Comparisons from the Battle of Ain Jaloot
26-10-2007
The month of Ramadhan is indeed a month of blessing in
which the Muslim seeks to gain nearness and the immense reward from Allah (Subhanahu
Wa ta’ala). It is also a month in which many lessons can be drawn from Islamic
history. During this month the Muslims fought many battles thereby expanding the
mercy of Islam into new lands and also repelling the aggressors that invaded the
Islamic lands to restore the protection and authority of Islam and the Muslims.
One such famous battle was the Battle of Ain Jaloot in 658 Hijri against the
Tartar invasion, which is considered as one of the greatest victories in the
annals of human history. Considering the current predicament of the Muslims in
Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir, Indonesia, Bosnia, Chechnya – indeed the
Muslims all over the world, there are many comparisons and key lessons that can
be learnt from this famous battle.
Overview of the Battle
Towards the end of 656 Hijri the Tatars launched one of their largest assaults
on the land of the Islamic Khilafah, resulting in the seizure of the Khilafah
capital, Baghdad, the killing of the Khalifah Mu’atasim Billah, and the
occupation of three quarters of Islamic land. Heading towards Egypt and Morocco,
the last stronghold of the Muslims, the Tartars sent a threatening letter to the
Ameer of Egypt, Mahmoud Saifudeen Qutuz, which included the following statement,
“We have demolished the land, orphaned the children, tortured the people and
slain them, made their honoured despised and their leader a captive. Do you
think that you can escape from us? After a while you will know what’s coming to
you…” Due to the Muslims weakness and low morale, it was thought that such a
threat would suffice in breaking any resistance from the Muslims. However, Qutuz
had a different reply. He killed the Tatarian delegation and left their corpses
hanging in his capital, lifting his soldiers and people’s spirit on the one
hand, and putting down his enemy’s and that of their spies and loyalists on the
other hand.
This raised the spirit of the Muslims and simultaneously shocked the tartars for
they realised they were facing a leader unlike those they had previously
encountered.
Qutuz rallied the Muslims to prepare for the inevitable battle that would occur.
Under his leadership, Muslims were rallied upon Iman, unity and the necessary
weapons of steel to confront the enemy. He sought the help of Governors and
Scholars alike to unify, stand for the defense of Islam and focus the efforts of
the Muslims towards the liberation of the Islamic lands.
Then it was time to engage the enemy on the battlefield at Ain Jaloot on the
Friday 25th Ramadhan 658. Qutuz led the Muslims into the battle, which initially
swayed towards the Tartars. Observing this, Qutuz climbed on a rock, throwing
his helmet away, shouting “Wa Islamah. Wa Islamah.” Urging the army to keep firm
and fight Allah’s enemies. The frustrated leaders of the army looked towards
that voice to see their leader’s flushed face, hitting angrily with his sword
and engaging the enemy. Qutuz’s courage stunned his leaders who promptly
followed his footsteps, lifting the morality of the Muslim army. Soon, the
battle shifted in favour of the Muslims, until the Tatarian army was shattered
and fled from the battle. Victory was for Islam and the Muslims. As for the
Tartars, when they realised their incursion and dominance in the Islamic East
was fading and that Muslims regained their power, they escaped towards their
homeland, which eased Qutuz’s efforts to liberate all of Shaam in a few weeks.
Such a decisive victory for the Muslims under a sincere leadership, at a time
when they were weak and overpowered by the enemy draws many comparisons with the
situation of the Muslims today:
Comparison 1 – Treachery of the Rulers
The ability of the Tartars to have achieved from the
beginning such a crushing blow against the Muslims, taking the capital of the
Khilafah, killing those sincere to the Deen and then taking hold over two-thirds
of Islamic land resulted from the treachery of Al-‘Alkami. Al-‘Alkami was the
minister to Khaleefah Mu’atasim Billah. He tricked Mu’atasim to make peace with
the Tartars whilst at the same time conducting secret correspondence with the
Tatars, promising them to halt any resistance against them providing that they
appoint him as Khaleefah and allow him to establish his own state in Baghdad.
This treachery led to the death of Mu’atasim and the sincere governors and
scholars who went to negotiate with the Tartars only to be killed. It also led
to the death of Al-‘Alkami at the hands of the Tartars, for their promises to
him meant nothing.
Compare the treachery of Al-‘Alkami to that of the rulers over the Muslims
today. The Muslims are being tricked into making peace with Israel through the
actions of the rulers, many of whom have publicly already made their peace, like
Mubarak of Egypt, Abdullah of Jordan and Arafat of Palestine. The result of this
treachery is the continual existence of Israel and the betrayal and bloodshed of
the Muslims in Palestine who live as oppressed prisoners under Israeli rule.
What did these leaders get in return from the enemy? Bankrupt economies, social
deprivation, absence of political will, the perpetual fear of Israeli aggression
and a Muslim Ummah that has recognized their treachery and work to remove them
from power. As for the example of Musharraf, he attempted to convince the
Muslims of Pakistan the benefits of allowing America to bomb the Muslims in
Afghanistan for economic benefit, the easing of sanctions and a say in the
formation of a new government in Afghanistan. What did Musharraf get in return
for his services to America? The economic benefits promised by America are
insignificant in dealing with the total debt that Pakistan is servicing and
linked to the harsh structural adjustment policies of the IMF that seek to place
the vital economic resources in the hands of private foreign investors and
institutions whilst placing further hardship upon the Muslims of Pakistan.
Politically, Musharraf was ‘shocked’ to discover that the Northern Alliance had
entered Kabul with the permission of America, though America had agreed to halt
the Northern Alliance advance into Kabul until it had consulted with the
Pakistani leadership.
These rulers and their treachery has gained nothing for Islam, the Muslims,
neither for themselves – yet they persist in their treachery and Allah (Subhanahu
Wa ta’ala) says (to the nearest meaning), “As for those who take the Kafir as
allies in preference to the believers, do they hope to be honoured by them, when
behold all honour (Izza) belongs to Allah alone” (TMQ An-Nisa: 139)
Comparison 2 – Responding to the Threat of the Enemy
The Tartars had sent a chilling reminder to the Muslims
about any opposition to their expansion and rule. But though the Muslims were
weak and of low morale, Qutuz stood firm upon Islam responding to the
threatening letter with an equal threat. His stance to the delegates of the
Tartars was to inform them that they were dealing with a people that would not
permit the desecration of Islam, its people and its lands. Then he took steps to
mobilize his resources to prepare for the battle.
Compare this to when President Bush of America declared that the war of
Afghanistan was a war in which countries had to choose sides. To the UN
delegates he stated and threatened categorically this choice was, “Either you
are with us or against us.” How did the rulers over the Muslims respond to this
threat which would mean the desecration of Islam, its people and lands?
Musharraf, Karimov and the Turkish leadership were from those who not only
supported America in its threat, but provided the necessary intelligence and
logistical support for America to carry out its attack upon the Muslims of
Afghanistan. Gaddafi of Libya, Abdullah of Jordan were from those who publicly
supported America and even gave their support for the bombing to continue during
the month of Ramadhan. Others such as Bashier (Sudan) and Arafat offered their
support by compiling a list of ‘suspected terrorists’ in their states and
handing them over to the CIA.
The likes of Bashar al-Assad of Syria implicitly gave their support to America
by wanting to gain assurance that America’s threat was confined to Afghanistan
and did not extend to the Arab states. As for the likes of Saddam Hussein his
flaunting opposition to America’s threat cannot be considered in the same ilk as
the stance of Qutuz. Qutuz stood upon Islam and his desire to protect Islam
whereby Saddam, without the need of America has desecrated Islam, taken the
blood of the Muslims and siphoned their resources in Iraq. As for his political
stance it is purely for the benefit of his western backers i.e. Britain.
While Qutuz’s response to the Tartars threat raised the spirit of the Muslims
and simultaneously shocked the enemy, the response of the rulers of today in
similar circumstances has left the Muslim Ummah in despair and simultaneously
reassured the Americans about their compliance to her will.
And Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) says (to the nearest meaning), “If you help the
cause Allah, Allah will help you and make your foothold firm.”
Comparison 3 – Response of the Scholars
Amongst the many publicly renowned scholars who contributed
to the encouraging the Muslims to unify and prepare for the Jihad was the
“Shiekh of Scholars” Al-`Izz Bin Abdis-Salam. Aside from responding to this
command with vigour rallying the Muslims and using the Mimbar (pulpit) of the
masaajid to remind the Muslims of their responsiblities, such was the integrity
of Al-‘Izz that even when Qutuz required a fatwah to impose taxes upon the
people in order to equip the Muslim army, Al-‘Izz refused until all the wealth
of the governors and their leaders was spent.
Compare this with the scholars who have taken the public positions in the Muslim
world today, whilst those of sincerity languish in the prisons of the Muslim
world. How the scholars taking the public positions have permitted the rulers to
partake in such betrayal against Islam and the Muslims in Afghanistan and in
their own states. When Prince Nayef, the Saudi Interior Minister said “Nobody
has the right to issue a fatwa [religious ruling] calling for a jihad [holy war]
and support for the Afghan regime, except the ifta [jurisprudence] council or
whoever is assigned by that council to issue a fatwa. All religious scholars
agree on this, and jihad is not obligatory unless ordered by the leader of the
country,” where were the scholars of the ifta council to declare the Jihad? In
America, one such Imam declared the duty of the Muslims in the American army to
defend their homeland (America) and attack those who America considers her
enemy. How, instead of restraining the just ruler to the truth, they permit the
corruption of the unjust rulers who have sought to retain the division of the
Muslim lands and the implementation of Kufr upon the heads of the Muslims. In
addition they have permitted the rulers to take the wealth through the
imposition of harsh and unbearable taxes like in Pakistan with the General Sales
Tax (GST) and the raising of VAT in Sudan as a substitute for direct taxes.
It was narrated that by Abi al-A’war As-Silmee (ra) reported that the Messenger
of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Beware of the doors of the ruler
for they have indeed become a source of trouble and humiliation”
And Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said, “Shall I inform you of the
perfect Scholar?”. The Sahabah replied, “yes.”. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
said, “The perfect scholar is the one who does not deprive the people of the
Mercy of Allah, does not give them hope of salvation from punishment but neither
makes them lose hope of His Mercy, nor discards the Qur’an in favour of
something else.”
Comparison 4 – Preparation for the Battle
Qutuz gathered the governors, the scholars and the Muslims upon Iman, unity, the
preparation to fight and focusing upon the victory of Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala)
over the enemy. The necessary money was raised towards this objective and the
army was mobilized to engage in the battle to defend Islam, its followers and
lands and to fight the usurping aggressor.
Compare this with today, how the rulers have prepared the governors, scholars
and army for the battle. Musharraf helped the Americans prepare for the battle
against the Muslims and deserted the Muslims completely. He instructed the army
to prepare to stand on the Afghan-Pakistani border to prevent any Muslims
fleeing from Afghanistan to seek refuge in Pakistan rather than stand alongside
their Muslims brothers in Afghanistan to fight against the enemy. Musharraf used
the army to quell any demonstrations that voiced support for the Jihad in
Afghanistan and prohibited the raising of money towards the Jihad. While this
was occurring, a unit of the Jordanian army was returning from over a 1500 mile
distance UN duty to protect British interests in Sierre Leone and flew over
Palestine upon their return, forgetting that Muslims, just 10 metres next door
in Palestine were suffering at the hands of Israeli aggression.
Have the rulers forgotten the words of Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) when He (Subhanahu
Wa ta’ala) says (to the nearest meaning), “Prepare the tethered horses…so that
you strike fear in the heart of the enemy” (Al- and He (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala)
says (to the nearest meaning), “O you who believe do not take my enemy and your
enemy as allies and protectors…” (Al-Mumtahinah: 1)
Comparison 5 – Calling to Islam at times of Need
During the battle, when initially the Tartars were in ascendancy Qutuz climbed
on a rock, throwing his helmet away, shouting “Wa Islamah.. Wa Islamah..”,
urging the army to keep firm and fight Allah’s enemies. This attitude can be
seen from the example of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) during the battle
of Uhud when he rallied the nine Sahabah (Ridhwan Allahu Alaihim) who were
around him by shouting, “Come on! I am the Messenger of Allah,” at such a time
when the Qurayshi army had gained the upper hand in the battle and many of the
Muslims had become weak and deserted the battle believing that Muhammad (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam) had been killed. This was the Iman, passion and love of Islam
that that Qutuz wanted to build within the Muslims.
Compare this to the rulers of today. Though the need to rally the Muslims upon
Islam and Allah’s (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) help is evident, we find the rulers
shouting, “Wa America!! Wa UN!! Wa NATO!!” Arafat and the Arab rulers did not
seek to rally the Muslims behind Islam on the matter of Israel. On the contrary
Arafat announced that there could be no peace unless America was the broker.
Likewise, when Musharraf was put under pressure from America on the matter of
Afghanistan, he responded by rallying the Muslims to accept the American demand
to use her air bases to launch attacks against Afghanistan.
Do the rulers not remember the duaa’ of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam),
after he was chased out of Ta’if bleeding from the stones that were thrown at
him by the children and slaves and he lamented, “O Allah! To you I complain of
my weakness, little resources and lowliness before man. O Most Merciful! You are
the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord. To whom would you confide me? To one
afar who will misuse me or an enemy to whom You have given dominance over me? If
You are not angry with me I do not care Your favour of well-being on me is
sufficient for me. I take refuge in the light of your countenance by which the
darkness is illuminated and the things of this world and the next are rightly
ordered, lest Your Anger descends upon me or Your Wrath not Light upon me but
come down upon me. It is for You to be satisfied until You are well pleased.
There is no power and no might except in You.”
Comparison 6 – Impact of the Battle
The direct outcome of this battle was the liberation of the Muslims from the
Tatarian rule and their corrupt creed, lifting the spirit and esteem of Muslims,
and regaining the strength and position of the Islamic State which stood for
centuries defending Islam and Muslims against the spread of Kufr.
Compare today. Look at the Arab-Israeli wars, the Pakistan-Indian wars, Bosnia,
Palestine, Gulf Crisis etc…. – the direct outcome has been one of the rulers
over the Muslims reinforcing the subjugation of Kufr, destroying the esteem and
spirit of the Muslims and betraying Islam and the people. The aftermath of
Afghanistan shows the Afghan leaders gathered around with begging bowls at the
Bonn conference over the new government for Afghanistan after the blood of
Muslims is spilt whilst America sizes up its options to attack another part of
the Muslim land in its pursuit of ‘terrorists’.
Conclusion
The battle of Ain Jaloot was a glorious event in the annals of Islamic History
and if the comparisons which were made were to evoke a true lesson that we would
learn from and tread the path of, it would be the following:
Under the sincere Islamic leadership, the Muslims were unified, gained strength
and direction from their weakness, their Iman re-ignited and the prepared armies
of the Muslims were unleashed to repel the aggressor, defend the lands and body
of the Muslims and return the authority to Islam.
Today we lack this sincere leadership and the Islamic system that would mobilize
the resources of the Muslims towards the duty of Islam and the Muslims. Leaders
who seek victory for the enemies of Allah, His Messenger and the Muslims lead
us.
The blessed month of Ramadhan should not pass without the Muslims recognizing
and engaging in the duty to remove these leaderships and their corrupt systems
that they implement upon us.
May Allah (Subhanahu Wa ta’ala) Help us to complete our fast and obligations and
to establish His rule, the Khilafah.
And Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Allah is Great, praise is to
Allah, Who has fulfilled His Promise, assisted His servant and defeated the
coalition alone.”
By Burhan Hanif