Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
5. Lessons of the Prophet’s Life
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Although most of the leading companions, as well
as ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy, were in favour of meeting
the attack from within the city, the Prophet decided
to accede to the wishes of the younger Muslims:
along with an army of one thousand, he left the city
and set off for Uhud. ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy was
deeply offended to find that his obviously wise and
proper advice, had been over-ruled. With a heavy
heart, he went along with the army, but before the
Muslims reached Uhud, he, along with 300
followers, turned back. “He agreed with them and
not with me.” ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy lamented, “so I
fail to see why we should destroy ourselves on this
field of battle.”
8
The Muslims’ defeat at Uhud vindicated the
opinion of those who had been in favour of meeting
the attack from within the city. Accordingly, this
strategy was duly adopted at the Battle of the
Trench (A.H. 5). All the leading companions of the
Prophet, however, forgot their disagreement and
remained in the Muslim army. Despite incurring
heavy losses from having to bear the brunt of the
battle, they fought valiantly alongside the Prophet.
Only ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy separated himself from
