The Battle of Badr – Against all odds!

Today is the 17th of Ramadan, a very important date in the history of Islam. The battle of Badr was fought on 17th Ramadan 2AH between the Islamic forces led by the Messenger (SAW) and the idol worshipping pagans led by the leaders of Quraish. Indeed this was a great victory for Islam and the Muslims. One which set the tone for the ongoing struggle between the truth and falsehood and one which we can learn so much from in the current times.

What we saw on that day was a small ill equipped force take on and annihilate a large well equipped force against all odds. But what was the ‘real’ difference between these opposing forces?

On the one hand you had the Muslim forces led by the Messenger (SAW), a unique brotherhood not witnessed before by the pagan Arabs. One which was not formed on the basis of tribe, race, social status etc, but formed on the basis of ‘Laa ilaaha illa’Allah!’ This was a steadfast force, which had implemented the required practical steps of preparing for battle and then prayed to Allah (AWJ) for victory.

On the other hand you had the forces of the pagan Quraish which was formed on the basis of tribe, race, social status and more importantly led by falsehood and arrogance! This was a force intent on destroying Islam and removing the Muslims from the face of the earth.

Alhamdulillah, the Victory was for the Truth and the falsehood was smashed!

“And say: The truth has come and the falsehood has vanished; surely falsehood is a vanishing (thing)”

[Surah Al-Isra’, 17:81]

Dear Muslims, there are important lessons we can take from the battle of Badr and apply them today because our situation today is not too different from the situation at the time of the battle of Badr. There were two sides then, one of truth and the other of falsehood, and there are also these two sides today. The Kuffaar today fight Islam both militarily and intellectually and they are as intent in destroying Islam today as were the Quraish back then.

The difference today, brothers and sisters, is in the ranks of the Muslims. We do not have the same unity as the forces at Badr and we do not understand and carry Islam like they did. Muslims are not content with the situation of Islam and the Muslims but do not feel obliged to do anything about it. Neither are we steadfast and neither are we performing the practical steps needed to change the situation of the Ummah, yet we expect Allah (SWT) to grant us victory?

If we are going to win the battle between the truth and falsehood, Islam and Kufr, we must strive to be like the Muslims of Badr, who honoured their pledge to their Lord and His Messenger (SAW), understood their Deen, implemented it and sacrificed everything for the sake of Allah (SWT) in return for His pleasure. Once we have performed the required actions needed to resume the Islamic way of life, the victory of Allah (SWT) will soon follow Insha’Allah.

America, ‘Israel’ and the West in general are not too powerful to be defeated and victory can be achieved if we stick to the Haqq and follow on the straight path. The battle of Badr is testament to this!

“O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm.”

[Surah Muhammad, 47:7]