The War of Tab£k

The War of Tab£k

Although the two super powers of those days, i.e. the Roman Empire and Iran were in continuous conflict with each other, they could not tolerate the emergence of a third power; that is Islam. It was natural for the Romans to be unhappy with the Muslims’ victory in Mecca and the Haw¡zin’s defeat at °unayn.[1] Taking these factors into consideration and with regards to the victory of the Romans in Mu’tah, the expectation of a Roman military movement against Muslims was real. In the ninth year of Hegira, the traders who crossed the route between Medina and Damascus informed the Holy Prophet that Hercules, the Roman Emperor, was preparing an army to attack Medina.[2] The Holy Prophet took it seriously.

Because of its military supremacy, the Roman Empire was the most pernicious enemy of Islam.[3] According to a report, Hercules had allied with some Arab tribes like Lakhm, Judh¡m, `ªmilah and Ghass¡n, his military pioneers had advanced as far as Balq¡',[4] and the emperor himself resided in Homs.[5]

This report reached the Holy Prophet at a time when it was extremely hot[6] and it was the harvest season. People were lived under harsh conditions and life became unbearable.[7] The Holy Prophet called for general mobilization and asked people of Mecca and the nomads for financial assistance.[8] Contrary to his previous military expeditions which were kept secret to the last moment, this time the Holy Prophet announced his military target to be Tab£k[9] so that the troops could prepare themselves for the hardships of the journey.[10]

Despite their hard conditions, Muslims gave generously[11] and thirty thousand troops,[12] together with ten thousand horses[13] and twelve thousand camels,[14] were ready to move. However, the hypocrites not only refrained from taking part in the battle with no valid reasons[15] but also discouraged people to go claiming that it was so hot.[16] A verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet reprimanding their situation. (the Holy Qur'¡n 9:81) Other Muslims unjustifiably did not join the Muslim troops and the Holy Qur'¡n called them those who left behind and blamed them. (the Holy Qur'¡n 9:81) Others, too, were deprived of taking part in the battle due to their lack of ammunitions. (the Holy Qur'¡n 9:87, 93)

Imam `Al¢; the Holy Prophet's successor in Medina

On those days, Medina was in a delicate and sensitive state. While Muslim troops were headed for a long mission, the hypocrites, despite their having nominally accepted Islam, disobeyed the Holy Prophet's orders and stayed in Medina. `Abdull¡h ibn Ubayy had gathered a great number of proponents around himself.[17] In addition to the hypocrites, there was the worry and fear concerning the beaten and defeated enemies of Islam in Mecca, its vicinities and the nomads living around Medina. Thus, it was crucial for a strong man to protect the newly established Islamic state while the Holy Prophet was away. For this purpose, the Holy Prophet appointed Imam `Al¢ as his successor, telling him, “In order to manage the affairs of Medina, either you or I should be present.”[18]

Regarding this event, Mas`£d¢ writes:

“It is advisable to say that the Prophet appointed Imam `Al¢ as his successor in Medina so that he could control those who opposed participating in the Prophet's military mission.”

Imam `Al¢ used to take part in all campaigns and battles of the Prophet[19] and acted as a standard-bearer.[20] The hypocrites, however, spread the rumor that the Holy Prophet let `Al¢ stay in Medina because he no longer loved him! Having heard this rumor, Imam `Al¢ became upset; he took his sword and attended the Holy Prophet's presence at al-Jurf.[21] He rephrased the hypocrite’s claim and complained about the whole situation. The Holy Prophet replied:

“They are liars! You are my successor. Return and act as my successor. Are you not happy that your position to me is the same as (Prophet) Aaron’s position to (Prophet) Moses except that there will be no prophet after me?”[22]

However, Shaykh al-Muf¢d accounts for this event in the following manner:

“My brother; Go back to your position, because nobody else, except for you or me, can govern Medina. You are my representative—from among my family members—on the citizens of my city and my nation. Are you not satisfied that your position to me is the same as (Prophet) Aaron’s position to (Prophet) Moses except that there will be no prophet after me?”

Ibn `Abd al-Barr al-Qur§ub¢, a Sunni scholar of the fifth century, writes:

The Holy Prophet appointed `Al¢ as his successor during the war of Tab£k; he was elected to be the Holy Prophet’s successor for his family and for the people of the city, telling him, “Your position to me is the same as Aaron’s position to Moses… etc.”

On the words of al-Bukh¡r¢ and Muslim, the Holy Prophet likened `Al¢ to Prophet Aaron in relation to Prophet Moses.[23]

This epoch–making statement of the Holy Prophet, which is called ¦ad¢th al-manzilah (Narration of Position) is a clear proof of Imamate. Although this statement is uttered only on a specific occasion, Imam `Al¢ used to resemble Prophet Aaron in all cases of his associations with the Holy Prophet.[24]