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The Battle of Az-Zallaqah (Sagrajas) was fought in
Ramadan AH 479 (1086 CE) between the Muslims and European armies.
Az-Zallaqah is in Andalusia, near Cordova. The battle broke out when
Alfonso VI, the Castilian ruler, threatened Al-Mu`tamid ibn `Ibad,
Muslim ruler of Andalusia, that he would occupy the city of Cordova.
Al-Mu`tamid decided to turn for aid to the ruler of
Morocco, Yusuf ibn Tashufin, though Al-Mu`tamid’s men warned him that
this action might make Ibn Tashufin aspire to invade Andalusia.
Al-Mu`tamid replied with his famous statement: “To breed camels is
much better than to breed pigs.” By this he meant that it is better
for him to be occupied by Muslims and breed their camels in deserts than
to live under the rule of the European king and breed his pigs. In fact,
Tashufin did not hesitate to help his Muslim brothers. He hastened to
respond for their call, and both rulers met and began their mission to
safeguard the Muslim soil.
Alfonso VI tried to trick the Muslims leaders. He sent
for them assuring them that there would be no battle on the blessed days
of Friday and Sunday. It was clear to the Muslims that it was only a
trap and, accordingly, they prepared themselves. Their guesses came to
be true, for on Friday night the enemy forces began their fierce attacks
against Muslims. The two forces met in a dreadful fight, where victory
first seemed to be for the enemies and Al-Mu`tamid was severely wounded.
Yet Allah never breaks His promise. The course of the battle was
reversed and Tashufin’s forces fought with steadfastness and courage.
The battle ended with a brilliant victory for the Muslims.
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