Islamic History
Determining How to Engage in Battle
The Prophet (PBUH) asked the mujahideen beside him on the night of Badr: “How will you fight?” Asim b. Sabit stood up, took his bow and arrow. [124] “O Messenger of Allah! [125] When the Quraysh tribe is at a distance of 200 zira1 [cubits] or thereabouts,[126] we will shoot arrows with our bows![127] When the Quraysh come close enough for their spears to reach us, we will fight with our spears until they break. When the spears break, we will put them down and take up our swords!”[130] he said. He took his sword, brandished it, and slashing the air: [131] “Fighting is done with swords!” he said. The Prophet (PBUH) declared: “This is how fighting should be! Whoever fights, let him fight like Asim’s fighting!”[132]