(121–122) “And when you set out from your family to assign the believers their positions for battle. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
These verses were revealed concerning the Battle of Uhud, whose account is well known in works of prophetic biography and history. Perhaps the wisdom behind mentioning it here, with the Battle of Badr interwoven into its account, is that Allah Most High had promised the believers that if they were patient and feared Him, He would grant them victory and repel their enemies’ schemes. This was a general rule and a true promise that would never fail whenever its condition was fulfilled. He therefore presented an example of it in these two accounts: Allah granted the believers victory at Badr when they were patient and feared Him, while He allowed the enemy to gain the upper hand over them when some of them fell short in their fear of Allah.
Another wisdom in bringing the two accounts together is that Allah loves His servants, when something they dislike befalls them, to remember what they love. This lightens their affliction and leads them to thank Allah for His immense blessings. When those blessings are compared with the adversity they suffer—which is, in truth, good for them—the adversity appears slight and paltry beside what they love. Allah Most High alluded to this wisdom in His words: “What! When a calamity struck you, though you had already inflicted twice its like—”
In summary, the account of Uhud is as follows. When the routed remnants of the polytheists returned from Badr to Mecca—which occurred in 2 AH—they made every preparation within their power, amassing wealth, men, and equipment, until they were certain they could achieve their aim and appease their rage. They then marched from Mecca toward Medina with three thousand fighters and encamped near the city.
The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—and his Companions went out to meet them after views had been exchanged and consultation had taken place, until they ultimately decided to march out. He set forth with one thousand men. After they had travelled a short distance, the hypocrite Abdullāh ibn Ubayy turned back with a third of the army who followed his way. Two groups of believers—the Banū Salama and the Banū Hāritha—also considered turning back, but Allah made them steadfast.
Upon reaching Uhud, the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—deployed them in their positions, with their backs to Mount Uhud. He stationed fifty of his Companions in a gap in the mountain and commanded them to remain at their post and not leave it, so that no one could attack the Muslims from the rear.
When the Muslims and polytheists met in battle, the polytheists suffered an ignominious defeat and fled, leaving their camp behind them. The Muslims pursued them, killing and taking captives. When the archers whom the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—had stationed on the mountain saw this, some said to the others, “The spoils! The spoils! Why should we remain here when the polytheists have been defeated?” Their commander, Abdullāh ibn Jubayr, warned them against disobedience, but they paid no heed to him.
Once they had abandoned their post and only a few men remained there, including their commander Abdullāh ibn Jubayr, the polytheist cavalry came through that position, got behind the Muslims, and attacked their rear guard. The Muslims then recoiled before rallying—a reverse through which Allah tested them, expiated their sins, and made them taste the punishment for disobedience. Thus all that followed took place, and some of them were slain. They then withdrew to the top of Mount Uhud. Allah restrained the polytheists’ hands from them, and the polytheists turned back toward their homeland. The Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—and his Companions returned to Medina.
Allah Most High says, “And when you set out from your family.” The word ghudūw here denotes setting out in general; it does not mean departing at the beginning of the day, for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—and his Companions did not leave until after performing the Friday prayer.
“To assign the believers their positions for battle” means that you stationed and arranged them, each in the position suited to him. This contains the highest praise for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—since he personally directed their affairs and stationed them in their battle positions. This was only because of his perfect knowledge and judgment, sound foresight, lofty resolve—which led him to undertake these matters himself—and consummate courage. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.
“Allah is All-Hearing” of every sound. This includes His hearing what the believers and hypocrites say, each speaking in accordance with what lies within his heart. He is “All-Knowing” of His servants’ intentions and will recompense them for those intentions in the fullest measure.
Furthermore, Allah hears you and knows all about you. He watches over you, directs your affairs, and supports you with His victory, just as He Most High said to Moses and Aaron: “Indeed, I am with you both, hearing and seeing.”