The Rise of Madain: A Pivotal Moment in Islamic History

The rise and fall of Madain, once the capital of the mighty Persian Empire, marks a turning point in world history. Known for its grandeur and wealth, Madain was home to the famous White Palace, which housed treasures beyond imagination. The conquest of Madain by the Muslim forces, under the leadership of Saad bin Abi Waqas, not only brought down the Persian Empire but also signalled the unstoppable rise of Islam. In this blog post, we will delve into the significant events that led to the rise of Madain, the Muslim conquest, and its impact on Islamic history.

The Power and Glory of Madain: The Heart of the Persian Empire

Madain, located on the banks of the Tigris River, was once the epicentre of the Persian Empire, a civilisation renowned for its wealth, power, and culture. The White Palace of Madain was a symbol of Persian might, housing the royal treasures, including vast amounts of gold, jewels, and precious artefacts. It was here that the Persian emperors ruled with an iron fist, and it was from here that the Persian military made its stand against the Muslim forces in the 7th century. 

But the rise of Islam, sparked by the revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), would change the course of history. As the Prophet’s companions spread Islam across the Arabian Peninsula, the Muslim armies began pushing beyond their borders, eventually targeting the mighty Persian Empire.

The Prophetic Foretelling: The Conquest of Madain

The conquest of Madain was foreshadowed by an incredible prophecy made by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) years before the Muslim army even set foot in Persian lands. When the Prophet and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) were forced to flee Makkah due to persecution, a bounty was placed on their heads. Abu Sufyan, the leader of Makkah, offered a reward of 100 camels to anyone who could capture the Prophet and his companion, dead or alive. One man, Surakh bin Malik, set out to capture them, but when he drew near, the Prophet turned to him and prophesied: “Surakh, what day will it be when you wear the bracelets of the King of Persia?”

At the time, Surakh could not understand the significance of the words, as the Persian Empire was a distant and mighty kingdom. But years later, during the early caliphate of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), Surakh would witness the fulfilment of this prophecy.

The Muslim Army Prepares for the Conquest of Madain

The Muslim army, fresh from their victory at the Battle of Qadisiyyah, was ready to face the mighty Persians in their heartland. Led by Saad bin Abi Waqas (RA), the Muslims advanced toward Madain, confident of victory. They believed in the prophecy and knew that their faith in Islam would lead them to success. Caliph Umar (RA) had given the command, and the Muslims were ready to challenge the Persian forces.

However, when they arrived at the banks of the Tigris River, they found their path blocked. The Persians had burned the bridges and destroyed the boats to prevent the Muslims from crossing. Faced with the daunting task of crossing the river, General Saad bin Abi Waqas (RA) refused to retreat. Instead, he boldly declared that they would attack Madain, no matter the cost.

The Miraculous Crossing: Overcoming the Impossible

The task of crossing the Tigris River seemed insurmountable, but the Muslims refused to be deterred. Asim bin Amr (RA), one of the Muslim generals, stepped forward and declared, “I will cross the river first.” He led a group of 600 soldiers, including his brother Kaka bin Amr, in a daring attempt to cross the river. The waters were deep and treacherous, and it seemed almost impossible for them to survive.

With the belief that death comes to all, Asim and his men plunged into the river. Miraculously, they crossed the Tigris River safely, an event that astonished the Persians. Witnessing such bravery and divine intervention, the Persian defenders began to panic, believing that supernatural forces were at work.

 The Fall of Madain: A Turning Point in Islamic History

Once across the river, the Muslims encircled Madain, and the Persian forces, demoralised by the miraculous crossing, began to retreat. The city fell without significant bloodshed, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history. King Yazd Garth, the ruler of Persia, fled the city, taking much of the treasure with him. Yet, the Muslim forces were able to seize a substantial portion of the wealth, including the famous throne of the Persian king, made of gold and adorned with diamonds.

Hazrat Salman al-Farsi (RA), a Persian-born companion of the Prophet (PBUH), was sent to negotiate with the people of Madain. When the people of Madain saw Salman, they were struck by the fact that Islam was not confined to any one tribe or nation. Salman, once one of them, had now become a leader of the Muslims. His presence served as a powerful reminder of Islam’s universal appeal and the transformative power of the faith.

The Prophecy Fulfilled: Surakh bin Malik and the Persian Bracelets

After the conquest, Hazrat Umar (RA) called for Surakh bin Malik, the man whom the Prophet (PBUH) had foretold would wear the bracelets of the Persian king. Surakh was given the bracelets of the Persian emperor, fulfilling the prophecy made years earlier. The people of Medina were amazed by this sight, and Hazrat Umar explained, “This is to fulfil the prophecy made by Rasulullah (PBUH) when he spoke of you wearing these bracelets.”

However, Hazrat Umar (RA) did not allow the bracelets to remain on Surakh’s arms. Instead, he placed them in the Bait al-Mal (treasury), stating that such treasures were not for individuals but for the Muslim community as a whole. This act underscored the humility and selflessness of the early Islamic leadership, which placed the welfare of the Ummah above personal gain.

The Impact of Madain’s Fall on Islamic Civilization

The fall of Madain marked the end of the Persian Empire’s dominance in the region and the rise of Islam as a global power. The Muslim forces treated the captured members of the Persian royal family with respect, including several princesses who were married to prominent Muslim figures, including the sons of Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). One of these princesses became the mother of Zainul Abideen, the great grandson of Hazrat Ali (RA), a revered figure in Islamic history.

Following the conquest of Madain, the Muslims continued to expand their influence, capturing Iraq and establishing the city of Kufa as a new centre of Islamic governance. It was from Kufa that the Islamic civilisation would continue to flourish, with significant events unfolding, including the tragic Battle of Karbala.

 Conclusion: The Legacy of Madain in Islamic History

The rise of Madain and its subsequent conquest by the Muslims marked a defining moment in Islamic history. The courage, unity, and faith displayed by the early Muslim warriors in the face of overwhelming odds left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. The story of Madain’s fall is not just about military victory, but about the triumph of faith, humility, and the unifying power of Islam. Through these events, the Muslims were able to lay the foundations for a new civilisation that would influence the course of history for centuries to come.

Keywords: Rise of Madain, Islamic history, conquest of Madain, Saad bin Abi Waqas, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Persian Empire, Tigris River, Surakh bin Malik, Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab, Salman al-Farsi, fall of Madain, Islamic civilisation.