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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Moral Stories A Unique Exapmle of Islamic Brotherhood Uhud is a wellknown place a few miles outside Medina. One of the hardest battles of Islam was fought at this place. It was in defence of Islam against the enemies - the non-believers who had come from far away places. In this battle the Muslim fighters had set noble examples of self-sacrifice. Many of them were martyred having fought bravely against the enemies.

Among them seven were fatally wounded and were breathing their last. All of them were also suffering from the pangs of thirst. Someone came to them with a cup of water hardly sufficient to quench the thirst of one man. On offering the water to one of them, the water-bearer was directed towards another injured fighter lying besides him. This second fighter sent him to the third one near him, this third directed him to the fourth, and so it went on till he reached the seventh warrior.

When the seventh fighter was approached, he told him that since the first fighter was very thirsty, he should be given the water first. The water-bearer then returned to the first injured fighter fend found him already dead. He then went to the second thence to the third, finding each already dead. This happened also with the remaining fighters, all having died by the time he reached.

All of them departed from this world thirsty leaving behind in history a golden example of Islamic brotherhood and self-secrifice for others. Islam has laid much stress on the importance of mutual help, co-operation and sacrifice among Muslims.

The Holy Quran dictates: "The believers are but brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren and be careful of (your duty to) Allah that mercy may be had on you." (49:10) The Holy Prophet had said: "One who starts his day without care for the affairs of Muslims is not a Muslim And Hazrat Ali (A.S) had said: "Helping fellow Muslim brothers increases one's sustenance ". A non-believer had just embraced Islam at the hands of the Holy Prophet.

He complained of hunger and the Prophet sent someone to bring food from his house. But unfortunately none was then available. The Prophet then asked his companions, "Who can host this newly converted Muslim brother tonight?" Hazrat Ali (A.S.) came forward and offered to do so. Holding the new convert's hand, he took him to his house. He asked Hazrat Fatima if any food was available. She replied: "Only a little provision, enough for the children".