The Final Prophet by Mohammad Elshinawy

The consistent and matchless bravery of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم indicated that he was not only truthful, but certain of his truthfulness, which serves as yet another endorsement of his prophethood.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم never fled in battle. Rather, he at times fought fearlessly on the front lines. It would have been perfectly understandable for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to shield himself behind the army, for his early death would have meant the end of the message.

Yet, ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib , the celebrated warrior, would say, “I myself witnessed on the Day of Badr how we used to stay close to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for cover, and he was the closest of us to the enemy, and he was the fiercest warrior on that day.”102

A man once said to al-Barā’ ibn ‘Āzib , “Did you flee on the Day of Ḥunayn, O Abū ‘Umārah?” He replied, “I can testify that the Prophet of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم did not retreat. There were some hasty young men who met—without adequate arms—a group from Hawāzin and Banū al-Naḍīr. They happened to be excellent archers, and they shot at them a volley of arrows that exposed their ranks. The people turned [for help] to the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم, whose mule was being led by Abū Sufyān ibn al-Ḥārith.

He صلى الله عليه وسلم dismounted, prayed, and invoked God’s help. What he said was, “I am the Prophet; this is no untruth! I am the son of ‘Abdul-Muṭṭ alib! O Allah, send Your help!” By Allah, when the battle grew fierce, we would seek protection behind him, and only the bravest among us could stand by his side in battle.”103

When Allah revealed, “O Messenger, convey that which has been revealed to you… and Allah will protect you from the people,”104 the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade his Companions from continuing to stand guard at night by his door.105 One night, the Muslims—who remained anxious that the Romans would attack Madinah at any time—awoke startled by a loud crash. Rushing to the scene, they found the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم already returning bareback on a horse belonging to Abū Ṭalḥah , his sword hanging around his neck, reassuring them that it was a false alarm.106 It takes exemplary courage, racing out alone to face potential danger like that, courage that even the bravest souls would admire.