THE BATTLE OF BADR

Battle of Badr is one of the greatest and most famous battles of Islam. It proved to be the turning point in Islam’s struggle against the oppressive forces specially the Quraish of Makkah.  Their hostilities increased after the emigration of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to Madinah. They started raids to the outskirts of Madinah destroying the properties of Muslims and carry away their cattle heads. They also confiscated the houses and businesses of Muslims of Makkah who emigrated to Madinah.

Reports were received by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) that a trade caravan from Makkah led by Abu Sufyan in which every tribe had invested their wealth estimated about 50,000 dinars of merchandise, was heading towards Syria. Let us remember that Abu Sufyan was the grandfather of Yazid. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) sought advice from the companions. Some of the senior companions advised him not to proceed with the adventure but Miqdad said: “Unlike the Bani Isra’il’s behavior with Prophet Musa (a.s.), we fully support you and will fight with you.” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was pleased with his comments, and left Madinah with 313 Muslims in the Ramazaan of 2 A.H. to confiscate the property of Quraish. Among the 313 Mujahedin there were only 2 horses and 70 camels.

Abu Sufiyan after hearing about the movements of the Muslim army changed the route to avoid their intervention and also informed Abu Jahal to come to their help. When he was out of danger, he informed Abu Jahal to return to Makkah, but Abu Jahal continued to march towards Madinah and encamped at the well of Badr, about 80 miles from Madinah. On the morning of 17 Ramazaan, the Quraish descended from the sandy mound. When the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) saw them, he raised his face towards the sky and said: “O Allah, the Quraish are up, with pride and arrogance, to fight against You and deny Your Prophet! Send the aid which You have promised me and destroy them today.”

The enemy had a force of 1,000 foot soldiers, 100 horses and 700 camels. From the enemy camp three fully armed famous warriors viz.  Utba, Shayba, and Walid came out and challenged the Muslims. When three Muslims were sent to face them, they refused to fight them and asked for their “equals”. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) sent Ubayda, Hazrat Hamza, and Imam Ali (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) killed Walid, and Hazrat Hamza killed Utbah in a moment and went to help Ubayda to kill his adversary. As their generals were killed, a general attack started. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), being the Supreme Commander, ordered to use archery to resist their advance. Imam Ali (a.s.) described the character of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) as: “Every time when fighting became intense, we took refuge with Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). None of us was nearer to the enemy than he.” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) returned to the seat of command and prayed to Allah as: “O Allah! If this group is annihilated today, none else will worship You on the face of the earth.” Then the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) picked up some dust and throwing towards the Quraish said: “May your faces be metamorphosed.” Thereafter he gave the order for general attack.

Surah al-Imran Ayah 123-124: “Allah had helped you at Badr, when you were a contemptible little force. Then fear Allah in order to show your gratitude. When you did say to the believers: Does it not suffice you that your Creator should help you with three thousands angels sent down.” The signs of the victory began to appear soon. The enemies were stricken with terror and began to flee. The Muslims, who were fighting with the help of their faith, and knew that both killing and being killed were blessings of Allah, were perfectly undaunted and nothing stopped their advance.

War casualties were: Muslims 14 martyrs while enemy lost 72 men out of which Imam Ali (a.s.) killed 36 infidels. The Muslims captured 70 infidels. Among the dead were, Abu Jahal and Umayyah bin Khalaf. The Muslims won the battle and laid the foundation of the Islamic state.

Sources used: Shias.org, Duas.org, Al-Islam.org, WIKIPEDIA, Islamicoccasions, Ziaraat.com