Battle of Mu’ta

Battle of Mu’ta

The Battle of Mu’tah was a historic confrontation fought in the year 629 CE (8 AH) near the town of Mu’tah, close to Kerak in southern Jordan. It was a significant encounter between the Muslim forces of Medina and a combined Byzantine-Ghassanid army during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The battle marked the first direct engagement between the Muslims and the Byzantine Empire and is remembered for its display of courage and strategic brilliance. Historical Context and Cause of the Battle The immediate cause of the Battle of Mu’tah was the killing of al-Harith ibn Umair al-Azdi, a Muslim envoy sent by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to the ruler of Busra in Syria. Al-Harith was intercepted and executed by Shurahbil ibn Amr, a governor under the Ghassanid King who was allied with the Byzantine Empire. In diplomatic traditions, envoys were granted immunity, and killing one was considered an act of war. This grave violation compelled Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to organize a response to assert the dignity of…