They suggested that the stronger persons should guard the...

They suggested that the stronger persons should guard the ways to the city with swords and lances. If some of the enemy’s men managed to sneak in, the women, children and the old persons should start throwing stones and other missiles to hurt them. When the enemy was weakened and confused, the men should organize to combat with them. Some other persons thought that under the circumstances only defensive fight was possible.

The best approach for this defensive fight was for the men to go out and create a front at some distance from the ramparts of the city. Of those who were making this suggestion were Hamzah, Sa`d ibn `Abadah and the persons who did not join the combat in Badr and were keen to show their valor now. Those who wanted to fortify inside the city and fight were `Abdullah ibn Ubay, the infamous hypocrite, and some others.

The mind does not accept the thought that this suggestion was made in the best interests of the Muslims while it was well-known that he was sagaciously scheming against them that they were evacuated from al-Madinah ignominiously. The historians generally have endorsed the opinion that the Prophet (a.s) himself was of the view that they must remain entrenched inside al-Madinah and fight from there. But because of the majority opinion, he condescended to go out for the fight.

When he came out of his home fully equipped with the battle gear, the persons who were insisting on conducting the battle from outside al-Madinah told him that he might as well do the defense of al-Madinah from inside and there was no need for him to wear the battle gear.

The Prophet (a.s) said: “It is not proper for the Prophet that when he has worn the battle gear, to remove it before the battle is fought.”[1] These words are a reflection of the confidence, and determination to do jihad with the enemy. This also proves that the Prophet (a.s) would not act under any external influence or pressure. In fact it was the need of the hour to take the enemy on in open ground and not to give him the freedom to cause destruction inside al-Madinah.

The statement of the Prophet (a.s) is not only the proof of his indomitable courage but it is also a golden lesson for the Muslims to face the enemy with courage and valor. When the battle had become inevitable, there was no need for very defensive stances. In such circumstances, offence is the best form of defense! They have to fight with courage not showing their backs to the foe!