[[ Asad’s note 90 on Udud to 3:21-25: ….In order to avenge their catastrophic defeat at Badr in the second year after the hijrah, the pagan Meccans – supported by several tribes hostile to the Muslims – mustered in the following year an army comprising ten thousand men under the command of Abu Sufyan and marched against Median. On hearing of their approach, in the month of Shawwal 3 H, the Prophet held a council of war at which the tactics to be adopted were discussed.

In view of the overwhelming cavalry forces at the disposal of the enemy, the Prophet himself was of the opinion that the Muslims should give battle from behind the fortifications of Medina and, if need be, fight in its narrow streets and lanes; and his plan was supported by some of the most outstanding among his Companions. However, the majority of the Muslims leaders who participated in the council strongly insisted on going forth and meeting the enemy in the open field. In obedience to the Quranic principles that all communal affairs must be translated on the basis of mutually-agreed decisions (see verse 159 of this sura, as well as 42:38), the Prophet sorrowfully gave way to the will of the majority and set out with this followers towards the plain below the mountain of Uhud, a little over three miles from Median. ]