Battle of Hunain

Write about the main events of the Battle of Hunain.

Causes of the Hunain Battle

Huwazin and Thaqeef tribes were rivals of the Quraish and had remained quiet during the Islam-Quraish wars. However, the peaceful fall of Makkah threatened their common interests. They were looking for an opportunity to undo Prophet (S.A.W)’s efforts. They prepared an army of 20,000 under Malik bin Auf to suppress the growing power of Muslims. Also, they brought their women, children, live stocks and their possessions to fight more courageously.

When informed of the developments, the Prophet (S.A.W) called his men for jihad. The Prophet (S.A.W) marched on as the head of 12,000, including 10,000 men who accompanied him from Madinah and 2000 newly converts from Quraish. Abu Bakr said: This time, we are more numerous than 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 reached the Hunain area. Men of Hawazain were already appointed their archers on both sides of the narrow pass. Indeed, just as Muslims arrived there, they were attacked by these archers. The archers began to shoot arrows fiercely to unsettle the majority of them. Several soldiers retreated in confusion. Most were killed in the stampede, leaving quite a few companions on the battlefield. Eventually, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was encircled by his senior companions and kinsmen, who despite the threatening conditions, shielded the Prophet (S.A.W) and did not leave him.

Allah’s Help in the Battlefield 

Prophet (S.AW) ordered his uncle Abbas to call out the fleeing Muslims. He (R.A) called them loudly, as he could upon hearing his voice, Muslims turned round to the battlefield. They were able to rally around Mohammad (S.A.W) to fight a fierce war. In the meantime, picking up a handful of dust, He (S.A.W) hurled it at the faces of the enemy by saying: “May your faces be shameful.” Their eyes were thick with dust, and the enemy began to retreat. Therefore, after only some hours, Hawazain and its allies were defeated, while Malik bin Auf and the remaining troops of Banu Thaqeef fled to Taif and took shelter in the forts.

In this battle, the Muslims got handsome spoils and 6,000 captives. Moreover, they captured 28 thousand camels, 40,000 sheep, and 4 thousand pieces of silver. All booty was sent to Jirana, and the Prophet (S.A.W) himself proceeded with his army and laid siege to the fortresses in which the enemy had taken refuge.

Siege of Taif Fortresses

Taif was a well-fortified city with adequate supplies. The Muslims were deficient in weapons, Banu Thaqeef and Hawazain were skilful archers, whenever, the Muslims tried to move near the city, they showered them with arrows and spears, which forced the Muslims to keep a distance. This siege lasted for twenty days, after which the Prophet (S.A.W) directed his army to raise the siege. After returning from Taif, the Prophet (S.A.W) distributed the riches captured from Banu Hawazain.

Division of the Spoils

In the division of the spoil, a large share was distributed to newly converted Muslims of Makkah. Some of the Medinite Ansars looked upon this as an act of partiality. Thus, there were whispers of dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, the Prophet (S.A.W) assured them by saying, “O’ men of Ansar, why 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?”  On hearing his words, the Ansar wept and said that they wanted only Muhammad (S.A.W) and nothing else.

Deputation from Taif

Soon a delegation came from Taif. They accepted Islam and requested the Prophet (S.A.W) to restore their properties and captives. The Prophet (S.A.W) demanded them to choose either families or properties. They preferred their families. Prophet (S.A.W) freed at once those in his share and suggested believers do the same. The believers also released their women and children. Prophet (S.A.W) came back to Madinah after appointing a governor Akib bin Usayd.

 Effects of The Battle

Victory in Hunain was quite significant as it marked the elimination of the threat to Makkah from the south. Prophet (S.A.W)’s siege of Taif was not successful, but his generous treatment touched Hawazain profoundly in a result, this town also embraced Islam in the 9th year of Hijra.

Explain the importance of the Battle of Hunain. 

Elimination of the Threat

The Battle of Hunain was one of the main battles of the Prophet (S.A.W); as Hawazain was a strong tribe, it was always a source of threat to the Prophet (S.A.W). As a consequence of the battle, Tauqeef and Hawazain tribe surrendered, which was a blow to the tribe of Hawazain’s pride. Besides, it marked the elimination of the threat to Makkah from the south. Anyway, their defeat also restrained other nomadic tribes, so many tribes accepted Islam and came under agreement with Muslims. Though Prophet (S.A.W)’s siege of Taif was not successful, this town too embraced Islam in the 9th year of Hijra.

End of Domestic Problems

The end of domestic problems played a significant role in integrating the Meccans into the Ummah. Now, the power of Madinah had been established all over Arabia. During that year, many delegations of various tribes came to offer allegiance to the Prophet (S.A.W) and accepted Islam.

Support of Allah for the Prophet (S.A.W)

Allah supported the Prophet (S.A.W) on the Day of Hunain through some miracles. During the battle, there was a descendant of angels from heaven to fight against the kuffar. The Prophet (S.A.W) threw a handful of dust on the enemy, which entered their eyes, so they became confused and helpless, and it was one of the causes of their defeat. Ultimately, the Battle of Hunain was the last Arabian battle which proved the supremacy of Islam.