Introduction:
When the level of tyranny of Quraysh increased, the Holy Prophet (S) and other Muslims left Mecca and migrated to Medina in 622 AD to save their lives. As a result of this, their anger against the Muslims increased as well as their enmity with the people of Medina.
When this enmity increased due to various reasons, on March 13, 624 AD (17 Ramadan, II Hijri), a battle took place between the Quraysh of Makkah and the Muslims of Madinah in the desert of Badar. It is historically known as the Battle of Badar.
Causes of the Battle of Badar
- Enmity with Quraysh of Makkah:
When the Islam of Prophet Muhammad ((P.)) was propagated in Makkah, Quraysh tried to nip it in the bud. Their attempt failed. After the migration of Muhammad ((P.)) to Medina in 622 AD, Islam spread widely within just two years. When the Islamic state was established there, the Quraysh became extremely jealous.
They conspired to exterminate the Muslims of Madinah. The Holy Prophet (S) kept a watchful eye on their activities. Historian Muhammad Ali said, ‘The responsibility of protecting the small Muslim community fell upon Muhammad ((P.)) and he realized the importance of keeping an eye on the enemy’s movements like a skilled general. As a result, he was mentally prepared to face the threat of the Quraysh war.
- Conspiracy of Abdullah Ibn Ubair:
Abdullah Ibn Ubai, the leader of the Khazraj tribe, was an influential man in Medina. His dream was to become the future ruler of Medina. After the Holy Prophet (S) ‘s migration to Madinah, Abdullah Ibn Ubayy’s dream of becoming a ruler was dashed.
As a result, he secretly conspired with Quraysh to expel the Holy Prophet (S) from Medina and formed a hypocritical group against the Holy Prophet (S) and Islam. This attitude of the hypocrites of Madinah increased the morale of the Quraysh of Makkah. As a result, they began to prepare for the attack on Madinah.
- Growth of Muslim power in Madinah:
The Holy Prophet (S) established an Islamic state through the ‘Madinah Charter’ by going to Madinah. His status and power increased in Madinah. A. H. According to Siddiqui, “The Charter of Medina gave the state of Medina a solid foundation when Muhammad ((P.)) was the head of the supreme military, judicial, administrative, religious and political leadership.”
As a result, the Quraysh of Makkah became alarmed at this advance of the Muslims. So when they advanced to attack Medina to destroy them, the Battle of Badar took place.
- Betrayal of the Jews:
The Jewish community of Medina invited Muhammad ((P.)) to Medina to convert them to their religion. However, the rapid expansion of Islam made them jealous. The Jews never looked kindly upon the Muslims, despite being granted their religious and civil liberties.
They violated the terms of the Charter of Medina by smuggling information to the Quraysh in Makkah and engaging in various conspiracies including instigating military action. Hence the historian Amir Ali said, “The whole city of Madinah was filled with rebellion and treachery.”
- Risk of blocking trade routes:
Medina was located on the trade route between Syria and Mecca. Quraysh used to trade with Syria, Egypt, and other countries along this route. Fearing that the Quraysh would lose the opportunity of uninterrupted trade and commerce if the Islamic Republic was well-established in Madinah under the leadership of the Holy Prophet (S), they began to prepare for war against the Muslims.
According to S. M. Imamuddin, “As a true general he (Muhammad ((P.)) was conscious of crippling the Makkans (Quraysh) economically and planned to cut off Makkah’s trade with Syria which precipitated the Battle of Badar.”
- Banditry and Robbery:
The Meccans and their allies often plundered the outskirts of Medina. They destroyed the fruit trees of the Muslims and took away their cattle. In late 623 AD, a Quraysh force led by Quraaz bin Jabir attacked the outskirts of Medina and captured some camels.
He warned Abdullah Ibn Ubayy that the Quraysh would attack Medina if Muhammad ((P.)) was not expelled from Medina. The war of Badar was the natural result of their atrocities and unjust activities. So Maulana Muhammad Ali said, “The long-standing efforts of the Quraysh to destroy the growing power of Islam was the cause of the Battle of Badar.”
- Refuge to Muhammad ((P.)):
The Meccans considered Muhammad ((P.)) and his companions to be revolutionaries. The Quraysh of Makkah became very angry with the people of Medina for sheltering them. Syed Amir Ali said, “The people of Makkah considered Muhammad ((P.)) and his disciples as revolutionaries. Quraysh became very angry with the people of Madinah when they sheltered them. For this reason, war between the people of Makkah and the people of Madinah became inevitable.”
- Battle of Nakhla Khand:
The first clash between Muslims from Madinah and Quraysh took place at Nakhla. To protect the Madinah state from the destructive activities of the Quraysh, Hazrat Muhammad ((P.)) sent a 12-member intelligence team under the leadership of Abdullah Ibn Jahs to the outskirts of Makkah.
But Abdullah mistakenly attacked a caravan of Quraysh going to Mecca at a place called Nakhla. As a result, there was a partial war. In this battle, Quraysh leader Amr bin Hazrami was killed and two other people were captured. S. M. Imam al-Din said, “The death of Abdullah Al Hazrami’s son (Amr) created tension among the Meccans and emerged as the direct cause of the Battle of Badar.
- Abu Sufyan’s False Propaganda:
At that time, Quraysh leader Abu Sufyan went to Syria to collect weapons under the pretext of trade. The convoy from Gaza had weapons and treasure worth about 50,000 dinars. The Quraysh, distraught at the battle of Nakhla, were anxious to return safely to Makkah in caravans.
At that time, news came to Mecca that the Muslims of Madinah had attacked the Quraysh caravan on its way back to Mecca. Without verifying the truth of this news, the Quraysh marched to attack Medina with about 1000 soldiers under the leadership of Abu Jahel.
- Aishivaani Gains:
On hearing the news of the arrival of Quraysh, the Holy Prophet ((P.)) became worried. He prayed to God for guidance on what to do next. Allah has sent down the blessings and informs – “Fight those who fight you but do not transgress. Because Allah does not like transgressors (Al-Quran Surah Baqarah: 190).” Then the Holy Prophet ((P.)) made preparations for the war with the advice of the War Cabinet.
The events of the Battle of Badar
Hearing the news of the Quraysh’s attack on Medina, Muhammad ((P.)) arrived in Badar desert, 80 miles southwest of Medina, with 313 soldiers in March 624 AD to stop the Quraysh. Meanwhile, the Quraysh army led by Abu Jahel arrived there with 1000 soldiers.
According to the Arab tradition, the warriors of Quraysh, Utba, Shayba, and Walid advanced first, then Hamza, Ali, and Abu Ubaydah defeated the Quraysh under the orders of the Holy Prophet (S). Abu Jehal, not seeing any alternative, launched an ambush on the Muslims.
Later both the forces entered into a frontal battle. But the Quraysh forces were defeated and fled. 70 Quraysh including Abu Jahel were killed in the battle and 70 were captured. On the other hand, 14 Muslims were martyred.
Among the Quraysh who were captured by the Muslims as prisoners of war, the Holy Prophet (S) treated them with generosity and magnanimity. The able-bodied among them were released in exchange for a ransom of 4,000 dirhams. And those who were unable to pay the ransom were released on the condition of not opposing the Muslims and teaching Muslim boys.
Significance and outcome of the Battle of Badar
1. Decisive Battle:
The battle of Badar was a battle for the survival of Muslims. Muslims entered this war to eradicate falsehood and idolatry by establishing the supremacy and monotheism of Allah.
On the other hand, if the Muslims had not won this war, Islam would have been erased from the world forever. For this reason, it can be called a war of resolution. So the Battle of Badar is a breakthrough and important success for Muslims in the history of Islam.
2. First military victory:
The Battle of Badar is the first and most important military victory in the history of Islam. The Quraysh of Makkah thought that sending a military expedition would destroy the power of Muhammad ((P.)) and destroy Islam. But their hope was not fulfilled.
According to Joseph Hale, ‘Battle of Badar is the first major military victory in Islamic history.’ This victory proved the superiority of Muslims over the natives. As a result, the strength and power of Muslims increased day by day. Historical p. K. Hitti said, “Islam has won its first and final military victory.
3. Increase in the confidence of Muslims:
The victory of Muslims in the Battle of Badar was the victory of knowledge over ignorance, the victory of truth over falsehood, and the victory of faith over disbelief. It was a special test day for Islam. In this war Islam and Paganism were finally settled and the Muslims were victorious.
A small number of Muslims triumphed over thousands of Quraysh and became confident. The morale, strength, courage, and enthusiasm of the Muslims increased. As a result, they also get the motivation to become martyrs.
Therefore, historians think that this victory is the victory of the monotheism of God Almighty over blind religious faith. Syed Amir Ali says, “The peculiar circumstances which influenced the victory of Badar and the consequences which followed made a deep impression on the minds of the Muslims. They firmly believed that the angels of heaven fought on their behalf against the unbelievers.
4. Elevation of Islam and its spread:
Before the Battle of Badar, Islam was practiced as a religion only in Madinah, but after that it was elevated to the state level and the status of Islam greatly increased. The victory of the Muslims in the Battle of Badar created a new era in the propagation of Islam.
So the historian Joseph Hale said, “The attraction of the people of the Arab world and even the world towards Islam increased. Groups of people accepted Islam. As a result, Islam spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula in just a few days.’
5. Breaking the pride of Quraysh:
Until the Battle of Badar, the Quraysh of Makkah and their allies believed that a military campaign would solve all problems. But the abject defeat at the Battle of Badar dealt a severe blow to the pride of the Meccans and the pride of the Quraysh tribe and clan. The reshuffle of their leadership was a direct result of the victory in the Battle of Badar.
6. Foundation of Muhammad’s ((P.)) earthly power:
Muhammad ((P.)) laid the foundation of his earthly power through the Battle of Badar. After this war, the supremacy of Muslims was established in Madinah. Muhammad ((P.)) became the sole ruler of Madinah. He sent representatives to different countries. As a result, his influence and prestige increased in the Arab world. So historical p. K. Hitti said, ‘Muhammad ((P.)) laid the foundation of earthly power in the battle of Badar. Islam won its first decisive military victory.
7. Guide to further victories and world conquests:
Historical p. K. Hitti said, ‘The example of discipline and disregard for death displayed by the Muslims in this frontal battle is the hallmark of Islam’s subsequent victory.’ Therefore, as a result of the victory in the Battle of Badar, Prophet Muhammad ((P.)) succeeded in the Battle of Khandak in 627 AD, the Treaty of Hudaybiya in 628 AD, the Battle of Muta in 629 AD, the conquest of Makkah in 630 AD and the Battle of Hunain in 631 AD and the Tabuk Campaign in 631 AD.
Victory in this war opened the way for Muslims to conquer the world. Based on the victory of the Battle of Badar, Muslims were able to conquer the continent of Africa in the west, parts of Europe, and even India in the east within the next 100 years.
8. Demoralization of Jews and Christians:
The Jews and Christians of Medina were jealous of the progress of the Muslims. However, the Muslim victory in the Battle of Badar established Muhammad’s authority over the neighboring Bedouin tribes. As a result, the morale of the Jews and Christians of Madinah collapsed, as did the Quraysh of Makkah. In addition, the authority of Islam was strengthened over other tribes and communities of Madinah. P. K. According to Hitti, ‘Islam was revived and adopted a policy of expansion rather than self-preservation.