Battle of Badr was fought on 17 Ramadan, 2 AH or by the start of 624 AD. The immediate for this was the trade caravan of Abu Sufyan. He feared an attack by Muslims while returning form Syria because the Prophet SAW had allowed to raid the caravans as their rout was within the range of Muslims. Abu Sufyan summoned aid from Makkah and the makkan chiefs quickly raised an army of 1000 and sent it towards the Madinah.

Abu Sufyan in the meantime had crossed the danger zone safely calling the troops back to Makkah. Abu Jahal, the most hostile makkan chief, was bent upon attacking Madinah and destroying Islam. When the Prophet SAW heard about this, he consulted companions and it was agreed to face the enemy out of Madinah. The Prophet SAW collected about 313 Muslim army and reached the valley of Badr, about 80 miles southeast of Madinah.

Muslims reached first and occupied the wells but the Prophet SAW left one well for the enemy. The Prophet SAW spent the whole night invoking the mercy of Allah, “O God! If this small band of men perishes, there will be no one alive to worship you, and your faith will be lost forever.” Since Allah had predestined the survival of Islam, this prayer was granted, and the Quran mentions it as, “Remember you implored the assistance of you Lord, and He answered you: ‘I will assist you a thousand of angels, ranks.” There was a light rain that proved beneficial for Muslims as it made the sandy soil firm for them. This was also a type of indication of divine help. The two armies had no match. Muslims had only 60 to 70 camels, 3 horses and 60 armored suits. The Quraish had 100 armored suits, 70 horses and a good stock of weapons such as bows, swords and lances. As the two armies faced each other, the Prophet SAW encouraged the Muslim and handful of dust on the Makkan army, the Quran mentions it, “When you thrust(dust), it was not your act, it was God’s…”

The Quraish challenged for individual combats by sending Utba, Walid and Shayba. Hazrat Ali RA, Hazrat Hamzah RA and Hazrat Abu Ubaida bin Harith RA killed the three Quraish men, with this the general fight started. The Prophet SAW led the troops quite tactfully and so, the Muslims soon dominated. Abu Jahal and Umayah bin Khalaf were killed making the total loss of Quraish 70. About 70 were taken as captives by Muslims. The Quran calls this battle as “Yaum ul Furqan” (Day of Distinction). This is because the battle decided that Islam was to survive against all odds. Muslims victory was also a demonstration of God’s decree as it stated in Quran, “And remember when you met, that God might accomplish a matter already enacted.” Finally, the Prophet SAW surprised everyone by his treatment of the captives who were permitted to buy their freedom on soft terms.