Describe the conduct of the Prophet in any 2

battles he fought in, as a leader.

[10]
Battle of Uhad:

In 625 A.D, Holy Prophet and the army of Muslims faced Quraish at Uhad.
Muslims were 1000 in number, however they were reduced to 700, after
desertions made by the 300 hypocrites. It was only due to the Holy
Prophet (PBUH)’s leadership at that time, that the Muslims didn’t lose
hope. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) also kept telling them that Allah was with
them, thus, they faced Quraish with courage, and faith, and absolutely no
uncertainty.

Upon reaching Uhad, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) appointed 50 archers on a

hill top from where the enemy (Quraish) could lodge a rear attack. He
also instructed them not to leave their position under any circumstances.
This shows that he was a good leader, as his analysis of the area was
very well comprehended, and applied a sufficient number of archers to
protect their fellow Muslims that were fighting in the battle.

He also sent Hazrat Ali (RA), and Hazrat Hamza (RA), against Talhah and
Uthman for a single combat. He (PBUH) knew that they were his best
warriors and would come back, defeating their opponents. Thus, Holy
Prophet (PBUH)’sleadership qualities helped the Muslims in gaining a
psychological advantage over the enemy.

The Holy prophet (PBUH) was also aware that the Muslims would be
outnumbered by the Quraish by 2000 men. So, he (PBUH) allowed women
to passively participate in this war. Because of this, women got men,
refreshments, and tended to their wounds. Thus, this strengthened the
army.

Also, when the enemy started to flee, he (PBUH) sent out a small Muslim
force to make sure that the enemy didn’t attack Medina. This proves that
the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a great leader, as he took immediate
decisions in the battlefield, even when his own life was at stake. It also
shows his farsightedness, as he (PBUH) was very well aware of Quraysh’s
mentality, and so, he (PBUH) made perfectly apt strategies.

When Quraish lodged a rear attack on the Muslims, the victory of Muslims
turned into a near defeat.Holy Prophet (PBUH) still commanded the army
like a true leader, and stood by their side throughout the battle. Although,
he (PBUH) was also injured during the battle; however he (PBUH) still
showed utmost deal of perseverance and patience. Thus, this also proves
that he was a firm leader, because, any other person in his place, would
have deserted the army to save his own life.

Conquest of Makkah:

In 630 AD, Holy Prophet (PBUH) with an army of 10,000 Muslims marched
towards Makkah to conquer it. He (PBUH) did this after the Quraish broke
the Treaty of Al-Hudaibiya (628 AD). This shows that he was an honest
leader as he stood by his words, and abided by the terms of the treaty.
Any other leader might not even have signed a peace treaty, and
would've directly attacked the enemy.

Also, when they were close to Makkah, the Prophet asked his Muslims
army to light individual fires instead of collective/group ones. This made
the Muslims to appear as huge in number from the Safa Hill. This proved
to be a very smart move to demoralize the Makkans. It also showed the
well sought out, and strategic leadership of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), as
an ordinary leader would've demoralized the enemy only through an
attack.

The Holy Prophet also gave some instructions before entering Makkah. He
(PBUH) declared the Holy Ka’bah and Abu Sufyan’s house as place of
refuge(after he accepted Islam). And all those who would close their
doors would be safe. By issuing these instructions, he not only introduced
a peaceful way of war, but also gave leaders their due respect, as he did
by declaring Abu Sufyan’s house (who was a leader in Makkah) a place of
refuge. Therefore, Makkah was conquered without war.

Even after showing bouts of flawless leadership, he (PBUH) was a very

modest person. An example of this can be seen, when the Prophet
entered Makkah. He had his head bent down, and he was reciting verses
of the Holy Quran. Had it been someone else in his place, he would've
been very proud.

He (PBUH) then purified the Holy Ka’bah, and destroyed 360 idols. Thus,
showing that there was no place of polytheism in Islam. When he came
out of the Holy Ka’bah, he (PBUH) saw that the Makkans were eagerly
waiting for him outside. He (PBUH) asked them, “What kind of
treatment do you expect from me?” They replied, “You are a noble
bother, and the son of a noble brother.” Thus, Holy Prophet (PBUH)
announced general pardon in a very modest manner. This shows that he
was an extraordinary leader, because no other leader would've forgiven
such enemies, who persecuted him, and created problems for him at
every step of his mission.