The Battle of Uhud is a pivotal chapter in the Grade 12 English syllabus offering profound insights in to military strategy, leadership and the consequences of shifting focus during the crisis. For students of the Punjab Board, FBISE, and KPK, this chapter are frequently a source of long questions and a contextual explanations.
This guide provides structured, exam-ready answers to the study questions and a high-quality resource for your final preparation.
The Historical Context: Badr to Uhud
Following their humiliating defeat at Badr, the Quraish of Makkah sought revenge. They assembled a massive army of 3,000 warriors, led by Abu Sufyan. Un like previous encounters, this force included women to sings inspirational songs and boost morale, ensuring that every soldier fought with absolute intensity.
Solved Study Questions: Recalling the Battle
Q: What were the two opinions regarding facing the army of the Quraish?
Answer: When news of the Quraish’s approach reached Madina, the Muslim council split into two groups:
- The Defensive Strategy: The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) and the elders suggested staying within Madina. This would force the enemy to split their strength to besiege the city, allowing Muslims to attack their weakest points.
- The Offensive Strategy: Enthusiastic young companions wanted to confront the enemy in the open field outside the city to protect Madina from a siege.
Ultimately, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) respected the passion of the youth and decided to meet the enemy at the Mount of Uhud.
Q: What changed the course of the battle?
Answer: The battle initially favored the Muslims. However the turning point was a tactical error. The bands of 50 archers, stationed at a strategic mound to protects the reared, left their posts to collect booty (Ghanimah) after seeing the Quraish retreat. Khalid bin Waleed noticing the unprotected flank, launched a swift cavalry charge from behind, surrounding the Muslims and causing heavy casualties.
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Get the complete solved notes for this unit! This PDF includes:
- Comprehensive Summary of the Battle.
- Character sketches of Hazrat Ali (R.A) and Mas’ab bin Omair (R.A).
- Important Vocabulary and Synonyms.
[Click Here to Download: Unit 7: The Battle of Uhud full download PDF]
Tactical Analysis: Why was Uhud a “Drawn Battle”?
In historical terms, Uhud is often called a drawn battle because:
- Initial Victory: Muslims successfully pushed back the 3,000-strong army.
- The Reversal: The archers’ mistake led to a chaotic retreat and the martyrdom of many Sahaba, including Hazrat Hamza (R.A).
- Final Stand: Under the command of Hazrat Ali (R.A) using the sword of the Prophet (S.A.W.W), the Muslims regrouped and forced the Quraish to leave the field without achieving their goal of destroying Madina.
Lessons for Students: Leadership and Obedience
The core message of this chapter, often asked in the “Writing” section of exams, is the importance of following a leader’s instructions.
- Discipline vs. Greed: The archers’ choice to leave their post for material wealth cost the army a decisive victory.
- Consultation (Shura): The Prophet (S.A.W.W)’s decision to listen to the youth, even though he favored a different strategy, highlights the Islamic principle of democratic consultation.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who bore a resemblance to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) in the battle?
Mas’ab bin Omair (R.A). His martyrdom led to the false rumors that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) had been killed, which temporarily demoralized the Muslim army.
2. How many Muslims fought in the Battle of Uhud?
Initially 1,000, but 300 hypocrites deserted, leaving the force of only 700 Muslims against 3,000 Quraish.
3. Is this chapter important for the 12th class English paper?
Yes, it is a high-yield chapter for both short questions and the essay question: “It is wise to acts up-on the advice of a leader.”
Conclusion
The Battle of Uhud serves as a timeless lesson in military discipline and the weight of a leader’s word. By mastering these notes, you are well-prepared to tackle any question regarding this unit in your 2nd year English exam.