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this small band of Muslims is destroyed, Thou wilt not be worshipped on this earth". (Muslim, Vol. 3,
4360)

The historian may find it strange that a man is telling his Creator what will happen if He does not
listen to him, and the Almighty agrees to his suggestion for fear of losing worshippers, but his followers
intoxicated by the promises of heavenly virgins and boys had no such qualms. They believed that Allah
is directed by Muhammad and, therefore, the battle shall end in a resounding victory for them.

It was customary among the Arabs to enter single combats before starting the battle. As Sheiba,
his brother Otba and Al-Walid (son of Otba) moved forward to challenge for single duels, three Citi-
zens (the natives of Medina as distinct from the Emigrants) came out from the Muhammadan ranks to
encounter them.

Here we notice the tribal tendencies of the Prophet, who did not want the honor of starting the
contest go to anyone but his own kith and kin. Calling them back, he turned to the fellow Emigrants and
shouted "you sons of Hashim, arise and fight, according to your right."

However, this pro-Quresh leaning of the Prophet is well balanced by the choice of his combat-
ants. Out came three warriors, known for their valor, courage and fighting skills. They were Ali (the
Prophet's adopted son and son-in-law), Hamza (the Prophet's uncle) and Obeida. As the infidels saw
their heroes become sacrificial lambs at the Muslim altar, their spirits began to sink. Even more daunting
was the bravery displayed by the Prophet, who recited verses from the Koran, and brandishing his
sword stood by his followers like a lofty granite and assured them that paradise was the reward for
martyrdom.

The story of Omeir, a sixteen-year-old Muslim boy, who was allowed to participate in this bat-
tle, is worthy of note. He was hungry and eating dates, when he heard the prophet associate paradise
with martyrdom. Looking at the dates scornfully, "is it these", he cries ruefully "that hold me back from
paradise? Verily, I shall taste no more of them until I meet my Lord".

Motivated by the force of belief, he rushed upon the enemy and tasted the wine of martyrdom
loathed by many and loved by a few.

Yet another story worthy of narration is that of Moadh, who slew Abu Jahl, and was attacked
by his son Ikrima. In this catastrophic action, Moadh's arm was nearly severed from his shoulder. Mar-
tyrdom was also his goal, which he coveted, and believed that a second rate action was not compatible
with the dignity of such a heavenly prize. Since his best performance was being checked by his dangling
arm, he put his foot on it, and ripping it off with the courage of a divine knight, he attacked the enemy to
achieve his most cherished aim.

Was it the valor of his followers that won the day? Of course, it was a great factor in securing
the field, but the inspiration that the Prophet provided was the paramount reason of success. Though he

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