BATTLE OF MAUTA

1. Background
a. In the period of nearly two years between the treaty of Hudeibiya in March 628 AD and the
conquest of Makkah in January 630 AD, about 17 Muslim expeditions are recorded.
b. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) sent various envoys to the chiefs of different tribes to embrace
Islam. An envoy carrying a letter from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to the chief of Ghassan tribe
at Basra was killed at Mauta by Shurbeel Bin Amr, the local chief of Ghassan.
c. The news caused much anger to the Muslims. Killing of an envoy was a crime which could
not go unpunished. Envoys, as ever, enjoyed the freedom of going to any part of the Arab
land without any fear. As per the custom envoys were to be treated as guests even if they
were from hostile tribes. The act of Shurbeel Bin Amr warranted an immediate reaction.
2. Muslims Objs. An expedition was immediately prepared and sent to Mauta with the fol
objectives:-
a. To show that the Muslims were capable enough to safe guard their interests but they have no
intentions of capturing any territory.
b. To punish the tribe who had killed the ambassadors of Islam.
c. To get the info about their mil strength.
d. To analyse terrain for future operations.
3. Opposing Forces
Muslims Non Believers
a. Comd Hazrat Zaid Bin Haris Malik Bin Zafila
2IC Hazrat Jafar Bin Abi Talib 4. Topography.
3IC Hazrat Abdullah Bin Rawah The battle
b. Forces 3000 men 100,000 men was fought near
c. Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed who had recently embraced Islam, was also the village of
included in this force. Mauta.
d. Prophet (PBUH) issued fol instrs:- Battlefield
(1) No killing of innocent women, children, disabled pers and POWs. stretched more
(2) Avoid damage to the inhabited areas. than a mile to
(3) No cutting of trees. the east of
village. The
ground was firm and rose with the slight modulation. There was a low ridge also to the east of
village, which had gentle slope towards the North.
5. Opposing Plan
a. Muslims
(1) Muslims kept ridge at their back and deployed themselves on the lower fringes of the
ridge.
(2) Muslims depl their force in the normal pattern of a centre and two wings.
(3) Hazrat Zaid himself comd centre wing, while lt and rt wings were commanded by
Hazrat Ubaya Bin Malik and Hazrat Qutba respectively.
 b. Non Believers. Christian Arabs were comd by the malik Bin Zafila who depl his forces into a
deep mass confronting Muslims.
6. Conduct
a. At time of departure from Madina, Muslims had no info about strength of their enemy.
b. When Muslims reached at a place called Maan, they got the report that Hercules, the eastern
Roman Emperor, had reached Jordan with 1,90,000 Romans.
c. Another report indicated that about 1,00,000 Christian Arabs mainly from Ghassan had joined
Romans.
d. These upsetting reports caused a worry to the Muslims, but Zaid Bin Harris decided to
continue march and reached at Balqa.
e. On finding no suitable place for battle, he along with his force returned and reached at Mauta
which provided a better posn to the Muslims.
f. The battle commenced in a traditional pattern. This battle was more of guts and stamina
rather than military skills.
g. Soon Hazrat Zaid got killed and comd was taken over by the Hazrat Jaffar who also soon got
killed.
h. After him, comd was taken by Hazrat Abdullah Bin Rawah, however soon after he also got
killed.
j. Now there was confusion in Muslim ranks. Hazrat Sabit took over the comd of the situation
and gathered the dispersed Muslims. He offered the comd to Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed, who
accepted it in the hours of crises. Hazrat Khalid had now 3 x options:-
(1) Option – I. Continue fighting a def battle, which would ultimately lead to disaster.
(2) Option –II. Withdraw from the battle, which would bring bad name to the Muslims
and to himself.
(3) Option – III. Re-organize Muslim Army and launch an all out attack.
k. Option Adopted and Final Outcome
(1) Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed adopted the 3rd option and launched an all out attack.
(2) The en was taken aback by a sudden surprise.
(3) The Christian comd Malik got killed. The death of comd caused much of confusion in
en ranks and they pulled back for re-organisation.
(4) As the en, did so; Khalid broke the contact and decided to quit the battle field and
return to Madina.
(5) 12 x Muslims embraced Shahadat.
(6) Romans suffered severe cas which adversely affected their morale.
l. Response of Madinites to Muslim Army
(1) Historians record that Muslim army when returned Madina was not well received.
(2) They were accused of quitting battle field without having taken revenge.
(3) But the Prophet (PBUH) restrained them and said “They had not fled” they shall return
to fight, if Allah wills it”. Then prophet (PBUH) raised his voice and announced “Khalid
is the Sword of Allah”.
7. Analysis (write only all those applicable)
a. Due to sound planning, great leadership, belief in Allah Almighty and willing nesss to sacrifice
their life in name of Islam, this small Muslim Army managed to defeat an enemy which was
superior in both number and resources.
b. Muslims were able to successfully utilize their all available resources.
c. Through strong intelligence network Muslims were enable to make a plan well in advance
and thereby taking prompt measures to offset en’s hostile designs.
d. Muslims successfully deprived their enemy from freedom of action and aggression.
e. Skillful use of terrain provided an added advantage to Musilms and checking en’s freedom of
movement.
f. Conduct of withdral operation.
8. Lessons Learnt COAS - DECCO (write only all those applicable)
a. Comd and Con.
b. Offn Action.
c. Adm.
d. Security.
e. Disposn of Forces.
f. Eco of effort.
g. Choice of B Fd.
h. Conc.
j. Obedience of Comd.
9. Application of Principles of War COE-SMALS (write only all those applicable)
a. Concentration.
b. Offensive action by choosing the ground of your own choice and compelling enemy to fight at
your on terms.
c. Eco of Effort by:-
(1) Using wpns as per their cap and characteristic.
(2) Excellent fire discipline.
d. Sound Planning. Making a comprehensive plan by keeping in mind own resources as
compared to en’s and gr and weather restrictions
e. Surprise. By not allowing enemy to have E wng about your intentions.
f. Security. By choosing a ground which covers both rear and flanks.
g. Morale. By reiterating the blessings of Allah and his promise for rewards for those who
stands fast in his way.
h. Simplicity.
j. Sel of Aim.
k. Adm.
l. Leadership Qualities. All events of war depict the leadership qualities of Prophet
(PBUH) and his ability to remain abreast with his companions even during crises.

Compiled by: Capt Agha Yasir Khan