The Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬as a

Commander-in-Chief

Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and

Humanities, Riphah International University Islamabad,
Pakistan
Email : [email protected] Contact # +92,320,7863888
 Topics of Lecture

 Strategy in Battle of BADAR

 Strategy in Battle of UHAD
 Strategy in Battle of KHANDAQ
 Strategy in Treaty Hudaibiah
 Lecture Outcomes

* Students will learn the Exemplary Role Model of the Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬as a
Commander-in-Chief.
* They will develop a Balanced, Moderate and Socially Responsible Personality in the light
of Seerah of the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬.
* They will apply Seerah of the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬in the Personal, Professional and Social Life.
* They will be aware of the Leadership Qualities in the light of Seerah
* They will be able to derive the Ethical and Moral lessons from the Seerah of the Prophet
(‫)ﷺ‬.
 The Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬as a Commander in Chief
* A Commander-in-chief Or Supreme Commander is the
person who employs supreme command and controls over
armed forces. Technically, it refers to military competencies
which inhabit in a country's executive leadership, a head of
state or a head of government.
* As a commander in chief, Prophet peace be upon him was
the final decision-maker in military strategies and their
implementation.
In spite of the pressure of several responsibilities and
functions, he conducted his administrative works with great
efficiency, speed and punctuality.

(Hasan Abdul Quayyum, (2017), Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) as Commander in Chief.
https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/240407/Beloved-Prophet-pbuh-as-Commander-in-Chief#:~:text=Though%20there%20was%20
a%20consultative,had%20to%20perform%20without%20help
)
 Reasons of
battles
* On his arrival in Madinah, the Prophet peace be upon him
faced so many threats from his enemies specially disbelievers of
Makkah. He overcame the situations with success because of his
determination.

* The Prophet sent small expeditions under the command of

senior leaders. He fought eight major battles, led eighteen raids,
and planned another thirty-eight military operations where others
were in command but operating under his orders and strategic
direction (against the Quraish, its neighboring tribes of Banu
Thaqif and Banu Hawazin, Jews and the Byzantine empire).
(Richard A. Gabriel, (2007), Muhammad: The Warrior Prophet
https://www.historynet.com/muhammad-the-warrior-prophet.htm)
 2‫ھ‬ Orders of battle
 Fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does
not like transgressors And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from
wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-
Masjid al-Ḥarām until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the
recompense of the disbelievers But if they cease, then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most
Merciful. Fight them until there is no fitnah and [until] religion is [acknowledged to be] for
Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the oppressors.(AL-
BAQRAH 193-2)
 So when you meet the disbelievers strike their necks until you have thoroughly subdued them,
then bind them firmly. Later free them either as an act of grace or by ransom until the war
comes to an end. So will it be. Had Allah willed, He could have inflicted punishment on them.
But He does test some of you by means of others. And those who are martyred in the cause of
Allah, He will never render their deeds void. He will guide them and amend their condition.
and admit them into Paradise, having made it known to them. O believers! If you stand up for
Allah, He will help you and make your steps firm.
(SURA MUHAMMAD 7-47)
 Condemnation of those who fear war: And the believers say, “If only a sûrah was revealed
˹allowing self-defence˺!” Yet when a precise sûrah is revealed, in which fighting is ˹explicitly˺
mentioned, you see those with sickness in their hearts staring at you like someone in the
throes of death. It would have been better for them. (SURA MUHAMMAD 20-47)
 Battle of badr
 Causes of this battle
 Abu Sufyan's trade caravan
returned from Syria with1000
camels, goods worth 50000
dinars.
 Talha bin Ubaidullah and Saeed
bin Zaid were sent to get the
news.
 Abu Sufyan predicts the danger
from camel and conveys the
information to Makkah.
 2‫ھ‬ Battle of badr

Numbers of Makki Army

In the beginning there were 1300 men,
100 horses, 600 armors and countless Number of Islamic Army
camels, the leader of the army was Abu
Mujahideen <82 Muhajirin, 231 Ansar>, 2 313
.Jahl .horses and 70 camels
Abu Sufyan's caravan escapes, Makkah At the time of Hijrah, Huzaifa ibn Yaman and
forces split, 300 people of Banu Zahra Abu Hasl were allowed to leave by the
return. Quraysh on the condition that they would not
Hakim bin Hizam and Utbah's attempt to support them in the war. He sent them back.
stop Abu Jahl from fighting The management of Madinah was under Abu
Lababa.
Abu Jahl forced Amir bin Al-Hazrami the
name of his brother, insulted Utba as his
son.
 Strategy in Battle of BADAR 2‫ھ‬
The consensus of the Majlis Shura and .The Prophet himself got the information from an old man
the opinion of the Companions(R.A)

Islamic army’s journey and espionage Gussed from the slaughter of camels.
initiative
Getting important information about
Lashkar
The descent of the rain of mercy Battle strategy of Hazrat Habab bin Munzar: Capture of the nearby spring of Quraysh

Advancement of Islamic Army towards For the Prophet, the construction of a fort, the protection of the Commander-in-Chief was
important military centers essential.
Leadership Center Similarly, when your Lord brought you O Prophet out of your home for a just cause, a group of
believers was totally against it. They disputed with you about the truth after it had been made
clear, as if they were being driven to death with their eyes wide open” (SURA-ANFAL 6:8)
Formation of army and overnight stay If you Meccans sought judgment, now it has come to you. And if you cease, it will be for your
own good. But if you persist, We will persist. And your forces—no matter how numerous they
might be—will not benefit you whatsoever. For Allah is certainly with the believers.
Arrival of Makki Lashkar and mutual
differences
)Both armies face to face "When the enemy comes near to you, shoot at them but use your arrows sparingly (so that your
arrows should not be wasted).
Validity of arrays and instructions
 2‫ھ‬

Consultation:
Sahabah like Abu Bakr and Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma) were the permanent
and distinguished members of the Prophet’s majlis-e-shoorah. On the occasion
of battle of Badar, when he consulted his Sahabah, he said by addressing
Hazrat Abu Bakr and Umar:
‫َلِواْج َتَمَعا َما َعِصْیُتُکَما‬
“If both (of you) agree, then I won’t be against (your decision)”

(Nabi Akram ‫ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم‬Ba-Haisiyat Sipah Salaar , vol. 1, p.108, Jami al-Kutub al-Islamiyah.
https://ketabonline.com/ur/books/1014000/read?page=108&part=1#p-1014000-108-3)
 3‫ھ‬
Battle of Uhad Shawal 3 AH

Remember˺ when two

groups among you
˹believers˺ were about to
cower, then Allah Army of Army of
reassured them. So in
Allah let the believers put
Muslims Disbelievers But those who
receive Our
their trust. revelations with
(Sura Al-Imran; 3-122) In the beginning, an denial and arrogance
3000 army, 15
army of 1,000, but
Abdullah bin Abi
women, 3000 will be the residents
Indeed, Allah made you camels, 200
victorious at Badr when
returned with 30
horses, 700 armor
of the Fire. They will
people be there forever.
you were ˹vastly˺
outnumbered. So be (sura –Anfal; 36-8)
mindful of Allah, perhaps 50 horsemen under
you will be grateful. Commander-in-
the leadership of
Chief: Abu Sufyan
(Sura Al-Imran; 3-122) Abdullah bin Jubeir
Strategy in Battle of UHAD
 Introduction:The Battle of Uhud was a major engagement between early Muslims and
the Quraysh during the Muslim-Quraysh War. The battle was fought in a valley north
of Mount Uhud near Medina on Saturday, 23 March 625 AD (7 Shawwal, 3 AH.
 Causes For The Battle Of Uhud
 The Meccan people’s desire for revenge following their defeat at the Battle of
Badr was the primary reason behind the Battle of Uhud.
 The Meccans still wanted to exact their vengeance for their defeat at the Battle of
Badr. They gathered a large army and began their march toward Medina, where
Muslims lived.
 Strategy :Mount Uhud (the place of battle) was a very strategical and
geographical benefit for the Islamic army. It provided structural defence for the
Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) had deployed his forces accordingly. He placed 50
marksmen, archers, at the slope of Mount Uhud. This was to ensure that the
backs of the Muslims fighting below would be protected and that the opposing
force could not attack from behind. He commanded and ordered that these
 3‫ھ‬

War the army was

Strategy divided into
different
sections,
especially orders
for the vellay
Uhud Valley is situated on the edges of the Medina. The fight was a battle between Muslims and
Meccans. The Muslim army was led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), while Abu Sufian led the
Meccan Quraish army. The fight was initiated because the Meccans needed to retaliate for losing at
the Battle of Badr.
Battle of Ahzab(khandaq) Shawal 5‫ھ‬

Army of Army of
Muslims Disbelievers

Implementation Commander-in-
of Salman Chief: Abu
Farsi's
Sufyan
suggestion

1000
Companions Ten thousand
dug a trench mens
for 3 days
When the believers saw the enemy
alliance, they said, “This is what
Allah and His Messenger had
promised us. The promise of Allah
and His Messenger has come true.”
And this only increased them in
faith and submission.
( SURA AHZAB;22;33)
O believers! Remember Allah’s
favour upon you when ˹enemy˺
forces came to ˹besiege˺ you ˹in
Medina˺,1 so We sent against them
a ˹bitter˺ wind and forces you could
not see.2 And Allah is All-Seeing of
what you do.
( SURA AHZAB;9;33)
 Strategy in Battle of Khandaq
 Digging of the Trench: When the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT heard the news that the Jews and Quraysh
were lobbying against the Muslims, he called his companions to strategize. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started
taking suggestions and that is when Salman Farsi (RA) told him to dig a trench around the northern boundary of
Madinah as the other sides are covered with mountains and dense forests.
 Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) divided the Muslims into groups of ten and asked them to dig a trench. It is
narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT, while digging the trench, said, “This is Quraysh’s last
attempt to destroy Islam and Muslims, and from now on, we will rule over them.”
 Although the Quraysh fought hard to survive, the storm sent by Allah SWT scared them away for good.
 On the other hand, with Tawakul in their hearts, Muslims fought with strategy and bravery. The army of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) found shelter in their homes against the stormy desert winds.
 As a result of this, the Banu Qurayza tribe surrendered unconditionally to the army of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). This gave the Muslims of Madinah complete control of the Banu Qurayza neighbourhoods and a
chance to openly preach and spread Islam.
• The importance of the battle of the khandaq is that it broke the strength of the Quraish of Makkah who
were constantly planning to destroy Islam and the Muslims.
https://thepilgrim.co/battletrench/#:~:text=The%20Battle%20of%20Trench%20(Ghazwa,entering%20the%20city
%20of%20Madinah.
 Strategy in Treaty of Hudaybiyah
• A significant incident in the history of Islam, the treaty of Hudaibiyah was
signed in the sixth year after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers left
Makkah. Despite their victory in the battle of Badr, the Muslims during that
time were not strong enough to attack the Pagans of Makkah. But, they wished
to visit the holy Kaaba and perform Tawaf.
• It was then, the pivotal treaty between the Prophet and the Quraish tribe was
signed. There were several benefits of the treaty of Hudaibiyah, including the
decline in tension between the two factions, affirming peace. Moreover, it was
as the result of the agreement Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers
were allowed to enter Makkah the following year for what came to be known as
the first pilgrimage.
 ‫ھ‬6
Importance point of Treaty of Hudaybiyah
A blessed dream Indeed, Allah will fulfil His Messenger’s vision in all truth: Allah willing, you will surely enter the Sacred Mosque,
in security some with heads shaved and others with hair shortened without fear.1 He knew what you did not
know, so He first granted you the triumph at hand.( Sura tu alfath: 27)

Travel to Bait ul Allah Departure with 500 Companions and the wife of Umm Salma, 40 camels, Wear Ihram in Dhul-Hilafa.
“He is the One Who held back their hands from you and your hands from them in the valley of Ḥudaibiyah, near
Mecca, after giving you the upper hand over a group of them.1 And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” .( Sura
tu alfath: 24)

The ignorance of the Remember when the disbelievers had filled their hearts with pride—the pride of ˹pre-Islamic˺ ignoranc then Allah
Quraysh sent down His serenity upon His Messenger and the believers. .( Sura tu alfath: 26)

Arrival of The arrival and information of Budayl bin Warqa al-Khuza'i: Reply of Prophet(pbuh)
representatives of The arrival of Mukarz bin Hafs: Prophet(pbuh) said: “This is a bad covenant man”.
Quraish The arrival of Halis bin Alqamah from Benu knana: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “This is from a nation
that respects the animals of Hadi, its welcome.”

Conversation of Urwa He talked in diplomatic terms.But when he returned to the Quraish, he reported about the Holy Prophet and the
nin Masdaood Saqfi Muslims in the followine terms:
"O people of the Quraish, I have seen kings but, by God, I have never seen a king as I have seen Muhammad
amongst his followers. If he makes his ablutions they would not let the water fall on the ground; if a hair of his
body falls they pick it up. They will not surrender him for anything in any case, do what you may".
 significant values of Treaty of Hudaybiyah

• The Treaty not only occupies a crucial place in the history of Islam, but also in the
present times, it holds a significant value. Following are the lessons one can learn from it:
• Patience can resolve every problem: It is a difficult virtue to attain, but it has the power
to resolve every issue. Although at the start, the conditions of the Treaty did not favour
Muslims, but because Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed patience, peace was ensured.
• Raising your sword is not always the answer: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had the
support of so many brave Muslim brothers. Still, instead of raising his sword despite the
challenges, he chose to settle things through peaceful talks. Thus, the Treaty of
Hudaibiyah points out that walking on the path of peace is vital.
• Muslims should honour agreements: From the treaty that was made in January 628, the
Muslims should learn the value of commitments. Because the Quraish people did not
follow the agreement and violated a vital clause, the Prophet invaded and defeated them
by the grace of Allah.
 Ethical Rules of War in the light of Seerah:
Certain rules of war have been established very clearly in the Light of Seerah:
‫َتْقُتَلَّن ُذِّر َّيًة َوَال َعِس يًفا َال‬
“Do not kill any children or women, or any (farm) laborer.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 2842)

" ‫اْغُز وا ِباْس ِم الَّلِه َوِفي َس ِبيِل الَّلِه َوَقاِتُلوا َمْن َكَفَر ِبالَّلِه اْغُز وا َوَال َتْغِدُر وا َوَال َتُغُّلوا َوَال ُتَمِّثُلوا َوَال َتْقُتُلوا َوِليًدا‬
Hazrat Sulaiman bin Buraidah reported on his father’s authority The Prophet(‫ )ﷺ‬said “Fight in the name of
Allah and in the path of Allah and with him who disbelieves in Allah; fight and do not be treacherous and do not
be dishonest about booty and do not deface (in killing) and do not kill a child.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 2613)
* The Messenger did what was necessary, without hesitation during a battle. He never retreated or gave up hope.
He stood steadfast during the critical moments of Uhad and Hunayn. During a crucial moment in Hunayn, he told
his Uncle Abbas to call out to his scattering Companions
“O Ansar! O Companions who paid allegiance to the Messenger of Allah under Samura tree! Where are you?”
Abbas called out in a strong voice.

(Ibn Hisham, Vol. 4, p. 87; Tabari, Vol. 3, p. 128, (The Battle of Hunayn).
https://questionsonislam.com/article/battle-hunayn)
 Military Strategies in light of Seerah:
* In almost every campaign, the Messenger took the initiative to direct the battle. Even in
set battles, like those of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, he kept the initiative. His surprise
strategies and effective tactics defeated the enemy. He also used time and any opportunity
most effectively.
* In the first stage of Uhad, he rendered the enemy cavalry inactive through archers
stationed in a mountain pass. Hurling such eminent warriors as Hazrat Hamza, Hazrat Ali,
Hazrat Abu Dujana, and Hazrat Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them) upon the enemy,
he won the victory in the first stage of the battle.
* As for the Trench, he faced the enemy with a long, deep trench around Madinah and,
remaining within the city's boundaries, forced the enemy to retreat after a 4-week siege.
* Good morals and being well-mannered.
* Devotion to Allah with unshakable belief, submission, confidence and obedience to Allah
himself and others in authority
(Fethullah Gülen, (2001), The Messenger of God: Muhammad, A General Evaluation
of His Military Achievements.
https://fgulen.com/en/fethullah-gulens-works/prophet-muhammad/a-general-evaluatio
n-of-his-military-achievements
References:
1. Sahih Bukhari, Sunnah.com
2. Sahih Muslim, Sunnah.com
3. Sunan Tirmidhi, Sunnah.com
4. Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunnah.com
5. Sunan an-Nasa’i, Sunnah.com
6. Sunan Ibn e Majah, Sunnah.com
7. Riyad as-Salihin, Sunnah.com
8. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Sunnah.com
9. Arba’in an-Nawawi, Sunnah.com
10. Prophet Muhammad as a politician and leader.
https://www.withprophet.com/en/the-prophet-peace-be-upon-him-as-a-politician-and-ruler
11. Governing Lessons from The Second Caliph.
https://medium.com/@a.greish1/governing-lessons-from-the-second-caliph-b33205d21f33
15. M. Naeemi, M. Zubiarii, “Foundations of Social stability in perspective of Seerah: A research study”,
Acta Islamica, Vol., 3, no. 2, 2015, p. 12.
16. Hasan Abdul Quayyum, (2017), Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) as Commander in Chief.
https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/240407/Beloved-Prophet-pbuh-as-Commander-in-Chief#:~:
text=Though%20there%20was%20a%20consultative,had%20to%20perform%20without%20help

17. Fethullah Gülen, (2005), An Analysis of the Prophet’s Life; The Messenger of God: Muhammad,
References:
18. Richard A. Gabriel, (2007), Muhammad: The Warrior Prophet.
https://www.historynet.com/muhammad-the-warrior-prophet.htm
19. Ibn Hisham, Vol. 4, p. 87; Tabari, Vol. 3, p. 128, (The Battle of Hunayn).
https://questionsonislam.com/article/battle-hunayn
20. Fethullah Gülen, (2001), The Messenger of God: Muhammad, A General Evaluation of
His Military Achievements.
https://fgulen.com/en/fethullah-gulens-works/prophet-muhammad/a-general-evaluation-of-h
is-military-achievements

21. A. Guillaume, (1955), The Life of Muhammad — A Translation of Ishaq's Sirat Rasul
Allah, Oxford University Press, Karachi, pp. 231-233, The Medina Charter (Dustar al-
Madinah), The First Islamic Constitution For All, Posted by Nick Efstathiadis.
https://notesinhistory.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-medina-charter-dustar-al-madinah.html
22. Leila Azzam & Aisha Gouverneur, The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him).
https://alrashidmosque.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Life-of-The-Prophet-Muhamma
d.pdf