The Way To Victory

The Way to Victory

Written by ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab

Taken from: Al-Bidayyah wan-Nihayyah of Imaam ibn Kathir ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) sent an army under Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) for the conquest of Persia. ‘Umar (radee Allaahu ‘anhu) wrote him a convention as follows: “I command you and your army to fear Allaah at all times because piety is the best weapon against the enemy and the best strategy in the battle. And I command you and your soldiers to fear disobedience to Allaah more than you fear the enemy. If an army fears sins more than the enemy, Allaah brings them victory. Muslim victory is the outcome of the disbelievers' disobedience of Allaah. There is no power except with Allaah for they always outnumber us and have better weapons and tools. If we become equal in disobedience, they will conquer us due to more power; and unless we defeat them by righteousness, we cannot defeat them by power. You must learn that you have some angels with you to protect you and your deeds. So be careful and do not commit any sins while you are fighting in the way of Allaah. And never say our enemy is worse than us and that they cannot win even if we commit sins. Many nations have suffered at the hands of others who were less faithful as the magian who won over the Children of Isra’eel when they committed sins. You have to ask Allaah victory over your own selves in the same way you ask victory over the enemy. Ask it from Allaah for us and you.”

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