6th of Jumadi al-Awwal marks martyrdom anniversary of Ja’far ibn Abi-Talib in battle of Mu’ta

6th of Jumadi al-Awwal marks martyrdom anniversary of Ja’far ibn Abi-Talib in battle of Mu’ta
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On the 6th day of Jumada al-Awwal in the 8th year after Hijra, the historic Battle of Mu’ta — one of the fiercest confrontations in early Islamic history — took place, during which Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib, cousin of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family), was martyred.

The battle was launched following the killing of the Prophet’s envoy, Harith ibn ‘Umayr al-Azdi, by the Byzantine-allied governor of Balqa. In response, the Prophet ordered a military expedition to confront the Byzantine forces.

Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them both), appointed as the first commander of the Muslim army, fought with remarkable courage and steadfastness. Historical accounts describe that after his right arm was severed in combat, he continued to hold the banner with his left, and when that too was cut off, he clasped it to his chest until he fell in battle.

Due to his exceptional bravery and sacrifice, Islamic tradition holds that God granted Ja‘far two wings in Paradise in place of his lost arms, earning him the epithet “Ja‘far al-Tayyar” (Ja‘far the Winged). His valor and devotion remain honored as a symbol of faith and sacrifice in Islamic history.