Chapter 15. Fleeing From The Battlefield

Unless enemies outnumber twofold of Muslims, a Muslim is not allowed to turn his back to them. Similarly, unless it is in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own), a Muslim also is forbidden to flee from the battlefield. Allah the Almighty says,

If any do turn his back to them on such a day unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own) he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell, an evil refuge (indeed). (Al-Anfal: 16)

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported the Prophet to have said,

“Avoid the seven destroyers, The listeners asked: "O Messenger of Allah what are they?" He said, ”Associating partners with Allah (shirk), sorcery, taking a life which Allah has made sacred except in the course of justice, devouring usury, appropriating the property of the orphan, fleeing from the battlefield and slandering chaste believing women who would not expect to be accused of adultery.”

Ibn Abbas, May Allah be pleased with him, said,

When Allah revealed If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundreds. (Al-Anfal: 65)

He prescribed that it is not allowed for twenty Muslims to flee from two hundred of enemies. But, when Allah revealed,

But (even so) there are a hundred of you, patient and preserving, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. (AI-Anfal: 66)

Allah prescribed that it is not allowed for a hundred Muslims to flee from two hundred.” [Bukhari]

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