Childrens ’ Seerah course August 2007 Sparkbrook Islamic Centre

Week 4 In Madinah The Prophet ’ s masjid and the first constitution Battle of Badr Battle of Uhud Banu Nadir banished Battle of Khandaq

The Messenger (saw) and Abu Bakr reached Quba and began constructing a masjid there. The Muslims had made hijrah to escape persecution, but also to establish Islam as a state and a complete way of life. From here, the Muslims had a base to spread Islam through the world and liberate its people.

When he entered Madinah, people came out in joy to greet him. His camel stopped on a spot where a simple masjid would be built and he paid for the land. He stayed at Abu Ayyub ’ s house while this and his dwelling was built.

Now the Muslims were away from persecution, but still had difficulties; The Quraysh still plotted and hoped to destroy the Muslims The Jewish tribes around Madinah were angry the Prophet was from the arabs, not them The Hypocrites were hidden amongst the Muslims

The constitution of the new Islamic state was laid down. The Jews and other dwellers of Madinah were given equal rights with Muslims. Everyone was expected to help and support each other. Some hypocrites were angry that the Messenger (saw) was the leader of Madinah. They wanted power themselves.

The Messenger (saw) established brotherhood bonds between the Ansar (Helpers from Madinah) and the Muhajireen (emigrants from Makkah).

Bilal became the Muadhin, calling the Muslims to prayer. The same call is still repeated across the world China Egypt Iran London Malaysia

The Quraysh decided to take the property and wealth of the Muslims who had left Makkah. The Muslims went on expeditions against Quraysh caravans to get back the value of their stolen goods. On one of these missions, the Muslims went against the instructions of the Prophet (saw) and killed a Quraysh man.

Allah revealed that the Qiblah should now change from Jerusalem to Makkah, where the ka ’ bah, the first house built to worship Allah alone, stood.

The people of Makkah were now plotting against the Muslims. The Muslims decided to intercept a caravan belonging to Abu Sufyan. Abu Sufyan changed his route and asked the Makkans for help. A mighty army set off from Makkah, and although the caravan was now safe, Abu Jahl insisted they must destroy the Muslims, who were camped at Badr.

The Messenger (saw) consulted his companions and they pledged to stand with him always and fight with him for Allah. The Muslims blocked the smaller wells and took camp at the biggest well. The Prophet (saw) sent Umar to suggest to the Quraysh that they both turn back and avoid war. Some agreed but most, especially Abu Jahl, wanted war.

The Prophet (saw) prayed, “ O Allah! Here are the Quraysh exalted with pride and vanity and they desire to stop your servants from worshipping You and to falsify Your Prophet. So send us your promised help.O Allah! If this small number is routed today there will be none to worship You until the end of Days ”

That night, a peaceful rain fell. The Battle began in the morning. The Muslims had about 300 men and only 2 horses. The Quraysh had about 1300 men, including 600 mailed soldiers, 100 horses, and many camels.

Some Bedouin men were watching the battle from a hill, at which point a huge army in white, mounted on horses, flew over them. One fell down dead in shock. The angels, led by Jibrail, had arrived at the command of Allah to help the Muslims.

The Muslims were blessed with a great victory. Many of the enemies of Islam were killed, including Abu Jahl and Ummayyah ibn Khalaf. Abu Lahab, who was very fat and unhealthy, had not come to battle but died of infection in Makkah. Many Quraysh were ransomed for money and returned to Makkah.

The Jewish tribe of Banu Qaynuqa threatened the Prophet (saw) and humiliated a Muslim woman at their market. They rushed to their fortress and the Muslims laid siege. The Muslims won and the tribe were banished from the city. The Prophet (saw) was merciful and spared their lives, but they continued to plot against the Muslims.

In Madinah, the Prophet (saw) continued to teach Islam. He would spent many nights in prayer until his feet were swollen. He taught the Muslims to care for the weak, enjoin good, forbid evil and purify their hearts. He was very merciful to the believers. He lived in poverty and had a simple life.

Then the Muslims had warning of an army of more than 3000 men heading toward Madinah. The Prophet (saw) felt they should wait inside the city. The majority of Muslims voted to go out to meet the enemy. The Prophet (saw) accepted and got ready for battle.

Uhud 1000 Muslims set off toward Uhud. 300 left and went home with Ibn Ubayy, leader of the hypocrites. 700 Muslims were left to fight. The Prophet (saw) placed 50 archers on the hillside, warning them never to leave that position, even if the battle was over and people were getting the booty.

The Mountain of UHUD Alwata, Where the battle took place Archers mount. Mount Ainayn Almadina Almunawarh. Valley Qanah Mount Sala Volcanic rocks

Muslims Camp Non Muslims Camp Archers Mount Volcanic rocks area difficult to move around

Direction of Muslims Attack Enemies of Allah running away

The Muslims were winning the battle and the Quraysh were running away. The archers forgot the command of the Prophet (saw) and 40 of them ran down the hill for the booty. Khalid ibn al Walid decided to go behind the hill and attack the Muslims from behind. There was complete disorder.

Khalid bin Alwaleed to circulate the mountain from behind and attack the Muslims The Muslims are busy after their initial victory in collecting the spoils of war. In the mean time Khalid attacked the Muslim camp form behind. Quraysh return after Khalid’s quick move. Muslims Scatter across the battle field.

A man killed Mus ’ ab ibn Umayr, thinking he was the Prophet (saw), and shouted that he had killed Muhammad. Some Muslims fled, others stayed to fight to the death. Hamza and about 70 other Muslims were killed. A few Muslims, including Nusaybah bint Ka ’ b, stayed and fought fiercely to defend the Prophet (saw).

The Quraysh carried away their dead and belongings. Abu Sufyan asked Umar if the Prophet (saw) was alive, and he said he was. Abu Sufyan called, “ Victory by turns, today in exchange for Badr ” Umar replied, “ We are not equal, our dead are in Paradise and your dead are in Hellfire ”

Banu Nadir were a Jewish tribe in Madinah. They plotted to kill the Messenger (saw). He gave them 10 days to leave the city or they would be killed. Ibn Ubayy, the hypocrite, offered to help them with his warriors and they refused to go. After a siege, they agreed to leave the city with many of their belongings.

The Banu Nadir wanted revenge and went to Makkah, where many tribes joined a huge army of more than 10,000 men to march toward Madinah and encircle the city. The Prophet (saw) consulted the companions.

Salman al Farsi, from Persia, suggested they dig a moat around the city. All the Muslims worked hard to dig this moat and make it wide and deep. They also gathered in all their crops.

Banu Qurayza, another Jewish tribe, broke their treaty with the Muslims to try and help the enemies enter Madinah. The siege was incredibly hard for the Muslims to withstand.

Nuaym ibn Masud who was an important Quraysh elder, came to the Prophet (saw) to accept Islam. He kept this secret and was able to stir up distrust between Banu Qurayzah and the armies. Then a strong bitter wind came to the armies and they ran out of food.

The Battle of Khandaq (the moat) lasted 25 days. The armies laying siege to Madinah left defeated, they had not fought. The Muslims were exhausted and many had lost hope; they rejoiced at the end of the battle.

Jibrail told the Messenger (saw) to go immediately to Banu Qurayzah clan, who had betrayed the Muslims and almost had them all killed. The tribe resisted for 25 days in their fortress. Then they surrendered. The women and children were placed in custody of Abdullah ibn Sallam, a former rabbi, and the men were killed for their treachery.

Homework: Complete Madani timeline A-E Complete worksheet Learn adhan Older groups: Do your own research on, ‘ What lessons can we learn from the battles of Badr and Uhud ’

Next week Insha Allah: The Muslims grow in strength Hudaibiyah treaty Conquest of Khaybar Battle of Mutah Opening of Makkah Tabuk Delegations and the Farewell Hajj