1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,469 In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. 2 00:00:05,469 --> 00:00:07,469 Summary of the Book: 3 00:00:07,469 --> 00:00:11,470 *Ramadan: Events and Lessons* 4 00:00:11,470 --> 00:00:18,350 The Battle of the Court of Martyrs (Balat al-Shuhada') 5 00:00:18,350 --> 00:00:21,350 Time: In the month of Ramadan, 6 00:00:21,350 --> 00:00:24,350 In the year 114 AH. 7 00:00:24,350 --> 00:00:31,710 Indeed, the battle between truth and falsehood is fierce; 8 00:00:31,710 --> 00:00:34,710 No sooner does it subside than it flares up again, 9 00:00:34,710 --> 00:00:38,710 And no sooner does it cease than it resumes anew, 10 00:00:38,710 --> 00:00:41,710 Even if the intervals between clashes are prolonged 11 00:00:41,710 --> 00:00:44,710 And the distances between confrontations are vast. 12 00:00:44,710 --> 00:00:47,869 It is the established Sunnah of Allah Almighty 13 00:00:47,869 --> 00:00:52,869 That victory is never permanently allied with one side over another. 14 00:00:52,869 --> 00:00:54,869 Rather, our All-Wise Lord has decreed 15 00:00:54,869 --> 00:00:58,869 That dominance alternates between the two parties 16 00:00:58,869 --> 00:01:01,869 And contest remains reciprocal between the two forces, 17 00:01:01,869 --> 00:01:04,870 For many wise purposes and profound lessons: 18 00:01:04,870 --> 00:01:07,870 Among them is the purification of the Muslim ranks 19 00:01:07,870 --> 00:01:11,870 And the purging of corrupt intentions from the souls of its people, 20 00:01:11,870 --> 00:01:15,870 As well as motives that deviate from the path of sincerity. 21 00:01:15,870 --> 00:01:19,870 Among them also is cleansing the community of faith from infiltrators— 22 00:01:19,870 --> 00:01:22,870 From the hypocrites and followers of base desires, 23 00:01:22,870 --> 00:01:25,870 And the slaves of passions and self-interest. 24 00:01:25,870 --> 00:01:28,900 Through this purification and refinement, 25 00:01:28,900 --> 00:01:32,939 The mirror of faith is polished and its strength is fortified. 26 00:01:32,939 --> 00:01:35,939 Among them is examining the causes of defeat 27 00:01:35,939 --> 00:01:38,939 So that its path is not traversed again, 28 00:01:38,939 --> 00:01:42,939 For the Muslim ranks might otherwise be compromised by it. 29 00:01:42,939 --> 00:01:45,939 Among them is cultivating patience during calamities, 30 00:01:45,939 --> 00:01:49,939 And enduring hardships and wounds for the sake of Allah. 31 00:01:49,939 --> 00:01:54,939 Among them is the selection of martyrs to attain the greatest reward. 32 00:01:54,939 --> 00:01:57,260 In the Battle of Uhud, 33 00:01:57,260 --> 00:02:00,260 When the Muslims suffered what befell them, 34 00:02:00,260 --> 00:02:04,260 Allah Almighty revealed verses of the Noble Qur'an 35 00:02:04,260 --> 00:02:06,260 To console the believers, 36 00:02:06,260 --> 00:02:09,259 Mention some of the causes of what transpired, 37 00:02:09,259 --> 00:02:14,259 And clarify some of the wisdoms and lessons behind that immense tragedy. 38 00:02:14,259 --> 00:02:16,259 Allah Almighty said: 39 00:02:16,259 --> 00:02:22,259 "And do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior 40 00:02:22,259 --> 00:02:28,379 If you are [true] believers." 41 00:02:28,379 --> 00:02:36,509 “If ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.” (3:140) 42 00:02:36,509 --> 00:02:41,509 “If ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.” (3:140) 43 00:02:41,509 --> 00:02:45,509 “If ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.” (3:140) 44 00:02:45,509 --> 00:02:50,509 "And that He may take to Himself from among you martyrs— 45 00:02:50,509 --> 00:02:55,509 And Allah does not like the wrongdoers—" 46 00:02:55,509 --> 00:02:59,539 “And that Allah may prove those who believe, and may blight the disbelievers.” (3:141) 47 00:02:59,539 --> 00:03:03,669 "And that He may destroy the disbelievers." 48 00:03:03,669 --> 00:03:08,669 "Or do you think that you will enter Paradise 49 00:03:08,669 --> 00:03:14,669 While Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause 50 00:03:14,669 --> 00:03:17,669 And made evident those who are steadfast?" 51 00:03:17,669 --> 00:03:22,020 An Overview of the Situation in al-Andalus 52 00:03:22,020 --> 00:03:25,020 Before the Battle of the Court of Martyrs: 53 00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:30,620 Following the tremendous conquests achieved by the two distinguished commanders, 54 00:03:30,620 --> 00:03:33,620 Musa ibn Nusayr and Tariq ibn Ziyad, 55 00:03:33,620 --> 00:03:38,620 May Allah Almighty have mercy upon them, in Iberian al-Andalus, 56 00:03:38,620 --> 00:03:41,620 Certain disruptions occurred, 57 00:03:41,620 --> 00:03:46,689 For al-Andalus was soon engulfed by internal strife 58 00:03:46,689 --> 00:03:50,689 And Christian resistance against Islamic rule. 59 00:03:50,689 --> 00:03:54,719 Thus, the Battle of Toulouse took place 60 00:03:54,719 --> 00:03:58,719 In the year 102 AH, corresponding to 61 00:03:58,719 --> 00:04:04,719 721 CE, between the Muslims and the Christians, 62 00:04:04,719 --> 00:04:07,719 In which the Muslims were not victorious, 63 00:04:07,719 --> 00:04:10,719 And their commander, al-Samh ibn Malik, was killed. 64 00:04:10,719 --> 00:04:13,719 They retreated to Septimania, 65 00:04:13,719 --> 00:04:15,719 And their affairs were thrown into turmoil, 66 00:04:15,719 --> 00:04:20,720 Until 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Abdullah al-Ghafiqi was appointed over them 67 00:04:20,720 --> 00:04:24,720 In the year 113 AH, corresponding to 68 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:30,720 731 CE, who restored order among them. 69 00:04:30,720 --> 00:04:36,720 'Abd al-Rahman sought to secure the northern Andalusian provinces 70 00:04:36,720 --> 00:04:40,720 And thwart the plots of Eudo, Duke of Aquitaine, 71 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:43,720 Aimed at destabilizing Muslim security in al-Andalus. 72 00:04:43,720 --> 00:04:49,720 Therefore, he entered Frankish territory in the year 114 AH, corresponding to 73 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:53,720 732 CE, 74 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:57,720 And took control of the city of Arles on the Rhône River, 75 00:04:57,720 --> 00:05:00,720 Then the Duchy of Aquitaine, 76 00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:02,720 Then Bordeaux, 77 00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:05,720 Then Lyon and Besançon, 78 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:07,720 Reaching as far as Sens, 79 00:05:07,720 --> 00:05:10,720 Near the French capital, Paris. 80 00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:13,720 He then marched westward to the banks of the Loire 81 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:16,720 In order to complete the conquest of this region 82 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:19,720 Before heading toward Paris. 83 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:23,139 The Name and Date of the Battle: 84 00:05:23,139 --> 00:05:26,420 Among Muslims, this battle is called 85 00:05:26,420 --> 00:05:29,420 The Battle of the Court of Martyrs (Balat al-Shuhada'), 86 00:05:29,420 --> 00:05:33,420 Due to the vast number of Muslim fighters slain therein. 87 00:05:33,420 --> 00:05:35,420 Among Europeans, 88 00:05:35,420 --> 00:05:38,420 It is known as the Battle of Tours-Poitiers, 89 00:05:38,420 --> 00:05:41,420 In reference to the location where it took place. 90 00:05:41,420 --> 00:05:44,420 This major battle occurred 91 00:05:44,420 --> 00:05:47,420 About 20 kilometers north of Poitiers, 92 00:05:47,420 --> 00:05:50,420 On the road to Tours, 93 00:05:50,420 --> 00:05:53,420 South of the course of the Loire River, 94 00:05:53,420 --> 00:05:56,420 At a site near an ancient Roman road 95 00:05:56,420 --> 00:05:59,420 Connecting Châtellerault 96 00:05:59,420 --> 00:06:02,420 And Poitiers, which was known as *al-Balat* (the paved way/palace), 97 00:06:02,420 --> 00:06:05,420 Perhaps near a place called today Moussais-la-Bataille. 98 00:06:05,420 --> 00:06:08,420 The battle took place in the month of Ramadan, 99 00:06:08,420 --> 00:06:11,519 In the year 114 AH, 100 00:06:11,519 --> 00:06:14,519 October 732 CE. 101 00:06:14,519 --> 00:06:17,519 The Two Commanders and the Size of Their Armies: 102 00:06:17,519 --> 00:06:20,519 The Muslim commander was 'Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi, 103 00:06:20,519 --> 00:06:24,060 Who was renowned for his piety, righteousness, 104 00:06:24,060 --> 00:06:27,060 Integrity, and strong faith. 105 00:06:27,060 --> 00:06:30,420 The Muslim commander was 'Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi, 106 00:06:30,420 --> 00:06:33,420 Who was renowned for his piety, righteousness, 107 00:06:33,420 --> 00:06:36,420 Integrity, and strong faith. 108 00:06:36,420 --> 00:06:39,449 He used to say: 109 00:06:39,449 --> 00:06:42,449 "Even if the heavens and the earth were closed up, 110 00:06:42,449 --> 00:06:45,449 Allah would make a way out for those who fear Him." 111 00:06:45,449 --> 00:06:48,509 He was among the greatest Muslim commanders 112 00:06:48,509 --> 00:06:51,509 In al-Andalus in terms of justice, righteousness, 113 00:06:51,509 --> 00:06:54,509 Capability, and competence. 114 00:06:54,509 --> 00:06:57,509 He spent nearly a year 115 00:06:57,509 --> 00:07:00,509 Organizing the affairs of the land 116 00:07:00,509 --> 00:07:03,509 For jihad against the Franks. 117 00:07:03,509 --> 00:07:06,509 He assembled a formidable army ranging 118 00:07:06,509 --> 00:07:09,509 Between 50,000 to 70,000 men 119 00:07:09,509 --> 00:07:12,579 At the highest estimate. 120 00:07:12,579 --> 00:07:15,579 As for the Christian army, it advanced 121 00:07:15,579 --> 00:07:18,579 From Paris under the command of Charles Martel, 122 00:07:18,579 --> 00:07:21,579 Who was known to the Arabs as Qarlah, 123 00:07:21,579 --> 00:07:24,579 Pronounced by them as Sharqarlah (Charles Martel). 124 00:07:24,579 --> 00:07:27,579 The word "Martel" is an epithet meaning "the Hammer"; 125 00:07:27,579 --> 00:07:30,579 The Pope in Italy bestowed it upon him 126 00:07:30,579 --> 00:07:33,579 Because he was ruthless toward his enemies, 127 00:07:33,579 --> 00:07:36,579 And he was among the most powerful rulers of France 128 00:07:36,579 --> 00:07:39,579 Of all time. 129 00:07:39,579 --> 00:07:42,579 Charles Martel arrived with four hundred thousand 130 00:07:42,579 --> 00:07:45,579 Christian combatants— 131 00:07:45,579 --> 00:07:48,930 That is, eight times the size of the Muslim army. 132 00:07:48,930 --> 00:07:52,379 The Route to the Battlefield: 133 00:07:52,379 --> 00:07:55,379 'Abd al-Rahman crossed the Pyrenees 134 00:07:55,379 --> 00:07:58,379 In early 114 AH 135 00:07:58,379 --> 00:08:01,379 With approximately 70,000 136 00:08:01,379 --> 00:08:04,379 Muslims, after concluding preparations 137 00:08:04,379 --> 00:08:07,379 For his campaign in Pamplona. 138 00:08:07,379 --> 00:08:10,379 'Abd al-Rahman conquered the city of Arles, 139 00:08:10,379 --> 00:08:13,379 Then Bordeaux, 140 00:08:13,379 --> 00:08:16,379 Where 'Abd al-Rahman scored a magnificent victory 141 00:08:16,379 --> 00:08:19,379 Over Duke Eudo. 142 00:08:19,379 --> 00:08:22,379 Eudo hurried to Charles Martel seeking his aid 143 00:08:22,379 --> 00:08:25,379 After al-Ghafiqi had swept through 144 00:08:25,379 --> 00:08:28,379 The entire southern half of France 145 00:08:28,379 --> 00:08:31,379 From west to east. 146 00:08:31,379 --> 00:08:34,379 Muslim armies arrived for the second time 147 00:08:34,379 --> 00:08:37,379 At the gates of Paris within seven years, 148 00:08:37,379 --> 00:08:40,379 Took Poitiers, 149 00:08:40,379 --> 00:08:43,409 And advanced toward the city of Tours. 150 00:08:43,409 --> 00:08:46,409 Charles Martel realized 151 00:08:46,409 --> 00:08:49,409 That the Frankish realm itself was in peril, 152 00:08:49,409 --> 00:08:52,409 So he decided to forge a temporary alliance 153 00:08:52,409 --> 00:08:55,409 With the Duke of Aquitaine 154 00:08:55,409 --> 00:08:58,539 To confront the shared Islamic danger. 155 00:08:58,539 --> 00:09:01,539 Some historians mention 156 00:09:01,539 --> 00:09:04,539 That after 'Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi had united 157 00:09:04,539 --> 00:09:07,539 The people and felt his forces were fully prepared, 158 00:09:07,539 --> 00:09:10,539 He took those troops 159 00:09:10,539 --> 00:09:13,539 And marched with them toward France 160 00:09:13,539 --> 00:09:16,539 To resume the conquests anew. 161 00:09:17,539 --> 00:09:20,539 He conquered the far west of France, 162 00:09:20,539 --> 00:09:23,539 Opening city after city: 163 00:09:23,539 --> 00:09:26,539 He conquered the city of Arles, 164 00:09:26,539 --> 00:09:29,539 Then the city of Bordeaux, 165 00:09:29,539 --> 00:09:32,539 Which is known by this name today, 166 00:09:32,539 --> 00:09:35,539 Then the city of Toulouse, 167 00:09:35,539 --> 00:09:38,539 Then the city of Tours, 168 00:09:38,539 --> 00:09:41,539 And then reached Poitiers, west of Paris, 169 00:09:41,539 --> 00:09:44,539 Which is about 100 kilometers away from it, 170 00:09:44,539 --> 00:09:47,539 And about 1,000 kilometers from Cordoba. 171 00:09:47,539 --> 00:09:50,539 He had penetrated very deeply 172 00:09:50,539 --> 00:09:53,539 Into French territory in a northwesterly direction. 173 00:09:53,539 --> 00:09:56,539 There, in the city of Poitiers, 174 00:09:56,539 --> 00:09:59,539 He encamped at an area called al-Balat; 175 00:09:59,539 --> 00:10:02,539 And *al-Balat* in the Andalusian dialect 176 00:10:02,539 --> 00:10:05,539 Signifies a palace, 177 00:10:05,539 --> 00:10:08,539 For in this area there stood an ancient, 178 00:10:08,539 --> 00:10:11,629 Abandoned palace. 179 00:10:12,629 --> 00:10:15,629 The campaign of 'Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi was 180 00:10:15,629 --> 00:10:18,629 The largest expedition ever to enter Frankish lands, 181 00:10:18,629 --> 00:10:21,629 Reaching up to 50,000 fighters— 182 00:10:21,629 --> 00:10:24,629 A strength the Muslims had never fielded there 183 00:10:24,629 --> 00:10:27,629 Prior to that time. 184 00:10:27,629 --> 00:10:30,700 Another historian remarked: 185 00:10:30,700 --> 00:10:33,700 'Abd al-Rahman continued 186 00:10:33,700 --> 00:10:36,700 His victorious march until he overlooked 187 00:10:36,700 --> 00:10:39,700 The Loire River with his army. 188 00:10:39,700 --> 00:10:42,700 Charles Martel met him 189 00:10:42,700 --> 00:10:45,700 With a massive army of Franks 190 00:10:45,700 --> 00:10:48,700 And half-naked mercenaries, 191 00:10:48,700 --> 00:10:51,700 Clad in wolf skins, 192 00:10:51,700 --> 00:10:54,759 With their matted hair flowing down 193 00:10:54,759 --> 00:10:57,759 Over their bare shoulders. 194 00:10:57,759 --> 00:11:00,759 Then the enemy surprised them— 195 00:11:00,759 --> 00:11:03,759 Without the Muslim advance guards detecting them 196 00:11:03,759 --> 00:11:06,759 Or accurately assessing their massive numbers— 197 00:11:06,759 --> 00:11:09,759 With their vast, overwhelming hordes. 198 00:11:09,759 --> 00:11:12,759 He fell back to the plain situated 199 00:11:12,759 --> 00:11:15,759 Between the cities of Poitiers and Tours, 200 00:11:15,759 --> 00:11:18,759 And the Frankish army crossed the Loire, 201 00:11:18,759 --> 00:11:21,889 Encamping to the west of the Muslim army. 202 00:11:21,889 --> 00:11:24,889 Al-Ghafiqi resolved to engage the enemy, 203 00:11:24,889 --> 00:11:27,889 even though some of the Berber 204 00:11:27,889 --> 00:11:30,889 tribes in his army 205 00:11:30,889 --> 00:11:33,889 were eager to withdraw 206 00:11:33,889 --> 00:11:36,889 due to leaving behind numerous garrisons 207 00:11:36,889 --> 00:11:39,889 in the conquered cities and villages. 208 00:11:39,889 --> 00:11:43,460 The immortal, historic battle: 209 00:11:43,460 --> 00:11:46,980 the two armies met in one of 210 00:11:46,980 --> 00:11:49,980 the fiercest Islamic battles 211 00:11:49,980 --> 00:11:52,980 ever, in the region of Poitiers. 212 00:11:52,980 --> 00:11:55,980 The battle raged between them 213 00:11:55,980 --> 00:11:58,980 for ten full days, 214 00:11:58,980 --> 00:12:01,980 taking place in Ramadan in the year 215 00:12:01,980 --> 00:12:05,039 114 AH. 216 00:12:05,039 --> 00:12:08,039 At the beginning of the battle, 217 00:12:08,039 --> 00:12:11,039 the Muslims had the upper hand despite their small numbers, 218 00:12:11,039 --> 00:12:14,039 but toward the end of the engagement, the Christians 219 00:12:14,039 --> 00:12:17,039 noticed the massive amount of spoils 220 00:12:17,039 --> 00:12:20,039 laden behind the Muslim army. 221 00:12:20,039 --> 00:12:23,039 So they flanked the army 222 00:12:23,039 --> 00:12:26,039 and attacked the spoils, 223 00:12:26,039 --> 00:12:29,039 beginning to seize the Muslims' booty. 224 00:12:29,039 --> 00:12:32,039 The Muslims rushed back to protect the vast spoils, 225 00:12:32,039 --> 00:12:35,039 for the love of worldly booty had entered their hearts. 226 00:12:35,039 --> 00:12:38,039 Consequently, severe confusion broke out in the Muslim ranks, 227 00:12:38,039 --> 00:12:41,039 and a tremor of disorder began to spread, 228 00:12:41,039 --> 00:12:44,039 leading to the defeat of the Muslim army 229 00:12:44,039 --> 00:12:47,039 in this battle. 230 00:12:47,039 --> 00:12:50,139 There is no precise census in Islamic historical reports 231 00:12:50,139 --> 00:12:53,139 of the Muslim martyrs 232 00:12:53,139 --> 00:12:56,139 at the Battle of the Court of Martyrs (Balat al-Shuhada' / Tours). 233 00:12:57,139 --> 00:13:00,139 As for Western claims 234 00:13:00,139 --> 00:13:03,139 that there were killed of the Muslims 235 00:13:03,139 --> 00:13:06,139 at the Battle of the Court of Martyrs 236 00:13:06,139 --> 00:13:09,139 three hundred and seventy-five thousand 237 00:13:09,139 --> 00:13:12,139 Muslims, 238 00:13:12,139 --> 00:13:15,139 this is an extreme exaggeration, 239 00:13:15,139 --> 00:13:18,299 because the entire Muslim army was only fifty thousand strong. 240 00:13:18,299 --> 00:13:21,360 Some historians stated: 241 00:13:21,360 --> 00:13:24,360 "The battle lasted nine days, 242 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:28,360 and on the tenth day, 243 00:13:28,360 --> 00:13:31,360 both sides displayed 244 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:34,360 the utmost endurance and courage. 245 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:37,360 Exhaustion became evident among the Franks, 246 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:40,360 and signs of a Muslim victory began to appear. 247 00:13:40,360 --> 00:13:43,360 However, it happened that the Franks breached 248 00:13:43,360 --> 00:13:46,360 a gap into the Muslims' baggage train of spoils, 249 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:49,360 and an unknown cry arose shoutingly: 250 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:52,360 'The camp of the spoils is under attack!' 251 00:13:52,360 --> 00:13:55,360 Large contingents consequently fell back 252 00:13:55,360 --> 00:13:58,360 to the rear of the spoils to protect them, 253 00:13:58,360 --> 00:14:01,389 and the Muslim battle lines fell into disarray. 254 00:14:01,389 --> 00:14:04,389 While al-Ghafiqi was attempting 255 00:14:04,389 --> 00:14:07,389 to restore order to his army, 256 00:14:07,389 --> 00:14:10,389 an arrow struck him, throwing him dead from his horse. 257 00:14:10,389 --> 00:14:13,389 Turmoil ensued among the Muslims, 258 00:14:13,389 --> 00:14:16,389 casualties multiplied among them, 259 00:14:16,389 --> 00:14:19,549 and the Franks pressed hard against them." 260 00:14:20,549 --> 00:14:23,549 The battle had lasted for eight days, 261 00:14:23,549 --> 00:14:26,549 which indicates that it 262 00:14:26,549 --> 00:14:29,549 was a fiercely contested battle. 263 00:14:29,549 --> 00:14:32,549 In truth, both sides 264 00:14:32,549 --> 00:14:35,549 exerted their utmost efforts in the fight. 265 00:14:35,549 --> 00:14:38,549 The Muslims showed enduring perseverance 266 00:14:38,549 --> 00:14:41,549 until Christian forces converged upon them 267 00:14:41,549 --> 00:14:44,580 from every direction; 268 00:14:44,580 --> 00:14:47,580 for the forces were not limited to the Franks alone, 269 00:14:47,580 --> 00:14:50,580 but included many from other peoples: 270 00:14:50,580 --> 00:14:53,580 Germans, Suebi, and Saxons. 271 00:14:53,580 --> 00:14:56,580 The final phase of the battle 272 00:14:56,580 --> 00:14:59,580 was a violent assault on the rear of the Muslim army; 273 00:14:59,580 --> 00:15:02,580 the spoils were looted, 274 00:15:02,580 --> 00:15:05,580 the army's formation was shattered, 275 00:15:05,580 --> 00:15:08,899 and while al-Ghafiqi was attempting 276 00:15:08,899 --> 00:15:11,899 to restore order to his army, 277 00:15:11,899 --> 00:15:14,899 an arrow struck and killed him. 278 00:15:15,899 --> 00:15:18,899 The killing among them intensified, 279 00:15:18,899 --> 00:15:21,899 and the Franks bore down heavily upon them; 280 00:15:21,899 --> 00:15:24,899 yet they held out patiently until night fell 281 00:15:24,899 --> 00:15:27,899 and the two sides disengaged without a decisive finish. 282 00:15:27,899 --> 00:15:30,899 Then the Muslims withdrew toward their bases in Septimania, 283 00:15:30,899 --> 00:15:33,899 abandoning their spoils. 284 00:15:33,899 --> 00:15:36,899 In the morning, the Franks found no trace of them 285 00:15:36,899 --> 00:15:39,899 except for the wounded and those who had been unable 286 00:15:39,899 --> 00:15:42,899 to accompany the retreating army; 287 00:15:42,899 --> 00:15:45,899 so they finished them off 288 00:15:45,899 --> 00:15:48,899 and seized immense stores of supplies, 289 00:15:48,899 --> 00:15:51,899 never thinking of pursuing the Muslims. 290 00:15:51,899 --> 00:15:55,639 The painful outcomes: 291 00:15:55,639 --> 00:15:58,639 First, the defeat of the Muslims 292 00:15:58,639 --> 00:16:01,799 and the victory of the Christians. 293 00:16:01,799 --> 00:16:04,799 Second, the death of the Muslim commander, 294 00:16:04,799 --> 00:16:08,179 'Abd al-Rahman al-Ghafiqi, may Allah have mercy on him. 295 00:16:08,179 --> 00:16:11,179 Third, the large number of casualties. 296 00:16:12,179 --> 00:16:15,250 Fourth... 297 00:16:35,629 --> 00:16:38,629 Fifth: 298 00:16:41,629 --> 00:16:44,629 the halting of the advance from there toward 299 00:16:44,629 --> 00:16:47,629 the conquest of Constantinople and then Rome, 300 00:16:47,629 --> 00:16:50,629 which had been the strategic objective behind 301 00:16:50,629 --> 00:16:54,720 this campaign. 302 00:16:54,720 --> 00:16:58,070 The battle in European perspectives: 303 00:16:58,070 --> 00:17:01,070 Europeans have been divided regarding 304 00:17:01,070 --> 00:17:04,099 this battle into two camps. 305 00:17:04,099 --> 00:17:07,099 The majority among earlier and contemporary scholars 306 00:17:07,099 --> 00:17:10,099 considered that battle 307 00:17:10,099 --> 00:17:13,099 to have been a tremendous loss for Europe, 308 00:17:13,099 --> 00:17:16,140 as it remained veiled from civilization 309 00:17:16,140 --> 00:17:19,140 at that time; 310 00:17:19,140 --> 00:17:22,140 whereas had Islam entered it, 311 00:17:22,140 --> 00:17:25,140 Europe would have developed just as Andalusia did. 312 00:17:25,140 --> 00:17:28,140 Thus, that battle was 313 00:17:28,140 --> 00:17:31,140 a grave loss for Europe, 314 00:17:31,140 --> 00:17:34,140 since it remained veiled from civilization 315 00:17:34,140 --> 00:17:37,140 at that time; 316 00:17:38,140 --> 00:17:41,140 it would have flourished just as al-Andalus flourished. 317 00:17:41,140 --> 00:17:44,140 European historians attach 318 00:17:44,140 --> 00:17:47,140 great significance to it, 319 00:17:47,140 --> 00:17:50,140 remarking: 320 00:17:50,140 --> 00:17:53,140 "Had the Arabs been victorious in this battle, 321 00:17:53,140 --> 00:17:56,140 what occurred in Spain would have occurred across Europe, 322 00:17:56,140 --> 00:17:59,140 and the Qur'an would have been taught in the universities 323 00:17:59,140 --> 00:18:02,140 of Paris, Cambridge, and Oxford. 324 00:18:02,140 --> 00:18:05,230 And had the conquest of Europe been achieved, 325 00:18:06,230 --> 00:18:09,230 its Dark Ages would have ended early, 326 00:18:09,230 --> 00:18:12,230 and it would have joined the vanguard of civilization and progress 327 00:18:12,230 --> 00:18:15,230 seen in al-Andalus while living 328 00:18:15,230 --> 00:18:18,230 in the embrace of Islam." 329 00:18:18,230 --> 00:18:21,230 It is no wonder, then, 330 00:18:21,230 --> 00:18:24,230 that many Western writers 331 00:18:24,230 --> 00:18:27,230 who recognized the brilliance of Islam and its civilization 332 00:18:27,230 --> 00:18:30,230 wherever it took root, 333 00:18:30,230 --> 00:18:33,230 regarded the outcome of the Court of Martyrs (Tours) 334 00:18:33,230 --> 00:18:36,230 as a severe blow that deprived Europe of an illuminating civilization 335 00:18:36,230 --> 00:18:39,230 and human dignity. 336 00:18:41,680 --> 00:18:44,680 Lessons from the Battle of the Court of Martyrs: 337 00:18:44,680 --> 00:18:48,099 Indeed, this battle, 338 00:18:48,099 --> 00:18:51,099 despite its sorrow, carries many lessons and morals, 339 00:18:51,099 --> 00:18:54,099 among which are: 340 00:18:54,099 --> 00:18:57,099 First, that the army of the believers 341 00:18:57,099 --> 00:19:00,099 does not triumph over its enemy through numbers or equipment; 342 00:19:00,099 --> 00:19:03,099 rather, it triumphs through the strength of its faith, 343 00:19:03,099 --> 00:19:06,099 grounded in sincerity to Allah, 344 00:19:06,099 --> 00:19:09,099 renouncing attachment to worldly pleasures and desires, 345 00:19:09,099 --> 00:19:12,099 and yearning for what is with Allah. 346 00:19:12,099 --> 00:19:15,099 But when the hearts of its soldiers become 347 00:19:15,099 --> 00:19:18,099 attached to worldly gains 348 00:19:18,099 --> 00:19:21,099 such as spoils of war, it is from there 349 00:19:21,099 --> 00:19:24,099 that defeat comes. 350 00:19:24,099 --> 00:19:27,099 The subsequent Battle of the Court of Martyrs 351 00:19:27,099 --> 00:19:30,099 was nothing other than a reminder of that earlier trial, 352 00:19:30,099 --> 00:19:33,099 mirroring the setback of that encounter: 353 00:19:33,099 --> 00:19:36,160 namely, the Battle of Uhud. 354 00:19:36,160 --> 00:19:39,160 For in the Battle of Uhud, the tide of combat 355 00:19:39,160 --> 00:19:42,160 was initially in favor of the soldiers of Islam, 356 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:45,190 and such was the case in this battle. 357 00:19:45,190 --> 00:19:48,190 But when the archers descended from the mountain 358 00:19:48,190 --> 00:19:51,190 to collect the spoils before them, 359 00:19:51,190 --> 00:19:54,190 defeat descended upon them from behind them. 360 00:19:54,190 --> 00:19:57,190 And when the soldiers of al-Ghafiqi, may Allah have mercy on him, 361 00:19:57,190 --> 00:20:00,190 became attached to their spoils behind them, 362 00:20:00,190 --> 00:20:03,190 defeat came upon them from every side. 363 00:20:03,190 --> 00:20:06,450 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said 364 00:20:06,450 --> 00:20:10,450 that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 365 00:20:10,450 --> 00:20:13,450 "One of the prophets went on a military expedition 366 00:20:13,450 --> 00:20:16,450 and said to his people: 367 00:20:16,450 --> 00:20:19,450 'No man shall follow me who has consummated a marriage contract with a woman 368 00:20:19,450 --> 00:20:22,450 and wishes to consummate the marriage with her, 369 00:20:22,450 --> 00:20:25,450 but has not yet done so; 370 00:20:25,450 --> 00:20:28,450 nor anyone who has built houses and has not yet raised their roofs; 371 00:20:28,450 --> 00:20:31,450 nor anyone who has bought pregnant ewes or she-camels 372 00:20:31,450 --> 00:20:34,450 and is waiting for them to give birth.'" 373 00:20:34,450 --> 00:20:37,480 Al-Nawawi said: 374 00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:40,480 "In this hadith is evidence 375 00:20:40,480 --> 00:20:43,480 that momentous affairs should only 376 00:20:43,480 --> 00:20:46,480 be entrusted to people of resolve 377 00:20:46,480 --> 00:20:49,480 whose minds are completely free for the task, 378 00:20:49,480 --> 00:20:52,480 and they must not be entrusted to one whose heart is attached to other things, 379 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:55,480 lest his full dedication to it be compromised." 380 00:20:55,480 --> 00:20:58,829 Second: 381 00:20:58,829 --> 00:21:01,829 The Ummah of Islam is one single nation; 382 00:21:01,829 --> 00:21:04,829 under its banner gathers every Muslim, 383 00:21:04,829 --> 00:21:07,829 regardless of race, color, or ethnicity, 384 00:21:07,829 --> 00:21:10,829 and whatever language they speak. 385 00:21:10,829 --> 00:21:13,829 This is a fundamental factor 386 00:21:13,829 --> 00:21:16,900 in the strength and victory of the Muslims. 387 00:21:16,900 --> 00:21:19,900 Third: righteous strength 388 00:21:19,900 --> 00:21:22,900 is the path to attaining noble objectives 389 00:21:22,900 --> 00:21:25,900 and realizing desired aspirations. 390 00:21:25,900 --> 00:21:28,900 For there is no honor except under its shade, 391 00:21:28,900 --> 00:21:31,900 no security except in its refuge, 392 00:21:31,900 --> 00:21:34,900 no spreading of truth 393 00:21:34,900 --> 00:21:37,900 except beneath its banner, 394 00:21:37,900 --> 00:21:40,900 and no progress or development except through it. 395 00:21:40,900 --> 00:21:43,930 Thus, if Muslims desire 396 00:21:43,930 --> 00:21:46,930 to attain these lofty aspirations, 397 00:21:46,930 --> 00:21:49,930 they must be strong; 398 00:21:49,930 --> 00:21:52,930 and there is no true strength except through jihad in the cause of Allah. 399 00:21:52,930 --> 00:21:57,720 Ramadan: Events and Lessons.