About the Battle of Badr
On the 17th of Ramadan in the second year of Hijrah, the Muslims led by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ partook in their first ever skirmish, known as the Battle of Badr.
The Battle which took place on the Arabian Peninsula was instigated by years of persecution suffered by the Muslims at the hands of the Quraish, the ruling tribe of Makkah. The battle took place in Western Arabia, present-day Saudi Arabia in the Valley of Badr. Notable sahaba and future caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, and Ali Ibn Abi Talib fought at Badr, with the exception Uthman Ibn Affan being as he had to take care of his sick wife, who was the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ daughter, Ruqayyah.
The Battle of Badr was a turning point in Muhammad’s ﷺ mission during the early days of Islam. The conflict which occurred in Western Arabia was a key battle between the Muslims and polytheists. Operation Badr has become a landmark example for Islamic history and the Muslim Ummah of the power of divine intervention in times of hardship.
How did the Battle of Badr Start?
The Muslims aimed to intercept a Meccan caravan along a Syrian trade route carrying weapons to be used against the Muslims. Meccan spies learned of the Muslims plans’ and informed caravan leader Abu Sufyan who then altered his course to Mecca to protect the caravan. Subsequently, Abu Sufyan contacted Quraishi tribe leader, Abu Jahl who gave the order to gather troops from Mecca.
Map of Badr
There are five facts from the Battle of Badr which we believe have significance.
Some Facts
We have extracted a few lessons from the famous incident of Badr for all to benefit.
1. How Many People Fought at Badr?
In this key battle, an army of only 313 humble Muslims defeated an army of 1000 well-equipped soldiers.
“And already had Allah given you victory at Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful.”
Quran 3:123
“How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient.”
Quran 2:249
2. Victory is only from Allah.
After winning the Battle, Allah reminded the believers that it was only through His will, they were victorious.
“And you did not kill them, but it was Allah who killed them. And you threw not, [O Muhammad], when you threw, but it was Allah who threw that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
Quran 8:17
“And Allah made it not except as [a sign of] good tidings for you and to reassure your hearts thereby. And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise”
Quran 3:126.
3. Never undermine your prayers.
Prior to the Battle, the Prophet prayed immensely for Allah’s support. He would say “Oh Lord, if we are defeated, You will not be worshiped at all on Earth”.
[Remember] when you asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, “Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, rank after rank.”
Quran 8:9
This prayer was not only answered, but the Battle proved pivotal in the survival of Islam until our current day.
4. The Power of Allah is Endless
By Allah’s decree, Angels descending from Heaven came to assist the Muslims in this battle. A handful of dust in the Prophet’s hand was also transformed into a gigantic whirlwind that dispersed the enemy.
“Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]”
Rabee’ ibn Anas says: “Allah aided the Muslims on the day of Badr with 1000 [angels], then He increased them in help, so they were 3000, then He increased them in help, so they were 5000.”
Ali Ibn Talha narrates from Abdullah Ibn Abbas, that the Messenger of Allah raised his hands on the Day of Badr, saying “Oh Lord, if this group is destroyed, you will not be worshipped on this world at all”.
Angel Gabriel then instructed him to take a handful of dust and throw it in their faces. So the Prophet took a single handful of dust and threw it in the direction of their faces. There wasn’t a single disbeliever (from the enemy) left except that this single handful of dust entered his eyes, nose, and mouth. They were all then left on their backs dispersed.
5. How did the Muslims win?
The Prophet Muhammad’s struggle alongside his Ummah proved victorious in this battle due to their ability to stand firm, steadfast and united. While the Quraish proved frail and hence easily dispersed after being misled by Satan.
And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, “No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector.” But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, “Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in penalty.”
Quran 8:48