The Hijrah of Hadrat Ali-ul-Murtaza(Alaihi Salato Wassalam
After the blessed and successful Hijrah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) from Makkah to Madina, Hadrat Ali-ul-Murtaza (Alaihis Salato Was Salam) remained behind in Makkah on the direct command of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW). He first restored to their rightful owners every trust (Amanah) that had been placed in the sacred custody of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) — for even the enemies of Islam had continued to entrust their valuables to Al-Sadiq, Al-Ameen. Having discharged this noble responsibility with perfect honesty, Hadrat Ali (ASWS) then set out for Madina on foot, escorting the blessed womenfolk of the Ahl-e-Bait, including Hadrat Fatima-tu-Zahra (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha), Hadrat Fatima bint Asad (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) — his own honoured mother — and other blessed ladies of the household. Despite the pursuit of the pagan Quraish, Almighty Allah granted the caravan safe passage until they reached Madina, where the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) received Hadrat Ali (ASWS) with immense love and affection.
The Blessed Nikah of Hadrat Syeda Fatima-tu-Zahra (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha)
After the migration, in the second year of Hijrah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) solemnised the blessed Nikah of his beloved daughter, Hadrat Syeda Fatima-tu-Zahra (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) — the Chief Princess of all Women of the Universes and the Chief of the Women of Jannah — with Hadrat Ali-ul-Murtaza (Alaihis Salato Was Salam). The Nikah was performed in the blessed Masjid-e-Nabawi in the presence of the Muhajireen and the Ansar, and it is reported in the noble traditions that Almighty Allah Himself decreed this sacred union from above the seven heavens, and the Angels celebrated it in the heavens before it was announced upon the earth. From this most blessed marriage sprang the pure and luminous progeny of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) — Hadrat Imam Hasan (Alaihi Salam), Hadrat Imam Husain (Alaihi Salam), Hadrat Syeda Zainab (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) and Hadrat Syeda Umm-e-Kulsoom (Salam Allah-Ho Alaiha) — through whom the blessed Ahl-e-Bait continues by the grace of Almighty Allah.
The Islamic Battles — A Brief Historical Timeline
From the second year of Hijrah onwards, the Muslims of Madina were compelled to defend the blessed Deen of Islam against the aggression of the pagan Quraish and their allies. What follows is a brief mention of the major battles and expeditions in their historical order.
Ghazwa-e-Badr (2 A.H.)
The first great battle of Islam, fought at the wells of Badr, in which 313 Muslims — poorly armed but rich in faith — met over a thousand warriors of the pagan Quraish. By the manifest help of Almighty Allah and the descent of the Angels, the Muslims won a decisive victory. Many chiefs of the Quraish, including Abu Jahl, were slain.
Ghazwa-e-Uhud (3 A.H.)
Fought at the foot of Mount Uhud, the Quraish came with three thousand men to avenge Badr. The Muslims were initially victorious, but when the archers stationed on the pass left their post, the enemy attacked from the rear. The Holy Prophet (SAWAW) was wounded, and Hadrat Ameer Hamza (Alaihi Salam) — Sayyid-ush-Shuhada, the Leader of the Martyrs — attained the lofty rank of Shahadat along with many companions.
Ghazwa-e-Khandaq / Ahzab (5 A.H.)
A confederacy of the Quraish, Jewish tribes and their allies — numbering some ten thousand — laid siege to Madina. On the counsel of Hadrat Salman al-Farsi (RA), a deep trench (Khandaq) was dug around the exposed side of the city. In this battle, Hadrat Ali-ul-Murtaza (Alaihis Salato Was Salam) slew the great warrior Amr ibn Abd-e-Wud. A fierce wind sent by Almighty Allah scattered the confederates and the siege was lifted without a general engagement.
Treaty of Hudaibiyah (6 A.H.)
The Holy Prophet (SAWAW) set out with about fourteen hundred companions with the intention of performing Umrah. The Quraish barred them at Hudaibiyah, and a treaty was concluded which — though outwardly disadvantageous — was declared by the Holy Quran as Fath-um-Mubeen, a manifest victory. It opened the way for the peaceful spread of Islam throughout Arabia.
Ghazwa-e-Khaibar (7 A.H.)
The fortified strongholds of Khaibar, held by hostile Jewish tribes who had repeatedly conspired against the Muslims, were laid siege. After several days, the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) declared that he would hand the standard to one whom Allah and His Rasul love. On the following day the standard was given to Hadrat Ali-ul-Murtaza (Alaihis Salato Was Salam), who conquered the mighty fort of Qamus and uprooted its gate — a feat of superhuman strength recorded forever in the annals of Islam.
Ghazwa-e-Mutah (8 A.H.)
Fought against a vast Byzantine army near Mutah in Syria. Three commanders successively attained Shahadat — Hadrat Zaid ibn Haritha (RA), Hadrat Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (Alaihi Salam) — Ja’far-e-Tayyar — and Hadrat Abdullah ibn Rawaha (RA). Hadrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) then took command and skilfully withdrew the small Muslim army with honour.
Fath-e-Makkah — The Conquest of Makkah (8 A.H.)
After the pagan Quraish violated the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWAW) marched upon Makkah with ten thousand companions. The blessed city surrendered almost without bloodshed. The Holy Prophet (SAWAW) entered in perfect humility, cleansed the sacred Kaaba of three hundred and sixty idols, and proclaimed the universal pardon — “Go, you are all free.”With this, the pure Deen-e-Haneef of Hadrat Ibraheem (Alaihi Salam) was restored to its blessed home.
Ghazwa-e-Hunain and the Siege of Ta’if (8 A.H.)
Shortly after the conquest of Makkah, the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif gathered against the Muslims in the valley of Hunain. Initial confusion was overcome by the steadfastness of the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) and the blessed band around him, and Allah granted a clear victory. This was followed by the siege of Ta’if, whose people later embraced Islam.