BASED ON THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN 1426 LECTURE # 3

LESSONS TAKEN FROM:

THE BATTLE OF BADR

“In the Name of ALLAH the Merciful, the Compassionate”

By: Brother Ali Ja’afary.

INTRODUCTION:

The battle of Badr is to Muslims much more than just an historical battle in the history of Islam. In fact, the battle of Badr is a very complex lesson on many different Islamic and humanitarian issues. This battle was of such importance that its event is full of divine revelation and mystical and miraculous events. We can say that the battle of Badr truly physically introduced man to many of the hidden stations of creation, humanity, the heavens and the Hereafter. It also completely proved without a doubt the divine support the Muslims received in the great days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww). It also introduced the world to great heroes and champions of Islam.

ALLAH (swt) says: “In their histories there is certainly a lesson for men of understanding. It is not a narrative which could be forged, but a verification of what is before it and a distinct explanation of all things and a guide and a mercy to a people who believe”. (The Holy Qur’an 12 Yusuf-111)

In this discourse, I would like to investigate some of these extremely deep and important lessons from this miraculous event. I want to tackle this subject in a way that we truly come away with a deeper understanding of some of the great lessons of the battle of Badr. I can, however, only touch on 4 subjects in order not to make this discourse too long, the 4 subjects will be:

1-   Reason behind the battle of Badr.

2-   The divine assistance to the Muslims.

3-   Jihad and its human approach.

4-   The great sacrifice. (Imam Hussayn (a-s)).
 

Reason behind the battle of Badr:

It says in the Holy Qur’an: “And fight in the way of ALLAH with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely ALLAH does not love those who exceed the limits”. (The Holy Qur’an 2-190)

We all understand that the greatest of Jihads is patience in the face of adversity and restraint from base desires. At all times Prophet Muhammad (saww) showed patience in adversity, mercy in times of conflict and kindness and forgiveness towards his enemies. In Mecca, conditions became absolutely impossible for the Muslims; they were tortured, mistreated and abused on regular bases. Things got even worse after the death of their protector Abu Talib (a-s). In order to live in peace and within their Islamic beliefs, they migrated some of the Muslims to Abyssinia and then the majority to Madina. In Madina the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) established brotherhood amongst the Muslims and then Islam began to truly develop.

Despite this, and despite a time period of a full year passing by, the evil forces of polytheists insisted on bothering the Muslims continuously, they often attacked Muslims who were traveling; they also stole from and ransacked the homes that the Muslims left behind in Mecca. Such evil haters of Islam such as Abu Sufian, Umayyan bin Khalaf and others from Quraysh did all they could to make the Muslims lives miserable, even from such distance. After ransacking the homes of the Muslims left in Madina, a large caravan was prepared for trading; in this caravan the stolen items of the Muslims were also included.

Prophet Muhammad (saww) tried everything to avoid war and bloodshed, however, it became impossible and the Muslims had to defend their rights as human beings or be annihilated at the hands of the polytheists of Mecca. The Holy Prophet (saww) then received the following revelation to fight the Meccans: It says in the Holy Qur’an: “And fight in the way of ALLAH with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely ALLAH does not love those who exceed the limits”. (The Holy Qur’an 2-190)

Even though the Meccans had much more weapons, horses and men. Many of the Meccans showed fear in facing the much smaller and poorly armed Muslim army. In fact as we know from history that; Abu Sufian turned the large caravan (containing the stolen items belonging to the Muslims) away from the Muslims and on another path in order to save it, also Quraysh almost had to insist by force for Ummayan bin Khalaf to the battle field he who usually loved wars and was always the first to run towards the battle field. What was it that entered these men’s hearts that made them fear the very small numbers of inexperienced Muslims? For the tribes of Mecca, war was a daily event and most of the very best of their warriors wanted nothing more than to kill Muslims. (Much like the; Wahabies and Salafines of today.) However, this fear that certain showed at that time was well justified as history would show us. The 313 great warriors of Islam who met the 1000 plus polytheists had an invincible supporter and their faith in Islam and its Holy prophet Muhammad (saww) was unshakable. When the eyes of the Meccans fell upon the Muslims they saw much more than just a small army of 313.
 

The divine assistance to the Muslims:

ALLAH (swt) says: “And ALLAH did certainly assist you at Badr when you were weak; be careful of your duty to ALLAH then, that you may give thanks. When you said to the believers: Does it not suffice you that your LORD should assist you with 3000 of the Angels sent down”. (The Holy Qur’an 3:123-124)

Yes, what a terrifying site indeed not only did the men of Quraysh feel fear in their hearts to fight against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww). (The first of the creations was the noor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) the one for whom ALLAH (swt) created all things.)

But they also saw the large army of 3000 Angels amongst the Muslims. Not only is this fact reported in so many different hadiths, but the Holy Qur’an also mentions this undeniable fact, we can also understand that only by Divine help could the small army of Muslims gain victory over the much larger and heavier armed army of the polytheist.

These Angels put many at awe in the battle for usually ALLAH (swt) keeps a veil over the eyes of men from seeing such things so surely this event marked many; however, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) was very used of seeing angels for he was in contact with them daily, especially with the one who has the highest rank Jibreel (a-s). There are many who debate whether the Imams (a-s) see the Angels or only hear them, I believe if we turn to the great Sermon from Imam Ali (a-s) about the angels our answer to this question lies within this sermon.

“Then ALLAH (swt) created the opening between high skies and filled them with all classes of HIS angels. Some of them are in prostration and do not kneel up. Others in kneeling position and do not stand up. Some of them are in array and do not leave their position. Others are extolling ALLAH and do not get tired. The sleep of the eye or the slip of the wit or languor of the body or the effect of forgetfulness does not affect them. Among them are those who work as trusted bearers of HIS message, those who serve as speaking tongues for HIS Prophets and those who carry to and from HIS orders and injunctions. Among them are the protectors of HIS creatures and guards of the doors of the gardens of Paradise. Among them are those also whose steps are fixed on earth but their necks are protruding into the skies, their limbs are getting out on all sides, their shoulders are in accord with the columns of the Divine Throne, their eyes are down cast before it, they have spread down their wings under it and they have rendered between themselves and all else curtains of honour and screens of power. They do not think of their creator through image, do not impute to HIM attributes of the created, they do not confine HIM within abodes and do not point at HIM through illustrations”. (Nahj Al-Balaghah sermon no.1)

We can only imagine the amazing site of the field full of the brave warriors of the Muslims and the Angels of ALLAH (swt), battling the evil forces of the polytheists of Mecca. This is without any doubt one of the great Miracles sent down for the most beloved of ALLAH (swt) the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww).
 

Jihad and its human approach:

The battle of Badr also introduced to mankind the doctrine of Jihad. As I mentioned at the beginning of this discourse the Muslims had no other choice but to resort to Jihad, in order to stop the endless abuses of the Meccans. Since the battle of Badr would be the first of the battles of Islam, it also by revelation introduced the laws of Jihad. As ordered by ALLAH (swt) to: “…fight in the way of ALLAH with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits…” (The Holy Qur’an 2-190)  Our question is what is ‘exceeding the limits’. Our Holy Prophet (saww) by revelation set up a standard to follow when entering battle, when being in battle and when the battle is over.

The behaviour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) before the battle of Badr, during it and after the Muslims’ victory are an absolute proof of the Prophethood of Muhammad (saww), his infallibility and his superiority over all men. Never has history shown such high moral conduct on the battlefield up to that date. For truly the believers wanted to follow the exact command which is: Do fight: But only in the way of ALLAH (swt) and Do not exceed the limits: Do not under any circumstances kill and fight those who do no fight against you.

The Holy Prophet (saww) forbade mutilating and butchering of the enemy alive or dead. The Holy Prophet (saww) would tell those going to war: “Have mercy on the children, the weak, the old men and women and he emphasized: Never uproot fruit trees, and never burn the palms and let not war affect them. Do not burn the farms or the harvest; do not slaughter animals whose meat can be legally consumed, unless you need it to live on”.

This is a far cry from the horrible scenes we witness every day in the modern day wars, where the only law is to kill anyway possible. We have been witness to the Capitalists superpowers bullying smaller nations, bombing their industries and resources and bombing civilian areas with extremely heavy and dangerous weapons of destruction, we have seen fanatics killing innocent woman and children in public market places, in schools, in residential areas, in mosques and in Churches. We have seen people being mutilated live on internet, while their captors are claiming to be Muslims. These Muslims! Never, for they go against the commands of the Holy Qur’an! How can these animals claim to be Muslims?  They are doing these things to Muslims and we know shedding a Muslim brother’s blood is a terrible sin. Surely none of these people understand anything about Islam.

After the battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) let free all the prisoners who would teach the Muslims to read and write, even though these were the biggest enemies of Islam, he had no one executed, he ordered the Muslims to be kind to the captives and he ordered that at no time any of them should ever be tied or abused in any way. We saw in history our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saww) had taught us these moral ethics in every war and conflict that the Muslims would enter. We just need to remember when the Muslims marched into Mecca and the incredible mercy, forgiveness and kindness the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) showed to the whole world. The battle of Badr was a great introduction to the world that Islam stood in action behind its teachings. Never has war been so merciful than in the time of the Holy Prophet (saww).

How come the first Khalif didn’t follow this rule when he had Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) tied and dragged in the street? Yet the Prophet (saww) didn’t even tie up his worst enemies, however, the first Khalif didn’t only tie up the best of the believing Muslims, he also tied up the only divinely commanded successor of the Prophet Muhammad (saww). What happen to the teachings of Rassulullah on that day?  What happen to following the divine command that says: “O you who believe! Obey ALLAH and obey the Apostle and those in authority from amongst you”. (Holy Qur’an 4 Surah An-Nisa 59).

What happen to these great lessons that we the Muslims had learned on the day of Badr, when: Umar asked for fire to be brought and set the door on fire at the house of Sayeeda Fatimah Az-Zahra (s-a), and then he shoved it open and forced his way in? Lady Fatimah (s-a) screamed: “O Father, O Prophet of ALLAH”. Umar who acted like a ferocious mad dog hit Lady Fatimah (s-a) with a shield on her side, she screamed: “O Father!”  Then in vicious brutality he lifted his whip and hit her on the hand, she cried: “O Prophet of ALLAH, Abu Bakr and Umar behaved very badly after you, while your eyes have not even closed in the grave!” On that day the majority of the Muslims unfortunately fell into error, that day they behaved contrary to the teachings that came out of the great battle of Badr.
 

The great sacrifice:

The 313 men of the battle of Badr were the truest of heroes of Islam; they put all of their comforts and easiness aside to defend their beliefs. And the one who shined the most amongst them was Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s), for he (a-s) killed over half of the enemies that were killed. And he fought valiantly and he showed much compassion to the defeated enemy. Never has it ever been seen in the history of mankind, the winners of the war treating and respecting the defeated as did the Muslims in the days of the Holy Prophet (saww) proving to the world that Islam did not spread by the sword, but by education and compassion. The 313 warriors of the battle of Badr will be remembered until the end of time for their valour and their sacrifice.

In Karbala Imam Hussayn (a-s) had such great men of valour and sacrifice. They were to Imam Hussayn (a-s) what the 313 man at Badr were to the Holy Prophet (saww). They stood up with Imam Hussayn (a-s), when on the day of Ashura they were surrounded by the forces of Shaïtins, and the children and woman were weeping for water, it was days that the water supply was cut off and many of them were falling ill. The great warrior of Badr Amir Ul-Mu’mineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) was not alive during this tragedy, however, his son Abbas (a-s) was and he was the defender of Imam Hussayn (a-s), his place was the same as Imam Ali (a-s) had with the Prophet (a-s) and after begging for permission to go and fight, Imam Hussayn (a-s) gave him the o.k. to get water for the woman and children, Imam Hussayn (a-s) finally agreed.

Abbas (a-s) was the great warrior of valour, he looked like a giant on his horse and his piety glowed in his face like a light. When he was born Imam Ali (a-s) would kiss his face and say: “he is the one who will be the defender of his brother Hussayn”. And he rode off to the Euphrates River, Shaïtins forces surrounded him, however, he fought like a true Lion as did his father Imam Ali (a-s) in the battle of Badr, in this one attack there were 4000 men surrounded Abbas (a-s), however, in a fury this great warrior chased them away killing 80 of them. When he finally arrived at the Euphrates he was about to drink when he remembered his brother Imam Hussayn (a-s) and said:  “O soul! After Hussayn, humiliation equals revival after him, forget the survival. This is Al-Hussayn, drinking syrup of death. Thou drink fresh water in mirth?!”

As he started to return to camp with the full water skin, Ibn Sa’d troops began once again to attack and this time even more viciously after the threats of their commanders to kill Abbas or else face the consequences. From behind the cursed Nufil Arzaq severed Sayeed Abbas‘s right hand, however, Abbas then held the water skin with his left hand, however the same cursed man cut his left hand and at the same time Hakim ibn Tufayl (may ALLAH curse him) cut off Abbas’s arm, but Abbas still held on the water skin in his teeth and the banner to his chest, suddenly a spear hit the water skin. An absolute shower of spears came down all over him a spear hit his chest and another his eye, O Brothers and sisters forget that you are here in this Masjid, just think of the extremely sad sight of Sayeed Abbas Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s), he’s in pain and he’s extremely injured, another cursed man then strikes him on the head with an iron column and that is just too much, our beloved Abbas (a-s) fell to the ground in the burning sand of Karbala. And he (a-s) called out: “Ya Aba Abdillah, ya bna Rassulullah!”

When Imam Hussayn (a-s) arrived to where Abbas (a-s) was he (a-s) fell to his knees next to his beloved brother and said: “Now I am broken in my back and I have no way out”.

Imam Hussayn (a-s) hugged his brother Abbas (a-s) whipped the blood from his eyes and cried abundantly. Then Abbas (a-s) asked him: “Ya Ibn Rassulullah, ya Saeedy why are you crying?” Imam Hussayn (a-s) answered: “How should I not cry, my brother, for you are the apple of my eye!”  Then Abbas (a-s) cried out loud and passed away. 

Assalamu  alayka ya Abal-l-Fadhl-il-Abbasa-ibna Amir-il-Mu’mineen.

Assalamu  alayka ya-bna Sayyid-il-Wasiyyina.

Assalamu  alayka ya Aba Abdillah

Assalamu  alayka ya bna Rassulullah

Assalamu alayka ya Imam Hussayn (a-s).

Assalamu alayka ya Shahidu ya bna shahidi ya akha-sh-Shahid ya aba-sh-Shuhada’

As-salam Alaykum wa Ramatullah wa Barakatuh!

Brother Ali Ja’afary
Day of Badr, Holy Month of Ramadan 1426.