Battle of Badr - Second Year of Hijrat

Causes and Events

      During the first thirteen years of his mission, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had only one enemy to deal with in Makkah, the pagan Quraish, who eventually forced him to leave Makkah. But in Madinah, he had to face opposition from three quarters. First, were the Quaish of Makkah who were determined to crush the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his followers. The increasing strength of the Muslims was seen by them as a threat both to their prestige as custodians of the Ka'abah and to their social and economic leadership.

      Secondly, there were the Jews who had entered into  a treaty with the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), yet they began to intrigue, and their various tribes began to break treaties with the Muslims.

     Apart from these two enemies there were the hypocrites or the Munafiqin who had accepted Islam, but were working against the interests of the Muslims.

     The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had hardly settled down in Madinah when the Quraish of Makkah sent word to the people of Madinah to hand over the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the emigrants to them, or kill them. The Ansar who had themselves, invited the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to Madinah refused to do so.

     At the time Abu Sufyan, a rich and influential leader of the Quraish, was returning from Syria with a caravan carrying merchandise. He asked the Quraishto send an armed expedition to escort him home safely as he did not want to take the risk of interference from the Muslims on his way. The Quraish, despatched an army to join Abu Sufyan in Syria. When Abu Sufyan reached Makkah safely he asled the army to return but they refused to do so. Some of the leaders, like Abu Jahl, insisted on advancing towards Madinah.

     In month of Safar 2 A.H, Allah already given permission to fight against the unbelievers, "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you." (2: 190)

     When the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) learnt that the Quraish were advancing towards Madinah with the intention to attack, he immediately called the Muslims to take necessay steps. The Muhajirin and the Ansar got together to defend themselves. They were three hundred and thirteen men in all with only two horses and a few camels.

      The Quraish stopped at Badr, which is a village at a distance of about eighty miles from Madinah. They had come with a huge quantity of food supply with them. Since they had arrived at Badr first, they occupied all important positions. They were about one thousand in number with all their best warriors and arms and a large number of horese and camels.

      When the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his companions reached Badr, they were illequipped with arms and the place which they occupied had no water. Before the battle started, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) prayed to Allah to help them against the enemies of Islam. The prayer was accepted and heavenly assistance was promised in these words of the Quran: 

       "Remember ye implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you: " I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks." (8:9)

       Meanwhile, there was heavy rain and the Muslims collected sufficient water for their use. Ultimately, the two armies met and the battle started. While the battle was going on, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) prostrated, before Allah and prayed: 

      "O Allah! If this small band of men perish, there will be no one alive to worship you, and your faith will be destroyed forever."

        Regarding these two ill-matched armies, the Quran Says: 

   "There has already been for you a sign in the two armies that met (in combat): one was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah: there saw with their own eyes twice number. But Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth ---."(3: 13)