept hardship for Paradise:
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?
(Quran 3:143)
We know that fighting is an important act of worship. One cannot expect to enter Paradise without jihad. Allah says in this verse that there are many steps to enter Paradise and Muslims must pass through all of them to enter Paradise. With the prayers of Allah, people will be able to enter, but they will have to try.
Many were unable to participate in the Battle of Badr, so they were excited to participate in the Battle of Uhud, and many were even praying for martyrdom. But their desire was only in their minds. They needed a suitable field to prove how true their desire was. That is why jihad was needed to test their state of mind.
Allah forgave the mistakes of the Battle of Uhud. Some people made mistakes in the Battle of Uhud, but what does Allah say about them? After the victory at the Battle of Badr, Allah did not reveal any verses praising the Muslim army.
And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
(Quran 3:126)
On the other hand, when the issue of the prisoners of the Battle of Badr came up, Allah Almighty spoke in harsh language.
If not for a decree from Allah that preceded, you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment.
(Quran 8:68)
Allah did not like the Muslims releasing prisoners of war for ransom, and that might have led to Allah’s punishment.
Allah Almighty said that victory in this war was due to the pride that might arise in the minds of Muslims after victory in the war.
The next lesson is the role of scholars. Allah says that:
And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.
(Quran 3:146)
Here Allah is reminding us that many scholars joined the Prophets in previous battles. From here we learn that the work of scholars is not limited to the home but they must go to the battlefield. The perfect scholars used to fight with the prophets on the battlefield. In this regard, Allah says:
And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allah loves the steadfast.
(Quran 3:146)
These scholars have suffered and been defeated, but they have not given up. Believers must always remain steadfast. Allah has mentioned in the Quran a prayer of the previous Mujahideen:
And their words were not but that they said, “Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
(Quran 3:147)
Allah reminds us of our ancestors who trusted in Him. First they asked Allah for forgiveness, then they asked for help. Allah says in response to their prayers:
So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.
(Quran 3:148)
Compensation for disobedience in later education. Allah says that:
O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.
(Quran 4:59)
If there is a difference of opinion on any matter, it must be settled according to the Quran and Sunnah. Because the Quran and Sunnah are the role models for Muslims to emulate.
The lesson that attachment to the world has terrible consequences. The verses were revealed regarding the differences of opinion that arose regarding the spoils of war or the goods obtained from war.
Allah says that some of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon them) were greedy for public opinion or for the wealth they gained in the battle of Uhud.
And Allah had certainly fulfilled His promise to you when you were killing the enemy by His permission until [the time] when you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order [given by the Prophet] and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love. Among you are some who desire this world, and among you are some who desire the Hereafter. Then he turned you back from them [defeated] that He might test you. And He has already forgiven you, and Allah is the possessor of bounty for the believers. [Remember] when you [fled and] climbed [the mountain] without looking aside at anyone while the Messenger was calling you from behind. So Allah repaid you with distress upon distress so you would not grieve for that which had escaped you [of victory and spoils of war] or [for] that which had befallen you [of injury and death]. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do.
(Quran 3:152-153)
The next lesson is that Islam is not about the individual. Some of the companions lost their morale upon hearing the news that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was killed in the Battle of Uhud. Allah has taught us patience. In this regard, Allah says:
Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.
(Quran 3:144)
A man may die, but the lessons he leaves behind should be followed by everyone.
The next lesson is that the teachings of the hypocrites and the sinful believers will not be the same. In this regard, Allah Almighty says:
And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision,
(Quran 3:169)
The last lesson is that the lesson of Tawheed. When the body of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was covered in blood due to the attacks of the polytheists, he exclaimed: “How can this nation prosper that attacks its Prophet?” In this context, Allah says that:
Not for you, [O Muhammad, but for Allah], is the decision whether He should [cut them down] or forgive them or punish them, for indeed, they are wrongdoers.
(Quran 3:128)
The Prophet told the polytheists how they attacked their Prophet and Allah would not punish them, but Allah corrected the Prophet and said that only Allah has the right to punish.
