Battle of Badar

All civilizations have seminal events that echo throughout the ages are remembered on anniversaries. When it to comes to Islamic history the most significant was the first battle of Muslims, the Battle of Badr. It took place on 17th of Ramadan.

Background:

In the 7th century, Prophet Muhammad ﷺP.B.U.H announced his prophethood Quraysh denied him. They became the worst enemies of whoever accepted Islam, Muslims were assaulted, tortured, were put under sanctions After years of persecution, Muslims migrated to Madina. What the Muhajireen (emigrants of Makkah) left was seized & looted by the Quresh pagans. In 2nd Hijri, Muslims learned about a convoy of Quresh e Makkah lead by Abu Sufyan coming from Syria, Muslims thought of avenging their losses of possessions in Makkah. Abu-Sufyan called Qureshi for help to protect the convoy. 

The preparations for the Battle started by both parties. Ansaar & Muhajireen had no pact for fighting the enemies outside the Madina. The Prophet ﷺ acquired from Ansars (locals) Sa'd bin 'Ubada R.A the leader of Ansar said ""If you [Muhammadﷺ] order us to plunge our horses into the sea, we would do so.". This made Prophet smile. Both armies started the march, By March 15 both armies were about a day's away from Badr. Badr is located 70 miles from Madina.

 Militaries 

Muslim Army: 

-Total: 313 soldiers (82 Muhajireen 231Ansar) 

- 6 armor, 8 swords 

- 70 Camels, 2 horses ( One was of Miqdad bin Aswad R.A who commanded the left flank, other was of Zubayr R.A who commanded the right flank )

Pagan Army:

-Total: 1000 soldiers (950 according to some) 

-600 armored soldiers, all with swords 

-700 camels, 300 horses

Strategy & tactics during the battle:

It was Asymmetric warfare, where Muslims were outnumbered by a ratio of 1:3. A fully equipped 3x bigger force was dealt with a tactically sound war strategy. Just before the battle as the Muslims camped at the one side of the valley but as the main water wells were in the center, Muslims went forward and closed those, cutting the water source of the enemy. Pushing them to adopt a more aggressive strategy. The battle began when Utbah Ibn Rabi-ah, his son Al Walid and his brother Sheibah (all Ommayads) came forward & challenged the Muslims, 3 from Ansar came forward but Utbah wanted someone from Muhajireen. Rasollah Allahﷺ sent Ubaydah ibn al-Harith R.A, Ali ibn Abu Talib R.A & Hamza ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib R.A. Ali & Hamza R.A killed their opponent but Ubaydah R.A was injured, later were rescued by the two but died soon after the Battle. Soon after this, the main battle started.

 Prophet ﷺ P.B.U.H announced his strategy, Muslims lacked the resources to take on a fully equipped army. He orders not to start the battle & hold on the grounds, use ranged weapons (even used pebbles). . Two Muslims were martyred while an unknown number of Quraish were killed during this. After receiving heavy blows from the ranged weapons, Muslims started using melee weapons.

Battle results 

- Meccan suffered huge losses 70 dead & 70 captured, (Around 15-16 percent of the total army 

-14 Muslims were martyred (4 percent of their engaged forces) This was the first decisive victory of Muslims in a full-scale war.

Implications 

- Muslims emerged as a victory in decisive force 

- Prophetﷺ emerged as a strong military commander 

- All finally understood that a new power is emerging 

- Gave confidence to the poor & weak but were reluctant to embrace Islam

 - Ali R.A popularity as a brave warrior 

This was such a significant battle, that as per Muslims Angles came to help the Muslims. 

"Well, if you are steadfast and mindful of Allah, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand swooping angels if the enemy should suddenly attack you!" Al Quran 3:125- 

 In this context famous poet, Allama Iqbal said "O Muslims! Create an atmosphere like that of al-Badr, Troops of Angels from Heaven would come to ur support even today." The Battle of Badr shows us what happens when we sacrifice, have faith, and put our trust in Allah.

It is such a marvelous & romantic story of a belief that even today Muslim armies around the world name operations after this 

- Egyptian army ops against Israel in 1973 Kippur War 

-Pakistan's army incursion into the occupied Kashmir later resulted in Kargil War.

IBN e Ishaq wrote the names of all the 313 companions of Prophet Muhammad, who participated in the battle of Badr.

14 companions were martyred in the battle. Their names are listed at the site of the battle: 

 

1) Sayyiduna ‘Umayr ibn Abi Waqas R.A

2) Sayyiduna Safwan ibn Wahb R.A

 

3) Sayyiduna Dhu-Shimalayn ibn ‘Abdi R.A

 

4) Sayyiduna Mihja’ ibn Salih R.A

 

5) Sayyiduna ‘Aqil bin al-Bukayr R.A

 

6) Sayyiduna ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Harith R.A

 

7) Sayyiduna Sa’ad ibn Khaytham R.A

Reference:

 

Ar-Raheeq-ul-Makhtum 

 

Surah Anfal

 

Sahi Muslim

 

8) Sayyiduna Mubashir ibn ‘Abd al-Mundhir R.A

 

9) Sayyiduna Harithah ibn Suraqah R.A

 

10) Sayyiduna Rafi’ ibn Mu’ala R.A

 

11) Sayyiduna ‘Umayr ibn Humam R.A

 

12) Sayyiduna Yazid ibn al-Harith R.A

 

13) Sayyiduna Mu’awidh ibn al-Harith R.A

 

14) Sayyiduna ‘Awf ibn al-Harith R.A