The Battle of Badr was the first large battle between Muslims and the Quraish. Badr was once known for its wells. It took place on March 13, 624 (17 Ramadan 2 AH). Muslims numbered 313, while the Quraish were 3000. With the help and support of Allah, Muslims achieved victory and defeated the Quraish. However, it offers valuable insights and strategy. Then Muslims lived peacefully. This article is part of the series “What Happened Today?” by The Chenab Times.
Period of Jahaliyah
Before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the entire world was steeped in darkness. They believed in multiple gods and worshiped idols. Heavy taxes and bribes were practiced, and there was no humanity alive at all. It was a male-dominated society where every man was deeply involved in sin. No one could raise their voice against discrimination for their justice. It was a period of ignorance (jahaliyah). Disputes among tribes arose over cattle, water, land, animals, and other matters. Tribal loyalties led to inter-tribal rivalries and hostilities. Usury and other unfair trade practices characterized economic life. Women were considered useless burdens on society, and the birth of daughters was considered misfortune, leading to their burial alive. Adultery was rampant, and slavery was common. Society was morally corrupt, with each tribe worshiping its own gods, including the sun, moon, and stars.
After the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
In this jahiliyah period, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born, the son of Abdullah and the grandson of Abdul Mutallib. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born on 12 Rabi ul Awwal. His father died before his birth. The year of his birth was known as the “Year of the Elephants” when Abraha, the Christian ruler, attempted to destroy the Ka’aba but was thwarted by Allah’s protection. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was nursed by Halima R.A, who cared for him as her own child, experiencing a positive transformation in her life. After Halima, Abdul Mutallib took responsibility for him, showing deep love. After his grandfather’s death, Abu Talib cared for him for about forty years. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a shepherd in his childhood and observed the corrupt society around him.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had to teach them and show them the true way and humanity. At the age of 25, he married Khadija (R.A), who supported him everywhere and believed in him when no one else did. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received his first revelation (Nabuwah) at the age of forty on Mount Al-Nur. He transformed the whole world, from mosque to market, from school to court, and from home to public field. He brought the light of Islamic education, purifying their selves, enjoining them to observe righteousness and praiseworthy actions, and teaching them to honor, worship, and obey Allah and His messenger.
Conflicts among Quraish
The call to Islam created many conflicts in the society of Makkah and aroused opposition. Makkah was based on a slave economy, and the Quraish found danger in Islam. They launched propaganda against Prophet Muhammad (SAW), depicting him as an imposter, madman, soothsayer, magician, and more. When their propaganda failed, they persecuted Muslims, but their faith remained constant. Feeling unsafe, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) shifted to the house of Al-Arqum in 614 CE. When Quraish failed in their attempts, they offered money, women, and the crown of Makkah to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), all of which he rejected. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) then migrated to Abyssinia in 615 CE, where a Christian ruler named Nagus offered them protection.
Social Boycott
Quraish decided to take revenge against Islam by socially boycotting the entire Banu Hashim clan. This lasted about three years, during which Banu Hashim suffered greatly. Abu Talib and Khadija suffered the most and died soon after the boycott, making the year 619 CE known as “the year of sorrow.”
People of Yathrib
When the people of Yathrib heard about Prophet Muhammad (SAW), they felt curiosity and were impressed by him. In 620 CE, six men from Yathrib converted to Islam after meeting Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at Aqabah. In 621 CE, more people from Yathrib converted to Islam. In 622 CE, a large group of people from Yathrib, including seventy-three men and two women, met Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at Aqabah and took the pledge of Aqabah, known as the second pledge of Aqabah.
Migration to Madinah
After the people of Yathrib embraced Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked his companions to migrate to Madinah in groups. When Quraish learned of this, they decided to murder Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but they failed. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Abu Bakr hid in a cave on Mount Thaur for six days before reaching Quba on September 23, 622 CE. They reached Madinah on Friday, 12th Rabi ul Awwal, i.e., September 27, 622 AD, and stayed in Abu Ayub’s house. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) built the first mosque in Madinah on the land belonging to two orphans, which was purchased. He formed a community in Madinah, where he held supreme administrative authority, enacted laws, acted as chief justice, and served as the supreme military commander.
هُوَ الَّذِیْۤ اَرْسَلَ رَسُوْلَهٗ بِالْهُدٰى وَ دِیْنِ الْحَقِّ لِیُظْهِرَهٗ عَلَى الدِّیْنِ كُلِّهٖ وَ لَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُوْنَ
“It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, even if those who associate others with Allah disliked it.” (Quran 9:33)
In Madinah, Ansar (helpers) supported the Muhajirs and shared their property with them. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established the organization of brotherhood (Mu’ākhāt), impressing both Muslims and Jews. He formed military, civil, financial, and religious administrations. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ruled in Madinah, fighting against oppression, harshness, and strictness, and brought peace and organization to the city. He fought eight major battles, with the Battle of Badr being the first.
Badr
The aim of the Battle of Badr was not to kill the enemy but to weaken them. The two armies reached Badr on the 16th night of Ramadan. Muslims constructed small shelters and stored water and food. The leaders of Badr included Muhammad (SAW), Abu Bakr, Ali ibn Ali Talib, Zubayr Ibn Al Awnan, Al-Miqdad ibn Amr, Hamzah Ibn Abd Muttalib, Umar, and Ubaydah bin al-Harith. Despite being outnumbered 313 to 3000, Muslims fought bravely. Allah sent angels to help the Muslims overcome the Quraish, and almost 70 Makkans were taken prisoner while 14 Muslim soldiers were martyred. After Badr, some prisoners converted to Islam.
Significance
The Battle of Badr damaged Makkah’s trade but boosted Islam’s influence. Islamic consciousness spread, and peace prevailed in Madinah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established civil administration, combating corruption, exploitation, injustice, economic imbalance, and illegal activities. Every action was guided by Allah’s rules, promoting peace, confidence, love, and tranquility, and establishing brotherhood among Muslims.
Lesson to Teach
Muslims should place their trust only in Allah, knowing that success comes from His help. By trusting in Allah, they can succeed in all facets of life, as seen when Muslims put their trust in Allah during the Battle of Badr.
The Battle of Badr was the first large battle between 313 Muslims and 3000 Quraish, led by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), with the help of Allah’s angels. This victory was a miracle and spread peace throughout the world. Islam is a universal faith, and its spread is by the grace of Allah and the fearlessness of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions.
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Nida Javaid is an artist based in Srinagar who primarily works with The Chenab Times. He is known on Instagram as Nida Art Gallery.
