the Quraysh and the Jews]...

the Quraysh and the Jews], rather he launched minor assaults on them[^26] and, in order to develop the Muslim army and increase their military might, he embarked on small battles with them.

📌d) Creating a Plan to Gain Control of the Most Important Routes and Courses The most important routes and courses that the Holy Prophet (S) studied and planned on controlling were the ‘coastal routes’[^27] which would be a sure means of cutting off the primary reinforcements of the enemy, and he was successful in doing this[^28].

Then he turned his attention to the ‘eastern route’[^29] that the Quraysh had begun using after the first route was blocked, and by taking control of this route also, he completed his siege of the enemy from all the directions. The Prophet (S) was victorious in all the battles that were subsequently fought in order to regain control of these routes[^30].

In the same way, the supreme commander successfully planned and took control of the ‘northern route’ of Arabian Peninsula – in the border of Syria[^31] – and of Dumat al-Jundal[^32], because of their strategic locations militarily, politically and economically, for the war with the Romans[^33].

e) Appointing a Deputy in Madina Whenever the Holy Prophet (S) went for any battle, he would always appoint a deputy and representative in Madina[^34], and he would change the appointee from battle to battle[^35]. Sometimes two representatives would be selected[^36] and each one of them would be given specific tasks.

The functions of the Prophet’s deputy would normally consist of leading the congregational prayers for those who remained behind and did not participate in battle for some valid excuse[^37], and protecting and safeguarding the status and respect of the members of the household of the Holy Prophet (S)[^38]. After the Conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (S) also appointed a deputy to manage the important affairs of that city[^39].

f) Reviewing of the Supreme Commander of the Army The supreme commander would review the ‘mobilization and stationing’ of the army[^40]. He would inspect the army[^41] and arrange it for marching or battle. He studied their capability for war[^42], sent back the sick, young and weak[^43], lifted the spirits of those who fought in battle[^44] and gave the necessary orders and instructions to the commanders (of the army)[^45].

✦ ✦ ✦