Events Occurred on the Tenth of Ramadan

The tenth day of Ramadan is a date marked by pivotal events in Islamic history. These include the victory in the Yom Kippur War (known in the Arab world as the October War), the Muslim triumph over the Crusaders in the Battle of Mansurah, and the passing of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Below are the details of these important moments:

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The Yom Kippur War (October War) – 1973 CE

On the tenth day of Ramadan in 1393 AH (6 October 1973 CE), Egypt and Syria launched a coordinated attack on Israeli forces in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. This was the fourth major conflict between Arab nations and Israel following the wars of 1948, 1956, and 1967.

The Course of the War

- Egyptian Front: Egyptian forces successfully crossed the Suez Canal, breaking through Israel’s heavily fortified Bar Lev Line and advancing 20 kilometers into the Sinai Peninsula. The crossing is remembered as a brilliant tactical maneuver, carried out during Ramadan while many soldiers were fasting.

- Syrian Front: Syrian forces initially advanced deep into the Golan Heights, pushing Israeli forces back toward Lake Tiberias.

International Dynamics

- The Arab states provided strong support, with several nations supplying resources to Egypt and Syria.

- The United States supported Israel with an extensive airlift of weapons and supplies, while the Soviet Union provided limited aid to Egypt and Syria.

Outcome

The war eventually ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. The conflict demonstrated Arab military capability and restored a sense of pride in the wake of the 1967 defeat. It later led to the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, resulting in Egypt’s recovery of the Sinai Peninsula.

The Battle of Mansurah – 1250 CE

On the tenth day of Ramadan in 648 AH, the Muslim forces achieved a decisive victory over the Crusaders in the Battle of Mansurah during the Seventh Crusade.

The Background

The Crusaders, led by King Louis IX of France, aimed to conquer Egypt as part of their strategy to regain Jerusalem. After capturing Damietta, the Crusaders marched toward Cairo.

The Battle

- The Crusaders were lured into the city of Mansurah, where the Mamluks, under the leadership of Baybars and other commanders, launched a surprise attack.

- The Egyptian army and local civilians—including peasants and townsfolk—joined forces, resulting in the capture of King Louis IX and the annihilation of his army.

Significance

This victory was a turning point in the Crusades. It marked the beginning of the decline of Crusader influence in the region and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Mamluk military leadership, which later played a critical role in defending the Muslim world from future threats.

The Death of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid – 620 CE

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away on the tenth day of Ramadan in the year 3 BH (before Hijrah), equivalent to 620 CE.

Her Role in Islam

- Khadijah was the first person to accept Islam and was a constant source of support for the Prophet during the early years of his mission.

- She provided emotional and financial backing to the Prophet, enabling him to focus on spreading the message of Islam.

The Year of Sorrow

Her death occurred shortly after the passing of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle and protector. The loss of these two figures in the same year deeply saddened the Prophet, and the year became known as the Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn).

Legacy

Khadijah is remembered as a paragon of faith, loyalty, and wisdom. She holds a unique position among the wives of the Prophet and is revered as the “Mother of the Believers.”