*The Great Battle of Badr took place the 17th of Ramadan....*
**
*The Battle of Badr*
<http://www.al-islam.org/history/history/badr.html>
*In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful.*
The battle of Badr was the most important among the Islamic battles of
Destiny, this great battle took place on the seventeenth of Ramadan, two
years after the Hijra. This was the first battle that the believers ever
engaged in with the disbelievers, and it is, by far, the most famous and
most renown, becuase of the several extraordinary events that occured during
it. For the first time the followers of the new faith were put into a
serious test. Had victory been the lot of the pagan army while the Islamic
Forces were still at the beginning of their developments, the faith of Islam
could have come to an end.
Rasoolullah (saws) had encouraged the Muslims to oppose the Quraish caravan
which was returning to Mecca from Sham [Syria]. The Muslims went out with
300 and some soldiers not intending to meet a caravan of about 40 men, not
intending to fight but only to overpower them. The caravan escaped, but Abu
Sufyan had already sent word to Quraish (in Makkah) to come and protect it.
The Quraish marched with enormous army of 1000 men, six hundred wearing
shields, 100 horses, and 700 camels, and luxurious provisions to last for
several days. The disbelievers wanted to make this a victory that would put
fear into the hearts of all the Arabs. They wanted to crush the Muslims once
and for all and the odds were overwhelmingly in their favor. Imagine that
the believers with their small army (including only 2 horses), going out
with the intent of meeting a mere 40 unarmed man and instead meeting a well-
prepared army of *3 times* their size.... Rasoolullah (saws) could have
easily ordered the believers to fight and they wouldn't have hesitated to
comply, but, he (saws) wanted to emphasize to his followers that they should
fight out of conviction and iman and to teach us a lesson in the process.
He gathered his followers to conduct shura (consultation). Many of the
muhajireen (the Muslims who emigrated from Mecca to Medinah) spoke up, using
the most eloquent of words to describe their dedication. But there was one
of the sahabah whom all the others envied for his statement to Rasoolullah
(saws). He, Miqdad ibn al Aswad, rose up in front of the crowd and said, *'Ya
Rasoolullah! We will not say to you like Bani Israel said to Musa, 'Go you
and your Lord and fight, we are here sitting (waiting).' (surat al
maa'idah). Go by Allah's blessing and we are with you!"*
And so Rasoolullah (saws) was very pleased, but in his greeat wisdom, he
waited silently, and some among the Muslims knew what he intended. So far
only the muhajiroon had given their consent, but it was the Ansar (the
Muslims who lived in Medinah and welcomed the Muslims into their city) who
had the most to loose in this stake and it was not a part of the pledge
(that Rasoolullah had taken from the Ansar at 'Aqabah) for the Ansar to
fight with the Muslims in foreign territory.
So, the great leader of the Ansar, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh spoke up, *"Ya
Rasoolullah! Maybe you mean us."*
Rasoolullah (saws) responded in the affirmative.
Sa'd proceeded to give a beautiful speech in which he said, among many
things: *"O Messenger of Allah, we have believed in you and we believe that
you are saying the truth. We give you, based on that, our covenant to listen
to and obey you..... By Allah, the One Who sent you with the truth, if you
were to enter the sea, we would rush into it with you and not one of us
would stay behind... May Allah show you in our actions what will satisfy
your eyes. So march with us, putting our trust in Allah's blessings." *
Rasoolullah (saws) was very pleased by this and said, *"Forward and be of
cheer, for Allah has promised me one of the two (the caravan or the battle),
and by Allah, it is as if I now saw the enemy lying prostrate." *
The Muslims marched forward and encamped at the nearest spring of Badr
(closest to Medinah, which is north of Mecca). One of the companions,
Al-Hubab ibn Mundhir, asked Rasoolullah (saws), *"Has Allah inspired you to
choose this very spot or is it stratagem of war and the product of
consultation?" *
Rasoolullah (saws) said, *"It is the product of stratagem of war and
consultation."*
So Al-Hubab suggested that the Muslims encamp further south on the nearest
water well, make a basin of water for themselves, and destroy the other
wells to thereby restrict to Quraish's access to the water.
Rasoolullah (saws) approved of his plan and carried it out.[*] Then, Sa'd
ibn Mu'adh suggested that a trellis or hut be built for Rasoolullah (saws)
as a protection for him and to serve as a headquarters for the army.
Rasoolullah (saws) and Abu Bakr stayed in the hut while Sa'd ibn Mu'adh and
a group of his men guarded it. Rasoolullah (saws) spent the whole night
preceeding the battle in prayer and supplication evn thought he (saws) knew
that Allah (swt) had promised him victory. It was out of his (saws) love for
and worship and submission to Allah (swt) that he did this. And it was said
that this is the highest form of 'ibadah knowns as "'ain al yaqeen", a state
of being completely dependant and submissive to Allah (swt), which
distinguished him (in superiority) from Abu Bakr As siddiq (ra) who only had
" 'ilm al yaqeen", the certainty of the promise. Unusally, that same night,
the night when tensions were mounting for one of the biggest events in
history, the night before the battle that would signify the progress or
defeat of Islam, instead of being nervous, worried and unable to sleep, the
Muslim army enjoyed a sound and refreshing sleep.
That night was the night of the 17th of Ramadan, the year 2 A.H. This was a
Divine favor which Allah (swt) mentioned in the Quran: *"(Remember) when He
covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused rain to
descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the
Rijz (whispering, evil suggestions, etc.) of Satan, and to strengthen your
hearts, and make your feet firm thereby."* [Quran 8:11]
The seond favor from Allah (swt) mentioned in this verse is the rain that
Allah (swt) sent upon the believers that very night. The place where the
Muslims were to encamp was made of sandy ground which was hard to walk on
becuase one's feet could easily sink in it. Allah (swt) sent the rain to
make the ground firm under their feet and sent the sleep to make their
hearts firm.
The next morning, Rasoolullah (saw) was still asleep when Quraish was very
closely approaching. Abu Bakr (ra) was very hesitant to wake the noble
Messenger (saws), but was forced to do so becuase Quraish were approahcing
quickly. The Muslims were arranged in ranks. When the two parties appoached
closer and were visible to each other, Rasoolullah (saws) began
supplicating, *"O Allah! The conceited and haughty Quraishites are already
here and defying You and and belying Your Messenger. O Allah! I m waiting
for Your victory which You have promised me. I beseech You Allah to defeat
them." *
He (saws) then gave strict orders that his men would not start fighting
until he gave them his final word. He recommended that they use their arrows
sparingly [1] and never resort to swords unless the enemies came too close.
[2] The Quraish were haught and arrogant and confident in their superior
number, weapons, and provisions but it is Allah (swt) who would decide the
matter: *"(O disbelievers) if you ask for a judgement, now has the judgement
come unto you and if you cease (to do wrong) , it will be better for you,
and If you return (to the attack), so shall we return, and your forces will
be of no avail to you, however numerous it be, and verily, Allah is with the
believers."* [Quran 8:19]
No one was aware of the importance of the outcome of the Battle as the
Prophet (S.A.W.) himself. We might read the depth of his anxiety in his
prayer before the beginning of the Battle when he stood up supplicating his
Lord: *"**God this is Quraish. It has come with all its arrogance and
boastfulness, trying to discredit Thy Apostle. God, I ask Thee to humiliate
them tomorrow. God, if this Muslim band will perish today, Thou shall not be
worshipped."* [1]
At this battle in which the pagan army consisted of 1000 fighters and 314
(including the Messenger S.A.W.), the Islamic defense was a combination of
three defensive lines :
1. The personality of the Messenger, his leadership and his unequalled
firmness. He (S.A.W.) was to the Muslims the final refuge at Badr and at
every battle he attended.
2. The Hashmites (the clan of the Prophet S.A.W.), led by Ali Ibn Abu
Talib (A.S.) who entered this battle relatively obscure and came out with
unequalled military fame. His military performances became the popular
subject of the Arab caravans conversations throughout the Arabic Peninsula.
3. The hundreds of companions of the Messenger whose hearts were filled
with the faith and readiness for sacrifice. Many of them viewed matrydom to
be a gain, equal to life and victory. These good companions were the army of
Islam, its first line of defense and thick wall behind which the Messenger
(S.A.W.) used to stand. Thet were the attackers and the defenders.
As to the clan of the Messenger they were the ones that he used to call
before any one else, to offer the heavy sacrifice. They used to stand in the
first line of defense opening for the army the way through their thrusts in
the line of the enemies. When the general offensives began and every
companion participated, the clan of the Messenger (S.A.W.) were the most
damaging to the enemies. They were so at Badr and at the following battles.
*Battale starts...*
The battle began with a confronation between three men from each side: when
Utbah Ibn Rabi-ah, his son Al Walid and his brother Sheibah (all from the
Ommayad) stood in front of the pagan army and asked the Prophet (S.A.W.) to
send to them their equals for a dual. Hundreds of companions were around him
and many of them were expecting to be called upon by the Prophet (S.A.W.)
but he choose to start from his own family.
The load was heavy and the heavy load could be carried only by the people to
whom it belonged as he [Rasoolullah] called upon Ali, Al Hamza and Obeidah
Al Harith (all from the clan of the Prophet) to face the three warriors. Ali
destroyed Al Walid and Al Hamza killed Utbah; then they both assisted
Obeidah against his opponent Sheibah. Sheibah died immediately and Obeidah
was the first martyr at this battle. He died after he lost his leg.
The fighting intensified, and many more duels broke out. In the midst of all
of this, Rasoolullah (saws) continued to supplicate his Lord. He (saws)
said, *"O Allah! Should this group (of Muslims) be defeated today, You will
no longer be worshipped." *Abu Bakr witnessed this incessant supplication so
He said to Rasoolullah (saws), *"O Rasoolullah, you have cried out enough to
your Lord. He will surely fulfill what He has promised you." *
Immediate was the response of Allah (swt), Who sent down angels from the
heavens for the help and assistance of Rasoolullah (saw) and his companions.
The Quran marks this miraculous occurance: *"I will help you with a thousand
of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in
succession."*Quran [8:9]
Rasoolullah (saws), in his hut, dozed off a little and then raised his head
joyfully crying and said, *"O Abu Bakr! glad tidings are there for you.
Allah's victory has approached. By Allah, I can see Jibreel on his mare in
the thick of a sandstorm."* Then he came out of the hut and
exclaimed:*"sayuhzamul jam'u wa yuwwalloonad-dubur"
* Quran [54:45] (Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show
their backs.)
This is in fact one of the miracles of the Quran becuase this verse was
revealed in Mecca before any of these events at Badr had taken place. Omar
(ra), upon hearing Rasoolullah (saws) proclaim this verse on this occasion
said, *"When this verse was first revealed, I asked Rasoolullah what it
means. What multitude? What deafeat? And Rasoolullah (saws) didn't answer
me. But when I saw him recite it on that occasion, I then understood."*
Then Rasoolullah (saws) took a handful of dust and cast it at the enemy and
said : *"Confusion seize their faces!"* As he flung the dust, a violent
sandstorm blew like furnace blast into the eyes of the enemy. About this,
Allah says: *"And you (i.e. Muhammad -saws) threw not when you did throw,
but Allah threw."* [Quran 8:17]
It was at this point that Rasoolullah (saws) gave orders to launch a full
counter-attack. He incited the believers reciting the following verse: *"And
be quick for forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the
heavens and earth."* [3:133] The spirit of the Muslims was at it peak and
they fought with the untmost courage and bravery severly wounding the
Quraish army, killing many of their men and instilling fear in their hearts.
When the general offensive began, hundreds of companions participated in the
battle and offered sacrifices and pleased their Lord. But the members of the
house of the Messenger (S.A.W.) distinguised themselves. Ali's endeavour was
unique at this battle. When Hanthala Ibn Abu Sufyan faced him, Ali liquified
his eyes with one blow from his sword. He annihilated Al Auss Ibn Saeed, and
met Tuaima Ibn Oday and transfixed him with his spear, saying "*You shall
not dispute with us in God after today*."
The Muslims did not know that Allah's help was about to descend upon them.
They only knew the odds that were apparent to both sides: 100 against 300,
700 camels against 70 camels, 100 horses against 2, enourmous provisions
against none, an intent and preparation for war against an unprepared group
of believers. Still, despite all odds, they had trust in Allah (swt) and His
Messenger and they were willing and even hoping to give their lives of this
dunya for the ever-lasting abode of Jannah. Because of their devotion Allah
(swt) sent His help and victory.
In addition to sending down angels, Allah (swt) also brought another
miraculous occurence to ensure the Muslim victory. Allah says: *""(And
remember) When Allah showed them to you (Muhammad) as few in your dream, if
He had shown them to you as many, you would have surely have disputed in
making a decision. But Allah saved (you). Certainly, He is the AllKnower of
what is in the breasts.'"* [Quran 8:43] And indeed, Allah (swt) did fulfill
His promise: *"And (remember) when you met (the army of the disbelievers on
the Day of the battle of Badr), He showed them to you as few in your eyes
and He made you appear as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish
a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge), and to Allah return all
matters (for decision)."* [Quran 8:44]
The Messsnger (S.A.W.) took a handful of gravel when the battle was
extremely heated. He threw it at the faces of the pagans saying "*May Your
faces be disfigured. God, terrify their hearts and invalidated their feet*.
" The pagans ran away, turning their faces to no one.
Many of the disbelievers were killed in this battle, the most noteworthy of
which was Abu Jahl, the archenemy of Islam. When Rasoolullah (saws) set out
to look at his corpse, he (saws) said, *""This is the Pharaoh of this
nation.""* And so the Muslims defeated the disbelievers in a humiliating
defeat by the Help of Allah (swt). Indeed Allah, again, fulfilled His
promise, *""Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their
backs""* [Quran 54:45] The disbelievers, with all their might, turned their
backs and ran away from the Muslims in disgrace and utter humiliation. 70
pagans met their death, and the Muslims took from them 70 prisoners. History
preserved in its records only fifth of the names out of the 70 pagan loses.
Twenty [2] or twenty two [3] of them died at Ali's hand.
This battle laid the foundation of the Islamic State and made out of the
Muslims a force to be reckoned with by the dwellers of the Arabic Peninsula.
Allahu Akbar wa lillah al Hamd.
*References: *
1. *Abdul Malik Ibn Husham, Al Seerah Al Nabaweyah (Biography of the
Prophet), Published by Mustafa Al Babi Al Halabi, Egypt, 1955 A.D - Part 2
page. 621 *
2. *Same as above, Part 2 page. 708-713 *
3. *Al Maghazi ( The Invasions ) published by Oxford Printing. Part 1
page. 152*
4.
*[*] I the book by Dr. al Sibai, Sh. Jamal Zarabozo says that this story
was not narrated through authentic chains, although it is mentioned in
several famous books of seerah (with reliable authors) who were silent about
its authenticity. Allahu a`lam. *
5.
*Sahih al-Bukhari, 2/568 *
6.
*Abu Daud, 2/13*
