Divine intervention in times of hardship

KABEER YOUSUF

@kabeeryousef

As we are half way through the holy month of Ramadhan, the remarkable day among the second phase is undoubtedly the Battle of Badr, a battle that marked a turning point for the early Muslim community (ummah) from a defensive stance towards one of stability and expansion.

"The Battle of Badr is a landmark example for Islamic history and the Muslim Ummah of the power of divine intervention in times of hardship. It proved that solid faith can win over the muscle power and is still a beacon for generations to come," says Mohammed Faizi, an Islamic scholar.

An army of only 313 humble Muslims defeated an army of 1,000 well-equipped soldiers just upon the steadfast faith in Allah.

Battle of Badr was the first ever skirmish, partook by the Muslims led by Prophet Muhammad on the 17th of Ramadhan in the second year of Hijrah which took place in Western Arabia, the present-day Saudi Arabia in the Valley of Badr on the Arabian Peninsula.

The Muslims aimed to intercept a caravan from Mecca along a Syrian trade route carrying weapons to be used against the Muslims. Meccan spies learned of the plans and informed caravan leader Abu Sufyan who then altered his course to Mecca to protect the caravan. Subsequently, Abu Sufyan contacted Quraishi tribe leader, Abu Jahl who gave the order to gather troops from Mecca. (onepathnetwork).

The Battle of Badr, a turning point in Muhammad’s mission during the early days of Islam was the retaliation of Muslims who were for years persecuted by the Quraish, the ruling tribe of Mecca.

Prophet's close companions and future caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar bin al Khattab, and Ali bin Abi Talib fought at Badr, with the exception of Uthman bin Affan being as he had to take care of his sick wife, who was the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Ruqayyah.

"The Battle of Badr is the highest point of prayers and it teaches us not to undermine the power of prayers. Before the war began, our holy Prophet prayed immensely for Allah’s support.

He would say “Oh Lord, if we are defeated, You will not be worshiped at all on Earth”. And the result is a signpost to the fact that prayers never fail to fetch results," adds Mohammed Faizi.

Holy Quran in verse 8:9 says:

"When you asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, “Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, rank after rank.”