Useless Wars

Starting today, we present you a 7-part program on the occasion of the Unity Week. This series dwells upon some of the important events of early years of Islam. The first part is titled, "Useless Wars".

The man was looking angrily at the people who were sitting together and conversing warmly. Seeing this scene annoyed him very much. The sound of their laughter would further exasperate him, as he recalled not long before, this very group of people were engaged in bloody feuds. He told himself, "Is it true that in a short period all those hostilities and enmities have turned into peace and friendship? If they pursue this new religion under the leadership of Mohammad, Judaism will be totally jeopardized. What has Mohammad done that the deep-rooted wars of Ows and Khazraj tribes have turned into reconciliation and fraternity?" The man was suffering from an intensive fear and resentment as Islam was spreading quickly in Medina.

Sha'as ibn Qays, an old Jewish man who was very harsh in adversary and hatred against Islam, was overwhelmed in his spiteful thoughts. He knew that if Muslims were united there would be no room for Jews in Medina. A scheme crossed his mind. He passed through the lanes of Medina and went to a Jewish youth and told him, "Infiltrate the gathering of Muslims and remind them of the past feuds and differences; the bloody events of Bo'aath and severe wars between Ows and Khazraj so that they confront each other once again."

Bo'aath was the name of a place where the last skirmishes of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance had occurred between Ows and Khazraj tribes and Ows had become victorious. It was a tough war which continued for several months.

The Jewish youth revived the wars between Ows and Khazraj and recited the poems that had been composed by two sides in those days. These provocative remarks were effective to the extent that some members of the two tribes threatened one another and one of them said, "If you wish we can fight again."

The two groups were angry. They decided to fight and set out for Harra for military encounter.

Ayah 100 of surah Al-e Imran reads, "O you who have faith, if you obey a part of those who were given the Book, they will turn you back, after your faith, into faithless ones."

The Prophet was informed of the event. Accompanied with a group of Muhajirin, he rushed towards the two tribes of Ows and Khazraj and told them, "O group of Muslims, be heedful of God. Have you recalled the period of ignorance while I am among you?"

Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) reminded them of the divine guidance, their delivery from unfaith and building mercy and reconciliation among them via Islam. Muslims understood that they had been deceived by devilish temptations and trapped in the enemy's plot. Thus, they wept. The group changed their mind by the words of the Prophet, put their arms aside and hugged each other while weeping intensively. Thus, they returned to Medina with the Prophet as they had realized that it was the enemy's conspiracy.

Ayah 103 of surah Al-e Imran reads, "Hold fast to God's cord all of you together and do not be divided. And remember God's blessing upon you when you were enemies. Then He brought your hearts together, so you became brothers with His blessing. And you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, whereat he saved you from it. Thus does God clarify His signs for you so that you may be guided."

Prophet Mohammad (SAWA) said, "Reformation among people is better than one year of prayer and fasting."   

RM/MG