Read below for a quick factsheet about the Battle of Uhud and the lessons we can learn from it:

• The Battle of Uhud occurred on the 15th Shawwal in the year 3 A.H.
• The disbelievers sought to fight the Muslims as revenge for their humiliating defeat in the Battle of Badr.
• 700 Muslims gathered at Uhud to defend the religion of Islam, among them being the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Imam Ali, companions and women.
• The Prophet (pbuh) had a delicate and strategic plan which would allow them to achieve victory if followed correctly.
• As part of this plan, he instructed the spear-throwers to be stationed on top of a mountain next to the mountain of Uhud, and strictly told them not to move from their spots no matter what happens.
• The Muslims at the bottom of the mountain fought with great valour and bravery, despite their relatively small numbers, and this led the disbelievers to fearfully flee, leaving their weapons and other valuable goods behind.
• One of the spear-throwers was allured by these goods and called out: “The loot, the loot! Let not anyone beat us in getting to it!”
• So many of the shooters descended from the mountain, defying the order of the Prophet (pbuh).
• Khalid ibn Al-Walid, who was from the disbelieving army, noticed that the Muslims were now weak and, along with his army, he attacked the Muslims, killing at least 70 of the companions, and injuring the Prophet.
• The battle was considered a victory for the disbelievers.

• The question remains: what led to the defeat of the Muslims when they were so close to victory?

1. 1. They disobeyed the orders of a wise leader and relied on personal, spontaneous decisions.
   2. The love of the dunya (worldly life) and being engrossed in selfish gains and desires.
   3. Being satisfied with themselves and an elevated ego after the glorious victory in Badr.
   4. Hastening to reach conclusions without being sure that the task has been entirely fulfilled.
   5. Although the battle of Uhud was a loss for the Muslims, no doubt there are many lessons which we can all learn from. We all make mistakes, that is normal. The important thing is that we learn from them so that we don’t repeat them in the future.