By Sheikh Saleh ibn Muhammad al-Talib – 19 Rabi ul Thani 1437

His Eminence Sheikh Saleh ibn Muhammad al-Talib -May Allah protect him- delivered this Friday Khutbah titled “Lessons from the Prophet’s Biography” in which he talked about Muslims’ current reality and reminded his audience that since the moment Allah ordained that the sun of this religion should rise in the horizon of this territory, He has been in charge of protecting it. He equally decreed that a victorious Muslim minority shall continue to enjoy divine support, without being the least harmed by those Muslims who fail them or those who oppose them. The Sheikh cited one situation from the Prophet’s biography, namely, the ghazwah (Battle) of Hamra’ al-Assad which represents the glory of the Muslims as epitomised by the personality of their extraordinary leader -Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him)- and from which lessons and morals are to be learnt. The Sheikh also advised people about the necessity to hold fast to this religion and to defend it against aggressors, referring to the commendable efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this respect.

Praise be to Allah! We praise Him and supplicate Him to come to our assistance and to forgive our sins. We seek refuge in Allah from the vices of our inner selves and the evils of our misdeeds. None can misguide anybody whom Allah has guided (because they have chosen to follow His Guidance), and none can guide anybody whom Allah has misguided (He has left them to themselves because they have refused to follow His Guidance). I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, alone with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May Allah send His Salat (Graces, Honours, and Mercy), Peace and Blessing upon him, his family, his Companions, the Tabi’in (the contemporaries of the Companions of the Prophet [May Allah’s Salāt and Peace be upon him] after his death), and all those who piously follow in their footsteps until the Day of Judgement!

Now then!

The best of all speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of all guidance is that brought by Muhammad -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him. The worst of all matters is what has been fabricated into religion, and every fabrication introduced into religion is considered as bid’ah (condemned innovation in religion) and every bid’ah is by definition misguidance.
O people! I exhort you as well as myself to abide by what Allah had been exhorting bygone nations -and is still exhorting present-day nations:

“…And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allâh,…” [Al-Nisa’: 131]

He who observes taqwa vis-à-vis Allah (fear of disobeying divine commands) will be salvaged. He who is vigilant will be safe, and he who is heedless will regret it. People are bound to be resurrected and scales shall be set in place to weigh their former deeds. So, get ready and make provision for that day:

“And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allâh. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.” [Al-Baqarah: 281]

O Muslims!

Ever since Allah, the Almighty, has ordained that the sun of this religion should rise in the horizon of this territory and decreed that this faith would cover the entire globe, He -Glory be to Him- He took it upon Himself to protect it and had by the same token decreed that a victorious Muslim minority shall continue to enjoy divine support, without being the least harmed by those Muslims who fail them or those who oppose them. This minority of Muslims are normally loyal followers of Prophet Muhammad -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- and his Companions.

Allah, the Almighty, established His universal law of testing the followers of this great religion through trials and ordeals, starting from the noble and much-revered Prophet through his venerated Companions and on to their followers until the Day of Judgement so that He can select believers and identify His truthful servants.

Since the era of prophethood and as decades elapse, further enemies and hypocrites continue to emerge. They come to the fore either from inside or outside the Ummah; they manifest themselves through either force and fight or deviant thought and misguidance. However, Allah has entrusted certain ulema (Scholars of the Islamic religion) and rulers in power with the mission of warding off the perils which jeopardise religion, clarifying truth to people, bringing people back to the pure fountain of faith, and exhorting them to hold fast to the Holy Qur’an and the Noble Sunnah:

“And as to those who hold fast to the Book (i.e. act on its teachings) and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), certainly, We shall never waste the reward of those who do righteous deeds.” [Al-A’raf: 170]

During the current century and the one before, the Ummah has been inflicted in both its religion and power. Fortunately, however, Allah’s Mercy spared the Arabian Peninsula, the place of Allah’s Revelation and the refuge of His Messenger (when he emigrated from Makkah to Madinah. This divine protection of this peninsula led to the formation of a young, Sunni state amidst international conflicts and world wars. Thus, Allah saved it from the afflictions of wars, and from the-then intellectual and political conflicts.

This young new state has opted for a reasonably moderate way regarding both religion and worldly affairs. It has chosen as its constitution the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him‒ discarded all types of bid’ah and myths (which have infiltrated religion), and showed the people the purity of religion.

Nevertheless, the religious dedication of this newly-formed state has not prevented it from being an integral part of the modern world in such areas as politics, economics, sciences, industry, intellectual matters, and dialogue. Thus, Allah has empowered this state and bestowed upon it wealth after it had caused the treasures of the earth to spring up. Accordingly, it has become the supporter of victims of injustice, the helper of the needy, the destination for working and trading, and for earning a living. Consequently, its blessings and bounties have reached all those in need of help, whether they are countries or individuals; none can deny that except the envious.

This country would not have reached such a privileged status had it not been for Allah’s support. That is because it has shown devotion to the creed of monotheism, practised the glorious precepts of sharia, adopted a moderate, sincere and fair line of thought as regards the religion of Allah, and held fast to the genuine values and principles of Islam. This ‒besides the abundant good inherent in the Muslims everywhere in the world and their solidarity‒ has earned it the appreciation and respect of Muslims who have recognised its leading role.

Whenever certain events take place, you will notice the Kingdom on its guard, equipped with its unwavering principles and values of truth and justice, and supported by its sister states and sincere allies. The Ummah is, in fact, a reservoir of good.

O Muslims!

The universal law of Allah, the Almighty, still stipulates the eternal conflict between truth and falsehood, the difference and mutual fight between humans, and the affliction (of humans) with good and evil by way of trial. Nonetheless, Allah has not let down His devout worshippers. He has rather taught them and guided them by making at their disposal a divine Book through which they seek guidance and from which they derive inspiration to illuminate their way. This Book must be their refuge and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah their exemplary model, regardless of the nature and area of their afflictions or the intensity of their sufferings.

O Muslims everywhere in the world!

Here is a glimpse from the Book of Allah and a situation which the Messenger of Allah and his Companions once experienced. In it there is perseverance for the believers, consolation for those suffering, and encouragement for those traumatised. In the Qur’anic surah titled Al Imran (chapter 3), the verses provide a survey of the struggle undertaken by our Prophet Muhammad -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- and his Companions against the polytheists from their people. The surah depicts the victory of the believers at the Battle of Badr, their defeat at the Battle of Uhud, the afflictions which had befallen them and the ordeals they had gone through, the conditions of the believers and the martyrs, and the positions taken by hypocrites and enemies. The verses of this surah narrate such a lengthy experience, highlighting the lessons and morals which can be learnt from its successive phases, accounting for the chronicled facts and events, picturing the divine laws (governing human life), inviting people to meditate on the causes and their consequences, and inciting them to adhere to certitude and to hold to the principles and positions.

With regard to the principles, we read: “So if they dispute with you (Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) say: “I have submitted myself to Allâh (in Islâm), and (so have) those who follow me.” …” [Al Imran: 20]

As to the positions to be taken, there is:

“So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers.” [Al Imran: 139]

In relation to consoling afflicted believers, we read:

“If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns, that Allâh may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allâh likes not the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong¬doers). And that Allâh may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers.” [Al Imran: 140-141]

In the end, falsehood has no future. There should be wounds and afflictions which would distinguish enemies from friends, sift out seekers of mundane gains and immediate benefits, and preserve loyal and honest people who are ready to support their Prophet in times of hardship and distress and to take refuge with their Lord, however harsh conditions might prove to be.

O Muslims!

Allah also narrated in the aforementioned surah of the Qur’an what happened to Muslims after their defeat at the Battle of Uhud. Praising the commendable behaviour of His loyal servants, Allah said:

“Those who answered (the Call of) Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam after being wounded;… ” [Al Imran: 172]

That combat was called the Battle of Hamra’ al-Assad. It contains one of the lessons of politics, glory, and sacrifice. That was because Muslims were grieved after they had been defeated at the Battle of Uhud where seventy of the Companions were killed. Then, the polytheists retreated to settle in Al-Rawha’ . Prophet Muhammad -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- feared that the weakening of Muslims might stimulate the avidity of the polytheists who could be tempted to return and make incursions into the territories of the Madinah where there were Muslim children and property.

The narrator said: “When the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- led Muslims in the Sobh (Fajr) Prayer after the battle of Uhud and notables from the Aws and Khzraj were with him; they in fact had spent the night in the mosque. When the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- finished the prayer, he asked Bilal to spread this message: ‘The Messenger of Allah orders you to chase your enemy, and only those who fought the battle yesterday are allowed to come with us.'” So, he went back home ordering his people to march on the enemy.

According to the narrator’s account, there was a large number of injured people. The majority -or even all- of the Bani Abd Al-Ash-hal tribe were injured. Then, Saad ibn Muadh arrived and said: ‘The Messenger of Allah orders you to chase your enemy.’

The narrator adds: “Usaid Ibn Hudhair, who was trying to treat his seven wounds, said, ‘Allegiance and obedience to Allah and to His Messenger.’ Then, he grasped his weapon and never resumed treating his wounds, and joined the Messenger of Allah.

Then Saad ibn Obadah came to his people ‒Bani Saaidah‒ and asked them to pursue their enemy. They wore their warrior clothes and embarked on the pursuit. Abu Qatadah also came to the Kharbaa people while they were treating their wounds and told them: ‘Here is the envoy of the Messenger of Allah ordering you to pursue your enemy.’ So, they jumped to their weapons and stopped treating their wounds.

Forty injured Muslims from Bani Salimah set off to meet the Prophet: Al-Tufail ibn Al-No’man had thirteen wounds, Khirash ibn Al-Summah ten, Kaab ibn Malek more than ten, and Qutbah ibn Amer nine. After they had reached the Prophet at Bi’r Abi ‘Inabah located in Ra’s Al-Thaniyyah -equipped with their weapons- they were organised in rows to meet him. When the Messenger of Allah looked at them and noticed the density of wounds in their bodies, he said: ‘O Allah, have mercy on (the people of) Bani Salimah'”

Al-Waqidi said: “Otbah Ibn Jubair also told me about some men from his own folk who said: ‘When Abdullah ibn Sahl and Raafi’ ibn Sahl ibn Abd Al-Ash-hal came back from Uhud, they had many wounds, but Abdullah was more seriously injured. In the morning, when Saad ibn Muadh came to them to tell them that the Messenger of Allah ordered them to pursue their enemy, one of the two men (i.e. Abdullah ibn Sahl or Raafi’ ibn Sahl ibn Abd Al-Ash-hal) said to the other: ‘If we miss one ghazwah with the Messenger of Allah, that will be remiss of us; however, I swear by Allah, we have no horseback to ride and we do not know how to behave.’

Abdullah said: ‘Let us get started.’ ‘Really? I swear by Allah I cannot even stand up’, Raafi’ retorted. His brother said: ‘Just set off down the road now; we will lean on each other and strive to walk.’ They left their home crawling, and whenever Raafi’ felt feeble and helpless his brother, Abdullah, would carry him on his back and they kept exchanging roles along their way to the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him. When they reached him, it was already the Isha (evening) prayer time, and the guard on duty that night was Abbad ibn Bishr.’

When they were taken to the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- he asked them: ‘What kept you all this time?’ They told him about the cause. So he supplicated Allah to bless them and said: ‘If you live longer, you will have means of transport, including horses, mules, and camels … (see the rest of the hadith).’
Then, the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- left home while still injured. His face was still bearing the trace of a wound caused by the two ringlets of a metallic helmet; his forehead was affected by a slight fracture visible at the roots of his hair skin; his lateral incisor (tooth) was dented; his lip was injured at the level of the oral cavity; his right shoulder was enfeebled because of a blow directed to it by ibn Qami’ah; and his knees were seriously scratched.

The Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- entered the mosque and performed two Rak’ahs (supererogatory prayer). The crowds had gathered including people from the outskirts of the city, who came after they had heard the (Prophet’s) call. The Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- performed two rak’ahs. Then, he called for his horse to be brought to the door of the mosque where he was met by Talhah. The latter had heard the caller, so he went out to see when the Messenger of Allah ‒May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- would depart.

When he came into view, the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- was thoroughly covered with a shield and a helmet except for his eyes. He said: ‘O Talhah! Your weapon!’ I Said: ‘right away.’ Talhah said: ‘I took off running to put on my metal shield, get my sword, and throw my leather shield on my chest; I had nine wounds in my body, but I was concerned about the wounds of the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- rather than mine.’

Then, the Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- came to Talhah and said: “See the people now?” He said: ‘They are at Sayyalah .’ The Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- said: ‘I thought so, but they will not defeat us like they did yesterday until Allah helps us conquer Makkah.’

The Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- remained with his Companions until they camped in Hamra’ al-Assad . Jaber said: ‘Most of our provisions were dates.’

Saad ibn Obadah had thirty camels with him. He drove them until he reached Hamra’. He picked up some among them and slaughtered two the first day and three the next. The Messenger of Allah -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- instructed each one of them (the Companions) to collect firewood during the day, and to make a fire in the evening, so that each man made a fire.

During those nights, we would make five hundred fires that could be seen from remote distances. In no time our camps and fires had become the talk of everyone and a means to suppress our enemy as in the words of Allah ‒May He be exalted‒ thus:

“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, “Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.” But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: “Allâh (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us). So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allâh. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allâh. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.” [Al Imran: 173-174]

Such is the story of Hamra’ al-Assad and such are the events that took place there. The Prophet -May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him- and his Companions endured and marched forth carrying with them their pains and wounds, and putting up with agony and grief in order to show their enemy that they were still strong, that the land was still protected, that they were not defeated despite their wounds, that if no lions were seen in the land, then the foxes would take over. With the help of Allah, the believers came out victorious and the aggressors were defeated.

I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan. In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful:

“So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers.

If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns, that Allâh may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allâh likes not the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers). And that Allâh may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers. Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allâh tests those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sâbirûn (the patient)?” [Al Imran: 139-142]

May Allah bless you and me by the Qur’an and Sunnah and benefit us with their verses and wisdom! Having said this, I ask Allah ‒Be He exalted‒ to forgive me and you!