Throughout Islamic Military History, Muslim Military Commanders Turned the Tide of Wars in Dire Circumstances. Where are Their Honorable Successors Today?

The Prophet Muhammad al-Mustafa (saw), the Eternal Commander of all Muslims, declared himself as the Prophet of Fierce Battles (Malaham) among his many blessed titles. Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (ra) said that I met the Holy Prophet (saw) on a road in Madinah. The Prophet (saw) said, «أَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ، وَأَنَا أَحْمَدُ، وَأَنَا نَبِيُّ الرَّحْمَةِ، وَنَبِيُّ التَّوْبَةِ، وَأَنَا الْمُقَفَّى، وَأَنَا الْحَاشِرُ، وَنَبِيُّ الْمَلاحِمِ»‏“I encountered the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in one of the streets of Medina, and he said: “I am Muhammad; I am Ahmad; I am the Prophet of Mercy and the Prophet of Repentance; I am the Follower. I am the Gatherer and the Prophet of the Fierce Battles.” [الشمائل المحمديةAsh-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah].

Our Prophet (saw) is the only model for our military officers in turning the tide of battle. When a large number of Muslims were overwhelmed by the enemy’s surprise attack in the Battle of Hunain, the Muslims fell under the spell of the attack at a weak moment and broke formation. The tide of the battle turned in moments and defeat began to appear. Its description in the Noble Quran came in these words,

[وَّیَوۡمَ حُنَیۡنٍ ۙ اِذۡ اَعۡجَبَتۡکُمۡ کَثۡرَتُکُمۡ فَلَمۡ تُغۡنِ عَنۡکُمۡ شَیۡئًا وَّ ضَاقَتۡ عَلَیۡکُمُ الۡاَرۡضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتۡ ثُمَّ وَلَّیۡتُمۡ مُّدۡبِرِیۡنَ]

“On the day of Hunayn when your numbers made you proud, but they did you no good, and the earth, for all its vastness, constrained you, and you turned your backs in retreat.” [TMQ Surah At-Tawbah 9:25]. It is said in narrations that no one was left except the family members of the Messenger of Allah (saw) and a few emigrants (muhajireen). So, on this occasion our eternal commander, the Messenger of Allah (saw) showed great courage and advanced, proclaiming, «أنا النبي لا كذب» “I am the Prophet and do not lie.” (an-Nawawi). Upon hearing these words, the Muslims regrouped and the tide of the battle turned until Allah (swt) granted His Nasr for a decisive victory.

In the Battle of Qadisiyah, whilst afflicted by the pain of sciatica, Saad bin Abi Waqqas (ra), led the Muslims to victory against a Persian army outnumbering them fivefold. In this battle, the turning point came when other commanders responded decisively to the Persian army's use of elephants. They strategically targeted and disabled the elephants, thereby turning the tide of the battle.

In the battle of Yarmouk, it was the unparalleled bravery of Khalid bin Waleed (ra) who faced 60,000 Roman troops with 60 men in the first military exchange, deploying a genius circular formation. He struck such fear in the hearts of the enemy that the battle was decided before it even started.

It was Qutz and Baybars, who, despite the Mongol invasion and terror, gave a courageous response to Halaku Khan’s deputy Katabagha’s threatening letter. Katabagha had written, “We have enslaved the land, orphaned the children, punished and killed the people, destroyed the honor of their chiefs. Do you think you can escape from us? After a while you'll know what’s coming your way.” The Mongols had thus disregarded all laws and moral standards, prompting Qutuz to declare war by publicly executing the Mongol delegation at Cairo’s main gate, Bab Zweila. This bold act not only rallied the morale of fearful Muslims but also underscored Qutuz’s commitment to Jihad over cowardice. Amidst the battle tipping in favor of the Mongols, Qutuz, displaying remarkable bravery, cast aside his helmet and led a spirited charge against the enemy. This decisive action turned the tide of the battle, leading to victory. On 3 September, 1260, just weeks after the triumph at Ain Jalut, Syria was liberated, marking the breaking of the Mongol stronghold.

Such was Saad bin Muadh (ra), the commander of the Muslims, whom the Messenger of Allah (saw) consulted before the Battle of Badr. Saad's response epitomized unwavering loyalty and courage, in clear, resolute words, "فوالذي بعثك، لو استعرضت بنا هذا البحر فخضته لخضناه معك، وما تخلَّف منا رجل واحد، وما نكره أن تلقى بنا عدونا غداً. إنا لصبر في الحرب، صدق في اللقاء. لعل الله يريك منا ما تَقَرُّ به عينك، فسر بنا على بركة الله"" “By He who sent you, if you were to ask us to cross this sea and you plunge into it, we would plunge into it with you. Not a man would stay behind. We do not dislike the idea of meeting our enemy tomorrow. We are experienced in war, capable of fighting. It may well be that Allah will let us show you something which will bring you joy, so take us along with Allah’s blessing.” The Prophet (saw) was filled with excitement, remarking, «سيروا وأبشروا، فإن الله تعالى قد وعدني إحدى الطائفتين، والله لكأني الآن أنظر إلى مصارع القوم» “Go and give good news, for God Almighty has promised me the upper hand. By Allah (swt), it is as if I am now looking at the people’s victorious struggle.” (الطبراني At-Tabarani).

Where are the military commanders of today, who will alleviate the suffering of the Islamic Ummah and champion the establishment of the Khilafah (Caliphate), ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause? Under the leadership of a Khaleefah (caliph), they would confront the Jewish entity with formidable force, a decisive move that could expel the Western agents plaguing the Islamic Ummah and foster unity among its ranks. The Muslim world eagerly awaits the emergence of such a leader. So, I ask the officers of the Pakistan Army, “Who among you will seize the initiative to attain this honor?”

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Imran Yousufzai – Wilayah Pakistan