CSS 2016 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Military Strategist in the Light of Sirah
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
About this specific question, the examiner has asked about the significant characteristics of military strategists from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with strong arguments. So, first, you need to briefly introduce the leading points of what you are about to write in your answer. Then, write your answers by splitting them into parts as the question demands. Finally, end your answer with a critical analysis and conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- The role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a military strategist
3- Characteristics of a military strategist in the light of seerah
- ✓ Envisioning and Planning
- ✓ Engaging in intelligence and information collection
- ✓ Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability
- ✓ Maintaining morale and motivation
- ✓ Implementing ethical and humanitarian solutions
- ✓ Delegating tasks effectively and utilizing skilled personnel
- ✓ Practising diplomacy and avoiding conflict
4- Critical Analysis
5- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
“The survival of the world is associated with the seer-ah of beloved Holy prophet (PBUH), he is the panacea to all problems of the world”.
(Allama Iqbal)
Military strategies play a vital role in Islam, as they ensure the protection of Muslims and the advancement of Islamic values. This significance is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasising the importance of preparedness and wisdom in defence and warfare. For that reason, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasised strategic planning, advising his companions before the Battle of Badr to take a defensive position, leveraging the terrain to their advantage. Therefore, this approach not only ensured victory but also minimised casualties. Therefore, military strategies are crucial in Islam, serving as a means to safeguard Muslim communities, promote peace, and uphold Islamic principles.
The Role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) As a Military Strategist
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a remarkable military strategist who demonstrated exceptional leadership and tactical acumen in the battles he led, ultimately shaping the course of Islamic history. His military prowess was instrumental in the expansion and consolidation of the Islamic state, as evident in the Battle of Badr, where he successfully led a vastly outnumbered army of 313 Muslims to victory against the Quraysh tribe. As narrated by Ibn Hisham, the Prophet’s strategic decision to occupy the wells of Badr, controlling the water supply, significantly contributed to the Muslim victory (Sirat Rasul Allah, 2/145). This tactical move exemplifies his ability to adapt and innovate, as emphasized in the Quran: “
وَاعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَّا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ وَ مِنْ رِبَاطِ الْخَيْلِ تُرْهِبُوْنَ بِهِ عَدُوَّ اللَّهِ وَعَدُوَّكُمْ وَ ج اخَرِينَ مِنْ دُونِهِمْ لَا تَعْلَمُوْنَهُمْ اللَّهُ يَعْلَمُهُمْ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ شَيْءٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُوْنَ
(Quran 8:60)
“And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy”
The Prophet’s military strategy was not merely focused on winning battles but also on upholding justice, compassion, and forgiveness, as seen in his treatment of prisoners and the terms of surrender. Hence, his multifaceted approach to warfare illustrates his exceptional leadership and military strategic thinking, solidifying his legacy as one of history’s most effective military commanders.
Characteristics of Military Strategists in the Light of Seerah
The Seerah (biography of Prophet Muhammad) provides profound insights into military strategy, showcasing the characteristics of a highly effective and visionary military leader; therefore, analysing the Prophet’s approach reveals principles that guide effective military strategy, emphasising preparation, flexibility, morale, and ethical conduct. Thus, some key characteristics of a military strategist as observed in the Seerah;
- Envisioning and Planning
The first and foremost characteristic was the Prophet’s meticulous planning and foresight, which enabled the Muslims to successfully defend against the combined forces of the Quraysh and their allies. This is evident in the Quranic verse,
وَإِذۡ زَاغَتِ ٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ ٱلۡحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۠ مِنكُمۡ
(Quran 33:10)
“And when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you began to harbor doubts about Allah.”
This verse highlights the critical situation the Muslims faced, but the Prophet’s strategic planning, which included digging a trench around Madinah, ultimately led to the enemy’s defeat. The Prophet’s vision and planning were also demonstrated when he sent Salman Al-Farsi, a Persian convert, to inspect the enemy’s camp and gather intelligence, showcasing his emphasis on informed decision-making. Thus, the success of the Battle of the Trench serves as a testament to the Prophet’s exceptional strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Engaging in intelligence and information collection
Second, engaging in intelligence and information collection is another vital characteristic of a military strategist. For instance, during the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwa-e-Khandaq), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent Ali ibn Abi Talib to gather information about the enemy’s strength and plans (Sahih Muslim, Book 19, Hadith 4334). This demonstrates the Prophet’s emphasis on intelligence gathering before making strategic decisions. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad’s military campaigns demonstrate the significance of intelligence gathering. He would often send scouts to gather information about the enemy’s strength, movements, and plans before engaging in battle. However, the Prophet placed high importance on gathering intelligence about the enemy’s movement, strength, and intentions. This allowed him to make informed decisions. Illustratively, Battle of Badr: Before the Battle of Badr, scouts provided information about the Quraysh caravan and their numbers, which enabled the Prophet to prepare effectively and deploy his limited resources strategically. Hence, engaging in intelligence and information collection is indeed a crucial characteristic of a military strategist.
- Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability
Another important characteristic of the military strategist is demonstrating flexibility and adaptability. Prophet Muhammad demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to evolving circumstances, adjusting his tactics as necessary to achieve objectives. As an illustration, Trench Warfare (Battle of Ahzab): When faced with the coalition of Quraysh and their allies in the Battle of the Trench, he adopted the tactic of trench warfare based on advice from his companion, Salman al-Farsi. This unconventional tactic for Arabian warfare led to a defensive victory. The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) adaptability saved the city from certain defeat, demonstrating that flexibility in military strategy can be a decisive factor in achieving victory Thus, by embracing unconventional tactics, a Military Strategist can turn seemingly insurmountable challenges into opportunities for success, mirroring the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) exemplary leadership.
- Maintaining morale and motivation
Next, characteristic of the military strategist in the light of seerah is maintaining morale and motivation. In fact, maintaining morale and motivation is a crucial characteristic of a successful military strategist, as it enables troops to overcome challenges and achieve victory. Effective leaders recognize the importance of boosting soldiers’ spirits, fostering unity, and inspiring them to fight for a higher purpose. Illustratively,
“How many a small company has overcome a large company by Allah’s leave?”
(Quran 2:249)
This verse emphasizes that victory is not solely dependent on numerical strength but on divine support and the courage of the believers. By instilling faith and confidence in his soldiers, the Prophet motivated them to face a much larger enemy force, ultimately leading to a decisive victory. Thus, the significance of morale and motivation in military strategy demonstrates that a skilled leader can turn the tide of battle by inspiring their troops to fight with conviction and purpose.
- Implementing ethical and humanitarian solutions
Furthermore, a military strategist must prioritize ethical and humanitarian characteristics to ensure that their decisions align with moral principles and minimize harm to non-combatants. This characteristic is essential in modern warfare, where civilians are often caught in the crossfire. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“Not to kill women, children, and old men” and “not to cut down fruit-bearing trees” during battles
(Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith demonstrates the importance of sparing civilians and preserving infrastructure, reflecting the Quranic verse.
“And do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set in order”
(7:56)
Therefore, by incorporating ethical and humanitarian solutions, military strategists can reduce the risk of unintended harm and promote sustainable peace.
- Delegating task effectively and utilizing skilled personnel
Moving further, an effective delegation of tasks and utilization of skilled personnel are essential characteristics of a successful military strategist. This allows for efficient use of resources, maximisation of expertise, and achievement of strategic objectives. As a demonstration, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said,
“When you delegate a task to someone, choose the best person for it.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud)
The Prophet entrusted various tasks and military roles to skilled companions, leveraging their strengths for the success of the community. Khalid ibn al-Walid is one such example; the Prophet appointed Khalid ibn al-Walid as a military commander despite his initial opposition to Islam. Recognising his skills, he used Khalid’s leadership to win key battles, showing the Prophet’s impartiality and focus on competence. This leadership approach demonstrates that effective delegation and utilization of skilled personnel are critical components of successful military strategy, allowing leaders to make informed decisions and achieve victory.
- Practising diplomacy and avoiding conflict
Lastly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified effective military strategy by prioritising diplomacy and avoiding conflict whenever possible. For instance,
“Do not wish to meet the enemy, but when you meet them, be firm.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This approach is evident in his negotiations and treaties with rival tribes and nations, demonstrating that strength is not solely measured by military might, but also by the ability to resolve disputes. Illustratively, Al-Qur’an, states,
وَإِن جَتَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and trust in Allah.”
(Quran 8:61)
The Quranic verse emphasizes the importance of embracing peace when the enemy is willing. These teachings guided his military strategies, showcasing his wisdom in prioritizing diplomacy. Thus, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) military strategy in Seerah demonstrates that diplomacy and conflict avoidance are essential characteristics of effective leadership, reflecting his divine guidance to prioritize peace and stability whenever possible.
Critical Analysis
Critically, the military strategies of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are still an excellent source and guideline for those who have to formulate military principles. Even in today’s world, if these military tactics are implemented, then the necessary evil of war can be executed peacefully. This military strategy is not only a role model for Muslims but also non-Muslims across the globe. The disastrous incidents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the war on terror in Afghanistan, the invasion and war by the USA in Iraq, the war in Syria, and the Russia-Ukraine war can be either avoided or executed less destructively if the military strategy of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were used as a role model. Hence, the destruction and chaos across the world are because countries are formulating violent and brutal military tactics to contain and destroy other enemy states.
Conclusion
Towards the crux, history is witnessing that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has exhibited excellent military skills in all his wars. He always led the Muslims from the front and preached that martyrdom was better than turning back on the battlefield. He was careful and cognizant of the military preparedness of Muslims and made arrangements for imparting military training to Muslims during peacetime as well. Muslims were sent to other areas to get training in the use of weapons. He has fought many wars with minimum human life losses. As in the past, the protection of the world and peace lay in the teachings of the Holy Prophet PBUH; even today, it is possible only by following the teachings of Islam and the Holy Prophet.
CSS 2016 Solved Islamiat Papers
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