We present a series of interesting infographics that shed comparative light on the numbers of combatants who fought in the early, decisive battles in Islamic history. Looking at the key battles that shaped early Islamic politics, geography and history, clear trends are noticeable and they stand in harmony with the promises of divine assistance Allah (swt) speaks about in the Qur’an for those who are firm in Imaan, tawakkul and adherence to his deen.
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
قَالَ الَذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلاقُوا اللَّهِ كَم مِّن فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإذْنِ اللَّهِ واللَّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ
“…But the believers replied: “How oft, by Allah’s Will, hath a small force vanquished a bigger one? And Allah is with those who are patient.” ” [Al-Baqarah: 249]
This also highlights that it is not the perceived material strength that determines if Muslims are able to overcome their enemies and obstacles; rather, it is the strength of the above-mentioned elements combined with preparation of the material means.
Allah (swt) also says:
الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَقَالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
“Those unto whom men said: Lo! the people have gathered against you, therefore fear them. (The threat of danger) but increased the faith of them and they cried: Allah is sufficient for us! Most Excellent is He in Whom we trust!” [Al Imran: 173]
We hope these graphics are of benefit and offer an interesting and telling comparsion, insha Allah.
References:
The source material for numbers includes a combination of the following works:
- Tarikh Al Tabari by Imam Al Tabari
- History of Islam by Professor Masudul Hasan
- Dawlatul Islamiyyah by Sheikh Taqiuddin Nabhani
- History of Islam by Sheikh Akbar Najeebabadi
