the Hudhayl tribe rushed towards them with nearly a hundred archers. When Asim and his companions sensed them, they took refuge in a hard, uneven ground (22). They said to them, "Come down and submit, and you have our promise and covenant that we will not kill any of you." Asim replied, "As for me, I will not descend under the protection of a disbeliever." They shot arrows at them, killing Asim and seven others with him, while three others descended to them based on the promise and covenant. They were Khubayb and Zayd ibn al-Dathina. When they gained control over them, they released their bowstrings and bound them with them. This is agreed upon (23). Asim chose the path of firm resolution (azima), while Khubayb and Zayd chose the path of concession (rukhsa), and both are praised, not disparaged nor blamed.
Section: If the enemy is more than double the number of Muslims, and the Muslims believe they are likely to be victorious, it is better for them to stand firm, because of the benefit in that. If they withdraw, it is permissible, for they are not secure from destruction. The ruling was tied to its likelihood, which is their being less than half (24) of their enemy (25). For this reason, it was incumbent upon them to stand firm if they were more than half, even if they believed they would likely perish. It is possible that it remains incumbent upon them to stand firm if they believe they are likely to be victorious, due to the benefit therein. If they believe they are likely to perish if they stay, but would be saved if they withdraw, the better course for them is to withdraw. However, if they stand firm, it is permissible, because they have an aim in martyrdom, and it is possible that they might also be victorious. If they believe they are likely to perish whether they stay or withdraw, then it is better for them to stand firm, so they may attain the rank of martyrs who face the battle for the sake of Allah, making them superior to those who turn away. Furthermore, it is possible that they may be victorious as well; for Allah the Almighty says: "How many a small group has overcome a large group by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient" (27). For this reason, Asim and his companions were patient and fought until Allah honored them with martyrdom.
(22) Al-Fadafd: A hard, rough ground. (23) Reported by al-Bukhari in: The Chapter on Whether a Man May Allow Himself to be Taken Captive and Who Does Not, from the Book of Jihad; and in: The Chapter on What Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Ju'fi Narrated to Me...; and in: The Chapter on the Battle of al-Raji, Ri'l, and Dhakwan... from the Book of Military Expeditions. Sahih al-Bukhari 4/82, 83, 5/100, 101, 132, 133. It was also reported by Abu Dawud in: The Chapter on the Man Who Allows Himself to be Taken Captive, from the Book of Jihad. Sunan Abi Dawud 2/47. And Imam Ahmad in: Al-Musnad 2/294, 310. We did not find it in Sahih Muslim. See: Tuhfat al-Ashraf 10/289. (24) In (B): "double". (25) In the original and (M): "their number". (26) In (A) and (B): "if". (27) Surah al-Baqarah: 249.
