Lessons of the Prophet’s Life

with a heavy heart, but before the Muslims reached Uhud, he and 300 followers turned back. “He agreed with them and not with me.” ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy lamented, “so I fail to see why we should destroy ourselves on this field of battle.”35 The Muslims’ defeat at Uhud vindicated the opinion of those in favour of meeting the attack from within the city. Accordingly, this strategy was duly adopted at the Battle of the Trench (A.H. 5). All the leading companions of the Prophet, however, forgot their disagreement and remained in the Muslim army. Despite heavy losses from bearing the brunt of the battle, they fought valiantly alongside the Prophet. Only ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy separated himself from the Muslim force, so he became known as the “Leader of the Hypocrites.” In principle, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy’s opinion had been correct; it was also borne out by the experience on the field of battle, but although he was right, his disobedience incurred God’s displeasure and was considered a form of transgression. Islam attaches great importance to consultation. Everyone has a right to put forward their point of view. But no policy can be effectively pursued if everyone expects their view to prevail, no matter the circumstances. Only one course has to be followed, so when there is disagreement over what that course should be, not everybody’s view can be accommodated. True Muslims, then, should, after offering their opinion, forget what they think and follow