A Battle of Wills

A Battle of Wills

1989 4 April 23 A Battle of Wills (427) In the days of the Prophet, Medina was a natural fortress. To the south were densely clustered date-palm groves and to the east and west were high mountains which presented natural barriers to any would-be invader. There was, therefore, only one front on which it needed to be defended. When news reached the Prophet in 3 AH that the Quraysh were advancing in great strength on the city, he summoned his companions so that their immediate strategy could be discussed. Most of the companies favoured resistance to the attack from within the city, because of the obvious geographical advantages. But the younger members were of the view that if they did not rally forth to do battle outside the city, the enemy would interpret this as a sign of Weakness and cowardice. Although most of the leading companions, including Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, were in favour of meeting the attack from within the city, the Prophet decided to accede to the wishes of the younger Muslims. Accordingly, he set forth with an army of one thousand for Uhud. Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, who felt that the advice he had given was wise and proper, felt deeply offended that it had been summarily rejected, and it was with a heavy heart that he accompanied the Muslim army. However, before they reached Uhud, he turned back along with 300 followers on the grounds that since the Prophet had agreed with the others, and not with him, he saw no reason to go to his death on the field of battle. (Seerat 11m Hisham, Vol III, p. 8)

Subsequent events – heavy Muslim losses and ultimate defeat at Uhud – proved him correct, but his disobedience, a form of transgression, brought down the wrath of God upon his head, and earned him the ignominious title of ‘Leader of the Hypocrites.’

Although Islam attaches great importance to consultation, in the last analysis one course of action can be adopted at any given time, the simultaneous pursuance of several dissimilar courses of action being a logical impossibility. Everyone, of course, is considered to have the right to put forward his or her point of view, but since prolonged wrangling produces nothing but chaos, a stage should come when the path is cleared for action. The true Muslim should, therefore, state his views, but be prepared to follow the directives of those at the helm of affairs, whether or not they are in consonance with his own opinions. He must bear it ever in mind that no strong society has ever grown out of sedition and disunity.