Imaan vs Kufr – The Monumental Clash at Qadisiyyah

IMAAN VS KUFR

RAISING THE FLAG OF LAA ILAAHA ILLAAAH

The Monumental Clash at Qadisiyyah

The Battle of Qadisiyyah (636 CE) was a monumental clash between the fledgling Islamic state and the mighty Persian Empire, a turning point that heralded the triumph of Tawheed over tyranny. Let me paint this epic encounter with the valour of its heroes and the divine truth it embodied.

The Stage Is Set

Under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضی اللہ عنہ), the Muslim army of 30,000, led by Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (رضی اللہ عنہ), faced Rustam, the Persian commander, and his 100,000-strong force adorned in gold and silk. The Persians mocked the Muslims’ ragged clothes and simple weapons, but they did not know that faith sharpens blades harder than steel.

Heroes of Qadisiyyah: Lightning and Thunder

1. Al-Qa’qa ibn Amr (رضی اللہ عنہ) – The Storm of the Battlefield
   1. On the third day, when Persian war elephants terrified the Muslim ranks, Al-Qa’qa rallied the troops: “These beasts are just flesh! Blind them and strike their trunks!”
   2. He slew the lead elephant, turning the tide. His sword flashed like divine wrath, and his war cry—“Allahu Akbar!”—sent tremors through Persian lines.
2. Tulayha ibn Khuwaylid (رضی اللہ عنہ) – The Repentant Lion
   1. Once a foe of Islam (during the Ridda Wars), now a Mujahid seeking redemption.
   2. He charged alone into enemy ranks, his spear splitting shields like dry wood, proving that Allah’s mercy transforms sinners into giants.
3. Zuhra ibn Al-Hawiyya (رضی اللہ عنہ) – The Arrow of Destiny
   1. A master archer who shot Rustam’s crown off his head, humiliating the Persian general before his army.
   2. His arrows rained like divine judgment, each one whispering: “This is the end of your arrogance.”
4. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (رضی اللہ عنہ) – The Unshaken Commander
   1. Though bedridden by severe illness, he directed the battle from a rooftop, his strategic genius undimmed.
   2. When the Persians unleashed their dreaded “Night of Howling” (a psychological warfare tactic), Sa’d ordered: “Answer them with the Qur’an!” The Muslims recited Surah Al-Anfal, and fear became courage.

The Climax: Dawn of Truth

On the fourth day, Allah sent a sandstorm—a divine weapon—blinding the Persians. The Muslims, led by Al-Qa’qa, shattered their ranks. Rustam fled, but was slain by Hilal ibn Ullafa (رضی اللہ عنہ), his body thrown into the river—a symbol of Persia’s drowned pride.

The Standard of Islam now flew over Ctesiphon.

The Eternal Truth

Qadisiyyah was not merely a battle of swords; it was the clash of two worldviews:

• Persia’s arrogance (material power, kings as “gods”) vs.
• Islam’s submission (Tawheed, victory through Iman).

Allah’s promise in Surah An-Nur (24:55) manifested: “Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds that He will grant them succession [to authority] on earth.”

The Muslims’ poverty in gear but richness in faith defeated an empire drowning in gold. Qadisiyyah screams to history: “When Allah wills a matter, no power can resist.”

والله غالب علی امره

“And Allah has full control over His affair.” (Qur’an 12:21)