However...

However, during the time of the Holy Prophet (S) the Sariyah (consisting of between 50 and 400 people) became the only important group in battle and this name can be found in many of the narrations from the companions[^40] because this number was also employed before the Hijrah. The Sariyah was the smallest section of the army[^41] and could be formed even by only ten people. For this reason, it was also called ‘Asharatu Rahtin (a group of ten)[^42].

The Prophet (S) would also send these groups with fewer or greater numbers. They have said: the best companions are four, the best Sirāya (pl. of Sariyah) is made up of four hundred, the best army consists of four thousand and at the most, not exceeding twelve thousand soldiers[^43]. e) Weapons: By going through the narratives and poetry of the Age of Ignorance (Jāhiliyyah) we find that there is frequent mention of weapons, and especially the ‘sword[^44]’.

Other weapons like the arrow, dagger, spear, spearhead, club, bow and the sling[^45] that were considered offensive weapons and were used in attacks are also found in their poetry. As for the defensive weapons, they included the armor, shield, helmet and the armor that was worn beneath the helmet[^46]. These weapons would come from Syria, Yemen and India and some were also made locally. The Arabs would also use some heavy weaponry like the catapult.

The first person to use it was Judhayma al-Abrash[^47]. Another weapon known as al-Dabbābah [^48] was first employed by ‘Abdullah ibn Ju’dah[^49]. Later the Muslim Arabs modified this weapon and used its improved version in their wars[^50]. At that time, an Arab soldier would either fight on foot or on horseback. The most important mode of transport at wartime were horses[^51], and the forces would ride on them. Horses had some distinct advantages in war, especially speed and agility.

f) The Relationship between the Commander and the Soldiers: Affairs of war and military leadership of a tribe would be in the hands of the head of the tribe, a person who would have the qualities of forbearance, clemency, co-operation, patience, kindness etc[^52].

All the soldiers, be they freemen or slaves, volunteers or those who have been forced to participate, hired or otherwise, all have to respond to the call for war by the commander and none of them are allowed to disobey him, whether they like it or not, except those who are excused because of being too young or sick.