Book: Dalail an-Nubuwwah by Bayhaqi

Chapter of the Battle of Hunayn

In the Battle of Hunayn, notable signs of prophethood appeared on the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz and Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Qadi narrated:

• Refer to Al-Tabaqat by Ibn Saad (2:149).
• Consult the biography of Ibn Hisham (4:51).
• Check Sahih Al-Bukhari (5:153).
• Examine Sahih Muslim with the explanation by An-Nawawi (12:113).
• Study Maghazi by Al-Waqidi (3:885).
• Read Ibn Hazm's work (236).
• Explore Oyun Al-Athar (2:242).
• Peruse Al-Bidayah Wal-Nihayah (4:322).
• Refer to Sharh Al-Mawahib by Az-Zurqani (3:5).
• Read Al-Sirah Al-Halabiyya (3:121).
• Check Al-Sirah Al-Shamiyya (5:459).

The Battle of Hunayn, also known as the Battle of Hawazin

The tribe of Hawazin gathered to fight the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Muhammad ibn Amr Al-Aslami reported: Ibn Abi Al-Zanad narrated from his father that the tribe of Hawazin assembled in a year when groups gathered, and their leaders mobilized the Arabs to fight against the Prophet.

Imams of the Battles' Accounts' Narratives

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) conquered Mecca, some noble leaders of Hawazin and Thaqif united. They feared being attacked by the Prophet and said, "Muhammad encountered people who are not skilled in battle. We have no one better than us to face him. Let us take the initiative and attack him." Thus, Hawazin rallied under Malik ibn Awf Al-Nasri's leadership and set forth for battle.

Narration of the Battle of Hunayn

Abu al-Abbas Muhammad ibn Ya’qub narrated to us, saying: Ahmad ibn Abd al-Jabbar told us, who said: Yunus ibn Bukayr narrated to us from Ibn Ishaq who said: Aasim ibn (Umar ibn) Qatadah narrated to us, from Abdur-Rahman ibn Jabir, from his father Jabir ibn Abdullah, and Amr ibn Shuayb, and Al-Zuhri, and Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr ibn Hazm, and Abdullah ibn Al-Mukaddam ibn Abdur-Rahman Al-Thaqafi, regarding the narration of the Battle of Hunayn when the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, marched towards them, and they came forth to meet him.

Some of them narrated things that others did not, and their narrations included Hawazin, Thaqif, Nasr, Jashm, and Saad ibn Bakr, along with some people from Banu Hilal, who were few in number. Muhammad ibn Umar said: Their number did not reach a hundred, and none from the Qays Aylan witnessed it except these few. Neither the Hawazin of Ka‘b, nor the Kilab participated in it. Ibn Abi Bara forbade them from participating and said, 'By Allah! If they brought enemies from the east and the west to fight Muhammad, he would still prevail over them.'

Allah's Decree at the Conquest of Mecca

It was decreed by Allah that when Mecca was conquered, people entered the fold of Islam in large groups, and the entire Arab population submitted to him. However, upon the clear conquest, the wisdom of Allah dictated that the hearts of the Hawazin and their affiliates be turned away from Islam. They gathered and prepared for war against the Messenger of Allah and the Muslims, to demonstrate Allah's authority and the completeness of His support for His Messenger and His religion.

They hoped for the spoils of war as thanks for the victory, to manifest the glory of Allah, His Messenger, and His religion, and to show His dominance over this great thorn that the Muslims had never encountered before. The Arabs would not be able to resist them. Allah decreed a clear victory that would be revealed to those who reflect, allowing the Muslims to taste the bitterness of defeat first, despite their large numbers and the strength of their opponents, to humble them in the way that the Messenger of Allah entered the sanctuary with his head bowed in submission to his Lord, demonstrating humility, submission, and respect for His greatness.

Abdullah bin Umar stated in the Zad Al-Ma’ad: Allah had promised His truthful Messenger that when Mecca was conquered, people would enter Islam in groups and the Arabs would submit to him altogether. However, upon the decisive conquest, Allah's wisdom ordained that the Hawazin and their followers turned away from Islam. They united to prepare for war against the Messenger of Allah and the believers, in order to manifest Allah's authority and the completion of His support for His Messenger and His religion.

The Gathering of Tribes after the Conquest of Mecca

After the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, had finished the conquest of Mecca, he gathered Malik ibn Awf al-Nasri, the Banu Nasr, Banu Jusham, Banu Sa'd ibn Bakr, and some of the Banu Hilal. They were few in number, along with people from Banu Amr ibn Amir and Awf ibn Amir. He led them to the Prophet carrying wealth, women, and children. When the Prophet heard about them, he sent Abdullah ibn Abi Hadrad al-Aslami to go among the people and learn about them. Abdullah stayed with them for a day or two, then went to the Prophet and informed him of their story.

Abdullah's Report to the Prophet

Abdullah told Umar ibn al-Khattab that what he learned was true. Umar, however, doubted him. Abdullah asserted that even if Umar accused him of lying, it didn't matter as Umar might be denying the truth. Umar then asked the Prophet to listen to Abdullah. The Prophet acknowledged that Umar was once lost and guided by Allah.

The Prophet's Request to Safwan ibn Umayyah

Later, the Prophet sent for Safwan ibn Umayyah and asked him for a hundred shields with their fittings. Safwan initially disagreed, but the Prophet assured him they would be returned. Afterward, the Prophet accompanied by a large group headed towards Hunayn with about twelve thousand men from Mecca.

The Appointment of Attab ibn Usayd as the Leader

The Prophet appointed Attab ibn Usayd ibn Abi al-Iyad ibn Umayyah ibn Abd Shams as the leader of Mecca. Additionally, Malik ibn Awf brought along with him members from the tribes of Qays and Thaqif, including Duraid ibn al-Simma, a prominent figure.

Translation of Classical Islamic Arabic Text

Context: This passage describes an event that took place in a valley called Awtaas. When the people descended into this valley, they heard the sounds of camels, donkeys, sheep, and children crying. They were greeted by a man named Dureid who asked them about their whereabouts.

Dureid's Question: "In which valley are you?"

The People's Response: "We are in Awtaas."

Dureid's Remark: "Indeed, the valley of horses. I have never heard the sound of camels, donkeys, sheep, and crying children like I do here."

The Conversation Unfolds: Dureid then inquired why they were leading the people's wealth, children, and women. The people explained that Malik had been summoned and stated his intention to defend every man's family and wealth. Dureid questioned the wisdom of this act, highlighting the potential consequences.

Final Commands: Dureid advised them to entrust their possessions to their leaders and to protect their lands. He questioned the actions of Ka'b and Kilab, who were not present during the incident.

Key Points: The text highlights the themes of leadership, responsibility, and consequences of actions. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding one's family, wealth, and community in times of conflict.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Verse 16: He said, "Courage and determination have left." If it were a day of Alaa and Rifaa, Kaab and Kilab would not have missed it.

Verse 17: "And if you wish, do as Kaab and Kilab did." So who attended it? They said: Umar bin Aamir and Awf bin Aamir. He said, "These are the two trunks, they neither harm nor benefit." Malik disliked that Dureid should have an opinion in it, so he said, "You have grown old and your knowledge has increased. By Allah, you will either obey, O people of Hawazin, or you will lean on this sword until it comes out of my back." They said, "We will obey you." Then Malik said to the people, "When you see them, strike the edges of your swords and tighten like one man."

Verse 18: Ibn Ishaq said: Umaya bin Abdullah bin Amr bin Uthman bin Affan told me that Malik bin Awf sent eyesores among those with him, and they came to him with their fingers severed. He said, "Woe unto you! What is wrong with you?" They said, "We are white men on bald Arabian horses. By Allah, we could not hold onto what you see." What turned him away from his purpose was that he continued as he wished.

Verse 19: Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz and Abu Bakr Al-Qadi reported to us that Abu al-Abbas Muhammad bin Ya'qub narrated to us that Ahmed bin Abdul Jabbar narrated to us that Yunus bin Bukayr narrated to us from Abu Ja'far Isa al-Razi from Ar-Rabi', that a man said on the day of Hunayn, "You will not be defeated due to the few." This troubled the Messenger of Allah, so Allah revealed, "(The courage and determination.)" meaning bravery and steadfastness.

Translation Source: Ibn Hisham in the biography (4:52-53) and transmitted by Ibn Kathir in the history (4:323).

Additional Note: Mentioned in Ibn Hisham's biography (4:54) that "Allah Most High" is referenced in (H).

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

On the day of Hunayn, when your great numbers pleased you, Al-Rabi‘ said: "And there were twelve thousand of them, two thousand from the people of Makkah." Abu ‘Abd Allah Al-Hafiz and Abu Bakr Al-Qadi informed us, saying: Abu Al-‘Abbas Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub narrated to us. He said: Ahmad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar narrated to us, saying: Yunus reported from Ibn Ishaq, from Al-Zuhri, from Sinan ibn Abi Sinan, from Abu Waqid Al-Laythi, who is Al-Harith ibn Malik, said: "We went out with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, to Hunayn, and there was a huge green tree for the Quraysh." [The Repentance: 22] [Source: Yunus ibn Bukayr in the extra reports on battles, Narrated from Al-Rabi‘ ibn Anas, and Al-Salhi in the Shamail (5:469)]. Added: Ibn Al-Mundhir narrated from Al-Hasan who said: “When the people of Makkah and the people of Madinah gathered, they said: 'Today, indeed, we will fight since we have gathered.' So, the Messenger of Allah was displeased with what they said about being pleased with their numbers. They met and were defeated to the point where one would not be able to stand against another.” Abu Al-Shaykh, Al-Hakim — who authenticated it —, Ibn Mardawayh, and Al-Bazzar reported from Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: "When the people of Makkah and the people of Madinah gathered on the day of Hunayn, they were pleased with their numbers. The people said: 'Today, by Allah, we will fight!' And according to Al-Bazzar's narration, a boy from the Ansar said on the day of Hunayn: 'We will not be defeated today due to our few numbers.' But then they encountered their enemies, so the people were defeated and turned fleeing. Muhammad ibn ‘Umar narrated from Ibn Shihab Al-Zuhri that a companion of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: 'If we encounter the Bani Shayban today, we won't fear them. Today, no one will defeat us due to our few numbers.' Ibn Ishaq said: 'Some people from Makkah informed me that the Messenger of Allah said when he left Makkah for Hunayn, seeing a large number of soldiers with him: 'We will not be defeated today due to our few numbers.'" The authentic narration is that the one who said it was not the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as mentioned earlier. Ibn Ishaq said: "Some people claim that it was a man from Bani Bakr who said it." Muhammad ibn ‘Umar reported from Sa‘id ibn Al-Musayyib, may Allah exalt his mention, that Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "O Messenger of Allah, today we will not be defeated due to our few numbers," as stated in this narration.

When morning came and some people looked at each other, Abu Sufyan, his son Mu‘awiyah, Safwan ibn Umayyah, and Hakim ibn Hizam stood on a hill looking at who the outcome would favor.

Translation

Every year they would come to it, hang their weapons on it, stay by it, and slaughter by it; it was called Dhāt Anwāṭ. We passed by a huge green tree and we called out from the sides of the road as we were on our way to Ḥunayn: "O Messenger of Allah, make for us a Dhāt Anwāṭ just as they have Dhāt Anwāṭ." The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Allah is Greatest as the people of Moses said to Moses, 'Make for us a god just as they have gods.' Indeed, you will follow the ways of those who came before you."

Abū Muḥammad ʿAbd Allah ibn Yūsuf al-Aṣbahānī informed us: Abū Saʿīd Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad ibn Ziyād al-Baṣrī narrated to me in Makkah that Al-Ḥasan ibn Muḥammad al-Zuʿfarānī reported to me from Sufyān ibn ʿUyaynah, from al-Zuhrī, from Sinān ibn Abī Sinān, from Abī Wāqid al-Laythī, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when he came to Ḥunayn, passed by a tree to which idolaters had tied their weapons, known as Dhāt Anwāṭ. They said: "O Messenger of Allah, make for us a Dhāt Anwāṭ just as they have Dhāt Anwāṭ." He replied: "Allah is Greatest, this is like what the people of Moses said to Moses: 'Make for us a god just as they have gods.' You will indeed follow the practices of those before you."

Sources

Reported by Abū ʿAlī al-Rūdhbārī, narrated to us by Abū Bakr ibn Dāsa, from Abū Dāwūd, from Abū Ṭawba, from Muʿāwiya ibn Salām, from Zayd ibn Salām, who heard Abā Salama saying that al-Sulūlī informed him that Sahl ibn al-Ḥanẓalīya narrated that they accompanied the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, on the day of Ḥunayn, and they continued traveling until evening when they attended the Ẓuhr prayer with the Messenger of Allah. A man from the horse-people came and said: "O Messenger of Allah, I set out in front of you until I reached a mountain, and there I found Banū Hūwāzin with their flocks, grazing on their plants, drinking from their water." Ibn Ḥishām reported this in the Sīra (4:56) and it was transmitted by Ibn Kathīr in al-Bidāya wal-Nihāya (4:325).

References

Al-Aʿrāf 7:138
Narrated by al-Tirmidhī in the Book of Tribulations, chapter: "You will follow the ways of those before you," hadith number 2180, p. 4:475.

Event at the Battle of Hunayn

When they gathered at Hunayn, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, smiled and said, "That is the spoils of the Muslims tomorrow, God willing." Then he asked, "Who will guard us tonight?" Anas ibn Abi Marthad al-Ghanawi said, "I will, O Messenger of Allah." The Prophet then instructed him to ride and provided him with a horse.

Anas came back to the Messenger of Allah and he said to him, "Face this group until you reach its highest point, do not be fooled by those in front of you tonight." When morning came, the Messenger of Allah went to the place of prayer, prayed two units of prayer, and asked, "Did you sense your horse?" They replied, "O Messenger of Allah, we did not." So the Prophet prayed and kept looking at the group until after finishing, he said, "Rejoice, your horse has come to you."

They then looked at a tree among the group, and the horse had indeed arrived and stood in front of the Messenger of Allah, greeting him. The rider explained that he went until he reached the highest point as ordered, and upon checking, did not see anyone. The Prophet said to him, "Have you taken shelter tonight?" He replied, "No, except for praying or fulfilling a need." The Prophet said, "You have done what is obligatory, so you are not to act further."

Heading 1

Key Points: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led his companions into the battle of Hunayn. Upon arrival, the valley posed challenges, but the Prophet's leadership helped the Muslims regroup and face the enemy. He clarified his identity and unified the Muslims. Among those with him were members of his family and the Muhajireen. The Prophet's uncle, al-Abbas, had a white mule, on which he was mounted.

Heading 2

Key Points: Notable companions with the Prophet included Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith, al-Fadl ibn Abbas, Rabi'ah ibn al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Ayman ibn Umm Ayman, Usamah ibn Zaid, Abu Bakr, Umar, and a man from Hawazin. The man from Hawazin rode a camel with a black flag and a long spear. As the battle ensued, Ali ibn Abi Talib and another Ansari man targeted him from behind, leading to a significant event in the battle.

Heading 3

Key Points: During the altercation, Ali ibn Abi Talib and a man from the Ansar ambushed the Hawazin man, causing him to fall along with his camel. This incident unfolded amidst the chaos of the battle, illustrating the strategic maneuvers and engagements that occurred between the Prophet's companions and the enemy forces.

Battle of Hunayn - The Speech of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb

When the Ansaari attacked a man and struck him in the leg, causing him to fall off his horse, the people scattered. By Allah, the people did not return from their defeat until they found the captives tied up with the Messenger of Allah. When those with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) were defeated by the horsemen of the people of Mecca, some men expressed their resentment. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb said, "Their defeat will not end until they reach the seashore. Indeed, the reins are within their grasp."

Additional Narration By Ibn Ishaq

In another narration by Ibn Ishaq, Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr narrated that as Abu Sufyan ibn Harb marched with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to Hunayn, it was evident that Islam would prevail. The reins by which oaths were sworn were in their possession.

Conversation of Khalid ibn al-Hanbal and Safwan

Khalid ibn al-Hanbal shouted in the presence of his brother Safwan ibn Umayyah, who was a polytheist at that time. Khalid exclaimed, "Today, magic has no effect!" Safwan warned him to be silent, but Khalid responded boldly, "I swear by Allah, I would rather be defeated by a man from the Quraysh than by a man from the Hawazin tribe."

Declaration of Hassan and Expression of Hate

Hassan observed a black mass in the distance and said, "I saw Hanbal sneaking up on Umm Hanbal." Shi'bah ibn Uthman ibn Abi Talhah, a relative of Banu Abd al-Dar, expressed his desire for revenge, as his father had been killed in the Battle of Uhud. He vowed to kill Muhammad but was overcome with fear and acknowledged the prohibition of such an act.

The Battle of Hunayn

Abu Abdillah and Abu Bakr Al-Qadi told us that Abu Al-Abbas narrated to us, saying: Ahmad informed us that Yunus narrated from Ibn Ishaq, who narrated from Asim ibn Umar ibn Qatadah, from Abdur Rahman ibn Jabir, from his father Jabir ibn Abdullah, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said on the day of Hunayn when he saw what he saw among the people: "O Abbas, call out O people of the Ansar, O companions of the Samurah!" They replied: "At your service! At your service!"

One of them then went to offer his camel to be ridden but was unable to do so. He (then) threw his coat of mail off his neck, took his sword and bow, and then raised his voice until a hundred of them gathered around the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. They faced the people, and fighting broke out. The call was first with the Ansar, and then it was turned to the Khazraj. They were patient in the battle, and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was prominent in his (leadership). He then looked at the ranks of the people and said: "The stubborn horse is now at bay." By Allah, the retreat of no group of people (from the battle) occurred except that the prisoners of war were with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, tied up. Allah killed those He killed among them, and those who fled among them were defeated. Allah granted His Messenger their wealth, women, and children.

Another narration was told by Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz, who narrated from Abu Ja'far Al-Baghdadi, who narrated from Abu Ul Atha, from Muhammad ibn Amr ibn Khalid, who said: My father told us, who narrated from Ibn Lahi'ah, from Abu Al-Aswad, from Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr. And Abu Al-Husayn ibn Al-Fadl Al-Qattan of Baghdad narrated to us saying: Abu Bakr ibn Attab Al-Adi informed us, saying: Al-Qasim ibn Abdullah ibn Al-Mughirah told us, who said: Isma'il ibn Abi Uwais narrated to us, who said: Isma'il ibn Ibrahim ibn Uqbah narrated from his uncle Musa ibn Uqbah, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, set off to conquer Hunayn. The people of Hunayn and according to the narration of Urwah, the people of Makkah thought that when the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, approached them, he was attacking them from the front.

Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

By Allah's will, for His Messenger (PBUH), Allah facilitated the conquest of Mecca, bringing him the best of outcomes. Allah opened Mecca for him, honored him in it, and humiliated his enemies. When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went to Hunayn, all the people of Mecca, men, women, and children, went with him in great numbers. The women walked without veils, hoping for worldly gains, not hesitating to face any challenges for the sake of the Prophet and his companions.

Events at Hunayn

Abu Sufyan ibn Harb would call out whenever a shield or sword fell from the belongings of the Prophet's companions, asking for it to be handed to him so he could carry it until he met the Prophet. Safwan ibn Umayyah walked with the Prophet (PBUH), an unbeliever, while his wife was a Muslim, and the Prophet did not separate him from his wife. The leaders of the polytheists that day included Malik ibn Awf al-Nasri, who was arrogant.

Preparation for Battle

Moses narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) sent Abdullah ibn Abi Hadrad al-Aslami to spy on the enemy camp. When approaching Malik ibn Awf's location at night, he overheard Malik instructing his companions to assemble their forces, break their sword sheaths, line up their cattle and women, and then attack.

Meeting at Hudaybiyyah

When morning came and the people looked at one another, Abu Sufyan, Safwan, Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, and Hakim ibn Hizam withdrew behind a hill to see where the enemy was. The people started describing each other, and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, rode a mule with a thick mane. He faced the ranks, exhorted and encouraged them for battle, and gave them the glad tidings of victory if they endured patiently and were truthful. While they were prepared for battle, the polytheists launched an attack against the Muslims with a single charge, causing the Muslims to be thrown off balance. Haritha ibn Nu'man commented that he estimated there were 100 men left with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. A man from the Quraysh went to Safwan ibn Umayyah and said, "Rejoice in Muhammad's defeat and his companions, for they will never recover." Safwan replied that he would rather see a lord from the Quraysh than a lord from the Bedouins.

Incident at Hudaibiyyah

According to Urwah, Safwan was angered by this comment. He sent a boy to find out whose banners they were, and the boy heard the people chanting the names associated with the Messenger of Allah in battle. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, when the fighting intensified, stood between the two reigns of his mule, raising his hands in prayer to Allah, saying, "O Allah, I beseech You for what You promised me. O Allah, it is not fitting for them to be visible to us." He called out to his companions, saying, "O people of the pledge at Hudaybiyyah! Take heed! The war against your Prophet is at hand!" It was said that he called them, "O Supporters of Allah! O Supporters of His Messenger! O Children of Khazraj!" He directed his companions to call them by these names, and he took a handful of pebbles and cast them at the enemy's faces between the two confining ranges.

Expedition of Malik ibn Auf and the Conquest of Mecca

When the Allies of the Confederates surrounded the polytheists and their allies from all sides, and it was said, "They are coming forward," the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) advanced swiftly. They recited Surah Al-Baqarah and it is claimed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Now the dust has risen," as Allah defeated his enemies from all sides, causing the soil to rock under them where the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was present. The Muslims followed them, killing and capturing them, while Allah subjected their women, children, and possessions. Malik ibn Auf fled until he entered the fortress of Ta'if, where some nobles of his people were present, and he accepted Islam. At that moment, many people from Mecca converted to Islam when they saw the divine help and honor bestowed upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Interpretation and Narration

In a narration attributed to Musa ibn 'Uqbah, there is mention of the defeat of the polytheists and the support of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Allah. This account is recorded in the books of military expeditions, where the Prophet was seen throwing dust towards the faces of the polytheists, leading to their defeat. This incident demonstrated the signs of prophethood found in connected hadiths.

References: [41] The narration of Musa ibn 'Uqbah is tersely mentioned by Ibn 'Abd al-Barr in "Ad-Durar" (226). [42] This will be discussed shortly in the context of the signs of prophethood.