In the name of Allah
The All compassionate, the All-Merciful
12th Shawwal 1446 (11th April 2025)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 77
Before I broach on other topics from Sermon 176 I would like to quote an extract from the said Sermon, which I quoted earlier, as it is highly important:
“Beware! What had been ordained has occurred and that which had been destined has come into play. I am speaking to you with the promise and pleas of Allah.
Allah the Sublime has said:
Ayah 30 of Surah Fussilat: “Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is God,” and they remain on the right path, the angels descend upon them (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of a Garden which you have been promised!”
You have said, “Our Lord is Allah”. Then keep steadfast to His Book, to the way of His command and to the virtuous course of His worship. Thereafter do not go out of it, do not introduce innovations in it, or turn away from it because those who go away from this course shall be cut off from the mercy of Allah on the Day of Judgement.”
A man should control his tongue because the tongue is obstinate with its master. By Allah, I do not find that fear of Allah benefits a man unless he controls his tongue. Certainly the tongue of a believer is at the back of his heart while the heart of a hypocrite is at the back of his tongue. This is because when a believer intends to say anything, he thinks it over in his mind. If it is good he discloses it, but if it is bad he lets it remain concealed. While a hypocrite speaks whatever comes to his tongue, without knowing what is in his favor and what goes against him.
The Prophet of Allah – peace and blessing of Allah be upon him and his descendants – has said: “The belief of a person cannot be firm unless his heart is firm, and his heart cannot be firm unless his tongue is firm.” If one can meet Allah, the Sublime, with hands that are not smeared with the blood of Muslims and his tongue is safe from exposing them, he should do so.” To be continued
Second Sermon
Events during the Month of Shawwal (The Battle of Uhud)
Some important Islamic events occurred during the month of Shawwal and the first being the Battle of Uhud, which I will discuss today.
The Battle of ‘Uhud was an important battle in the annals of Islam. It started on the 7th or 15th of Shawwal, 3 Hijri and it was the second military encounter between the Meccans of Quraish and the Muslims, after the Battle of Badr when the large Meccan army who was defeated by a small Muslim army sustained heavy losses and deep humiliation. These Meccans therefore desired to avenge their losses at Badr and strike back at the Muslims and they marched from Mecca towards Medina for the said purpose.
The two armies fought on the slopes and plains of Mount Uhud located outside Medina. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Muslims gained early initiative and forced the Meccan to retreat. When the battle was close to a decisive Muslim victory, a grave blunder was made by 50 of the best archers of the Muslim army, which shifted the outcome of the battle. These men were ordered by the Holy Prophet (s.a.) to guard a nearby mount and to prevent the enemies from advancing and to remain in their positions at all costs, whether they were winning or losing. Despite these clear instructions, they left their assigned positions to collect the spoils of war from the Meccan camp which allowed the Meccan cavalry to seize the opportunity and attack the Muslims from the rear, bringing chaos to the Muslim ranks. Many Muslims were martyred and the Holy Prophet (s.a.) was also badly wounded, but Imam Ali (as) and Abu Daneh stayed with him and protected him. At that time, the Muslims heard the dreadful rumour that the Holy Prophet (s.a.) had been slain and they were struck with terror and started retreating. Although the Holy Prophet (s.a.) tried to quash this rumour, but the troops continued in their retreat as they were thoroughly demoralised and practically lost the will to fight. It was at this stage that Ali (a.s.) with unprecedented fury took command and prevented the Quraish from taking advantage of their fleeting victory. He received more than sixty wounds and yet he launched a counter attack against them. He rallied the Muslims, exhorted them to fight for the glory of Islam and fell upon the enemy with the ferocity of a lion and caused great havoc in their ranks. So great was the slaughter caused by him that his sword broke and thereupon the Holy Prophet (s.a.) sent him a special sword ‘Zulfiqar’ which was sent down by Allah (s.w.t) through Gabriel, and with this sword he caused further mayhem. The battle that would have otherwise ended in the annihilation of the Muslims concluded as a drawn battle. The Quraish could gain no booty nor could they hold any Muslim as captive. True, many Muslims died as martyrs, including Hamza, the Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s uncle, but the casualties in the ranks of the Quraish were far larger. In this context, Ayah 152 of Surah Alae Imran provides: “Indeed God fulfilled His promise to you when you routed them by His permission, until you flinched and disputed the (Prophet’s) command, and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you covet. Among you are some who hanker after this world and some desire the Hereafter. Then He made you turn away from them, so that He may test you. But He has forgiven you, for God is the Lord of Grace for the believers.”
It can be seen that Ali (a.s.) succeeded in averting a crisis which was fraught with great danger for the Muslims. His services were highly appreciated by the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and his companions. Gabriel descended at that time and announced that there was no sword better than the sword of Ali (a.s.) and there was no soldier superior to him in valour. The Battle of Uhud was a significant lesson for the Muslims. In fact, there are lessons for us all to learn from, that is, to unquestionably obey the Holy Prophet (s.a.) as can be noted that a breach of the Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s order in favour of collecting the spoils of the battle reaped severe consequences. One should also never overrate one’s abilities; having won the Battle of Badr the Muslims had become too confident and arrogant. It is highly imperative not to underestimate the power of one’s enemy and to persevere in one’s faith and to learn to deal with adversity.
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