Write about the main events of the Battle of Hunain.
The Hawazin and Taqeef tribes were rivals of the Quraish; still, they remained silent during the wars between the Quraish and Islam. However, the peaceful fall of Makkah threatened their common interests. The Hawazin were idolaters, as well as holding a wealthy and powerful status, so the Prophet’s triumph over the Quraish contradicted their polytheistic beliefs. Consequently, they were eager to devise a warlike strategy to reverse the Prophet (S.A.W.)’s accomplishments.
They soon raised an army of 20,000 men under the leadership of Malik bin Auf, the chief of Hawazin, and advanced towards the valley of Hunain. This time, they encamped with their women, children, livestock stocks and possessions to fight the war more valiantly.
Upon receiving news of this development, Prophet (S.A.W.) called his men for jihad. He (S.A.W.) prepared his army of 12,000 mens, including 10,000 from Madinah and 2,000 new converts from Quraish. The troop headed towards the valley under the leadership of the Prophet (S.A.W.). This time, Muslims were in the majority and overconfident, too. Abu Bakr said, “This time, we are more numerous than our enemies. We shall not be defeated for the smallest of our numbers.”
Battlefield of Hunain
On the morning of the 10th of Shawwal, the Muslim army arrived in the Hunain area. Hawazin were already well-prepared for the fight with Muslims; they chose a narrow pass to attack the Muslims, which the Muslims needed to cross to move to the other side. At this point, Hawazin positioned the proficient archers on the surrounding hills on both sides of the narrow pass. As the Muslim army entered the pass, the archers shot arrows fiercely to unsettle the Muslim’s army.
Simultaneously, Hawazin’s main army also began fighting from the front. Muslim soldiers were unaware of this surprise attack, so they retreated in confusion, which created disarray in the Muslims’ ranks. Many people were killed in the stampede, leaving only a few companions on the battlefield.
However, despite the dire circumstances, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) remained at his post to fight with their small band of followers. He (S.A.W.) combated with bravery and tranquillity; while senior companions and relatives shielded the Prophet (S.A.W.) and did not abandon him.
Aid of Allah in the Battlefield
Taking advantage of the situation, Hawazin descended from their position and advanced to dash this small band of the Prophet (S.A.W.). Hazrat Abbas (R.A.) shouted to the fleeing Muslims to regroup. Upon hearing his voice, Muslims turned towards the battlefield and reassembled around Mohammad (S.A.W.) and fought a fierce war. He (S.A.W.) picked up a handful of dust and hurled it at the enemies faces, saying: “May your faces be shameful.”
The enemies’ eyes were clogged with dust, and they began to flee, deserting their women, children and possessions. Hawazin and its allies were crushed, while Malik bin Auf and the surviving warriors of Banu Taqeef escaped to Taif and took refuge in the forts.
Muslims gained handsome spoils in this battle. They captured 24,000 camels, 40,000 sheep, 4000 pieces of silver and 6,000 prisoners. All booty was delivered to Jirana for subsequent distribution, and the Prophet (S.A.W.) led his army to besiege the Taif castles, where the enemy had taken refuge.
The Siege of Taif Fortresses
Taif was a well-fortified city with sufficient supplies; in contrast, the Muslims lacked weaponry. In addition, Banu Taqeef and Hawazin also possessed skilful archers to defend forts. Prophet (S.A.W.) laid siege to the forts. Despite the siege lasting for a month, the enemy did not come out to fight the Muslims. Each time Muslims attempted to approach the city, their skilled archers shot spears and arrows at the Muslims, forcing them to stay away.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) ultimately decided to lift the siege after debating this matter with their companions and returned from Taif without conquering it. Prophet (S.A.W.) did not distribute the booty for some time, in the hope that they would come to claim it for their families, but none came. Henceforward, He (S.A.W.) divided the riches he had captured from Banu Hawazin.
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Division of the Spoils
A sizeable portion of the booty was distributed among the newly converted Muslims of Makkah. Some of the Medinite Ansars viewed this as an act of partiality, which led to a wave of discontent. Nevertheless, the Prophet (S.A.W.) consoled them by stating: “O’ men of Ansar, why do you disturb your hearts because of the things of this life? Would you not prefer that the other people return to their homes with the goats and camels, while you go back to your homes with me in your midst?”When the Ansar heard the Prophet’s remarks, they sobbed and expressed their satisfaction that Muhammad (S.A.W.) was with them.
Deputation from Taif
Later, a delegation arrived from Taif. They accepted Islam and asked the Prophet (S.A.W.) to return their properties and captives. The Prophet (S.A.W.) mandated them to choose either families or properties. They preferred their families. The Prophet (S.A.W.) immediately set free those in his portion and advised followers to follow suit. The believers released Hawazin’s women and children.
Effects of the Battle of Hunain
Hawazin was a strong tribe and was a great threat to the Prophet (S.A.W.), but their defeat restricted other nomadic tribes. Moreover, victory over the Hawazin tribe solidified Islam’s supremacy and the Islamic Republic of Madina’s dominion over the entire Arabia. Though the Prophet’s siege of Taif was unsuccessful, Hawazin was greatly impressed by his generous treatment, and in the ninth year of Hijra, this town also converted to Islam.
Indeed Allah has given you ˹believers˺ victory on many battlefields, even at the Battle of Ḥunain1 when you took pride in your great numbers, but they proved of no advantage to you. The earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on you, then you turned back in retreat. Then Allah sent down His reassurance upon His Messenger and the believers, and sent down forces you could not see, and punished those who disbelieved. Such was the reward of the disbelievers. (Surah Tauba 25-26)
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
Explain the importance of the Battle of Hunain.
End of Domestic Concerns
The Battle of Hunain was the last Arabian battle, which was fought against the tribes of Hawazin and Taqeef. Both tribes were among the most formidable opponents of Islam and were a constant threat to the Prophet (S.A.W.). The defeat in the battle was a blow to the tribe of Hawazin’s pride. The Hawazin and Taqeef surrendered, which ended the domestic problems.
Consolidation of Muslim Power
The decisive victory in the war against Hawazin and Taqeef ended internal strife and played a significant role in integrating the Meccans into the Ummah. Madinah had now established its dominance over all of Arabia. Their defeat also deterred other nomadic tribes from opposing the Muslim state, resulting in many delegations from different tribes coming to pledge allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH) and convert to Islam. In a nutshell, the victory in the Battle of Hunain established Islam’s supremacy.
Spiritual Lesson for Muslims
The significance of the Battle of Hunain is explained in Surah al-Tawbah (9:25–27) of the Quran. As they experienced, the surprise ambush of the enemy caused many Muslims to flee, leaving only a few devoted companions with the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Yet, despite the initial setback, the Muslims regrouped under the command of the (S.A.W.) and ultimately secured a decisive triumph. For Muslims, this event serves as a spiritual reminder that success is not based on numbers or physical ability; rather, it requires sincere faith in Allah and perseverance in the face of hardship.
Support of Allah for the Prophet (S.A.W.)
On the Day of Hunain, Allah assisted the Prophet (S.A.W.) through a few miracles. During the battle, Allah sent a descendant of angels from heaven to fight the kuffar, which was the mercy of Allah upon the believers and punishment for the disbelievers. One of the reasons for the enemy’s downfall was that the Prophet (S.A.W.) threw a handful of dust at Kuffar, which clogged their eyes and left them confused and powerless.