BATTLE OF QADISIYYA

MUSLIM CONQUEST OF PERSIA

BACKGROUND/OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT/ EVENTS LEADING TO
THE BATTLE OF QADISIYYA

Two great Regional powers at the rise of Islam

In the first quarter of seventh century at the time of rise of Islam there were two
great regional powers existing in the neighbourhood of i.e. the Roman and the Persian
empires Arabia. The Roman Empire comprised Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon,
Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Southern
France and a portion of Spain. The Roman Empire was well established. It was a
Christian Empire backed up by rest of the Christian world. The Persian Empire
comprised present day Iraq, Iran, Baluchistan, Afghanistan and Southern portion of
present day Russia. The Persian Empire was established in 550 BC by Cyrus. At the
time of rise of Islam the Persian Empire had people of various races and religions
comprising: Zoarastrians, Persians, Turkish, Armenians, Kurds and Christian Arabs.

Muslims and the Roman and Persian empires

The Persian and Roman Empires had settled boundaries and were enjoying a
status-quo and policy of peaceful coexistence. The emergence of Islam almost in the
geographical centre of these two powers posed a threat which could result in their
joining hands with each other at the time of need. However, both these empires had
reached a point of stagnation and there were signs of cracks in them. Though
economically sound, the empires suffered from the internal instability because of the
court politics among feudal lords. There was an atmosphere of social injustice and
discontentment in the masses. On the other hand, the new Muslim power had a unique
social economical programme. This state was not as established as the neighbouring
empires and had yet to expand in all spheres.

Balance of Power in the Region

a. As stated earlier the Persians and Roams around the Arabian Peninsula
were well established. They had no intentions to expand their rule any more
nor did they visualize any threat from each other or from any other power
including Muslims till Romans defeats in Syria. Musana met the forces of
Hirmuz, the Persian governor of Uballa, at the Battle of Bahylon in July

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634. The details of this battle are not known but the Muslim Army was able
to blind the Persian elephants with arrows and javelin. The defeated Persian
Army made its way to Ctesiphon. After his departure from Hira (Iraq) in
June 634 AD, Hazrat Khalid had left Musana Bin Harisa in command of
9000 Muslims at Hira. Yazdjard, the last of the Sasanis, ascended the
throne in 13 Hijri (633 AD). In the same year, Hazrat Abu Bakr, the first
Caliph appointed Musana bin Harrisa commander of Muslims in Hira and
ordered Khalid bin Waleed to proceed to Iraq. In the meantime, political
and military changes of significance had taken place in Persia. Persian
General Rustam who had killed Queen of Persia Azmeerdukht to avenge
his father’s blood had acquired political and military power in the Persian
Region and kept a Sasani figure head emperor Yazdjard in Ctesiphon.
Rustam despatched many expeditions against the Muslims in Iraq but
eveytime they suffered defeat at the hands of Muslims.

b. The Battle of Bridge:- On the death of Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr in August
21, 634 AD, Hazrat Musanna was reinforced by Hazrat Abu Ubeid and the
latter was given the command. Hazrat Abu Ubeid fought many battles with
the Persians in the valleys of Rivers Euphrates and Tigris but was finally
defeated by the Persians in the battle of the Bridge on Euphrates on
November 28, 634 AD. Out of the 9000 muslims who had taken part in this
battle 4000 laid down their lives of whom a little more than half were
drowned 6000 Persians perished in this battle.

c. Battle of Buweib:- Musanna later reinforced by forces of Madina avenged

the Muslim defeat in the Battle of Bridge by his victory over the Persians in
the Battle of Buweib. This battle of Buweib also became known as the
Battle of tens because 100 Muslims killed ten Persians each in combat.
Meanwhile, Caliph Hazrat Umar sent four more expeditions to Southern
Iraq to conquer and absorb the Persian district of Furat on eastern bank of
Tigris, Abarqubaz, north of Furat, Dast Meisan east of Abarqubaz and
Meisan west of Tigris.

d. Defeat of Persians at Buweib and Muslim incursions in Southern Iraq had

much annoyed the Persian General Rustam. He therefore ordered a general
mobilization for a final showdown with the Muslims. On receipt of this
information Caliph Hazrat Umar despatched Hazrat Saad Abi Waqqas to
reinforce Hazrat Musanna, but Hazrat Musanna died before Hazrat Saad
could join him.

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e. While Muslims were assembling their forces at Madina the situation in Iraq
was such that Hazrat Musanna considered it prudent to vacate Hija and
move to Sharaf. It is here that Saad arrived with his contingent and married
up with the Army of late Hazrat Musanna Bin Harisa. On the Syrian front
Muslims had gained glorious victories. The Romans had been defeated in
Ajnadein, Emessa and Yarmuk, the last being fought in August 636AD.

f. The situation in Syria was in favour of Muslims but the Roman Empire had
yet to be dealt with further blows. Therefore not many forces could be
shifted form that area to Iraq to face the Persians. The Muslims were quite
content that the two empires had not so for been allowed to put up a united
front or field an allied Army against the Muslims. This was due to the grand
strategy of the Muslims.

g. While Rustam made grand preparations to field the largest Army under his
personal command against the Muslims, Caliph Hazrat Umar did consider
postponing operation against Persians so as to fully concentrate against
Romans and then deal with the Persians. But this would have been against
the grand strategy worked out by Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr. It would have
meant best part of Iraq, going on defensive and allowing the Persians
enough time to strengthen their preparations.

h. Caliph Hazrat Umar therefore decided that both the fronts should be kept
alive. This would be more profitable militarily as well as politically. This
assessment proved to be correct in latter analysis.

Appointment of Saad bin Abi Waqqas a Commander

i. Hazrat Umar appointed Saad bin Abi Waqqas as the Commander of war
against the Persians in Iraq. In 15 Hijri. May 636 AD Saad marched with a
small army of 4000 men. At Zarad, Saad sent couriers to all the tribes,
urging them to join the Muslim Army. As a resent of these efforts, 7000
warriors from Bani Asad and Bani Tameem tribes joined the Muslim Army
and another 4000 men where despatched to join the Army at Zarad. Saad
marched for Sharaf at the head of 15000 men where Musanna had to join
him but before the arrival of Sadd at Sharraf Musanna had died owing to
the wounds suffered by him at the battle of the Bridge. Saad arrived at
Sharaf 15 Hijri (July 636 AD) and soon after his arrival there he was
received by Mussanna’s brother Myanna, who conveyed his late brothers

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assessment that the battle with the Persian shored he fought between
Qadisiyyia and Uzlib. Under the latest orders of Caliph Umar, Saad
organized the Muslim Army unto terms and was also joined by 800 strong
cavalry of Mugheera bin Shuba at Sharaf. Caliph Umar sent another letter
asking Saad to march from Sharaf towards the Persians and remain at
Qadisiyyia without bearing that place. While Saad was at Sharaf, Muslims
were fighting the battle of Yarmuk in 636 AD in which the Roman Army
was defeated and as such Caliph Umar, after the victory of at Yarmuk, sent
1700 men from Syria to Saad under the command of Ashas bin Qeis
bringing the total strength of Saad’s Army to about 29000.

Final March to Qadisiyya

Saad conducted his final March to Qadisiyyia as a tactical movement. The forces
Bani Tameen led the advance along the main route and secured Uzeib, where a Persian
scout was captured and killed. The main body of the Army closed up under Zuhra and
the advance guard crossed the Trench of Subur and occupied Qadisiyyia. Zubra
advanced with the main Army to the bank of river Ateeq and secured the west end of the
bridge. Zubra also occupied Qudies to the south. Zubra sent a raiding party north f Hira
and captured and killed the guards of a bridal procession of the daughter of the governor
of Hira. The borty was distributed among the members of the raiding party.
The Persians on the other hand had moved no moment during a month and the
supplies brought by the Muslim Army were exhausted. Saad sent some raiding parties to
Suwad together supplies. Muanna and Asim crossed the Euphrates struck at towns and
villages in the region from Anbar to Kaskar.

STRATEGIC AIMS AND COMPULSIONS

The Persians and Romans were quite contended with what they possessed. They
had reached the climax and were enjoying the wealth of their respective empires. Their
aims were restricted to protect their geographical boundaries. Muslims aimed at
protection of the boundaries of their new state as well as extention of their ideology to
the rest of the world. The Persians and Romans had no dearth of manpower and
resources whereas the Muslims had neither enough resources nor sufficient manpower to
support their aims and objectives. The strategic compulsions of Muslims as such were: -

a. For smaller population base while preserving own strength, maximum

attrition must be caused on to the enemy and the relative strength ration
altered the enemy and the relative strength ratio altered.

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b. To meet the needs of manpower, the apostates must come back in the fold
of Islam and their reliability improved.

c. The Romans and Persians had different religions and though contended in
their respective areas could unite which must be prevented. To this end,
while dealing with one, the base must be protected from the other.

d. For own resources and relative strength situation, one adversary to be dealt
at one time and two front war avoided.

e. Keeping in view the military strength of Romans and Persians the Muslims
must add to their forces to achieve 2:1 ratio, backed up by superior strategic
concept and tactical doctrine under competent leadership.

f. The Muslims had to tolerate other religions and faiths in the conquered
territory to make use of the manpower and convert them to their faith
progressively through motivation rather than sword.

g. For the lack of economic potential of the Muslims, additional territories

must be annexed to support their economy and armed machine.

Muslims Strategy for the Battle of Qadisiyya

Caliph Hazrat Umar spelt out Muslim strategy for the Battle of Qadsisiyya in a
letter to Saad Bin Abi Waqqas. He wrote to him:-

“March with the Muslims from Sharaf towards the Persians. Place your
faith in Allah and seek His help. And know that you are advancing against a
people who whose numbers are vast, whose equipment is superb, whose strength
great and whose land is difficult. Even its plains consist of river and heavily
watered land. When you met anyone of them, attack them fiercely, but beware of
facing them if they are all together. Let them not trick you for they are wily
plotters and their ways are not your ways. When you get to Qadisiyya, remain
their and leave not your place. They will find your continued stay intolerable and
will come against you with all their strength of cavalry and infantry. And if you

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stand firm against them, you shall, overcome them and should they ever assemble
again in great numbers, they shall do so without hearts”.

“And should the result be otherwise, you will have the desert behind. You
can withdraw into a region which you know and control and of which they are
ignorant and afraid. And there you shall stay till Allah decides victor for you and
you return to battle”. (An extract from Muslim Conquest of Persia by Lt. Gen. A l
Akram.)

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THE BATTLE-FIELD OF QADISIYYA

The plain of Qadisiyya was bounded on the west by trench of Sabur and on the
east by River Ateeq; the space between them being about 4 to 5 miles. The trench was
built as an obstacle but it had now been silted up. The River Ateeq which no longer
exists today, took off from somewhere west of Najaf, a region of marshes which it
drained and flowed past Khaffan into the Eupparates. It was a sizable river, though not
of the size of Eupharates.

North of plains of Qadisiyya was a large lake with two routes going along sides,
one from Qadisiya to Hira and other from Qadisiyya to Najaf. South of Qadisiyya lay a
number of lakes stretching up to Walaja. The plain was the only stretch for a large scale
battle. Beyond the trench it merged into desert.

The ground was suitable for a defensive battle but had restricted space for wide
manoeuvre. From the attacker’s point of view the restrictions posed by the terrain were:
-

a. A frontal engagement.
b. Defender well protected from flanks due to marshes.
c. Restricted routes of withdrawal in case of defeat.
d. Desert located in the west would slow down the movement of heavily
equipped armies and success could not be exploited.

Considerations for Selection of Site

The Muslims could have fought this battle at sharaf, Hira or between the rivers
Euphrates and Tigiris-areas where so many earlier but smaller battles had taken place.
However the main considerations for giving a battle at Qadissiyya were correctly
assessed and given out in the strategy for the forthcoming battle by the Caliph Hazrat
Umar. Additionally the Muslims aimed at: -

a. Gaining time for preparation and shifting of forces from Syria in case of
need. Had the Muslims assembled across Ateeq, the battle would have been
forced much earlier.

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b. Protection of manoeuvre by deploying advance guard etc.

c. Posing constant threat to Persia by raids etc thus drawing them to battle at
the ground their choosing.

This battle site, the Muslims visualized, would impose following disadvantages on
the Persians: -
a. Restricted space for manoeuvre thus denying them the capability of
generating full combat power.

b. River Atteq and obstacle in their rear denied them the space for re-
grouping/re-adjustment. Similarly the lakes on flanks further aggravated the
situation.

MOVE/ASSEMBLY OF FORCES AND PLANS

Muslim Army.

In Rabi-ul-Awal, 15 Hijra (May 636 AD), a force of 4,000 warriors under the
command of Hazrat Saad Bin Abi Waqqas commenced move from Madina to battle-
field of Qadisiyya. He was instructed to halt at Zarud and muster more forces. Hazrat
Saad was able to collect 7,000 people at Zarud and in the meantime a force of another
4,000 Muslims joined his army from Madina. This made the total of Muslim strength to
15,000. Hazrat Saad was now ordered to move to Sharaf and on reaching Sharaf, 12,000
warriors of Hazrat Musanna also joined the Muslim Army making its strength to 27,000.

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Here the army was organized into its proper tactical groups based on decimal system ad
then marched to Qadisiyya as directed by the Caliph. The move from Sharaf to
Qadisiyya was conducted tactically with the advance guard moving ahead of main body.
The advance guard under Hazrat Zuhar crossed the trench of Sabur, secured the western
end of the bridge over River Ateeq and spread out along Ateeq including Qudis in the
south. Prior to the actual battle the Muslims carried out a number of raids deep in the
Persian Empires, aimed at: -

a. Maintaining an offensive spirit/posture.

b. Restoring confidence in the newly inducted apostates.
c. Forcing a battle on Persians at Qadisiyya the ground of Muslim choice.
d. Delaying the Persian Army preparations for battle by imposing caution on
them.
e. Gathering supplies badly needed to maintain Muslim Army.
f. Destroy the confidence of both the civilian population and of the Persian
forces.

Persian Army

The Persian Army comprising 60,000 warriors and 33 war elephants moved from
Ctesiphon under Rustam along the main road to Najaf. An advance guard under Jalinus
was moved towards Qadisiyya. They made first halt at Kusa. The advance guard then
crossed Euphrates and camped at Najaf. While the main body went to Burs and then
moved to Miltat, north-east of Najaf, the whole army closed up and encamped. After few
days, the advance guard with adequate gap. The advance echelons moved forward and
occupied Teeznabad (between Kharara and River Ateeq). Persian General Bahman with
a large corps Seilahun. After watching the Muslims reaction, the advance guard under
Jalinus was moved to River Ateeq, Bahman with his corps to Teeznabad and Rustam
with main body moved up to Kharara. The advance guard of Jalinus deployed along
Ateeq as covering force.

Plans and Deployment

Muslim Army

The Muslim Army was deployed in five corps with a depth of three ranks.
In each contingent the first rank was formed by the cavalry, behind it stood a line of men
armed with swords and spears or Javelins, followed by a line of archers. The
commanders of the troops and their locations were: -

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a. Centre Hazrat Saad with Hmal Bin Malik as a

commander of Infantry.

b. Left Centre Hazrat Asim Bin Amr

c. Right Centre Hazrat Zuhra Bin Al Hawiyya
d. Left Wing Hazrat Shurahbeel Bin As-Samt
e. Right Wing Hazrat Abdullah Bin Al-Mu’tim
f. Reserve Hazrat Salman Bin Rabee’a

Persian Army

The Persian Army deployed in five corps with a depth of 13 ranks. The
cavalry formed the front line in all corps and behind stood the infantry. The elephants
closely supported by infantry were used as squadrons to break the strength of the
Muslim cavalry. The commanders of the corps and their locations were: -

a. Centre -Rustam
b. Left Centre -Beerzan
c. Right Centre -Jalinus
d. Left Wing -Mihran
e. Right Wing -Hormuzan
f. Reserve -Bahman

Covering Force

The Muslim as well as Persians moved into the battle-field with advance
guard protecting the main forces. In the battle-field itself both sides made the
arrangements for their flank protection. There was however, no fine manoeuvre
undertaken by either side in the conduct phase due to the restrictions imposed by the
ground. The Muslims selected the ground of Qadisiyya as a part of their strategical and
tactical design to force a battle on Persians on the ground of their choice. The Persians
accepted it out of the compulsion in a bid to finish the Muslims once for all who were
posing grave threat to the Empire by earlier battles ad subsequent raids etc.

Analysis of Plans

The Focal Point

The focal point of the Muslim plan was to contain the enemy by frontal
engagements and cause maximum attrition on him during the initial phase of the battle;
also seek an opportunity to kill enemy commander in individual combat to achieve

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psychological ascendancy over the adversary. This would also amount to disturbing the
centre of gravity. After the desired attrition of Persian Army, change relative strength,
attack enemy flanks and while scaling bulk of his forces, force a central rupture for
division of his efforts and undertake subsequent destruction. This was to be followed by
exploitation/pursuit east of River Ateeq. The Persian Army planned to contain the
centre, defeat the two wings and then envelop the centre. Thereafter they would use
elephants to break the strength of Muslim cavalry thus divorcing the cavalry from
infantry. After the desired effects, they would attack with rest of the army and
subsequently destroy the adversary by an all out attack.

The Selection of Objective

The Muslim political high command as well as military command selected

well defined objectives that would help in destruction of enemy forces at Qadisiyya. The
Muslims planned to force a battle of reverse front on Persians by drawing them away
from their cantonments across Rive Ateeq. The Persian objectives were to destroy the
Muslim raiders in major battle. The Persian political high command and military
commander wee not in line with the selection of objectives. The Persian commander
Rustam wanted to avoid a major head on clash with Muslims at the ground of Muslims
choice but he was compelled by the Emperor to do so.

THE CONDUCT OF BATTLE OF QDDISIYYA

First Day

a. Persian Attack. After individual combats, Persians launched the attack

with heavy shower of arrows which were comparatively heavier with bows
having longer range. They did gain an upper edge over the Muslims.
Rustam then ordered the attack on Muslims “Right”, while rest of the
Muslims front was kept engage by the archers. The attack was led by
elephants. The Muslims right was pushed back a little due to frightening
effect of the elephants on the horses. Immediately Hazrat Saad ordered
centre and right wings to attack Persian left while making necessary
readjustments in his position to eliminate the threat. He did not think it

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proper to commit his reserve at this state. The elephants enjoyed the
protections. Each elephant was mounted by several men armed with javelin
and bows. The Muslims picked off the Persians on the elephants and then
slipped in and cut the firth of the howdahs. Some of the elephant riders
were killed while the rest beat a hasty retreat with their elephants. After a
fierce fighting the Persians were pushed back from the Muslim position.

b. Rustam then launched his reserve under Bahman against Muslim contingent
which had repulsed the first Persian attack considering it to be the Muslim
reserve. He launched his right wing and right centre forward to achieve
decisive break through and later to hold and engage the Muslim centre. The
attack was again led by the elephants. There was some distress in the
Muslim ranks because of the elephants but their commanders like Hazrat
Asim Bin Amr and Hazrat Amr Bin Madi Karib rose to the occasion and
severed the elephants and their rides by skilful use of sword, javelin and
arrows. The Persians were again pushed back to their position.

c. Muslim Counter Attack. Hazrat Saad after re-establishing the front gave
fourth call which meant general attack. It was in the late afternoon. A fierce
fighting ensued with several wedges created in the Persian front. Shortly
before sunset a group of Muslims tried to penetrate deep to kill Rustam and
finish the battle once for all but the attack was repulsed by Rustam along
with his headquarters personnel. By sunset the Persians were able to re-
establish their front, the fighting for the day ended and both the armies
returned to their camps.

Second Day

Second day, the fighting resumed on the orders of Muslim Commander-in-Chief

following the same pattern ie duels preceding the general engagement. A large number
of duels took place. Just before noon, Muslim reinforcements from Syria started
arriving. It was force of 1,000 men commanded by Hazra Hashim Rin Utba. He sent
Hazrat Quqa Bin Amr with 700 men ahead of the rest. Hazrat Qaqa with 100 of his
fastest horses and 100 of his bravest men, set off for Qadisiyya, instructing the
remainders to follow on ad make the best men into tens, giving instructions that each
group of ten should move after a short interval so as to arrive on the battlefield
separately to create psychological effects. The reinforcements, despite fatigue of journey
did not wait but immediately joined the battle. This immensely boosted the Muslims
morale and unnerved Persians. At this critical time Hazrat Saad Was in a position to
change the relative strength comparatively in his favour avoiding a major reverse. The

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reinforcements were briefed short of battlefield for their positions. Hazrat Qaqa-
challenged Persians for individual combats and killed Persian Generals Bahmand and
Beerzan. Following are major accounts of the day: -

a. The First Muslim Attack. At about noon, Hazrat Saad gave the orders for
general attack. The Muslim regiment again swept forward but the Persians
stood like a rock in the path of Muslims attack. The most significant
resistance was from the Persian heavy cavalry which stood ahead of the
Persian Army, intimately supported by the heavily armed infantry. Fighting
increased in intensity and casualties began to mount on both sided but the
Persians could not be shaken. After an hour or two, the Muslims pulled
back to their own positions and both sides got a little respite. During this
lull Hazrat Qaqa, with Hazrat Saad’s permission, put into effect an
extremely ingenious tactical innovation. Collecting a number of camels,
their faces were covered and by the use of props of various kinds, the shape
of camels heads was distorted to make them look like wild monsters. The
Persian horses standing in the path of on-coming super beasts turned and
fled, knocking down Persian infantry men on the way and nothing but the
River Ateeq could arrest their flight. As the remaining Persians on this part
of the front re-established, Hazrat Qaqa moved the camels in the direction
of Persian and no sooner did they get near the Persians front when the
Persian horses turned and bolted.

b. Second Muslim Attack. A little before sunset the Persians, abandoned by

their cavalry, disorganized by the gaps which had suddenly appeared in
their midst due to the flight of the cavalry, were extremely vulnerable. With
clear judgment, Hazrat Saad seized the opportunity and ordered resumption
of the attack. He Muslim Army again went into action. The mounted groups
made for gaps left by the departed Persian cavalry. Through the gaps the
Muslim groups penetrated deep towards the rear of the Persian Army. At
this juncture, Hazrat Qaqa made a determined bid for the Persian
Commander-in-Chief, so that if he could get him, all resistance would
collapse but his attack was repulsed by a counter-attack personally led by
Rustam. Muslims fully realised that centre of gravity laid in Rustm.

c. As he night fell slowly and steadily the fighting for the day stopped. The
Muslims had so far lost 2500 men and the Persians 10,000.

Third Day

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On the third day of the battle the Persian elephants again joined the battle after
necessary treatment of their wounds. This tiem they used the new technique of
protection for these elephants but it was effectively countered by Muslims. The Persian
attack began at mid-morning. Their first action was a storm of arrows let loose against
the Muslims. The elephants moved forward surrounded by infantry and protected by
cavalry on the flanks. The effect on the Arab horses was again frightening and many of
them broke out of control and panicked. Most riders, however, were able to control their
mounts and either pulled back a short distance or move aside to avoid the elephants. The
result was great deal of confused fighting along the whole front with the elephants
charging the Muslim cavalry and infantry: -

a. Muslim Action with Elephants. The position of the Muslim Army

continued to weaken under the attacks of Persians, particularly of the
elephants. The main problem was the elephants, and the two leaders which
stood in the Persian centre. Persian officers who had joined the Muslim
Army during the preceding month were consretted about the technique and
method to neutralize the elephants. Accordingly two pairs of selected
officers were ordered to move with a group of people each and blind the
leaders of the elephants and cut off their trunks.

b. Accordingly a plan was made by those officers to tackle the elephants. A

strong group of riders and foot soldiers moved forward with these officers.
The mounted and foot soldiers surrounded the entire group around the
white elephant. They shouted and engaged the elephant riders, some of
them closed in on the Persian group with the swords from the flanks and
rear to draw the attention of the Persian Army from the front and create as
much confusion as possible. The plan was aimed at separating the elephants
from the soldiers, isolate them ad then deal with them.

c. The plan was effectively executed and within a few minutes all the Persians
had concentrated on the flanks and the rear of the elephants to meet the
attack of the Muslims and the front was left completely open. The officers
advanced upon the champion beasts which had played, such as havoc with
the Muslim Army. They blinded the beasts with accurate javelin attack and
severed their trunks. Across the Muslims left and centre other Muslim
officer employed the same tactics and achieved similar success.

d. After this encounter the Muslims left, attacked the elephants which by
now, had lost the protective screen. The blinding and mutilation of the
elephants took the sting out of the Persian attack. The elephants rushed

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wherever their instincts led or misled them. They plunged into the river and
vanished, quite a few Persians joined their retreat and jumped into the river.
The bulk of the Persian Army, however remained on the battle-field an saw
with sorrow the fight of its most powerful weapon of war.

e. Arrival of Reminder of Reinforcements. In the meantime remained of the

reinforcement also joined and were deployed on the Muslim right. The
Persian soldier after the loss of the elephants turned to fight the Muslim
Army to a draw if not to a victory.
f. Muslims Counter-Attack. The Persian were engaged but gave a tough
resistance. Eventually, in the late afternoon the Muslim Army pulled back
to repost the stratagem of camels but this time it failed. Hazrat Saad again
put his warriors into motion to attack but the day ended without any visible
results.

g. Night of Qadisiyya. Unlike other days of the battle, the fighting continued
throughout the night. Hazrat Saad planned, however, to launch his attack
according to a proper design, but this was not to be. The Muslim
contingents went into the assault at their own, without waiting to the orders
of their Commander-in-Chief or even his permission. This was not so much
a lull in the fighting as a lowering of frequency and it had not lasted long
before Muslims launched a fresh attack under their respective commanders.

h. At sunrise the fighting ceases and the belligerent found that for all their
efforts and sufferings, neither side had gained or lost a yard of ground.
Meanwhile the Muslim Commander-in-Chief re-established a degree of
control over his corps and planned his next attack. The Persians went on to
a defensive posture.
Fourth Day

a. Hazrat Saad control over the army was not sufficiently strong for him to
give detailed orders. All he could do was to lay down directions of attacks
and this he did as follows: -

“The strongest contingents in the Muslims right centre and right wing
respectively would attack from the right and break through the left
flanks, the rest of the army would attack frontally, the Muslims wing
and centre would meet behind the Persian centre in a converging
movement. The aim of the Muslim High Command was to seal off
enemy rear and them destroy the enemy forces”.

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b. In the middle of the morning, the Muslims resumed their attack. For
sometime the battle again degenerated into a butchery and there were signs
that it would be fought to a stand still with heavy losses to both side, but for
the first time in the past 24 hours, sighs of weakness appeared in the Persian
front. Their right under Harmuzan and the left centre were pushed back as a
result of the flanking movement, but after withdrawing a short distance they
reformed ranks and stood firm. So the situation remained till about noon
when Hazrat Qaqa pierced with a regiment and made a dash for the
Persians Headquarters. The Persian Commander-in-Chief Rustam was
caught and killed.

c. Last Phase. Early in the afternoon the Muslims launched another attack
with Hazrat Qaqa already at the Persians Headquarters, and the Persian
wings having been pressed back. The Army of Islam attacked as one body
and the fighting reached its climax along the semi circle in which the
Persian Army had been forced. After a fierce fighting, the Persian front
broke down. The Persian centre collapsed and the men fled in panic
towards the rive. The 15,000 chained men were cut into pieces. Many
Persian drowned in the rive and a few escaped to safety.

Persian Withdrawal and Muslim Pursuit

Jalinus, noticing the absence of orders from Rustam at once assumed the
command of the Persian Army and ordered a general withdrawal towards the Dam. He
picked up strong group of warriors, and rushed for the Dam to drive away the Muslims
who were there and threw a defensive are around its western end to keep it safe for use.
Towards this perimeter, Persian units began to withdraw and through it they crossed to
safety. Troops of several Muslim contingents launched attacks to dislodge, but the
Persian rear guard held firm and repulsed al attacks. Meanwhile other Persian units were
fleeing in other directions.

Hazrat Saad now brought up his last reserve of strength and put in a last ferocious
attack with sword and dagger to destroy the enemy forces and exploit the situation. He
also sent immediate order of Hazrat Zuhra to move after the withdrawing Persians and
pursue them on the road to Najaf. Hazrat Zuhra picked up three hundred of his toughest
horsemen and made for the Dam. Hazrat Saad sent two other columns towards north and
south to destroy the withdrawing enemy.

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Meanwhile Jalinus had done a commendable job under extremely adverse

conditions, getting the remnants of the Persians across the Dam to safety. And all this
time Hormuzan had stood at he bridge over the main road to Najaf, supervising
withdrawal. Not too many Persians came to the Dam, but those who did, safely got
across; and when no Persians remained in sight, Jalinus destroyed the Dam and moved
upstream along the east bank of Areeq. Arriving at the bridge, he took charge of
operations from Hormuzan.

Hazrat Zuhra got to the Dam and found it destroyed. There was no trace of any
organized Persian force across the river. Intending to give Jalinus no time to reorganize
his army for another battle Hazrat Zuhra jumped his horse into the rive and followed by
his three hundred riders, swam across to the east bank thus denying enemy a clean break.
He caught up with Jalinus at the bridge. Here a short action was fought in which Jalinus
repulsed the Muslim attack. The bulk of the Persian survivors had already gone up
towards Najaf and Jalinus kept with him a body of cavalry, to deter and delay pursuit by
the Muslims. After a short while he broke contact and retreated northwards leaving the
bridge intact. Hazrat Zuhra followed and Jalinus was again caught up near Kharara and
was killed. As Jalinus fell, the Persians turned and fled, closely followed by the
Muslims. The pursuit continued up to Najaf, and all the way large number of straggle
were killed by Hazrat Zuhra’s riders. Najaf was reached after sunset and little later as
nigh fell, Hazrat Zuhra turned about and led his column back, marching all the night and
arriving at Qadisiyya shortly before dawn.

ANALYSIS OF THE BATTLE OF QADISIYYA

General

a. The Preparatory Manoeuvre, its Strategic Direction and Effects. The

Muslims were committed on Syrian front against Romans when the Muslim
High Command got the information of Persian preparation for battle in Iraq.
The Muslim High Command was badly in need of time to gather a sizable
force for battle with Persians. As such they withdrew their contingents from
Suwad to Sharaf and started mustering forces for the forthcoming
operation. Progressively a force of 28,000 men was gathered and placed at
Qadisiyya near Persian border which posed a direct threat to Iraq-the
territory then under Persian Empire. The time was so fixed to suite Muslim
offensive as also shifting of forces from Syrian front because it was
assessed that by then the major battle or battles will be over against Romans
in Syria. The Muslim force on Persian border alongwith raids in the Persian
territory forced the Persians to come out from the security of their

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cantonment and fight the battle at Qadisiyya- the ground of Muslims

choice. The bait was swallowed by the Persians and Muslims achieved the
desired effects of their preparatory manoeuvre. They gained the required
time as well as forced the adversary to girth the battle in the restricted space
at Qadisiyya. The Persians moved a force of 60,000 to be positioned on the
borders to serve as deterrent to Muslims as a part for their preparatory
manoeuvre. Their aim was generally a show of strength so that Muslim
forces move away from their borders but they failed to achieve the desired
effects.

b. The Main Strategic Manoeuvre, Its Strategic Direction and Effects

Achieved. The main strategic manoeuvre of Muslims was directed against
the fertile land of milk and honev to boost up their economy and was
potential. The strategic direction of the manoeuvre was towards Persian
Capital Median (Then known as Ctesiphon). The Persians failed to establish
the Muslim intentions and moved out their forces where Muslims wanted to
defeat them. The Persians had no sound plan of a fine strategic manoeuvre.
In fact, they moved in haste without a definite aim. In the conduct of the
battle, the Muslim correctly appreciated the Persians main stay and centre
of gravity which was in elephants and Persian commander Rustam
respectively. The Muslims were able to destroy both which caused much
imbalance to their adversary. The main stay of the Muslims was in strong
reserve of cavalry and their centre of gravity was a faith in Allah and able
leadership of their Commander Hazrat Saad Bin Abi Waqqas. The Persians
tried for Muslim Commander but failed.

c. Speed and Scale of the Offensive . The Muslims were in no hurry. In fact
they wanted to gain time so that the battles in Syria could reach to a
decision before a major battle against Persians. They however, remained
mentally and physically alert to check Persian movement and even posed
caution on them by raids to delay their preparations. Despite lack of
resources the Muslims were able to must a large Army at Qadisiyya in an
unexpected time. The Persians on the other hand, were not quite clear in
their aim, numbering 60,000 moved out half heartedly and encamped in the
valley of Euphrates and Tigris waiting for the next Muslim movement.
Their speed of movement, construction of Dam over River Ateeq and
subsequent conduct of withdrawal was however marvelous keeping in view
the size of the army and its heavier equipment. In the conduct phase, the
speed of movement on either side was excellent but Muslim Army which
was lightly equipped cold move much faster than Persians. As a matter of

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fact, the Muslim High Command conceived the battle in its totality right
from the start.

d. Manoeuvre Related to Ground. The manoeuvre of the Muslim Army was

in relation to the space provided by the plan of Qadisiyya. The space
available was just enough for any army numbering 29,000. The Persians
were dragged to the restricted space not enough for 60,000 men and 33 war
elephants. The area of battle-field supported the Muslim strategic concept.
As mentioned earlier Qadisiyya was selected by the Caliph himself and as
per his strategic point, the Muslims had the desert at their back thus they
could not only preserve their strength but also avoid any serious reverses.
The Persian Army in the desert warfare did not equal the Muslims. This
also compensated for disparity in relative strength situation.

e. Strategic Dimensions of the Manoeuvre. The Muslim commitments in

Syria and disparity of resources directed minimum delay of two months
before Persian front could be opened. To this end the battle ground was
selected at Qadisiyya which did not suit the Persian strategic view point.
The Muslims resorted to raids on settlements east of Ateeq, which not only
imposed caution on the Persians vis-à-vis establishing the need to beef up
their preparations but also forced them to attack west of Ateeq.

f. Concept and Identification of Centre of Gravity. Both sides had

correctly identified each others centre of gravity. For the error in the initial
assembly and selection of battle-field, the Persians failed to compensate.
The Muslims on the other hand realized the relative strength disparity. Thus
as per their plans the tactical skill and competent leadership were able to
inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. On the second day, the enemy had
suffered 10,000 casualties as opposed to 2500 amongst the Muslims.
Subsequently the casualties increased. With this changed state of relative
strength on the 4th day they were able to achieve victory over the non-
believers-thus they won the battle of frontiers to take on deeper
manoeuvres. During the conduct, realizing the centre f gravity at various
stages f battle, the Muslims not losing in point of time undertook immediate
measures to overwhelm the adversary. On the first day in a matter of
minute, it was clear to the Muslims that the elephants were the main stay of
Persians and they must be removed from the scene of the battle-field. They
also discovered that the protecting infantry could be separated and after
having done that they could demolish ‘HOEDAS’ on the beasts. This, they
did heroically and thus forcing Rustam to withdraw his elephants. On the

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third day when elephants came again, Persians provided a strong and closer
infantry protection which demanded new technique to again remove the
elephants from the battle-field. To remove the devil from the scene,
selected officers were employed to blind and cut off the trunks of the
controlling elephants and through the velour of junior leaders Hazrat Saad
again snatching the initiative. Here, it is needless to say that there is no
substitute for personal example and this equally hold good today.

g. Motivation. To Muslims religion was a strong motivating force. While

Muslim is promised Paradise in case of death in the holy war, the victory
gives him just share of booty and rich spoils of the conquered territory.
These two elements had far-reaching effects of the Muslim soldiers. At the
end of this battle alone 7,000 dirhams were given to each infantry soldier
and 14,000 dirhams to each cavalry man.

h. Effects on Future Operations. Battle of Qadisiyya was a major episode in

the history of early battles of Islam between Persians and Muslims. With
the victory in the Muslims favour on the frontiers, conditions were created
to undertake the manoeuvre deep in Persia. The booty captured in the battle
was immense which boosted up Muslim was potential and economy. The
myth of Persian Army was shattered and confidence of Muslims got an
added stimulus. The Persians suffered 40,000 casualties as against 6,000 in
Muslim Army.

APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF WAR

BATTLE OF QADISYYIA

Following principles of war were applied/violate by the contestants: -

a. Maintenance of Aim. Starting from the assembly of forces, raids east of

River Ateeq, conduct of the battle itself including the method of induction
of the reinforcements, their launching in the battle and subsequent

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exploitation by pushing columns across the river is a clear indication of

maintenance of aim.

b. Economy of Effort. Both the Muslims as well as the Persian Army kept
strong reserves initially to exploit the success achieved. The Persian
commander Rustam employed the reserves prematurely on the very first
day of the battle and thereby he was left with nothing in hand on the
subsequent days. The Muslim Commander Hazrat Saad Bin Abi Waqqas,
despite shortage of manpower, kept his reserves intact and used them
during the exploitation phase. There were some critical moments in the
battle where reinforcements were required by the Muslim Army
commander evaluated the risk in an economical way by readjustment of
positions keeping his reserves intact for the decisive punch.

c. Mobility. The speed of movement by construction of dam over River Ateeq

and subsequent crossing was marvelous keeping in view the size of the
Persian Army and its heavier equipment. In the execution phase, the speed
of movement on either side was excellent but Muslim Army which was
lightly equipped could move much faster than Persians.

d. Unity of Command. The Persian political and military high commands

were not in line with the section of objective. The Persian commander
Rustam wanted to avoid a major head on clash with Muslims at the ground
of Muslims choice but he was compelled by the Emperor in ding so.

e. Security. Both the sides applied this principle of war to suite their
operational plans. They adopted the measures to prevent surprise and deny
information to each other. The Muslim Army’s move form Sharaf to
Qadisiyya was conducted tactically with advance guards operating ahead of
the Main Body to prevent surprise by the enemy; and like-wise Rustam also
moved his advance guard under Jalinus operating ahead of the Main Body
towards Qadisiyya which later on was ordered to act as covering force
when deployed along River Ateeq. Both the sides enhanced their security
by seizure of important tactical grounds retaining initiative thus depriving
each other an opportunity to interfere.

f. Surprise. Surprise and deception were masterly planned and efficiently

executed at all levels. It is evident from Hazrat Qaqa’s deception plan of
bringing the reinforcements in smaller groups at intervals and cutting down
the battle procedure by Hazrat Saad, who briefed these reinforcements on

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the move committing them in battle without much loss of time. The use of
camels with super structures deceived the Persians and created the desired
impact. Removal of elephants from the scene through innovative tactics
brought surprise for Rustam.

Conclusion

The victory at Qadisiyya opened the doors for Muslim conquests deep into
Persian Empire and within a decade, whole of Persia was captured by the Muslims. It
gave a severe shock to the Persians which they could not recover, though they put up
resistance at Jalula and Nehawand but it was possible only due to their strategic depth
and unlimited resources. They however, could not stop the deep Muslim offensive inside
their territory after this first major setback. Within few years the grand Persian Empire
was broken for ever and from Persia Islam started spreading rapidly in East and toward
Central Asia. Muslims occupied the important cities like Medain, Jalula, Basra and
Halman. Thus the prophesy of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding the
Sultanates of Qaisro-Kisra was fulfilled.

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