Ramadan1445 Badr Al-Ansar
The Battle of Badr took place on Friday, 17 Ramadan 2 AH / 15 March 624 CE, and on that day, Allah honored the Muslims with victory over the polytheists, who represented the greatest challenge to the Islamic call at that time.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set out on the 8th of Ramadan, 2 AH, with 314 men to intercept a Quraysh caravan as compensation for the wealth of the Muhajireen (emigrants) seized by Quraysh in Makkah and as a threat to its political standing among the tribes. When Abu Sufyan learned of the Muslims approaching them, he sent word to Quraysh to seek their help in rescuing the caravan; thus, Quraysh mobilized all its forces. When Abu Sufyan changed his route, he sent word to inform them of the caravan's safety and requested their return. Abu Jahl refused to return before reaching Badr, and the news of the battle spread among the Arabs, causing fear. Little did he know that the Messenger of Allah and his companions were at Badr, just as the Muslims were unaware that Quraysh had gathered behind Badr, which Allah described in the Quran: “[Remember] when you were on the near side of the valley, and they were on the farther side, and the caravan was lower [in position] than you. If you had made an appointment [to meet], you would have missed the appointment.” (Al-Anfal: 42)
Several factors contributed to the victory in the Battle of Badr. Allah supported the believers by sending down tranquility and reassurance upon them and aiding them with angels, which had a significant impact on instilling a sense of security and tranquility in them when they saw the superiority of the polytheists. Allah says, “Arguing with you concerning the truth after it had become clear, as if they were being driven toward death while they were looking on.” (Al-Anfal: 6) and “[Remember] when you asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, 'Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, following one another '” (Al-Anfal: 9).
The leadership qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a significant impact on the victory. He first sought assistance from Allah and then proceeded to take practical measures by planning the battle effectively, which greatly influenced the outcome. This led even biased Orientalists to praise his military genius in the Battle of Badr. Montgomery Watt (1) remarked, “His leadership resulted in tactical superiority.”
Al-Ansar, the Aws and Khazraj tribes, had considerable experience in warfare and battle planning acquired from their pre-Islamic wars, unlike the Muhajireen. Al-Ansar provided supportive factors for the victory in the Battle of Badr, which included:
- Al-Ansar's agreement to engage in war outside Medina:
The pledge of allegiance by Al-Ansar to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was to protect and defend him within Medina, not outside of it. They did not have to fight alongside him at Badr, despite making up the majority of his army, constituting more than 70% of the army's strength, which numbered 314 men. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not anticipate a battle, and the Muslims' situation became more difficult when he sent Umar ibn al-Khattab to Quraysh to demand their withdrawal, but they refused, only demanding war. (2)
Thus, war became inevitable. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) turned to consult with the leaders of his army, what is now known today as a “council of war.” Abu Bakr, Umar, and Al-Miqdad ibn 'Amr from the Muhajireen spoke, but their opinions were not given much weight in this situation. Then Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Advise me, O people.” Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, the leader of Al-Ansar, stood up and said, “Do you mean us, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Yes.”
Sa'd said, “We have believed in you, testified to your truthfulness, and witnessed that what you have brought is indeed the truth. We have given you our covenant and allegiance to listen and obey. So go ahead, O Messenger of Allah, with whatever you want, for we are with you. By the One who has sent you the truth, if you were to plunge into the sea with us, we would plunge with you without any hesitation. Not a man among us would hold back, and we do not dislike meeting our enemies tomorrow. We are patient in battle and sincere in meeting our enemies, and indeed, perhaps Allah will show you something from us that will please you. Proceed with us under the blessings of Allah.” Sa'd's words made the Prophet's face brighten with happiness.
Al-Nawawi remarked, “This shows consultation with the companions and people of opinion and expertise.”
- Al-Ansar's sound opinion in choosing the location of the Muslim army:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directed the army to take position in front of the well of Badr. Al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir, an Ansari, suggested to him that he camp closest to the water of Badr and block off other water access points, ensuring that the water would be under their control. They would drink while Quraysh would not, thus causing them to suffer from thirst and weakening their ability to fight. Upon hearing this suggestion, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him, “You have indeed given a good opinion.” (4)
- Al-Ansar's choice of a prominent location for leadership:
The position of the leader among his soldiers is determined according to his plan. In defensive strategies, the leader's position is usually more withdrawn, while in offensive warfare, it tends to be more forward. In the Battle of Badr, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) adopted a defensive strategy. Therefore, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh suggested to him that he construct a tent made of palm leaves on a high spot where he could take shelter and use it as a headquarters for commanding his troops. This spot would afford him a clear view of the battlefield, allowing him to direct his soldiers. If the Muslims were victorious, that would be excellent. If not, he could retreat to Medina and seek reinforcements from those who remained. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) praised this suggestion, and Sa'd ibn Mu'adh and some of Al-Ansar guarded him. He would consult with Abu Bakr, who passed his commands to the troops. (5)
The position of the Muslim army, according to the nature of the terrain and the direction of the sun on that intensely hot day, was prominent and on elevated points, providing a clear view of the battlefield. Military commanders today are keen on possessing means of superiority and control over the battlefield and its surroundings. Al-Tabari pointed out this aspect in his tafseer by saying, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) was at the highest point of the valley, while the polytheists were below.” (6)
These sound opinions of Al-Ansar had a significant impact on weakening the strength of the polytheists. It was a great surprise for Quraysh when they reached Badr and found the Muslims positioned carefully by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), with the advantage of their chosen locations. The polytheists were in a position where they had no choice, and the water was under the Muslims control. Thirst affected the polytheists and weakened their ability to fight. One can hardly grasp the impact of thirst in the desert on a hot day like the day of Badr!
The orientalist Joel Hayward (7) praises Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) respect for the opinions of his companions and his belief that they possessed ideas and insights that could help him make better decisions than if he acted alone. By doing so, he enhanced their sense of confidence and dignity in being listened to and having their advice implemented. It was not merely a formal matter, but rather, he created an open and safe environment where people could discuss and disagree without fear of being looked down upon. He was a comprehensive decision-maker and a consultant, and his own ideas were subject to discussion and improvement.
- The steadfastness of Al-Ansar in the battle:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) organized his companions in longitudinal rows so that their small numbers wouldn't be apparent to the enemy, avoiding other military formations that required larger numbers. He instructed them not to attack until he commanded them to do so, and the Muslims—both Muhajireen and Ansar—obeyed his command.
When the battle commenced with individual combat according to Arab tradition, Utbah ibn Rabiah, his son Al-Walid, and his brother Shaybah were killed from the Quraysh side. The polytheists then attacked, and the two sides engaged in a fierce battle. The Muslims managed to prevent the enemy from breaking through their ranks. The Muslims were ordered to press on, resulting in the defeat of the Quraysh. Allah granted victory to the Muslims, with 70 of the polytheists killed and an equal number captured, while 14 (8) Muslims were martyred. Allah says, “And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number.” (Aal-Imran: 123)
The Battle of Badr was significant in the Islamic call's journey, where Muslims achieved their objectives fully. An economic blockade was imposed on Quraysh, and the tribes felt the strength of the Muslims. On the other hand, Quraysh lost its best leaders and prestige among the tribes.
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(1) Muhammad at Medina, translated by Shaban Barakat, Dar Al-Kutub Al-Asriyah, Beirut, p. 21.
(2) Genealogies of the Nobles, by Al-Baladhuri, verified by Muhammad Hameedullah, Dar al-Ma'arif, Cairo, 1959, (1/350).
(3) Al-Nawawi: Sahih Muslim with the explanation of Al-Nawawi, The Book of Jihad and Expeditions, Chapter: Battle of Badr (1779).
(4) Genealogies of the Nobles, by Al-Baladhuri, (1/350).
(5) The Complete History, by Ibn al-Athir, verified by Abdullah al-Qadi, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1417 AH/1987 CE (2/20).
(6) Tafsir Al Tabari: Jami Al Bayan An Ta'Wil Aayi al Qur'an, (13/564) narration (16140).
(7) The Leadership of Muhammad, translated by Manal Da'nah, Dar al-Shorouk for Publishing and Distribution, Amman, 1st edition, 2024, p. 27.
(8) The Complete History, (2/18-23).
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