battle of badr

cauces

• After the migration of Muslims to Madinah, the Quraish confiscated the Muslims’ businesses, possessions, and properties left behind in Makkah. They threw these goods open in the market to sell.

• Abdullah bin Ubai, the leader of the Hypocrites, visited Makkah and brought this news to Muslims, provoking them to fight.

• The disappointed Muslims, wishing to avenge their losses, were initially not allowed to fight, as Allah’s orders were for peace.

• Later, the verse of Al-Hajj (22:39) was revealed, granting Muslims permission to fight:

  “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.

• Madinah’s strategic location lay across the caravan trade route between Syria and Makkah.

• Therefore, Muslims began to raid and threaten Quraish caravans, attempting to damage their economy.

main events

• In 623 A.D / 2 A.H, Abu Sufyan (RA) was leading the largest caravan of Quraish from Syria to Makkah. Intercepting this caravan would be a deadly economic blow to the Quraish.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) posted two men near the caravan route to keep watch. The Muslims camped at Badr with 313 men:

  • 83 Emigrants (Muhajirin)

  • 60 of Aws

  • 170 of Khazraj

  • They had 2 horses and 70 camels.

• Some hypocrites informed Abu Sufyan (RA), who then took an alternate route near the Red Sea, slipping past the Muslims.

• Abu Sufyan sent Damdam bin Amr to Makkah to request help, who raised a loud cry at Ka’bah, alerting the city.

• A Quraish army of 1300 soldiers, with a large number of camels, led by Abu Jahal, set out to intercept the Muslims.

• On the way, they learned the caravan had reached Makkah safely, causing debate among leaders:

  • Urba bin Rabiya opposed the war, fearing bloodshed among relatives.

  • Abu Jahal insisted on marching to Madinah.

• Banu Zehra broke away and returned to Makkah. Banu Hashim almost left, but Abu Jahal’s threats forced them to stay.

• Eventually, 1000 Quraish soldiers marched to Badr and set camp.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consulted his companions, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

• The Muhajirin and Ansar assured their loyalty and agreed to fight against Quraish.

• That night, it rained on both sides:

  • For Muslims, it was a blessing from Allah to strengthen their hearts.

  • For polytheists, it hindered their progress.

• Muslims encamped at the nearest water well and destroyed other wells to deprive the enemy of water.

• The Muslim armory was weak compared to the Quraish:

  • Very few had swords; some fought with camel bones.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for divine help all night

battle

• The battle started with a war of words:

  • Quraish poets insulted Muslim warriors

  • Muslims responded with ‘Allah-u-Akbar!’

• Single combats began:

  • Al-Aswad engaged Hazrat Hamza (RA) and was killed.

  • Three Quraish warriors—Utba bin Rabia, his son Walid, and brother Shaiba—challenged the Muslims.

  • Hazrat Hamza (RA) killed Utba, Hazrat Ali (RA) killed Walid, and Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith (RA) was injured, but his companions killed Shaiba.

• After duels, open fighting began:

  • Quraish marched with closed ranks

  • Muslims used stones and arrows, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) employed superior tactics, keeping Quraish facing the sun, making the Muslim army appear larger

• Allah performed a miracle, reducing both forces in each side’s eyes:

  “And remember when you met [the enemy] He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you appear contemptible in their eyes” (8:44) Al-Anfal.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for victory:

  “O Allah! If this group (of Muslims) be defeated, You will no longer be worshipped.”

• A harsh, dusty wind blew, magnifying the Muslims’ perceived strength.

• Divine help came in the form of a thousand angels:

  “Remember you 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) Al-Anfal.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), following the instruction of Hazrat Jibrail (AS), threw a handful of dust at the enemy, saying:

  “Confusion seize their faces”

• A violent sandstorm struck the enemy’s eyes:

“And you (i.e., Muhammad PBUH) did not throw when you threw, but Allah threw.” (8:17) Al-Anfal

key deaths

• Abu Jahal was killed by two young boys, and his head was cut off by Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud (RA)

• Hazrat Bilal (RA) killed his former master, Umayyah bin Khalaf

outcomes

• Casualties:

  • Quraish: 70 men killed, 70 prisoners

  • Muslims: 14 martyred

• Booty Captured: 114 camels, 15 horses, and a large amount of clothes, carpets, and valuables

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) treated captives leniently:

  • Each had to pay 4000 dirhams for freedom

  • Poor captives were freed without ransom

  • Those who could read and write were freed after teaching Muslim boys and girls

• Abu Lahab, who did not participate but sent a substitute, died mysteriously after hearing about the Muslim victory, suffering high fever for seven days.