22 Lessons from The Battle of Badr

In the Name of Allah, The Merciful, The Beneficent.

Introduction

Alhamdulillah.. Infinite praise and thanks are due to the Almighty Allah. Complete peace and blessings are upon our beloved, the Commander-in-charge on the Day of the Battle of Badr, Sayyidunā Muhammad, his household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path.

The battle of Badr was one of the decisive events in the history of Islam. A few things make it unique and standout. First, it was the first battle in Islam, between Muslims and Quraysh (or infidelity if you will). Second, it happened in the month of Ramadan. And third, all the participants in its events were granted forgiveness for their past sins and sins they might have committed after the battle itself.

This article sheds light on 22 lessons that can be extracted from the Battle of Badr. This comes to supplement our previous article, The Battle of Badr: The Prophet and His Companions’ First Encounter on the Day of al-Furqan.

It’s worth indicating, that the 22 lessons attributed to the Battle of Badr in this piece are not the only lessons. After reading this piece, it will be wise for  the reader to be open minded for more lessons that can be extracted from the Battle of Badr.

Now, what are the 22 lessons from the Battle of Badr?

The 22 Lessons from the Battle of Badr

#1: The Battle of Badr Made a Decisive Day

The Qur’an refers to the day of the Battle of Badr as the Decisive Day. This is simply because it distinguished between the truth (Islam) and falsehood (non-Islam).

The tyrants of Quraysh, Abu Jahl, al-Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and their likes all knew Islam was the truth. But because they were not seeing the repercussion, they persisted on arrogance and denial. And for that matter, they continued to persecute Muslims. Not for anything. But because they chose Allah as their Lord!

People like them needed to perish so their followers who were influenced by them could make informed decisions. Whether to choose Islam on keep on with denial.

With the Battle of Badr, it became clear for everyone, that Islam has come to stay. And that none is left with an excuse for rejecting it.

#2: The Battle of Badr Brought Dignity to Islam and Muslims

Until the Battle of Badr was over, Quraysh had underestimated the strength of Muhammad and his companions. That’s why even after Abū Sufyān sent them a second message to inform them that there was no longer a need for them to come to rescue the caravan, since he (Abū Sufyān) had escaped with it from eyes of Muhammad, Abū Jahl insisted on going to Badr. To him, that was important to scare the Muslims and to create more fear in the hearts of all Arabs towards Quraysh.

In a situation like this, Islam could perish forever. Especially, if we remember that it was possible for Quraysh to continue from Badr to Madinah to invade Muhammad and the entire Madīnah.

Had that happened, everyone could take Muhammad and his followers for granted. But when the companions decided to stand with the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ’alayhi wa sallam, they brought dignity to Islam.

It’s therefore not surprising that Allah has granted the participants of the Battle of Badr abundant virtues.

#3: When We Plan for Something, Allah May Plan Something Different for Us

The Prophet’s ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions’ first aim for going out was to stop the caravan of Qur’an which was heavily funded with the money of Muslims who were chased out of Makkah and their wealth were taken.

But Allah planned something else for them. And that led to the battle of Badr, which saw the end of the tyrants of Quraysh who tortured the companions at the beginning of Islam and even challenged Allah in some occasions.

So, when you plan for anything, do remember that Allah may have a better plan for you.

#4: Believers Must Show Obedience for the Prophet at all Times

Another lesson from the Battle of Badr is the beauty of submission that was displayed by the companions and is still been displayed by many true believers to the commands of the Prophet Muhammad ṣallā Allāhu ’alayhi wa sallam.

When the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ’alayhi wa sallam and the companions first went out of Madinah, the aim was to stop the caravan of Quraysh that was returning from Syria. There was no intention to fight.

When plans changed, the Prophet needed to fight. However, he didn’t force his companions to fight with him. Instead, he gave them the choice to continue with him, or to return to Madinah. The good news is, that none returned to Madinah. They were all with the Prophet for life and for death.

This incident raised the companions of The Prophet Muhammad levels higher above the followers of Sayyidunā Mūsā ‘alayhi al-salām. When Sayyidunā Mūsā found himself in a fighting situation, his followers told him to go and fight, he and his Lord. As for them, they’ll be waiting for him at their place.

#5: Muslims Must Be United at All Times

The Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ’alayhi wa sallam arranged his companions in rows in the battlefield. If there’s a situation where a people will scatter, then it should be in battlefields, but this where and when Islam encourages us to stay together even more.

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُقَٰتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَٰنٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ.ـ

“Surely, Allah loves those who fight for His cause in ranks, as if they were a solid cemented structure.” (al-Ṣaff, 61:4).

If this is the situation in battlefields, I’m wondering: why do we find it difficult to unite today?

#6: Fighting in a Difficult Time Like Badr

The prescription of fasting the month of Ramadan took place in the same year the Battle of Badr occurred. That was the second year after hijrah. And that makes it to the list of 13 Historical Events That Occurred in Ramadan.

The lesson is, despite being the first experience for the Muslim camp, fasting didn’t stop them from going all out to defend their faith and wealth.

It also means, that fasting is not an excuse for cutting down our activities during Ramadan, despite the difficulty. The struggle comes with abundance of rewards.

It’s worth indicating here, though, that fasting doesn’t strengthen you during the day. It could strengthen you in the longer run, but not during the hours of fasting. It’s definitely challenging. And it’s a myth for anyone to tell you that fasting empowers them to undertake heavy duties or undergo rigorous activities while fasting.

#7: Our Islamic Brotherhood is Above Every Regard

The two camps; that of Quraysh and that of the Muslims had a significant number of related bloods from both camps. That didn’t stop neither of both camps to fight one another.

As much as Quraysh was ever ready to kill their own blooded relations for their faith, the Muslims were even more ready to defend the word of Allah and die for its sake.

In the Battle of Badr, Sayyidunā ‘Umar raḍiya Allāhu ’anhu  fought and killed his uncle, Hishām ibn al-Mughīrah. Sayyidunā Abū Bakr raḍiya Allāhu ’anhu almost killed his son ‘Abdul-Rahmān (who was then non-Muslim). Sayyidunā Ḥamzah, ‘Ali  and ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Ḥārith raḍiya Allāhu ’anhum killed their cousins, ‘Utbah, Shaybah and al-Walīd ibn ‘Utbah, in the standoff before the clash.

لَّا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ يُوَآدُّونَ مَنْ حَآدَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَلَوْ كَانُوٓا۟ ءَابَآءَهُمْ أَوْ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنَهُمْ أَوْ عَشِيرَتَهُمْ ۚ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَتَبَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلْإِيمَٰنَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ مِّنْهُ ۖ وَيُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا۟ عَنْهُ ۚ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ حِزْبُ ٱللَّهِ ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزْبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ.‏ـ

“You will find no believers in God and the Last Day consorting with those who oppose God and His Messenger, even though they be their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their close relatives. He has engraved faith on their very hearts and has strengthened them with a spirit of His own. He will usher them into Gardens through which rivers flow where they shall dwell forever. God is well-pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him. They are God’s party. God’s party shall surely enter into a state of bliss.” (al-Mujādilah, 58:22).

#8: Power Doesn’t Necessarily Determine Victory

The camp of Quraysh succeeded in gathering more than 1300 fighters. This was in addition to their military strength and abundance of food supply. At the same time, the Muslim’s camp only consisted of 319 fighters (some narrations mention 313). However, the 319 fighters made victory over the powerful camp that was four or five times their size, and ten times more equipped.

The lesson is: victory is that which is granted by Allah.

وَمَا ٱلنَّصْرُ إِلَّا مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ.‏ـ

“Help comes from Allah alone. Surely, Allah is All-Mighty and All-Wise.” (al-Anfāl, 8:10).

#9: Your Determination is More Powerful than Weapon

Quraysh was equipped more than the Muslims. They were larger in number of men. The had horses and camels. And they had weapons. But their determination was only as far as the world could last.

On the other hand, the Muslims had almost nothing. All they had was their determination to survive. And that determination was beyond how far the world could last. They had Akhirah in mind.

#10 Your Sincerity is More Effective than Your Determination

The difference between the determination of the Quraysh and that of the Muslims is that the determination of the Muslims was coated with sincerity. Beautiful! And sincerity is when Allah is in the equation. Don’t ever forget that.

On the other hand, Quraysh only had their worldly material interest to protect. They were determined to sacrifice everything for that. But their lord is none other than the Ṭāghūt (Iblīl).

#11: Effective Leaders Seek the Opinions of Their Followers

The Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ’alayhi wa sallam accepted the opinion of Ḥubāb… Based on Ḥubāb’s opinion, Quraysh had to fight for water, and the Muslim fought for the Message (of Islam).

This was why the Muslim camp moved forward to put the waters of Badr behind them. That way, Quraysh will have to fight to reach the water. And it was extremely hot. In the desert of Arabia.

On the other hand, Abū Jahl decided to proceed to Badr, ignoring all the warnings that other leaders gave him. Unfortunately, everyone must follow him against their will. And this had affected the loyalty of his camp.

#12: There Must Be a Leader (or an Imam) at All Times

When the Prophet and the companions left Madinah for Badr, he assigned ‘Abdullāh ibn Ummi Maktūm raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhu to lead the Muslims of Madinah in prayers in his absence. This tells us that there must be an assigned or agreed-upon leader in every Muslim community.

There can be only one leader at any time. And the rest must be followers. If everyone want to be a leader at the same time, we can only lead chaotic communities.

#13: The Arrogant Likely Dies in the Hands of His Victims

Abu Jahl was killed by two children, Mu‘ādh and Mu‘awwādh. And he was finished up by ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd. Ibn Mas’ūd was among the weakest of people whom Abū Jahl bullied because they chose to be Muslims.

Imagine a person, as tall and strong as Abū Jahl been killed by two children, and finished up by a person who was probably 10 times weaker than him.

#14: Don’t Compromise Your Sleep

Allah made the companions to sleep, so they could recharge and be physically ready for the challenge.

Allah could have given them the strength they needed without making them feel sleepy. Especially that there were Angels who came down to support them. But the human factor should take place.

The lesson is: you should have enough sleep. You should have a good sleep. Sleep like a baby, and you’ll be more productive, insha Allah.

#15: When Human Ability Fades Off, Divine Force Intervenes

When the Muslims run out of energy, Allah sent down Angels to back up their camp. This is possible when we’re doing it for Allah in the first place.

The lesson is, let’s remember that we’re here from Him and going back to him. Thus, all we do must be for Him.

#16: Du’a is Powerful at All Times, More So in Situations Like This

The Muslim should turn to Allah in his times of ease as well as in his times of hardship.

This becomes more important when he’s in a situation similar to the Battle of Badr.

The Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ’alayhi wa sallam demonstrated this in almost 50% of the time during the period of Badr. This was beside the fact that he was the Commander-in-Charge.

إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَٱسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّى مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ.‏ـ

“When you prayed to your Lord for help, He answered, “I am sending to your aid a thousand angels in succession.” (al-Anfāl, 8:9).

#17: The Scarier the Situation, the More You Should Turn to Allah

The Prophet made a desperate series du’a when the clash began. He was certain of their victory (because he was already informed). But when we’re certain of victory, that’s when we should be humbler towards Allah.

#18: The Believer Must Remember Allah at All Times

While the Muslim camp was preparing for their first ever battle, Allah descended verses that indicated clearly the need for believers to remember Allah, even when in a battle.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَٱثْبُتُوا۟ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ.‏ـ

“Believers! When you encounter a party, remain firm and remember Allah much, so that you may succeed.” (al-Anfāl, 8:45).

If this is the case with the Muslim in a battlefield, then what will be your excuse not to remember Allah when jogging? Or are you not jogging to earn strength to worship Allah in a better way?

#19: The Power of Tawakkul ( Putting Your Trusting in Allah)

No matter how prepared you are, you must never put your trust in your readiness and preparedness. Instead, you must put your trust in the One and Only, Allah subḥānahū wa ta’ālā.

إِن يَنصُرْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَنصُرُكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ ۗ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ.‏ـ

“If Allah helps you, none can overcome you, but if He withdraws His help from you, who is there who can help you besides Him? In Allah, then, let the believers place their trust!” (al-‘Imrān, 3:160).

Furthermore, when you put your trust in Allah, even if you lose, you’re still victorious because you have the company of Allah, subḥānahū wa ta’ālā.

#20: The Fear of Allah Curbs All Evil-Desires

When the battle ended, Muslims collected abundant number of spoils. This was their first encounter and they never knew what to do with it. Some started to ask, probably for what their share could be and whatnot.

While processing that, Allah sent down decisive verses telling them what the spoils are for.

سْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْأَنفَالِ ۖ قُلِ ٱلْأَنفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ ۖ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا۟ ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ ۖ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ.‏ـ

“They ask you about the spoils of war. Say, “They belong to God and His Messenger. So fear God, and set things right among yourselves, and obey God and His Messenger, if you are true believers.” (al-Anfāl, 8:1).

The moment the verses were read to them, everyone surrendered to the will of Allah, and displayed fear of Him.

The lesson? A believer doesn’t attain true belief without fear of Allah

“If you are true believers.”

#21: Allah and the Akhirah should be Our Ultimate Cause and Goal

This is the message Allah explicitly reminded us about, when the companions asked about the spoils. See the verse in the above section.

Also, there came another reminder when Sayyidunā Abū Bakr raḍiya Allāhu ’anhu suggested that the captives are made to pay ransom instead of execution.

‏ مَا كَانَ لِنَبِىٍّ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُۥٓ أَسْرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ يُثْخِنَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ تُرِيدُونَ عَرَضَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱللَّهُ يُرِيدُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ.‏ـ

“It is not right for a Prophet to keep captives unless he has battled strenuously in the land. You desire the gain of this world, while God desires for you the Hereafter — God is mighty and wise.” (al-Anfāl, 8:67).

#22: Allah’s Honouring for the True Believers is Real

Allah honoured the Prophet and his companions by sending down Angels to support them. He also made them feel dizzy to re-energize them for the next day. Also, He poured rains down to cleanse them and purify them for the historical moments of Badr.

إِذْ يُغَشِّيكُمُ ٱلنُّعَاسَ أَمَنَةً مِّنْهُ وَيُنَزِّلُ عَلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً لِّيُطَهِّرَكُم بِهِۦ وَيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمْ رِجْزَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ وَلِيَرْبِطَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتَ بِهِ ٱلْأَقْدَامَ.ـ

“He brought drowsiness upon you to give you His reassurance and sent down water from the sky upon you, so that He might thereby purify you and remove Satan’s pollution from you, and make your hearts strong and your feet firm.” (al-Anfāl, 8:11).

Conclusion

These are lessons extracted upon reflecting on the Battle of Badr. The lessons that can be extracted from this decisive historical event in the history of Islam can fill volumes of books. Thus, the more we read about it, the more lessons we learn. Most importantly, these lessons should return us to Allah, strengthen our faith and make us proud Muslims.

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Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂