Browse the site and make a Donation Now!
Badr, a city that lies between Mecca and Medina in present day Saudi Arabia, was the site of one of the most pivotal moments in the course of Islamic history. The events of the Battle of Badr are remembered each Ramadan.
In the lead up to the Battle of Badr, tensions between the Muslims and the powerful Quraysh tribe of Mecca were rife.
The Muslims had settled in Medina in 622, following intense persecution from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca, including not being allowed to perform worship. Forced to abandon their homes and belongings, the Muslims had been invited to create a new life for themselves in the settlement of Yathrib (now Medina).
Up until the Battle of Badr, Muslims had assumed a defensive position, but the victorious battle which awaited would be a turning point for the status of Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula and for the expansion of Islam.
The Battle of Badr was one of the first large-scale battles between the Muslims and the Quraysh tribe. It was fought on Tuesday, 13 March 624 CE, on the 17 day of Ramadan Ramadan 2 AH (after Hijrah) in the Islamic calendar.
The anniversary of the date appears to shift forward approximately 11 days in the Gregorian calendar each year, as the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle.
The battle is described as one of the greatest and most decisive military victories in Islamic history. It took place in the month of Ramadan, but its significance also lies in the miracle that Muslims believe to have taken place during the battle.
The Muslims were greatly outnumbered by the Quraysh tribe, who brought some 1,000 men and 100 horses to the battle. The Muslims, in comparison, had gathered only 300 men and 2 horses. It appeared to all that the Muslims would be swiftly overcome by the immense Quraysh army.
In the lead up to the battle, the Muslims had been sanctioned by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Allah to raid the merchant caravans belonging to the Quraysh tribe on their commute past Medina, in order to counter the aggression they faced in persecution. The Quraysh routinely sent spies to monitor the expansion of the Muslims in Medina and informed the tribe that the Muslims were about to intercept the caravan of Abu Sufyan, who was one of the main instigators of persecution against the Muslims.
Eventually, the respective camps rallied their armies and faced each other on the battlefield, with a seemingly obvious victory awaiting the Quraysh. However, the Muslims emerged victorious.
Muslims believe that they were aided by Allah ordering the Malaika (the angels) to help them overcome the Quraysh, as victory was otherwise an impossibility.
Six years after the Battle of Badr, the Muslims peacefully conquered Mecca, heads bowed to show their humility, and the Quraysh peacefully surrendered. The Muslims had finally returned to their native city, to worship at Masjid al-Haram, and assume the homes and belongings they had left behind.
The Battle of Badr is referenced in the following Quranic verses:
Allah helped you at Badr when you were very weak. Be mindful of Allah, so that you may be grateful. Remember when you said to the believers, ‘Will you be satisfied if your Lord reinforces you by sending down three thousand angels?’ Qur’an | 3:123-44
Allah helped you at Badr when you were very weak. Be mindful of Allah, so that you may be grateful. Remember when you said to the believers, ‘Will you be satisfied if your Lord reinforces you by sending down three thousand angels?’
Qur’an | 3:123-44
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! Qur’an | 3:125
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!
Qur’an | 3:125
…and Allah arranged it so, as a message of hope for you (believers) to put your hearts at rest – help comes only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.
Qur’an, 3:126
The Battle of Badr and the victory of the Muslims has been included in historical records as well as the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The momentous event holds many important reminders for believers to reflect on throughout the year, and on the anniversary of the battle.
No form of worship is prescribed on this day, but reflection on how Muslims should rely on Allah while taking stock of our resources and applying ourselves the best we can to all our tasks is one of the greatest reminders in this gem of a historical story.
As we reflect upon the events of the Battle of Badr, please also remember those facing immense hardship around the world in places such as Gaza, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.