The fourth day of Ramadan has witnessed critical events in Islamic history, showcasing Muslim triumphs, strategic conquests, and shifts in alliances. These include the recapture of Antioch, the Ottoman conquest of Belgrade, and the annulment of the Sitvatorok Treaty, which ended decades of peace between the Ottomans and the Germans. Below is a detailed look at these significant events:
Recapture of Antioch from the Crusaders – 1268 CE
Antioch, a city of immense strategic importance in northern Syria, was one of the first cities to fall to the Crusaders during their campaigns against the Muslim world in 491 AH (1098 CE). Its location allowed the Crusaders to control key trade and military routes, making it a stronghold for nearly 170 years.
When Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars ascended to power in 658 AH, he prioritized reclaiming Muslim lands from the Crusaders. After expelling the Mongols from Syria, Baybars focused his attention on the Crusader-occupied cities. He systematically captured Caesarea, Arsuf, Safed, Karak, Jaffa, and laid siege to Acre, paving the way to Antioch.
Baybars employed a meticulous strategy to isolate Antioch, cutting off its supply lines and reinforcements. He divided his army into three divisions: one to blockade the port of Suwaydiyah, preventing access by sea, another to sever routes to Cilicia and northern Syria, and the main force under his command to lay siege to the city.
On the fourth day of Ramadan, 666 AH, Baybars successfully entered Antioch, marking one of the greatest victories for Muslims after the Battle of Hattin. This conquest dealt a severe blow to the Crusader presence in the region.
Ottoman Conquest of Belgrade – 1521 CE
Belgrade, a city of strategic significance and home to one of the strongest fortresses on the Hungarian-Ottoman border, was a key to central Europe. The Ottomans attempted to capture it multiple times, including campaigns during the reigns of Sultan Murad II and Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror), but it remained elusive.
However, in 927 AH (1521 CE), under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottomans launched a decisive campaign to capture the city. This was prompted by the Hungarian King Louis II’s execution of an Ottoman envoy sent to offer terms of conversion to Islam or payment of tribute.
Sultan Suleiman’s diplomatic acumen ensured that European powers did not intervene, allowing him to focus solely on Belgrade. With careful planning and military prowess, Suleiman’s forces laid siege to the city. On the fourth day of Ramadan, the Ottomans breached Belgrade’s defenses, capturing the city and consolidating their dominance in central Europe.
Annulment of the Sitvatorok Treaty – 1662 CE
The Sitvatorok Treaty, signed in 1606, marked the end of a long conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy. Under the treaty, Austria paid a hefty war indemnity of 67,000 gold coins to the Ottomans and secured peace by ending its annual tribute payments. Borders were also stabilized based on the territories held by each side at the time.
However, tensions resurfaced 56 years later when the Germans constructed a fortified castle along the Ottoman border, violating the treaty’s terms. This act escalated hostilities, and on the fourth day of Ramadan in 1073 AH, the Ottoman Empire declared war on the Germans, effectively nullifying the Sitvatorok Treaty and ending decades of peace.
Formation of the First Military Standard in Islam
On the fourth day of Ramadan in the early days of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) formed the first military standard. He appointed his uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, as the commander of 30 Muhajirun (emigrants) to intercept a Qurayshi caravan led by Abu Jahl, which was guarded by 300 men.
Despite the disparity in numbers, the two forces did not engage in combat, and the encounter ended without confrontation. This marked the beginning of organized military efforts under the banner of Islam.
