The Unifying Religious Aspect of the Early Islamic Community

The conflict between the two city states began with what was essentially just a bunch of skirmishes. In 627, the struggle between Medina and Mecca finally came to a head when 10,000 soldiers decided to march directly on Medina. The defenders of Medina at this point only numbered about 3,000. They were outnumbered almost three to one. This fight, as one can see, took on a unifying religious aspect for the followers of Muhammad. But things weren't always going to be victorious or easy.