Comparisons From the Battle of Ain Jaloot

8/2/2019 Comparisons From the Battle of Ain Jaloot

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Comparisons from the Battle of Ain Jaloot

The month of Ramadhan is indeed a month of blessing in which the Muslim seeks to gain

nearness and the immense reward from Allah (Subhanahu Wa taala). It is also a month in which

many lessons can be drawn from Islamic history. During this month the Muslims fought many

battles thereby expanding the mercy of Islam into new lands and also repelling the aggressorsthat invaded the Islamic lands to restore the protection and authority of Islam and the Muslims.

One such famous battle was the Battle of Ain Jaloot in 658 Hijri against the Tartar invasion,

which is considered as one of the greatest victories in the annals of human history. Consideringthe current predicament of the Muslims in Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir, Indonesia, Bosnia,

Chechnyaindeed the Muslims all over the world, there are many comparisons and key lessons

that can be learnt from this famous battle.

Overview of the BattleTowards the end of 656 Hijri the Tatars launched one of their largest assaults on the land of the

Islamic Khilafah, resulting in the seizure of the Khilafah capital, Baghdad, the killing of the

Khalifah Muatasim Billah, and the occupation of three quarters of Islamic land. Headingtowards Egypt and Morocco, the last stronghold of the Muslims, the Tartars sent a threatening

letter to the Ameer of Egypt, Mahmoud Saifudeen Qutuz, which included the following

statement, "We have demolished the land, orphaned the children, tortured the people and slainthem, made their honoured despised and their leader a captive. Do you think that you can escape

from us? After a while you will know what's coming to you..." Due to the Muslims weakness and

low morale, it was thought that such a threat would suffice in breaking any resistance from theMuslims. However, Qutuz had a different reply. He killed the Tatarian delegation and left their

corpses hanging in his capital, lifting his soldiers and people's spirit on the one hand, and putting

down his enemy's and that of their spies and loyalists on the other hand.

This raised the spirit of the Muslims and simultaneously shocked the tartars for they realised theywere facing a leader unlike those they had previously encountered.

Qutuz rallied the Muslims to prepare for the inevitable battle that would occur. Under his

leadership, Muslims were rallied upon Iman, unity and the necessary weapons of steel to

confront the enemy. He sought the help of Governors and Scholars alike to unify, stand for thedefense of Islam and focus the efforts of the Muslims towards the liberation of the Islamic lands.

Then it was time to engage the enemy on the battlefield at Ain Jaloot on the Friday 25th

Ramadhan 658. Qutuz led the Muslims into the battle, which initially swayed towards theTartars. Observing this, Qutuz climbed on a rock, throwing his helmet away, shouting "Wa

Islamah. Wa Islamah. Urging the army to keep firm and fight Allah's enemies. The frustratedleaders of the army looked towards that voice to see their leader's flushed face, hitting angrily

with his sword and engaging the enemy. Qutuz's courage stunned his leaders who promptlyfollowed his footsteps, lifting the morality of the Muslim army. Soon, the battle shifted in favour

of the Muslims, until the Tatarian army was shattered and fled from the battle. Victory was for

Islam and the Muslims. As for the Tartars, when they realised their incursion and dominance inthe Islamic East was fading and that Muslims regained their power, they escaped towards their

homeland, which eased Qutuz's efforts to liberate all of Shaam in a few weeks.


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Such a decisive victory for the Muslims under a sincere leadership, at a time when they wereweak and overpowered by the enemy draws many comparisons with the situation of the Muslims

today:

Comparison 1

Treachery of the RulersThe ability of the Tartars to have achieved from the beginning such a crushing blow against the

Muslims, taking the capital of the Khilafah, killing those sincere to the Deen and then taking

hold over two-thirds of Islamic land resulted from the treachery of Al-Alkami. Al-Alkami was

the minister to Khaleefah Muatasim Billah. He tricked Muatasim to make peace with theTartars whilst at the same time conducting secret correspondence with the Tatars, promising

them to halt any resistance against them providing that they appoint him as Khaleefah and allow

him to establish his own state in Baghdad. This treachery led to the death of Muatasim and thesincere governors and scholars who went to negotiate with the Tartars only to be killed. It also

led to the death of Al-Alkami at the hands of the Tartars, for their promises to him meant

nothing.

Compare the treachery of Al-Alkami to that of the rulers over the Muslims today. The Muslims

are being tricked into making peace with Israel through the actions of the rulers, many of whomhave publicly already made their peace, like Mubarak of Egypt, Abdullah of Jordan and Arafat

of Palestine. The result of this treachery is the continual existence of Israel and the betrayal and

bloodshed of the Muslims in Palestine who live as oppressed prisoners under Israeli rule. Whatdid these leaders get in return from the enemy? Bankrupt economies, social deprivation, absence

of political will, the perpetual fear of Israeli aggression and a Muslim Ummah that has

recognized their treachery and work to remove them from power. As for the example of

Musharraf, he attempted to convince the Muslims of Pakistan the benefits of allowing Americato bomb the Muslims in Afghanistan for economic benefit, the easing of sanctions and a say in

the formation of a new government in Afghanistan. What did Musharraf get in return for his

services to America? The economic benefits promised by America are insignificant in dealing

with the total debt that Pakistan is servicing and linked to the harsh structural adjustment policiesof the IMF that seek to place the vital economic resources in the hands of private foreign

investors and institutions whilst placing further hardship upon the Muslims of Pakistan.

Politically, Musharraf was shocked to discover that the Northern Alliance had entered Kabulwith the permission of America, though America had agreed to halt the Northern Alliance

advance into Kabul until it had consulted with the Pakistani leadership.

These rulers and their treachery has gained nothing for Islam, the Muslims, neither for

themselvesyet they persist in their treachery and Allah (Subhanahu Wa taala) says (to thenearest meaning), As for those who take the Kafir as allies in preference to the believers, do

they hope to be honoured by them, when behold all honour (Izza) belongs to Allah alone (TMQAn-Nisa: 139)

Comparison 2Responding to the Threat of the EnemyThe Tartars had sent a chilling reminder to the Muslims about any opposition to their expansion

and rule. But though the Muslims were weak and of low morale, Qutuz stood firm upon Islam

responding to the threatening letter with an equal threat. His stance to the delegates of the Tartars


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was to inform them that they were dealing with a people that would not permit the desecration of

Islam, its people and its lands. Then he took steps to mobilize his resources to prepare for thebattle.

Compare this to when President Bush of America declared that the war of Afghanistan was a war

in which countries had to choose sides. To the UN delegates he stated and threatenedcategorically this choice was, Either you are with us or against us. How did the rulers over the

Muslims respond to this threat which would mean the desecration of Islam, its people and lands?

Musharraf, Karimov and the Turkish leadership were from those who not only supported

America in its threat, but provided the necessary intelligence and logistical support for America

to carry out its attack upon the Muslims of Afghanistan. Gaddafi of Libya, Abdullah of Jordanwere from those who publicly supported America and even gave their support for the bombing to

continue during the month of Ramadhan. Others such as Bashier (Sudan) and Arafat offered their

support by compiling a list of suspected terrorists in their states and handing them over to the

CIA.

The likes of Bashar al-Assad of Syria implicitly gave their support to America by wanting to

gain assurance that Americas threat was confined to Afghanistan and did not extend to the Arabstates. As for the likes of Saddam Hussein his flaunting opposition to Americas threat cannot beconsidered in the same ilk as the stance of Qutuz. Qutuz stood upon Islam and his desire to

protect Islam whereby Saddam, without the need of America has desecrated Islam, taken theblood of the Muslims and siphoned their resources in Iraq. As for his political stance it is purely

for the benefit of his western backers i.e. Britain.

While Qutuzs response to the Tartars threat raised the spirit of the Muslims and simultaneouslyshocked the enemy, the response of the rulers of today in similar circumstances has left the

Muslim Ummah in despair and simultaneously reassured the Americans about their compliance

to her will.

And Allah (Subhanahu Wa taala) says (to the nearest meaning),If you help the cause Allah,

Allah will help you and make your foothold firm.

Comparison 3Response of the ScholarsAmongst the many publicly renowned scholars who contributed to the encouraging the Muslims

to unify and prepare for the Jihad was the "Shiekh of Scholars" Al-`Izz Bin Abdis-Salam. Aside

from responding to this command with vigour rallying the Muslims and using the Mimbar(pulpit) of the masaajid to remind the Muslims of their responsiblities, such was the integrity of

Al-Izz that even when Qutuz required a fatwah to impose taxes upon the people in order to

equip the Muslim army, Al-Izz refused until all the wealth of the governors and their leaders

was spent.

Compare this with the scholars who have taken the public positions in the Muslim world today,

whilst those of sincerity languish in the prisons of the Muslim world. How the scholars takingthe public positions have permitted the rulers to partake in such betrayal against Islam and the

Muslims in Afghanistan and in their own states. When Prince Nayef, the Saudi Interior Minister

said Nobody has the right to issue a fatwa [religious ruling] calling for a jihad [holy war] and


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support for the Afghan regime, except the ifta [jurisprudence] council or whoever is assigned by

that council to issue a fatwa. All religious scholars agree on this, and jihad is not obligatory

unless ordered by the leader of the country, where were the scholars of the ifta council todeclare the Jihad? In America, one such Imam declared the duty of the Muslims in the American

army to defend their homeland (America) and attack those who America considers her enemy.

How, instead of restraining the just ruler to the truth, they permit the corruption of the unjustrulers who have sought to retain the division of the Muslim lands and the implementation of Kufr

upon the heads of the Muslims. In addition they have permitted the rulers to take the wealth

through the imposition of harsh and unbearable taxes like in Pakistan with the General Sales Tax(GST) and the raising of VAT in Sudan as a substitute for direct taxes.

It was narrated that by Abi al-A'war As-Silmee (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Beware of the doors of the ruler for they have indeed

become a source of trouble and humiliation"

And Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said, Shall I inform you of the perfect

Scholar?. The Sahabah replied, yes.. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, The perfectscholar is the one who does not deprive the people of the Mercy of Allah, does not give them

hope of salvation from punishment but neither makes them lose hope of His Mercy, nor discards

the Quran in favour of something else.

Comparison 4Preparation for the BattleQutuz gathered the governors, the scholars and the Muslims upon Iman, unity, the preparation to

fight and focusing upon the victory of Allah (Subhanahu Wa taala) over the enemy. The

necessary money was raised towards this objective and the army was mobilized to engage in the

battle to defend Islam, its followers and lands and to fight the usurping aggressor.

Compare this with today, how the rulers have prepared the governors, scholars and army for the

battle. Musharraf helped the Americans prepare for the battle against the Muslims and deserted

the Muslims completely. He instructed the army to prepare to stand on the Afghan-Pakistaniborder to prevent any Muslims fleeing from Afghanistan to seek refuge in Pakistan rather than

stand alongside their Muslims brothers in Afghanistan to fight against the enemy. Musharraf

used the army to quell any demonstrations that voiced support for the Jihad in Afghanistan andprohibited the raising of money towards the Jihad. While this was occurring, a unit of the

Jordanian army was returning from over a 1500 mile distance UN duty to protect British interests

in Sierre Leone and flew over Palestine upon their return, forgetting that Muslims, just 10 metresnext door in Palestine were suffering at the hands of Israeli aggression.

Have the rulers forgotten the words of Allah (Subhanahu Wa taala) when He (Subhanahu Wataala) says (to the nearest meaning), Prepare the tethered horsesso that you strike fear in the

heart of the enemy (Al- :) and He (Subhanahu Wa taala) says (to the nearest meaning), O youwho believe do not take my enemy and your enemy as allies and protectors (Al-Mumtahinah:

1)

Comparison 5Calling to Islam at times of NeedDuring the battle, when initially the Tartars were in ascendancy Qutuz climbed on a rock,

throwing his helmet away, shouting "Wa Islamah.. Wa Islamah..", urging the army to keep firm


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and fight Allah's enemies. This attitude can be seen from the example of Muhammad (Sallallahu

Alaihi Wasallam) during the battle of Uhud when he rallied the nine Sahabah (Ridhwan AllahuAlaihim) who were around him by shouting, Come on! I am the Messenger of Allah, at such atime when the Qurayshi army had gained the upper hand in the battle and many of the Muslims

had become weak and deserted the battle believing that Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi

Wasallam) had been killed. This was the Iman, passion and love of Islam that that Qutuz wantedto build within the Muslims.

Compare this to the rulers of today. Though the need to rally the Muslims upon Islam and

Allahs (Subhanahu Wa taala) help is evident, we find the rulers shouting, Wa America!! WaUN!! Wa NATO!! Arafat and the Arab rulers did not seek to rally the Muslims behind Islam on

the matter of Israel. On the contrary Arafat announced that there could be no peace unlessAmerica was the broker. Likewise, when Musharraf was put under pressure from America on the

matter of Afghanistan, he responded by rallying the Muslims to accept the American demand to

use her air bases to launch attacks against Afghanistan.

Do the rulers not remember the duaa of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), after he waschased out of Taif bleeding from the stones that were thrown at him by the children and slaves

and he lamented, O Allah! To you I complain of my weakness, little resources and lowlinessbefore man. O Most Merciful! You are the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord. To whom

would you confide me? To one afar who will misuse me or an enemy to whom You have given

dominance over me? If You are not angry with me I do not care Your favour of well-being onme is sufficient for me. I take refuge in the light of your countenance by which the darkness is

illuminated and the things of this world and the next are rightly ordered, lest Your Anger

descends upon me or Your Wrath not Light upon me but come down upon me. It is for You to be

satisfied until You are well pleased. There is no power and no might except in You.

Comparison 6Impact of the Battle

The direct outcome of this battle was the liberation of the Muslims from the Tatarian rule and

their corrupt creed, lifting the spirit and esteem of Muslims, and regaining the strength andposition of the Islamic State which stood for centuries defending Islam and Muslims against the

spread of Kufr.

Compare today. Look at the Arab-Israeli wars, the Pakistan-Indian wars, Bosnia, Palestine, Gulf

Crisis etc. the direct outcome has been one of the rulers over the Muslims reinforcing the

subjugation of Kufr, destroying the esteem and spirit of the Muslims and betraying Islam and the

people. The aftermath of Afghanistan shows the Afghan leaders gathered around with beggingbowls at the Bonn conference over the new government for Afghanistan after the blood of

Muslims is spilt whilst America sizes up its options to attack another part of the Muslim land in

its pursuit of terrorists.

ConclusionThe battle of Ain Jaloot was a glorious event in the annals of Islamic History and if the

comparisons which were made were to evoke a true lesson that we would learn from and treadthe path of, it would be the following:

Under the sincere Islamic leadership, the Muslims were unified, gained strength and direction

from their weakness, their Iman re-ignited and the prepared armies of the Muslims were


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unleashed to repel the aggressor, defend the lands and body of the Muslims and return the

authority to Islam.Today we lack this sincere leadership and the Islamic system that would mobilize the resources

of the Muslims towards the duty of Islam and the Muslims. Leaders who seek victory for the

enemies of Allah, His Messenger and the Muslims lead us.

The blessed month of Ramadhan should not pass without the Muslims recognizing and engaging

in the duty to remove these leaderships and their corrupt systems that they implement upon us.

May Allah (Subhanahu Wa taala) Help us to complete our fast and obligations and to establishHis rule, the Khilafah.

And Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, Allah is Great, praise is to Allah, Who has

fulfilled His Promise, assisted His servant and defeated the coalition alone.

By Burhan Hanif

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Comparisons From the Battle of Ain Jaloot