The Expedition of Mutah: Difference between revisions

Waqidi narrates regarding the cause leading up to this war as follows. Prophet Muhammad sent a letter to the king of <u>Basra</u> through an individual named Harith ibn Umayr Azdi Lahabi. Harith was on his way when he arrived in Mutah, where Shurahbil ibn Amru Ghassani, the ruler of the city, blocked his path, presuming that he was an emissary for the Prophet. To confirm his suspicions, he asked Harith: <blockquote>“Are you an emissary for Muhammad?”</blockquote> Harith replied, <blockquote>“Yes, I am.”</blockquote> Upon hearing this, Shurahbil ordered for him to be put to death. Keep in mind that up until this point in history, no emissary of the Prophet had ever been killed (while on official diplomatic work for the Prophet.)  

While addressing his troops, the Prophet said, <blockquote>“I advise you to observe God-consciousness, goodness and kindness towards the Muslims that are with you. Advance in the name of Allah and in His way; fight with those who disbelieve in Allah and do not break your oaths or betray others. Do not kill the women, children or elderly at any cost; do not burn the palm trees, do not cut down any trees or ruin any houses. When you confront the enemy, first invite them to one of these commands, and if they accept any of them, then accept their word and do not harm them. Invite them to embrace the religion of Islam; should they accept, accept it from them and let them go freely. Then, invite them to immigrate to Dar al-Muhajirin (the city of Medina and its outskirts); should they accept, they will be considered as equals in terms of the benefits which all of the muhajirin enjoy. However, if they accept Islam and decide to remain in their previous homes and cities from which they came from, then inform them that they are just like the Arab muslims (in terms of their religious responsibilities and rights) and the judgement of Allah is now incumbent upon them to follow and that they are not entitled to enjoy any of the benefits from the spoils of war, unless they fight alongside the Muslims.  

However, if they do not accept Islam, then invite them to pay jizyah and if they accept this condition, then accept them and leave them be.  

If they do not accept this either, then request help from Allah and fight against them. If you surround the castle or city and they request to be treated according to the judgement of Allah, then do not accept this; rather, keep them safe according to your own judgement, as you do not know if Allah’s judgement applies to them or not! Advance in the name of Allah and fight against Allah’s enemies and your enemies in Syria. There, you will see people who are busy worshipping Allah in the monasteries - do not disturb them. You will also see people whose heads are the nests of Satan, so separate those heads from their bodies using your swords.” <ref name="”:4”">Muhammad bin Umar al-Waqidi, al-Maghazi Volume 2 Page 756-760</ref></blockquote>  

After Ibn Rawahah had bid farewell to the Prophet, he said the following to the Messenger just before departing, <blockquote>“O Prophet of Allah, advise me (about something) so that I can keep that as a reminder of you.”</blockquote>  

Abdullah said, <blockquote>“Give me more, O Prophet of Allah!”</blockquote>  

The Prophet added, <blockquote> “O son of Rawahah! If you are unable to do anything (that which I have advised you towards), then at least do not abstain from this one last thing: If you have done ten bad things, do one good thing (to compensate for your bad actions).” </blockquote>  

The Muslims left Medina and advanced forward until they set up camp in Wadi al-Qura. The enemy forces became aware of their route and the ruler of Mutah, Shurahbil ibn Amru Ghassani Azdi, the killer of Harith ibn Umayr Azdi Lahabi, started to gather his troops and the arsenal needed to fight. He appointed his brother, Sudus, as the commander of the vanguard of his army and sent him to fight the Muslims. Sudus was eventually killed and in his place, Shurahbil sent his other brother, Wabr ibn Amru to the frontlines. He became frightened due to the battle, and ran to take refuge in the castle. Meanwhile, the Muslims advanced to Maan (in Jordan), which was one of the provinces of Syria and set up camp there. <ref name="”:4”" />  

However, the Prophet of Allah said to his companions, <bloackquote>“These men have not fled - and if Allah wills, they are impetuous and will fight the enemy once more.” <ref name="”:14”">Sirah of Ibn Ishaq Volume 4 Page 24</ref>  

The people of Medina, hesitatingly, welcomed the warriors of the Battle of Mutah such that when some of them return back home and knocked on the door to enter, the residents of the house would not open the doors and would say, <bloackquote>“Have you returned with your companions and helpers (or did you abandon them in the battle of Mutah)?”  

Those who were known as the great companions of the Prophet of Allah stayed at home out of shame and so the Prophet sent people after them to tell them that they retreated in the way of Allah so that they may fight against the enemy another day [and that what they did was not wrong].  

One of the participants in the battle of Mutah was Salamah ibn Hisham Makhzumi, the son of Umm Salamah who was one of the wives of the Prophet. Upon his return from the battle, he went home and refused to come out of the house until one day, his wife went to see Umm Salamah.  

Salamah’s wife replied: <blockquote>“No, but he cannot leave his house because if he does, the people will taunt him and say, ‘O the one who fled the battle! Why have you escaped from jihad?’ For this reason, he sits at home and will not leave.”</blockquote>