Permission to Fight
The Muslims gradually amassed power and became strong enough to fight against their
enemies. They were first told to resist aggression and then later on permitted to fight
against the mischievous ones. But it was only a permission rather than an obligation to take-
up arms against the enemies.
“Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged; and Allah is
indeed able to give them victory.” [Qur'an 22:39]EXPEDITION OF ABWA AND ‘ABDULLAH B. JAHSH
In pursuance of the command given by Allah, the Prophet (r) started sending out small
expeditions to discourage hostile tribes. These expeditions were not meant to launch out
any attack against the enemy but simply to frighten people hostile to Islam by way of a show
of force.
We shall mention here one of the earliest expeditions, led by ‘Abdullah b. Jahsh, for it em-
bodied a revelation sent down by Allah which shows that Islam does not countenance the
least excesses or highhandedness even from its own followers. Islam is always fair and
impartial, without any regard to persons or parties, in bringing up its verdict on every affair.
The Prophet (r) sent ‘Abdullah b. Jahsh on an expedition with eight emigrants during the
month of Rajab 2 A.H. He gave him a letter with the instruction that he was not to read it
until he had journeyed for two days, and then act according to the directions contained
therein by leaving his companions the decision to remain with him or turn back of their own
choice.
So, Abdullah b. Jahsh read the letter after having traveled for two days. The instruction
contained in it was, “When you have read this letter, proceed to the oasis of Nakhlah be-
tween Makkah and Ta’if. Install your tents there to find out the movements of the Quraysh
and send the information to us.”
Having gone through the letter ‘Abdullah b. Jahsh said. “We hear, and we obey;” and then
he said to his ompanions. “The Prophet (r) of Allah has ordered me to lie in waiting at the
oasis on the road between Makkah and Ta’if and watch the movements of the Quraysh so as
to deliver news for him, but he has also asked me not to compel anyone of you to follow
me. If anyone wishes martyrdom, he may come with me, and whoever wishes against it may
go back, for I have abide by the instructions of the Prophet (r).” Then he went ahead, and
so did all of his comrades, with none of them falling out.
The party moved on to the particular oasis where they camped. In a short while, a caravan
of the Quraysh that included Amir B. Al-Hadrami passed by them. When the Qurayshites
saw the party encamped near them they got frightened but after seeing ‘Ukkasha whose
head was shaved, their suspicions vanished for they regarded the party as pilgrims. They