The Battle of Mu'tah
During the seventh year after Hijrah, Rasulu Allah (saws) sent many messengers to invite the kings of the neighboring kingdoms and the neighboring Arab tribes. Most of the kings and tribes replied with respect.
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Ghassan was an Arab tribe which lived in the southern region of Bilad Assham. It was a sub-kingdom of the Roman Empire. Rasulu Allah (saws) sent a messenger to the king of Ghassan. But the king of Ghassan killed the messenger. This was considered an act of aggression. Messengers were usually treated with respect even if they were carrying a message from an enemy. |
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The act of the king of Ghassan was a sign of disrespect of Islam. It also was a threat to Muslims who used to travel to Bilad Al Sham for trade, if it was left without proper reaction on the part of the Muslims. Hence, Rasulu Allah (saws) decided to respond with a strong message. He prepared an army consisting of three thousand men. Rasulu Allah (saws) chose Zaid bin Harithah (ra) to lead the army. In case Zaid were killed, Ja'far bin Abi Talib should replace him and if Ja'far were killed then Abduallah bin Rawahah should replace him. But if Abdullah were killed then the Muslims should choose their own leader. On the other side, the Romans prepared an army of ten thousand and camped in Mu'tah.
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