Battle of Badr

Events of the Battle of Badr

The battle of Badr took place in the second year after the Hijrah

Describe the events immediately leading up to the Battle of Badr and also discuss the main events of the battle. / Write an account of the battle of Badr.

The Reasons for the Battle of Badr

The Quraysh were jealous of the growing power of the Prophet (S.A.W.). Furthermore, they were too furious with the inhabitants of Madinah for sheltering the Prophet and Muslims, so they demanded to return the Prophet and Muslims, but the Madiintes declined. The enraged Quraish, consequently, seized the emigrants’ businesses, possessions and properties and sold them in the market. Besides, Quraish cavalry would raid the outskirts of Madinah, cutting down their trees and stealing the cattle of Muslims.

Following these incidents, the distressed Muslims intended to avenge their loss. However, they were not permitted by Allah to wage war against Quraish, as they were on the side of peace. After these events, the verse of Al-Hajj was revealed, allowing them to battle. The Quran states: “To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight) because they are wronged and verily Allah is Most Powerful for their aid.” (22:39) Al-Hajj

The Incident of Nakhla

Soon after this situation, the Prophet (S.A.W.) began dispatching patrol parties to the boundaries of Madinah. Once the patrolling, a member of the Quraish was killed in a scuffle, despite the Prophet (S.A.W.) forbidding it. It became known as the incident of Nakhla. The hatred of Quraish had risen even more. They were anxious now to avenge their tribesman.

The Major Events of the Battle of Badr

In 632 A.D./2 A.D., Madina was a direct route for caravan traffic between Syria and Makkah. The Quraish typically used this route for their businesses. As a tactic, the Prophet (S.A.W) planned to economically harm the Quraish by threatening them. Muslims began raiding Quraish caravans. On the other hand, as a strategy, He (S.A.W) joined up with some Bedouin tribes to restrict the Quraish caravans from taking this safe route.

Escape of Abu Sufyan from the Muslims

At the time, Abu Sufyan led the largest Quraish caravan from Syria to Makkah. Prophet (S.A.W) had already dispatched his troops near the Quraish route to intercept and threaten the caravan. Some hypocrites, unfortunately, reported to Abu Sufyan about this. The caravan then took an alternative route to the west, close to the Red Sea, to reach Syria. Prophet S.A.W instructed two men to await the caravan’s return. As the spies reported to Prophet S.A.W that the caravan was approaching, He S.A.W marched towards Badr with 313 men (83 Emigrants, 60 Aus and 170 Khazraj) with two horses and 70 camels.

Noticing the situation, Abu Sufyan sent Damdam bin Amr to Makkah to plea for help. He stood on the Kabah and raised a call to help for Abu Sufyan. In response, under the command of Abu Jahal, 1300 soldiers and a heavy number of camels set out to protect the caravan. Aside from Abu Lahab, all the notable chiefs of Makkah and the neighbouring tribes joined with this force. While this army was close, they received news that the caravan had reached Makkah safely. With this move, Abu Sufyan caravan was out of the reach of Muslims.

Quraish Debate on War

The Quraish leaders held a meeting and argued whether or not to proceed to Madinah. Abu Jahal hotly advocated for the march on Madinah. Banu Hashim sought to break the alliance, but they gave up the idea. Despite the threats of Abu Jahal, Banu Zehra separated and returned to Makkah while the rest of the troops proceeded further.

Planning the Battle of Badr

One Thousand soldiers of the Quraish army marched towards Badr to encamp there. In contrast, Muslims encamped on the other side of the enemy. Prophet (S.A.W) liked the recommendation of Al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir to encamp at the enemy’s nearest water well and destroy all the other wells so that the Quraish combatant would be deprived of water.

According to the plan, the Muslim army camped near the well. The Muslim army was lesser than the Quraish, other than they lacked weaponry; they had just a few swords, and some had camel bones to combat. Prophet (S.A.W) prayed for Divine help all night. At this moment, Muhajirin and Ansars admitted and assured their loyalty to the Prophet (S.A.W) and consented to fight the Quraish. Muslims were on sandy ground. It rained that night on both sides even as it made the ground smooth and the sand firm for the polytheists, which hindered their progress, though, for Muslims, it was a blessing from Allah to strengthen their hearts.

The Challenge of Individual Combat

On the 17th Ramadan, 2nd A.H., when both armies confronted each other, three Quraishites came up for single combat. These were Utba bin Rabia, his son Walid and his brother Shaiba. On behalf of the Muslims, Hazrat Hamza (R.A.), Hazrat Ali (R.A.) and Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith (R.A.) stepped forward to meet the challenge. Hazrat Hamza and Hazrat Ali (R.A.) killed their opponents, while Hazrat Ubaida (R.A.) was injured. Then, Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Hamza assisted Ubaydah in killing his opponent.

Battle Strategy in the Battlefield

Next, open fighting was declared. The Quraish marched toward the Muslims, and in response, the Muslims threw stones and arrows at them. Prophet (S.A.W) was constantly praying for the victory of believers: “O Allah! If this group (of Muslims) be defeated today, You will no longer be worshipped.” 

Soon, a harsh, dusty wind began to blow, exaggerating the strength of the small Muslim army in front of the Quraish. It was aid from Allah to Muslims in the form of a thousand Angels led by Angel Jabril. Prophet seized a handful of dust and tossed it towards the enemy saying, “May confusion seize their faces.” Followed by this, a violent sandstorm blew into the eyes of the enemies. The Quran states:

“And you (i.e. Mohammad (S.A.W.) threw not when you did throw but Allah threw.”(8:17) Al-Anfal 

Quraishites Murder

Muslims assassinated nearly all the great leaders of Quraish. Thereupon, they began to retreat. Two young boys (Muadh ibn Afra and Muadh ibn Amr) killed Abu Jahal. Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud (R.A.) cut off Abu Jahl’s head and placed it before the Prophet (S.A.W.). The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “He was the Pharaoh of his nation.”

Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) murdered his former master, Umayyah bin Khalaf. In this battle, Muslims fought against their fathers, uncles, sons, brothers, cousins and friends. Umar (R.A.) assassinated his maternal uncle Asi bin Hisham while Abu Bakr (R.A.) confronted his son, Abdul Rahman, and the Prophet (S.A.W.)’s uncle Abbas was arrested. 

During the Battle of Badr, seventy pagans were murdered, seventy soldiers were imprisoned, and fourteen Muslims, including six Muhajireen and eight Ansar, were martyred. Allah declared this battle (Yum al Furqan) ‘The Day of Distinguishing’ because, on this day, the battle lines came into existence not according to the tribe, but according to belief in Allah. 

Allah says, “If you believe in Allah and what we sent down on Our servant on the Day of Distinguishing, the day the two hosts met.” (Al-Anfal 8:41)

Dealing with the Distribution of Captives and Booty 

Muslims captured 114 camels, 15 horses and a large amount of clothes and carpets as booty. It was distributed among the Muslims according to their participation in the war. Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) treated with captives leniently. Wealthy prisoners were released after taking ransom, although others who were needy or unable to pay the ransom were set free without any payment. Likewise, prisoners who could read and write were asked to teach some Muslim boys and girls for a specified time then, they were released. Prophet (S.A.W.) divided captives among his companions and strictly ordered them to be treated kindly. With this generous treatment, many prisoners accepted Islam.

The Outcome of the Battle of Badr 

The Battle of Badr was the most honourable victory in Islamic history. This triumph of Badr inspired the Muslims, and their faith in Allah grew. They were victorious against a force three times their size, strengthening Islam. Within a short period, the Bedouin tribes surrounding Madinah formed alliances and treaties with them. Hypocrites, contrarily, became more cautious under the leadership of Abdullah bin Ubay.

Effects of the Battle of Badr

The Banu Qainuqa was the first tribe to break off the agreement with the Muslims. It all started when a Muslim woman was disgraced in the market. Hence, two individuals (a Jew and a Muslim) were killed during this fighting. The Prophet (S.A.W.) dealt harshly with them. Prophet (S.A.W.) laid siege to their fortresses that lasted for fifteen days. They eventually surrendered. Abdullah bin Ubay negotiated for them, and the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) lifted the siege at his request. The Jews were later banished from Madinah. All the stately chiefs of the Quraish were murdered in this battle, and the leadership passed to Abu Sufyan.

Explain the significance of the Battle of Badr. 

The battle of Badr was a significant success for Islam. It was the first battle between believers and non-believers. Nonetheless, it was also a struggle between the forces of paganism and the new social and political order of Islam. If the Quraish had won that battle, they would have destroyed Islam. As a result, Islam neither flourished in Arabia nor the whole world.

Consolidation of Islam

This battle proved the supremacy of the consolidation of Islam. With this victory, Madinah was recognised as a powerful military entity that brought prestige to the state. Besides, it certified the Prophecy of Muhammad (S.A.W.) in Madinah that showed only God’s hand could have such a strong force. Due to the victory at Badr, many disbelievers accepted Islam while others unleashed their secret belief as Muslims. Indeed, Muslims were now strong and had gained confidence from this victory. Above all, many tribes came under the banner of Islam. 

This battle was one of the most crucial and decisive battles in the world. Specifically, it was the first time when the superior strategy pushed back the powerful force of mass and numbers. The defeat of Badr and the killing of their eleven leaders broke down the strength of Quraish and dropped the prestige of the Makkan state. 

Describe the Prophet (S.A.W.)’s conduct as a leader in two of the battles he fought in.

Battle of Badr

Before the battle, the Prophet (S.A.W.) counselled his companions and decided the matter unanimously. Still, when the threat was seen clear, Prophet (S.A.W.) motivated the companions to have faith in Allah and entrusted them to His aid. At this time, He (S.A.W) participated in the war himself and encouraged them to fight for Allah rather than the frightened of the Quraish army.

He (S.A.W.) triggered them to prove their faith in Allah or to die with honour. Furthermore, He (S.A.W.) turned back to Allah for seeking help and victory. At the same time, He (S.A.W.) also used war tactics like capturing and sealing wells, camping aside from where the sunlight bothered the enemy, etc. After the victory, He (S.A.W.) treated the captives with kindness and humility. Prophet Muhammad (S.AW) freed a few captives and also took services from others. Later, he released them either too. He (S.A.W.) executed two prisoners who were a threat to the consolidation of Islam.

Battle of Trench

He counselled before the war and accepted the suggestion of his companion, Hazrat Salman Farsi (R.A.), regarding the defensive technique of digging a trench. Against the companions’ requests, Prophet (S.A.W.) himself participated in digging the trench.
In the Battle of Trench, Prophet (S.A.W.) participated in the war and led his companions from the front line. Also, He reminded believers to avoid repeating their past errors and weaknesses. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) encouraged them to emerge as strong in faith and discipline.

Besides, He remained alert regarding enemies from every side and used different tactics to deal with them. To create suspicion among allies, He (S.A.W.) used a spy against the cunning plan of Banu Quraiza to attack from behind. He (S.A.W.) endured hardships more than his followers and became a model for soldiers. He (S.A.W.) motivated the soldiers to be determined and patient. Our beloved Prophet always prayed to Allah for help and never lose hope. He (S.A.W.) did not allow his companions to lose hope too. He punished the enemies with honour according to their desire and settled their judgement as per their religious book.