Battle of Yamama - Decisive Victory Against the False Prophethood

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The battle of Yamama (or Yamamah) was the most important and bloodiest battle during the Ridda Wars. It was fought between the armies of the Rashidun Caliphate, led by Khalid bin Walid, and the false prophet Musaylima in December 632. The battle ended with another success for Khalid ibn al-Walid and Muslims. Musaylima and many of his supporters were eliminated during the battle, which decided the fate of false prophethood in Arabia.

Background

Musaylimah bin Habib was a member of Banu Hanifah, the largest tribe in the Najd area. The tribe inhabited the al-Yamamah region, now in Saudi Arabia. Musaylima was unique among other liar prophets as he proclaimed his prophethood during the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He even wrote a letter to Muhammad (PBUH) and asked him to accept him as a prophet. In reply, Muhammad (PBUH) declared him al-Kadhdhab (the arch-liar). 

Location of al-Yamamah in Saudi Arabia
Musaylimah was the leader of the largest tribe in the Nejd area

During the Ridda wars, Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) established 11 corps. Khalid bin Walid commanded the largest and most important core. After defeating other apostates in Nejd and its surrounding areas, he was responsible for dealing with Musaylimah.

Engagements Before the Battle

At the beginning of the Ridda Wars, Abu Bakr sent Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl with a small force to keep an eye on Musaylimah as Khalid was engaged with other apostates. The Caliph had forbidden Ikrimah from initiating any fight, and his mission was to prevent Musaylimah from joining other apostates. However, Ikrimah became anxious after learning about Khalid’s victories against other apostates. He made a mistake and was defeated by Musaylimah. 

Later, Abu Bakr sent Ikrimah to southern Arabia to assist the campaigns there and replaced him with Shurahbil ibn Hasana with the same purpose and instructions. But he also repeated the mistake of Ikrimah and was beaten by Musaylimah. Khalid arrived at Yamamah soon after the second battle and was joined by Shurahbil and his remaining troops. These small battles increased the confidence of Banu Hanifah and they stood behind their leader more firmly by considering him as charismatic and invincible.

The Battle

The battle was fought on the plains of Aqraba in the al-Yamamah region. The strength of the Muslim army was 13,000, who were heavily outnumbered by 40,000 strong warriors of apostates. The battle started with a duel, in which Khalid bin Walid assassinated his opponent and dealt a psychological blow to Musaylimah and Banu Hanifa. Khalid offered Musaylima to repent, and he would be forgiven. The false prophet utterly refused the offer and urged his fighters to remain steadfast for the safety of their women and families.

Both armies charged with full force. The battle remained very much equal in the beginning, and both sides suffered a large number of casualties. But Muslims remained on top during the second phase of the battle. The high number of casualties disintegrated the apostates, and the remnants of the soldiers of Banu Hanifa, along with their leader Musaylima, took refuge in a walled garden.

The Garden of Death

Musaylimah entered a walled garden along with some of his remaining loyalists. The garden’s gates were firmly closed, and the Muslim army surrounded it. At this moment, a Muslim soldier, Al-Bar’a ibn Malik, was able to climb the wall and open the gate. This allowed the Muslims to enter the garden and attack their enemy.

Banu Hanifa gathered around their leader and showed stiff resistance. But the battle came to an end when Wahshi ibn Harb assassinated Musaylimah by throwing his juvenile straight into his chest. Abu Dujana cut off the head of Musaylimah. The death of their leader demoralized the apostates. Almost the entire force inside the garden, composed of around 7,000 men, was slaughtered. This garden is known as the “Garden of Death” due to the large number of casualties.

 Importance of the Battle of Yamama

  • The Battle of Yamama proved to be the decisive battle during the Ridda Wars. Though the campaigns in northern and southern parts of Arabia continued after the Battle of Yamama, it eliminated the biggest hurdle in front of the Caliphate. The remaining apostates were unable to show the same resistance and the remaining areas were subjugated rather easily.
  • There were many proponents of prophethood in Arabia, but Musaylima was the strongest one with the highest number of followers. He also married the false prophetess Sajjah, who recognized his claim. This battle eliminated false prophethood in Arabia, and all the people recognized that Muhammad (PBUH) was the only true prophet who remained steadfast throughout his life to reform people’s beliefs and deeds. The purpose of all the other self-proclaimed prophets was to gain fame and worldly benefit.
  • More than 70 huffaz (Muslims who memorize the Quran) were martyred in this battle. This made it necessary for Abu Bakr to preserve the Holy Book. The initial steps to gather all the copies of the Quran were taken after the Battle of Yamama.

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