In Arabic, “Ghazwa” refers to a battle in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) participated, generally with a big infantry. The number of fights or “Ghazawat” (plural of Ghazwa) reported by Islamic historians varies.
There were 17 battles, according to Imam Bukhari (RA). Imam Muslim (RA) narrated 19. 21 was reported by Hakim (RA). Others have given the numbers 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. According to Ibn Ishaq (RA), 27 is the correct number, and nearly all of them agree on 27. Only nine of these battles, according to Ibn Ishaq (RA), saw real conflict.
Ghazawat Mentioned in the Quran
The Ghazawat which are mentioned in the Quran are as follows,
The Battle of Badr
A caravan of Meccans led by Abu Sufyaan travelled to Syria in the second year of Hijrah. Sensing trouble on his return, he sent a message to Mecca and requested help, fearing an invasion by Muslims. Abu Jahl, the commander of the Meccans, left Mecca with a 1000-man army to aid Abu Sufyaan. This would turn out to be the first of many battles. Abu Sufyaan had gotten his caravan safely away from the Muslims, so he sent another message to declare the caravan was secure, but Abu Jahl had other plans. When the Prophet (SAW) learned that this army was on its way to exterminate the Muslims, he spoke with his companions, and, seeing their willingness to defend Islam, he began preparations for its defence.
They arrived in Badr, a mountainous country, and the Prophet said a dua (prayer) to Allah, asking for His assistance. On the 17th of Ramadan 2 AH (After Hijrah), Allah provided His kindness and support against the unbelievers, and the Muslims won with an army of 313 men – most without swords, 3 horses, and 70 camels against the army consisting of 700 camels and 300 horses, and very well-equipped and trained 1000 men.
It is mentioned in the Quran as,
‘And already had Allah given you victory at (the battle of) Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful – (Remember) when you said to the believers, “Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down? – Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you (attacking) in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)’
Quran [3:123-125]
The Battle of Uhud
Meccans wanted revenge after their defeat at Badr, marching with 3000 armed men against Madinah in 3 AH. The Prophet (SAW) discussed with Muslims and planned to oppose the attacks outside the city. A Muslim force of 1000 men marched to Uhud, but 300, led by Abdullah ibn Ubay, turned back. Despite this, the remaining Muslims remained steadfast. A crucial pass was guarded by 50 archers stationed at Uhud. Both armies battled on 15 Shawwal 3 AH. Muslims initially repelled the Meccans, but archers abandoned their posts, allowing a Meccan general, Khalid bin Walid, to attack the Muslim rear. This resulted in losses, including the death of Hamza (RA). Nonetheless, the Prophet reassembled, foiling the Meccans’ chance at victory. Despite the deaths of roughly 70 Muslims, the Meccans were unable to conquer Madinah. The Prophet never lost his fortitude and patience.
It is mentioned in Quran as,
And (remember) when you, (O Muhammad), left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle (of Uhud) – and Allah is Hearing and Knowing – ‘When two parties among you were about to lose courage, but Allah was their ally; and upon Allah the believers should rely.’
Quran [3:121-122]
Referring to the 300 men who left the Muslim army before the battle started Allah said in Quran,
“And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, ‘Come, fight in the way of Allah or (at least) defend.’ They said, ‘If we had known (there would be) fighting, we would have followed you.’ They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most Knowing of what they conceal.”
Quran [3:167]
The Battle of Ahzab
In 5 AH, Meccans allied with Jews and the Ghatafan tribe to launch a 10,000-strong attack on Madina. When told, the Prophet (SAW) spoke with his companions and, at the suggestion of Salman (RA), agreed to construct a trench for defence. The trench was dug on the open side of Madina, as the other sides were partially encircled by natural barriers. The trench prevented the attackers from laying siege for 27 days. On the 27th night, a heavy storm destroyed their camp, producing disorganisation and internal disagreements among the occupying troops, resulting in the siege’s termination.
Quran says,
‘(Remember) when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted (in fear), and hearts reached the throats and you assumed about Allah (various) assumptions.’
Quran [33:10]
‘And Allah repelled those who disbelieved, in their rage, not having obtained any good. And sufficient was Allah for the believers in battle, and ever is Allah Powerful and Exalted in Might.’
Quran [33:25]
The Fall of Khyber
Following the Battle of the Trenches, two Jewish tribes were driven into exile in Khaybar, a walled town. Battles erupted between them and the Muslims as tensions increased following their defeat in the fight. In response, in 7 AH, the Prophet (SAW) led 1600 men to Khaybar. They attacked one by one until only the fiercely guarded al-Qamoos remained. The fortress fell after a 20-day siege, led by Ali (RA), with casualties on both sides. Following that, Jews met with the Prophet (SAW) to negotiate capitulation terms, which resulted in a peace treaty between Muslims and Jews.
It is mentioned in Quran as,
‘Allah has promised you much booty that you will take (in the future) and has hastened for you this (victory) and withheld the hands of people from you – that it may be a sign for the believers and (that) He may guide you to a straight path – And (He promises) other (victories) that you were (so far) unable to (realise) which Allah has already encompassed. And ever is Allah, over all things, competent.’
Quran [48:20-21]
The Conquest Of Mecca
The Meccans had established an agreement with the Muslims, and one of the terms of that treaty was that they would neither attack each other nor aid anyone who was fighting them. The Meccans broke this by siding with one of the tribes who attacked a tribe associated with the Muslims.
When the Prophet (SAW) learned that the agreement had been broken by the unbelievers, he prepared to leave for Mecca. An army of 10,000 Muslims marched from Madina on the 10th of Ramadan in 8 AH. They slept just outside Mecca and were discovered by locals, who soon conveyed news of a massive army.
The Muslim army approached Mecca without incident, and the Meccans surrendered peacefully. The Muslims had taken control of the city.
Al-Fath is the Qur’an’s 48th chapter (surah) with 29 verses (ayat). The surah was revealed in Madinah in the sixth year of the Hijrah, during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah between the Muslim city-state of Madinah and the Makkan polytheists. It highlights this victory, then criticises the hypocrites’ views, continues with other promises to Muslims, and concludes by listing various vital virtues of the Muslim community.
The Battle of Hunain
Many people converted to Islam after the conquest of Mecca, but two tribes between Mecca and Taif refused. In the year 8 AH, one tribe incited neighbouring tribes to form an army against Muslims. When the Prophet (SAW) heard this, he led 12,000 troops to the valley of Hunain. The Muslim army was attacked from all sides and first struggled and fled, generating chaos. The Prophet stood with a small group, instilling courage in them. This motivated others, and the invaders eventually retreated as Muslims fought ferociously.
It is mentioned in Quran as,
‘Allah has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the day of Hunayn when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth was confining for you with its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing – Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon His Messenger and upon the believers and sent down soldiers angels whom you did not see and punished those who disbelieved. And that is the recompense of the disbelievers.’
Quran [9:25-26]
The March of Tabuk
Byzantine-controlled lands were restless after the emergence of Islam. Fearing the expansion of Islam into Syria, the Byzantine Emperor mobilised an army. Reports of an anticipated Christian onslaught from Arab merchants prompted the Prophet to urge for defence. In 9 AH, a 30,000-strong army was raised, including 10,000 cavalry. They arrived at Tabuk but discovered no immediate threat. After 20 days, with no sign of an invasion, the Prophet returned to Madina without conflict.
The following verses refer to the events when the Prophet was asking for recruits to join the expedition:
‘O you who have believed, what is (the matter) with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a (very) little – If you do not go forth, He will punish you with a painful punishment and will replace you with another people, and you will not harm Him at all. And Allah is over all things competent – If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out (of Makkah) as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah – that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise – Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah . That is better for you, if you only knew – Had it been an easy gain and a moderate trip, the hypocrites would have followed you, but distant to them was the journey. And they will swear by Allah, “If we were able, we would have gone forth with you,” destroying themselves (through false oaths), and Allah knows that indeed they are liars – May Allah pardon you, (O Muhammad); why did you give them permission (to remain behind)? (You should not have) until it was evident to you who were truthful and you knew (who were) the liars – Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day would not ask permission of you to be excused from striving with their wealth and their lives. And Allah is Knowing of those who fear Him.’
Quran [9:38-44]
And Allah knows best!
