Varied theories are being expressed lately that logically explain how the Nagpur Violence seems to be a preplanned incident. Here’s another explanation as to why in the holy month of Ramadan such havoc might have been planned in the city of Nagpur, that too particularly on the occasion of ‘Shiv Jayanti’ (the day Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born) as per the Hindu calendar. Looking back at the history of violence that was initiated, during the ‘holy’ month of Ramadan, even earlier against ‘Kafirs’.

 

 

 

 

As per the command from the Quran mentioned above, waging war even during the holy month has been justified. History bears witness to numerous instances where Muslims have engaged in battles against Kafirs during the 'auspicious' occasion of Ramadan, following this very doctrine. This article delves into these historical conflicts, shedding light on how Ramadan has often been a time of war rather than peace in the course of Islamic conquests. Here are a few battles fought by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

 

 

 

The Battle of Badr was fought on the 17th day of Ramadan.

 

The significance of the 17th fast of Ramadan is unparalleled, as it marks the first bloody battle in Islam's history, fought in defense of the faith.

 

Prophet Muhammad’s expedition led to the historic battle at Badr in 624 CE, a conflict with far-reaching consequences, making it one of the most renowned events in Islamic history. Historian Ibn Ishaq (d. 768 CE) records that when the Prophet learned that Abu Sufyan was returning from Syria with a heavily laden caravan, he summoned his followers and said, “The Quraysh caravan is bringing a great wealth of goods. Attack it, and perhaps Allah will make you prosperous.”

  

According to Urwah, one of the participants, “The Prophet told us that the caravan had very few men... We (313 of us) were only expecting to attack Abu Sufyan and his associates for spoils of war. We never anticipated a serious battle.” The caravan consisted of 70 merchants, guarded by 30-40 men. Under the Prophet’s direct command, 313 men set out on the expedition, bringing only 2 horses and 70 camels for the mission.

 

An example of how raids were conducted for loot and how the Prophet ensured only believers joined his campaigns can be seen in this incident. Battles were primarily fought against non-believers, so only the faithful were allowed to participate. During one such expedition, two non-Muslims joined the army. When the Prophet noticed them, he asked, "Who permitted you to come with us?" They replied, "We are your kin, and our city has granted you protection. We came hoping for loot." The Prophet refused, saying, "No one can join us unless they embrace Islam." They insisted they were brave warriors and sought only their share of the spoils, but the Prophet made it clear: "You cannot fight unless you accept Islam first." Eventually, they converted and were allowed to join the battle.

 

Their target was Badr, a strategic location 120 km from Medina and 300 km from Mecca. However, Abu Sufyan learned of the attack in advance and sent a message to Mecca requesting reinforcements. In response, a 950-strong army with 700 camels and 100 horses set out from Mecca to protect the caravan. Before the reinforcements arrived, Abu Sufyan successfully diverted the merchant caravan away from the battlefield. While the caravan safely reached Mecca, the Meccan army, led by Abu Jahl, decided to confront the Prophet’s forces. The Muslim army had initially set out to raid an unarmed trading caravan but now found itself facing an enemy force three times its size—an unexpected and sudden challenge.

 

 

 

 

The Prophet resolved to face the challenge but faced a dilemma—Medinan Muslims had pledged allegiance for defense, not external battles. He clarified that Allah had given them two choices: attack the merchant caravan or confront the Meccan army. They chose battle. The Prophet prayed, “O Allah, do not let Abu Jahl escape.” Despite being outnumbered, the Muslim army was disciplined, whereas the Quraysh lacked unity. Individual duels began, favoring the Muslims. Rain hardened the ground, aiding their swift movements. The full battle began the next day, with the Quraysh struggling to maneuver their camels and horses effectively under the morning sun.

 

The Prophet stayed in the tent, giving precise orders and motivating the army. He prayed fervently, calling upon Allah for victory against the Quraysh. As a storm arose, he declared that Angel Jibreel had arrived with a thousand angels. The battle intensified, and the Prophet threw sand towards the enemy, causing chaos. The Quraysh army, initially confident, began retreating in fear. Inspired, the Muslim forces fought fiercely, leading to a decisive victory. Seventy enemy soldiers were killed, including Abu Jahl, the "Father of Ignorance," whose head was severed and presented to the Prophet. The Muslims lost fourteen men in the triumph.

 

 

 

 

During Ramadan, Muslims began preparing for the battle. The Quraysh realized the Prophet was securing victories near Mecca. Various hostile Arab tribes, including exiled Jewish clans from Medina, united under Abu Sufyan to attack Medina in February 627. Their combined army reached 10,000 soldiers. The Prophet, aware of the threat, chose a defensive strategy, staying within Medina. Inspired by Persian tactics, Salman suggested digging a protective trench. In three weeks, Medina’s citizens completed a 5.5 km long, 30-foot-wide, and 15-foot-deep trench. The Prophet actively participated, breaking a massive rock in three strikes.

 

During the Battle of the Trench, the Prophet struck a rock thrice, predicting victories over Yemen, Syria, and Persia. The trench, measuring 5.5 km long, 30 feet wide, and 15 feet deep, was a massive defensive effort, aided by the Banu Qurayza Jews. Medina’s 3,000-strong army stood between the city and the trench, while civilians were moved inside. The Quraysh-led 10,000-strong enemy force, including Jewish tribes from Khyber, was unable to breach the trench despite multiple attempts.

 

For 21 days, they faced relentless cold, rain, and storms, which devastated their camp. The Prophet’s psychological tactics also caused divisions among the enemy, leading Abu Sufyan to retreat. The Muslim victory, achieved with minimal casualties, proved their growing strength in Arabia. The Prophet credited Allah for sending storms and unseen forces to aid them, as mentioned in the Quran. This battle solidified the Muslim state’s dominance in Arabia.

 

 

 

 

The Battle of Hunayn took place in 630 CE in a valley between Mecca and Ta’if. Despite Mecca's acceptance of Islam, many Arabian tribes remained polytheistic and viewed the Muslim victory in Mecca as a threat. Khalid ibn al-Walid’s past actions had further alarmed them. Sayyed Hussein noted that Khalid’s brutality against the Banu Jadhimah tribe caused the Banu Hawazin and others to unite against Islam.

 

These tribes, renowned archers, feared an imminent Muslim attack and gathered 4,000 warriors under Malik’s leadership in Hunayn valley. Upon hearing this, the Prophet swiftly left Mecca after appointing 20-year-old Attab as governor. Remarkably, the city's administration was entrusted to its newly converted residents without military oversight. This reflected the Prophet’s deep trust that Meccans would remain loyal to Islam. Indeed, none abandoned their faith, showcasing their commitment and the strong influence Islam had established within a short span.

 

The Prophet left no officials in Mecca, instead taking 2,000 newly converted Muslims as reinforcements. With 12,000 soldiers, they marched towards Hunayn. On January 28, 630, they entered a narrow pass, unaware that the enemy had set an ambush. As the attack began, Muslim forces panicked and retreated. The Prophet called out, urging them to return, but only five remained by his side.

 

Seeing this, some Meccan leaders mocked Islam’s fate. Yet, the Prophet remained steadfast, believing in Allah’s support. Gradually, soldiers regrouped and fought back. The Prophet threw a handful of sand towards the enemy, declaring their defeat. Muslims gained victory, capturing 6,000 people and seizing vast spoils. Despite orders to spare women and children, Khalid violated them, drawing the Prophet’s disapproval. The Quran later acknowledged this battle, stating that Allah’s unseen forces turned the tide, ensuring triumph for the faithful. (9:25-26).

 

 

 

 

Although referred to as a battle, the campaign to Tabuk was a military expedition led by Prophet Muhammad during the holy month of Ramadan. With 30,000 soldiers—the largest Muslim force assembled at the time—the Prophet marched towards Tabuk in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula.

 

In October 630, reports reached the Prophet that the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius was mobilizing forces to attack Medina. Several Arab tribes under Byzantine rule, including the Ghassanids, Lakhmids, and Juzam, were rumored to be preparing for an assault. To preemptively engage the enemy and shift the battlefield into enemy territory, the Prophet ordered preparations for the campaign.

 

However, many were reluctant to join due to the long 700 km journey, fear of the powerful Byzantine forces, disappointment over minimal loot in previous battles, the peak harvest season, and the extreme summer heat. While some Medinans were excused, Meccans and other tribes were not granted exemptions.

 

Some individuals gave various reasons to avoid joining the campaign. One follower said, "O Messenger of Allah! Grant me permission to stay back. By Allah, everyone knows that I have a strong attraction toward women. It is my weakness. If I see the young women of Banu Asfar (a Byzantine tribe), I fear I will not be able to control myself." The Prophet granted him permission.

 

Some followers mocked the idea of waging war against the Romans. One said, "Do you think fighting the Romans is like fighting among Arab tribes? I am sure that as soon as the battle begins, these Muslim warriors will be captured and tied up!" Another sarcastically remarked, "Look at this man! He is marching to conquer Roman and Syrian fortresses!"

 

During the journey, the Prophet’s camel wandered off, prompting some to mock him, saying, "He speaks of divine revelations but cannot even locate his own camel!"

 

 

 

 

Despite skepticism, a force of 30,000 soldiers, including 10,000 cavalry, assembled. Compared to the 3,000 troops in the previous year's Battle of Mu'tah, this was a tenfold increase, showcasing the Prophet’s growing strength after the conquest of Mecca. Unlike previous surprise attacks, this campaign was openly declared.

 

Abdullah ibn Ubayy, the leader of Medina’s dissenters, initially joined the expedition but soon withdrew. The Prophet reportedly sent him back, similar to the events of the Battle of Uhud.

 

The people of Medina generously contributed to the campaign, and the army eventually reached Tabuk, near the Syrian border, expecting enemy tribes. However, it was soon discovered that the rumors of an imminent attack were false—there was no enemy to fight. This expedition became known as the "Battle That Never Happened."

 

 

 

 

In 653 AD, under the command of Muslim General Muawiya I, the Arab forces captured Rhodes. According to The Chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, the city was completely devastated. At that time, Rhodes, one of the islands in present-day Greece, was considered the gateway to the Roman Empire. Thus, with a brutal bloodbath during the holy month of Ramadan, Islam made its first entry into Europe.

 

 

 

 

The 19th Day of Ramadan! Imam Ali, one of Islam’s greatest philosophers, the cousin, and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, was assassinated during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

In the 40th year of the Hijri calendar (661 AD), on the 19th day of Ramadan, Imam Ali was fatally attacked while performing the Fajr (dawn) prayer at the mosque in Kufa, Iraq. His assassin, Abdul-Rahman Ibn Muljam, was a member of the Kharijites and struck him on the head with a poisoned sword. The killer had positioned himself behind Imam Ali, pretending to join the prayer, but his true intention was assassination.

 

Three days after the attack, due to severe head injuries, Imam Ali passed away on the 21st day of Ramadan.

 

 

 

 

The Hijri year 92 marked a turning point in Islamic history, as the focus shifted towards Western Europe. Under the leadership of Tariq bin Ziyad, the Muslims launched an invasion of Spain. For the first time, Muslim ships anchored on the shores of Andalusia. Tariq bin Ziyad led this battle with his 12,000 soldiers, confronting and defeating King Roderic’s army of 40,000. Most of Tariq bin Ziyad’s forces were local Berber inhabitants, who decisively overpowered the Gothic army. This battle was also fought during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

 

 

 

The Battle of Ascalon was fought on the 22nd of Ramadan (August 12) in the year 582 Hijri. During this month, Salahuddin al-Ayyubi defeated the Christians and restored Muslim control over Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem.

 

Nearly 88 years earlier, in 492 Hijri, the Christians had seized Jerusalem, massacring over 70,000 Muslims. At that time, there was no response from the Caliph in Baghdad. The Christians were able to achieve this because internal conflicts and divisions had weakened the Muslims.

 

During that period, Egypt was ruled by the Shia Fatimid Caliphate. At times, this empire even collaborated with the Christians to the detriment of other Muslims. However, the Fatimid Caliphate itself had weakened significantly, leading the Christians to attempt an invasion of Egypt.

 

The Emir of Aleppo and Mosul, Nur ad-Din Zengi, who was actively resisting Christian expansion by reclaiming lost cities, decided to send his army to support the Muslims in Egypt. He dispatched his general, Shirkuh, along with his nephew, Salahuddin. The Muslim forces defeated the Christians in Egypt, after which Shirkuh passed away due to an illness, and Salahuddin became the commander of the Egyptian forces.

 

Salahuddin then worked to unite the Muslim factions in preparation for an offensive against the Christians. It took several years, but eventually, he assembled a formidable army dedicated to liberating the Holy Land. After 88 years, in the year 582 Hijri, during Ramadan, Jerusalem was freed from Christian control, ending a long period of bloodshed.

 

 

 

 

The Battle of Hattin was fought during the holy month of Ramadan, shortly after Laylat al-Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr), the Night of Decree, which falls on the 27th night of Ramadan. The battle took place at dawn, where Sultan Salahuddin decisively crushed the Frankish army and reclaimed Jerusalem for Islam. This historic battle occurred on July 4 during the sacred month of Ramadan.

 

 

 

 

On September 3, 1260, during the month of Ramadan, a fierce and bloody battle took place. Notably, Muslims from different sects fought on both sides.

 

 

 

 

 

After Genghis Khan’s reign, the Mongols were among the most feared and powerful forces in the world, known for their cavalry, archery, and swift raids. Genghis Khan’s dream was world conquest, a vision shared by Alexander the Great. His grandson, Möngke Khan, became the Great Khan in 1251 and planned to follow in his footsteps.

 

In 1260, Möngke’s brother, Hulagu Khan, led Mongol forces westward, destroying the 500-year-old Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. His next target was the Mamluk Sultanate in Cairo. However, Möngke’s death forced Hulagu to return home, leaving behind a small army. Seizing the opportunity, Mamluk Sultan Qutuz, alongside his commander Baybars, launched an attack to reclaim Palestine.

 

On September 3, 1260, both armies, each with 20,000 soldiers, clashed at Ain Jalut. The Mamluks had the advantage of terrain knowledge. Baybars feigned retreat, luring the Mongols into a trap. As the Mongols advanced, hidden Mamluk forces ambushed them, surrounding and defeating the invaders. This was the first time the Mongols had been decisively beaten in open battle.

 

Despite the victory, Qutuz was later assassinated by Baybars, who became the sole ruler. Baybars continued fighting the Mongols and Crusaders, consolidating a powerful Mamluk Empire. Meanwhile, Mongol infighting weakened their strength, preventing revenge against the Mamluks.

 

Ain Jalut remains a crucial battle in history, marking the decline of Mongol dominance and restoring stability to the region.

 

 

 

 

Last but not the least, the Keshavdev Rai Temple in Mathura was one of the grandest temples in India, renowned for its architectural brilliance. Built at the birthplace of Bhagwan Krishna, it attracted devotees from across the world. Shah Jahan’s son, Dara Shikoh, had installed an intricately carved stone railing in front of the temple, which Aurangzeb later removed in October 1666.

 

 

 

 

After executing Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb ordered the complete destruction of the Keshavdev Rai Temple. On February 11, 1670, during the month of Ramadan, the temple was demolished. Such was its grandeur that it took three days to completely bring it down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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