The Battle of Badr

When the Holy Prophet (SAW) was informed of the strong preparation of the disbelievers of Makkah against Muslims, he was left with no choice but to set up a powerful group of Muslims to fight against them. The moment, however, was a great testing time for the faith of the disciples of Islam. The Ansaar (Natives of Madina) also had to decide within themselves whether to participate in this combat or not, because the Pact of Brotherhood between them and Muhajireen (the natives of Makkah) did not include fighting enemies outside the boundaries of Madina. The Messenger of God asked his companions about it, Muhajireen approved their inclusion straight away, but as they were very less in number, Muhammad, who wanted to be sure, asked them 3 times until S’ad b. Mu’ad realized that He (PBUH) was wishing Ansaar to participate too. He stood up and said to the Holy Prophet ﷺ that Ansaar were always ready to fight in the way of Allah and His Apostle (PBUH) at any given situation (good or bad). Rasulullah (SAW) was delighted at this great sight of Muslim unity and standing firm against the enemies of Allah.

Thus was the preparation and state of the Muslims (Muhajireen and Ansari) for the great battle of Badr which took place on Tuesday, 13 March 624 CE (17 Ramadan, 2 AH in the Islamic calendar) in the Hejaz region of western Arabia (present-day Saudi Arabia). The battle, after serious deliberation, a small defense force of 313 Muslims; most of them were unarmed and had only 70 camels and two horses, was formed to battle the disbelievers of Makkah. And in short, the battle of Badr proved as a foundation of Muslim strength as they were quite a few in numbers, who were given the eventual victory against the mighty and well armed disbelievers of Qureysh despite the small amount of fighters raised by Muhammed (SAW).

The battle, indeed, was great just like every battle the Prophet fought in his lifetime, but this was significant being the first major battle in Islam. It was significant because it serves as a eye opener for both the Muslims and the disbelievers. For the disbelievers, it shows them that a force to be feared has being born and to the Muslims, it tells them the kind of persecution and hurdles waiting for them in the journey of establishing the religion of Islam. As a result, series of lessons were to be learned from it.

Firstly and foremost, victory is from Allah alone. This is evidence in the battle of Badr. Looking at the situation of the Muslims before the battle, one would definitely thought it is the end of Islam. But Allah in His Infinite mercy granted the Muslims victory when there seem to be no hope. Many Muslims today would loose hope thinking they won’t be able to overcome their enemies, many even goes to the extent of seeking assistance from small gods, forgetting that Allah only grants victory to whoever he wishes. We all should believe that Allah’s help is always near and He will definitely send it when it’s time. Allah, the Most High says, “Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allah?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!”[al-Baqarah 2:214]. This together with the event of Badr is enough for us to look up to Allah at times of tests.

Secondly, it is also to be learned that Allah dislikes those who transgress the limits set by Him. In spite of the large numbers of the disbelievers, they still were doomed to defeat at the hand of handful of the Muslims. This is because Allah never help the transgressors over the believers. The transgressors will never know peace and in fact, Allah declared that the transgressors should be waged war against of they remain persistent in their evil doing. Allah says, “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” (Quran 2:190). This is also enough for us to desist from a perpetual transgressors and remain just in our dealings with Allah and people.

Another important lesson derived from the battle Badr is that Muslims should always seek consultation from people, especially the upright ones. This was practiced by the Prophet (SAW) before the commencement of the battle and it actually yielded good results. Seeking guidance from the uprights is a trait a Muslim should not lack. Example is someone planning to set up a business. The first proper step to take after seeking guidance from Allah (Istikhaarah) is to meet with professionals in the field of the business he intends to starts. This will not only make his business grow, it will also foster him in confidence. The Prophet also consulted his companions before the battle about the strategy to use despite He, being the best and most knowledgeable of all human, peace and blessings of Allah be with him.

Last but not the least, no Muslim should under estimate the effects of prayer at times of doom. “Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There is no Muslim who supplicates to Allah without sin or cutting family ties in it but that Allah will give him one of three answers: he will hasten fulfillment of his supplication, he will store it for him in the Hereafter, or he will divert an evil from him similar to it.” They said, “In that case we will ask for more.” The Prophet said, “Allah has even more.” (Musnad Aḥmad 10749). The Hadith was graded Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albaniy. The Prophet (SAW) before the battle of Badr was reported to have prayed through the night before the day. He didn’t depend on the fact that he had a well designed strategic plan for the battle, he knelt down and pray and he was his request, VICTORY! Many Muslims today after having set up a plan forget to pray to the master planner, Allah. Prayer is the key to whatever.

The history of Islam is indeed a great lesson for whoever wishes to learn. The battle of Badr sets the standard for the Muslims and also shows to the world that a force to reckon has been born. Therefore, Muslims should look into it and learn as much as possible.