Seerah Competition

What was the Quraysh's plan for revenge after the Day of Badr?

Following their defeat at Badr, men who had lost family approached Abu Sufyan and other merchants, requesting caravan profits to fund another war against the Muslims. The merchants agreed to use the profits for this purpose.

Describe the Quraysh army that set out for Uhud.

A 3000-soldier army, accompanied by wives, set out from Makkah in Shawwal 3 A.H., led by Abu Sufyan, and camped at the gates of Madinah.

What was Prophet Muhammad's initial strategy for the Battle of Uhud, and who supported it?

He suggested staying within Madinah and fighting only if the enemy entered the city, a strategy supported by 'Abdullah ibn Ubayy.

Why did some Muslim men insist on fighting outside Madinah at Uhud?

Muslim men who had missed fighting at Badr urged the Prophet to lead them out to face the enemy, as they did not want to be perceived as cowards and weaklings.

What did the Prophet Muhammad state after putting on his armour for Uhud?

He declared, 'It is not fitting that a Prophet who has put on his armour should put it aside until he has fought.'

Who withdrew from the Muslim army at Uhud, how many men, and what was his reasoning?

'Abdullah ibn Ubayy withdrew with a third of the men (300 out of 1000) at ash-Shawt, stating, 'He has obeyed them and rebelled against me.'

What was the size of the Muslim army that reached the Uhud gorge after the withdrawal?

700 men remained after 'Abdullah ibn Ubayy's withdrawal.

What were the instructions for the archers at Uhud, and who commanded them?

Fifty archers, commanded by 'Abdullah ibn Jubayr, were instructed by the Prophet to hold their position on a mountain pass to protect the rear from cavalry, regardless of the battle's progression.

Who was Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr, and what happened to him at Uhud?

He was the Prophet's standard-bearer and a wealthy young man before Islam. He was martyred fighting in front of the Messenger of Allah, and only a small piece of cloth could be found for his shroud.

Which young fighters were initially sent back from Uhud but later allowed to participate, and why?

Rafi' ibn Khadij was initially sent back for being too young (15 years old) but allowed after his father vouched for his shooting skills. Samurah ibn Jundub, of the same age, was permitted after proving he could wrestle and throw Rafi'.

What was Hind bint 'Utbah's role at Uhud and what act of revenge did she commit?

She stood among the Quraysh women beating drums to incite their men. Later, she mutilated Hamzah's body, attempting to chew his liver out of revenge.

Describe Abu Dujanah's actions in the Battle of Uhud.

He fought fiercely with the sword of the Messenger of Allah, penetrating deep into enemy ranks, and later shielded the Prophet with his own back, absorbing countless arrows.

Who was Hamzah ibn 'Abdu'l-Muttalib, and how was he martyred at Uhud?

He was the Prophet's uncle and foster brother. He fought heroically and was martyred by Wahshi in an ambush, an act incited by Jubayr ibn Mut'im and Hind bint 'Utbah.

Who was Wahshi, and what was his role in the death of Hamzah at Uhud?

He was a slave of Jubayr ibn Mut'im, skilled with a javelin, who killed Hamzah at Uhud, having been promised his freedom for the act.

What was the consequence of the archers' disobedience at Uhud?

Muslim archers abandoned their post, against orders, to collect booty after an apparent victory. This allowed enemy cavalry to attack from the rear, turning the tide of battle and testing the Muslims severely.

Describe the injuries Prophet Muhammad sustained at Uhud.

He was hit by a rock, fell on his side, one of his front teeth was smashed, his face was scratched, and his lip was cut.

What did the Prophet Muhammad say after he was injured at Uhud?

He said, 'How can a people prosper who have stained their prophet's face with blood while he summoned them to their Lord?'

What actions did 'Ali ibn Abi Talib take to assist the Prophet at Uhud?

He helped the injured Prophet to his feet and later washed the blood from his face.

How did Talhah ibn 'Ubaydullah demonstrate his sacrifice and loyalty at Uhud?

He shielded the Prophet from arrows with his bare hand, which led to his hand becoming paralyzed. He also squatted down so the wounded Prophet could use him as a step to climb a rock.

What does Qur'an verse 3:152 refer to regarding the Battle of Uhud?

It refers to Muslims losing heart, quarreling over strategy, and being rebellious after initial success, which led to their trial and setback.

What selfless act did Abu 'Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah perform for the Prophet at Uhud?

He removed two embedded links from the Messenger of Allah's helmet chain from his cheek, losing two of his own front teeth in the process.

How was Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas encouraged by the Prophet during the defense at Uhud?

He shot arrows in defense of the Prophet, who encouraged him by handing him arrows and saying, 'Shoot, may my father and mother be your ransom.'

What miracle involving Qatadah ibn an-Nu'man occurred at Uhud?

His eye was injured and fell out, but the Prophet Muhammad put it back in, and it subsequently became his best and sharpest eye.

Describe the bravery and martyrdom of Anas ibn an-Nadr at Uhud.

He was the uncle of Anas ibn Malik who continued fighting, seeking the scent of Paradise, even after other Muslims dispersed. He was martyred with seventy wounds, recognizable only by his fingertips.

Who was 'Amr ibn al-Jamuh, and what did he achieve at Uhud despite his physical condition?

He was a very lame man with a dispensation from jihad. He earnestly desired and was blessed with martyrdom at Uhud.

What was Sa'd ibn ar-Rabi's final message before his martyrdom at Uhud?

Martyred with seventy wounds, his last message conveyed greetings to the Prophet and urged the Ansar not to abandon their Prophet while they still breathed.

What was 'Abdullah ibn Jahsh's prayer on the day of Uhud?

He prayed to Allah to be killed by the enemy, expressing a desire for his body to be disfigured, stating it would be 'For You, my Lord.'

Describe Ubayy ibn Khalaf's confrontation with the Prophet during the Uhud aftermath.

He pursued the Prophet, vowing, 'O Muhammad! I will not be spared if you are spared!' The Messenger of Allah then struck him in the neck with a spear, causing him to sway and fall from his horse.

How did Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter, tend to his wounds after Uhud?

She washed blood from her father's face and, when water increased bleeding, she used ashes from burnt matting to dress the wound, stopping the flow.

What role did 'A'ishah bint Abi Bakr and Umm Sulaym play in assisting the wounded after Uhud?

They carried water in leather bags on their backs to give to the wounded Muslims during and after the battle.

What did Abu Sufyan shout as taunts after the Battle of Uhud?

He shouted, 'The luck of war alternates. One wins today, the other tomorrow. Show your superiority, Hubal!' and 'We have 'Uzza and you do not have 'Uzza!'.

How did the Prophet Muhammad instruct his companions to respond to Abu Sufyan's taunts after Uhud?

He instructed 'Umar to declare, 'Allah is the most High and Majestic. We are not the same. Our dead are in the Garden of Paradise and your dead are in the Fire!' and 'Allah is our Protector and you have no protector!'.

What was the purpose and outcome of the Hamra' al-Asad expedition after Uhud?

The day after Uhud, the Prophet commanded only those who had fought at Uhud to pursue the enemy to Hamra' al-Asad (about 8 miles from Madinah), but no enemy returned, indicating their complete withdrawal.

What were the casualties for both sides in the Battle of Uhud?

70 Muslims were martyred (mostly Ansar), and 22 idolworshippers were killed.

Describe the 'Adal and al-Qarah incident in 3 A.H.

Tribes requested Muslim teachers; the Prophet sent six Companions, but the tribesmen betrayed and killed four of them, including Zayd ibn al-Dathinah and Khubayb ibn 'Adi.

What did Zayd ibn al-Dathinah say before his execution, demonstrating his love for the Prophet?

Before his execution by the Quraysh, he stated he wouldn't wish Muhammad to be hurt 'even by a thorn' while he was safe with his family, demonstrating profound love for the Prophet.

What did Khubayb ibn 'Adi do and say before his execution?

He asked to pray two rak'ats before execution, then recited poetry expressing that his death as a Muslim, for Allah's sake, was a victory.

Describe the Bi'r Ma'unah ambush.

'Amir ibn Malik requested Muslim teachers; 70 of the best Muslims were sent but were ambushed by Banu Sulaym tribes ('Usayyah, Ri'l, Dhakwan), resulting in all being killed except Ka'b ibn Zayd.

How did Haram ibn Milhan's death influence his killer, Jabbar ibn Sulma?

Killed by Jabbar ibn Sulma at Bi'r Ma'unah, his dying words, 'I have won, by the Lord of the Ka'bah!', deeply impacted and led his killer to embrace Islam, understanding 'winning' as martyrdom.

What treachery did the Banu'n-Nadir commit, and what was their consequence in 4 A.H.?

A large Jewish tribe, the Banu'n-Nadir plotted to assassinate the Prophet while he sought their help for blood-money. Allah exposed their plan, leading to the Prophet besieging their fortress and ultimately banishing them from Madinah.

Explain the Dhat ar-Riqa' expedition (Expedition of Rags) in 4 A.H.

This was a raid into Najd where Muslims suffered raw feet from walking due to having only one camel per six men, forcing them to use cloth strips as bandages. No fighting occurred, and the Prophet led the Prayer of Fear on this occasion.

What was the Battle of the Ditch (Khandaq), and what instigated it?

It was a decisive battle in Shawwal 5 A.H. that subjected Muslims to grave trials. It was instigated by Jewish tribes who formed a grand alliance against them, leading to the digging of a defensive trench around Madinah.

Who formed the alliance against the Muslims in the Battle of the Ditch, and what were their numbers and agreements?

The alliance was formed by Quraysh (4000 fighters), Ghatafan (6000 fighters), and Banu'n-Nadir Jews, totaling 10,000 warriors. It was commanded by Abu Sufyan, and the Ghatafan were promised one year's harvest of Khaybar for their military expenses.

What defensive strategy did Salman al-Farsi suggest for the Battle of the Ditch?

He proposed digging a ditch around Madinah—a Persian tactic—to defend against the invading alliance, which the Prophet adopted.

Describe the efforts and conditions during the digging of the ditch for the Battle of the Ditch.

The Prophet assigned 40 cubits of digging to each group of 10 Muslims. The length of the ditch was about 5 cubits, and its depth varied between 7 and 10 cubits (at least 9 cubits). Muslims worked under bitterly cold, hungry conditions, encouraged by the Prophet who also participated.

What prophetic miracle occurred during the digging of the ditch?

The Prophet shattered a large, unyielding rock in three blows, each accompanied by 'Allah is greater!', revealing visions of the keys to Syria, Persia (al-Mada'in), and Yemen (San'a').

How did the Banu Qurayzah betray the Muslims during the Battle of the Ditch?

A Madinan Jewish tribe, they broke their treaty with the Muslims, instigated by Huyayy ibn Akhtab, chief of Banu'n-Nadir, causing significant concern and fear among the Muslim community.

Who was 'Amr ibn 'Abd Wudd, and what happened to him at the Battle of the Ditch?

He was a renowned Quraysh horseman who jumped the ditch and challenged Muslims. He was famously defeated and beheaded by 'Ali ibn Abi Talib.

How did Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud contribute to the Muslim victory in the Battle of the Ditch?

A new Muslim from Ghatafan, he secretly sowed distrust between the Banu Qurayzah, Quraysh, and Ghatafan by spreading false information, leading to the collapse of their alliance.

Describe the supernatural event and subsequent enemy withdrawal during the Battle of the Ditch.

Allah sent a severe hurricane during the cold wintry nights, which blew down the enemy's tents and overturned their cooking-pots, severely disheartening the men. Abu Sufyan declared their untenable position, leading to the Quraysh's departure, followed by the Ghatafan, effectively ending the siege.

What was the ultimate outcome of the Battle of the Ditch?

The enemy alliance fragmented and withdrew without a major battle. The Prophet declared that the Quraysh would never raid the Muslims again; rather, the Muslims would raid them.

What were the casualties on both sides in the Battle of the Ditch?

7 Muslims were martyred, while 4 idolworshippers were killed.

What do Qur'an verses 33:9 and 33:25 state about the Battle of the Ditch?

They refer to Allah's blessing on the believers, His sending of unseen hosts and a wind (hurricane) against the enemy, and His sparing the believers from direct fighting, emphasizing His strength and might.