ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Military Management in the Battles of the Prophet (s) The Arab Military Before Islām The methods of war among the Arabs were different from that of all the other races. In their battles they relied on offence and attack[^1] and their motivation was limited to: defending their idols,[^2] bloodlust,[^3] raiding and stealing cattle[^4], and increasing the status and position of their own tribes[^5]. Their most important weapon was the sword[^6].

The role of Islām was changing the implements and their employment in battles and making appropriate use of them. The principles and beliefs through which Islām was manifested caused an increase in the spiritual and emotional uplifting of the soldiers and encouraged them to participate. Previously, an Arab soldier would be motivated by courage[^7], display of force[^8], a sense of loyalty[^9] and selfish motives[^10].

The most important mode of transport that were used was the camel[^11], as it was capable of going for long without water and was able to bear the dryness and sandstorms of the desert. The most important qualities of the ‘Arabian wars’ were as follows: The Objectives of War The Arab tribes were naturally linked to and reliant upon the economical and social status of their individual members.

Because their land consisted of dry deserts lacking sufficient water, their objectives were: a) Gaining water and control over the pastures and cattle[^12]: Often times, wars would be fought in order to gain control over watering holes or springs and one of the sides would gain control either through a peace treaty or by force. During times of drought and famine, intense battles took place.

When wars were fought for water, inhabitants of the dry lands were forced to migrate to other places that had sufficient water[^13]. When one tribe was envious of the wealth and prosperity of another, they would engage them in battle in order to loot their wealth and cattle[^14]. The strong tribe was one that was able to overpower the weaker tribes and take their wealth. They would take all they wanted as booty. They would steal away their cattle and then return home victorious.

Some of the Arab tribes even went so far as to march towards neighboring kingdoms[^15] and cities that had plenty of food stocks[^16]. During the age of Jāhiliyya, wars and raids were one of the primary source of sustenance, possession of livestock and booty in times of drought and famine.