Battle of Badr - The Battle for Survival of Islam

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The Battle of Badr (Ghazwa-e-Badr) was the first major battle between Muslims and Quraysh, fought in 2 AH (624 AD). It was a decisive battle in favor of Muslims, and they emerged as a significant political power in the Arabian Peninsula after their victory in this battle.

Background

Muslims had to migrate to Madinah in 623 AD to save themselves from the persecution of Quraysh. In Madinah, they established a Muslim brotherhood between the local Muslims (Ansar) and the emigrants (Muhajirin). They also signed a treaty (Charter of Madinah) with other groups living inside Madinah to create harmony among all the residents of Madinah.

This situation was alarming for Quraysh as the Muslims were now free to spread their religion, which could lessen the importance of Quraysh in the Arabian Peninsula.

Quraysh was also worried due to the strategic location of Madinah due to its closeness to the main trade route from Makkah to Sham (Levant). Controlling Madinah allowed the Muslims to block this trade route at will which would be economically disastrous for the Makkans.

Causes of the Battle of Badr

  • In 2 AH, a Qurayshi leader Karz bin Jabir Fahri invaded a pasture near Madinah and looted several cattle that belonged to Muslims. This event infuriated the Muslims.
  • A few days later, Prophet (PBUH) dispatched a group of 12 men under the leadership of Abdullah bin Jahsh (RA) to check the trade caravan of Quraysh. This group clashed with a party of Quraysh, resulting in the death of a Qurayshi leader, Amr bin al-Hadrami, and the arrest of two other members. Quraysh used this incident (which occurred during the sacred month of Rajab) for their propaganda.
  • The trading caravan of Abu Sufyan bin Harb was returning from al-Sham to Makkah. When Abu Sufyan heard the news of the murder of Amr bin al-Hadrami, he called Quraysh for his help so that the Muslims may not loot his trading wealth.

Meeting of Two Armies at Badr

After hearing the call from Abu Sufyan, the Quraysh hasted to save their caravan. They also decided to eliminate the Muslim threat forever, and around 1000 fighters of Quraysh marched to the north of Makkah for this purpose. After knowing at Juhfah (south of Badr) about the safety of the caravan, people from the tribes of Banu Adi and Banu Zuhrah left the Quraysh army. However, their major part remained intact, and they reached Badr for a decisive battle.

On the other side, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consulted Ansar about their decision, and they assured him of their full support. A total of 313 men marched towards Badr. Muslims were far fewer in number and lacked riding animals (just two horses and 70 camels).

Events During the Battle of Badr

Battle of Badr took place on 17th Ramadan 2 AH (13th March 624). It started with the traditional three-on-three duel. Utba ibn Rabi’ah, Walid ibn Utba and Shaybah ibn Rabi’ah were the champions of Quraysh. Three Ansari Muslims emerged from the ranks of the Muslim army, but the Makkans refused to fight them. Instead, they asked for their Qurayshi counterparts.

At that moment, Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Ubayda ibn al-Harith came forward to fight against the Makkan champions. All three Makkan champions lost lives at the hands of Muslims, while Ubaydah ibn al-Harith died later due to the injuries he received during combat against Shaybah ibn Rabi’ah. These combats gave psychological advantages to Muslims before the start of the general battle.

Before the general attack, both armies struck each other with arrows, and later the major battle started. Muslims fought vigorously for their faith and also because it was their battle for survival. On the other hand, Quraysh was expecting an easy victory due to their high numbers, which reduced their enthusiasm among them. The loss of their champions during initial combat was also demoralizing. The result was a comprehensive victory for Muslims. Only 14 Muslims embraced martyrdom, while they killed 70 Makkans and arrested 70 others.

Reasons for Muslim Victory

  1. Muslims were fighting for a cause and had complete faith in their religion and help from Allah, which made them brave and strong. On the other side, Quraysh was devoid of any major motivation. Few tribes were only interested in saving their trading profit, while others wanted to avenge the blood of Amr bin al-Hadrami.
  2. Muslims were united under the leadership of Muhammad (PBUH) and obeyed his orders unconditionally. On the other hand, Quraysh had no central or charismatic leadership, and every clan followed orders from its leader.
  3. Qurayshi warriors were full of arrogance due to their higher numbers and considered it to be a limited battle with an easy victory. Therefore, they didn’t plan for the battle seriously, while Muhammad (PBUH) made a strategy, and Muslims stuck to his strategy till the end of the battle.
  4. According to Holy Qur’an, Allah also helped Muslims with rain, composure, and angels. 

Effects of Battle of Badr

  • Victory in the Battle of Badr strengthened the position of Muslims as a major political power in the Arabian Peninsula. 
  • The position of Quraysh deteriorated as they not only suffered a humiliating defeat but also lost many important leaders of various clans. These were: Utba ibn Rabi’ah, Walid ibn Utba, shaybah ibn Rabi’ah, Sa’ad bin al-As, Umayah ibn Khalaf and Amr ibn Hisham (Abu Jahl).   
  • The battle also proved the capabilities of Muhammad (PBUH) as a military leader.
  • The victory of Muslims also threatened the Jews of Madinah, and they started conspiracies against Muslims. 

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