BOOK REVIEW

1. Introduction
a. Name of the Book. Early battles of Islam.
b. Name of Authors. Dr. S.M Rahman, Colonel Bashir Hussain and Major
Qamar Ul Haq.
c. Name of the Publisher. Army Education Press.
d. Number of Pages. 273.
e. Number of Chapters. 17.
f. Details of Edition. 2001.
2. Comments on Substance
a. General Comments on the Book as a Whole
(1) There is no dearth of books on early Islamic Battles. These are abundantly
available written by Muslim and non-Muslim writers and historians, of course,
with different angles, perspectives and approaches. This book is unique because
it is written with a view of highlighting the salient lessons that our soldiers can
derive from these accounts for the furtherance of professional understanding
and competence.
(2) In this book writer has concentrated mainly on the military lessons from the
systematic analysis of the battles. This book, therefore, does not aim at writing of
military history nor is it intended to be a scholarly work on religious aspects of
warfare. On such subjects there are remarkable books already available.
(3) Most of the accounts of the battles have been taken from Lieutenant General
(Retired) A I Akram books, ‘The Sword of Allah’ and ‘The Muslim Conquest of
Persia’.
b. Comments on Various Parts / Chapters

(1) The first two chapters of the book consist of foreword and preface in which writer
has explained that why he has resorted to write this book. There were already
many books available on the same subject. The writer’s aim was to derive
military lessons for soldiers and young leaders.
 2
(2) In third chapter writer has introduced this book. He has used Quranic verses and
examples from life of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) to make reader
understand this book.
(3) In fourth chapter of this book writer has explained fundamental concept of
Islamic battles. To elaborate more he has discussed the Islamic military school of
thought by supporting it from facts of history. Then he has thrown light on Islamic
military doctrine, the theory of combat readiness, acquisition of strategy and
economy, development of competence in military commanders, military
discipline, military traditions, good appearance, psychological warfare and
effects of psychological warfare.
(4) In fifth chapter battle of Badar has been discussed by the writer. First of all
background of the battle is highlighted that why it took place followed by a
comprehensive note on the battle. This chapter includes strategic measures
taken prior to the battle of Badar, military movements before battle of Badar,
intelligence aspects, security aspects, psychological aspects, moves,
appreciation, and plan of opposing forces, the conduct of battle, analysis of the
battle, military lessons learned and application of the principles of war.
(5) In sixth chapter the reader finds a comprehensive note on battle of Uhad. This
comprehensive note consists of background of battle, objectives laid down by
Quraish and Muslims, forces, assembly of forces, move plans, analysis of plans,
the general battle as phase I, Quraish counter attack as phase II, the last mnvr
made by Khalid Bin Walid (may God bless him), analysis and application of
principles of war.
(6) In Seventh chapter writer has thrown light upon The Battle of Ditch. First of all he
has discussed background and then he has moved over to preparations made
by both sides, forces, strategic / tactical objectives, outline plan, assembly of
forces and move, developments plan, and analysis of battle.
(7) In eighth chapter writer has discussed the battle of Hudeibiya, it’s background,
the truce, anticipated advantages of truce, analysis of truce, maintenance of aim,
 3
out line plan of adversaries, fate of Jews in Arabian peninsula, analysis and
application of principles of war.
(8) In ninth chapter the battle of Mauta is being discussed. It includes background,
plan, conduct, analysis, application of principle of war and at the last conclusion.
The writer has explained all these aspects in different sub-headings to provide a
comprehensive material to read.
(9) In tenth chapter a history has been narrated by writer, “The conquest of
Makkah”. The writer has delivered a brief account on topography, move and
assy of Muslim forces, reactions of enemy, Prophet (peace be upon him)
declaration, operational plan, analysis of plan and occupation of Makkah.
(10) In eleventh chapter the writer has thrown light on the crucial time of Muslims i.e.
“The Siege of Taif”. After covering background of subject writer has moved over
to military doctrine, forces, a brief note on Taif, conduct of siege, causalities and
at the last analysis and conclusion. This chapter gives us idea about the
patience shown by Muslims during the siege.
(11) The next few chapters are regarding battles of Ajnadein, Yarmuk, Nehawand and
Qadisiyya. These all battles have been explained by writer on the same grounds
as above mentioned battles. These all chapters give us worth reading material
on these battles. The writer has illustrated these comprehensive notes on
different battles with complete sketch marking and different maps.
Conclusion
3. This book is basically a very comprehensive account on early battles of Islam. The writer has
not only succeeded in narrating the incidents of these battles, but has also derived military lessons
and principles of war from the analysis of these battles. So this aspect make this book a classic
creation on writer’s part. I will recommend that this book should be part of one’s personal library.
 4
CO’s REMARKS
ON
BOOK REVIEW
EARLY BATTLES OF ISLAM
BY
DR. S.M RAHMAN, COLONEL BASHIR HUSSAIN AND MAJOR
QAMAR UL HAQ

1. This book is a valuable addition in the military history. Moreover this book provides lessons for
junior readers of Pakistan Army for becoming leaders with strong character and ultimate moral values.

2. The officer has amply covered the essential details.

3. Overall a fairly good effort.

Sta : Okara Cantt Lt Col

BOOK REVIEW
EARLY BATTLES OF ISLAM
BY
DR. S.M RAHMAN, COLONEL BASHIR
HUSSAIN AND MAJOR QAMAR UL HAQ
WRITTEN BY
PA-36902 LT FAZAL-E-RASUL QADRI