BATTLE OF BADR

1. Historical Perspective.
a. Advent of Islam brought along series of atrocities on Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.
b. Resultantly Prophet (PBUH) had no option except migration to Madina along with his fellow Muslims.
c. After failing in their attempt to kill Muhammad (PBUH ) on night of migration, Kuffars of Makkah extended their
ventures in Madina as well.
d. The enemity of Makkans even extended to Madinites for giving refuge to Prophet PBUH and his companions.
e. When Hazrat Saad Bin Muaz,the Ansar Chief went to Makkah to perform Pilgrimage he was denied the religious
ritual by Abu Jahal.
f. Hazrat Saad Bin Muaz in return threatened to block Makkah’s trade route to and from Syria.
g. At this juncture Kuffar-e-Makkah started realizing the strength which Muslims had gathered in Madina. Their
trade route to Syria was eighty miles in Madina territory and blocking of this route could cause serious blow to
economy. This was the major factor to wage war against the Muslims of Madina.
h. Prophet (PBUH) taking note of the threat of an invasion formulated a political / economical / military strategy to
offset and hostile intensions of Kuffar – e – Makkah.
2. Strategic Measures Prior to the Commencement of Battle of Badr.
a. Prophet (PBUH) entered into a pact of friendship and co existence with the Jews of Madina.
b. Appeased all other non Muslims to avoid their joining hands with Quraish.
c. Augmented harmony between “Mahajir” and “Ansars”.
d. Measures to avoid any direct conflict with Quraishs as long as possible.
3. Military Moves/Expeditions before the Battle. Following expeditions were sent before the battle to achieve
operational ascendancy over the foes of Islam:-
a. Gathering of information about terrain around Madina and routes leading to and from Madina.
b. Assessment of strength of neighbouring tribes.
c. Friendly pacts with neighbouring tribes.
d. Projecting the might of Muslims.
e. Cutting the trade route of Makkans to Syria and compelling them to come to negotiating terms with the Muslims.
4. Comparison of Both the Forces.
Muslims Non Muslims
a. Comd Prophet (PBUH) Abu Jahal
b. Infantry 313 Men 1000 Men
c. Cavalry 2 Horses 200 Horses
d. Armaments Arrows, Swords and Spears Arrows, Swords and Spears
e. Svc 70 Camels less Supplies 700 camels with abundant
 supplies
f. Posture Defensive Offensive
5. Topography of the area.
a. Badr is 65 miles away from Madina, located at Syria-Makkah route.
b. The plain of Badr is five miles in length and 4 miles in width.
6. Opposing Plans.
a. Muslim Plan
(1) Prophet (PBUH) selected a higher gr, to facilitate clear observation for his fighting troops.
(2) All well in the area were filled in with sand to deny easy assess to water. However, a well which was in
the location of left flank Muslims, was left for utility of Muslims.
(3) Deployment was carried out in a way that Muslim flanks and rear were covered with the hills around.
(4) Bowmen were kept on flanks, while men with swords and lancers were kept in centre.
(5) Best warriors were kept in centre to absorb the initial thrust of enemy attack.
(6) HQ, guarded by a section was established at depth to allow monitoring/control of battle by             visual
observation.
(7) Res under Hazart Ali (RATU) were kept to undertake any offensive.
(8) After depl Prophet (PBUH) visited all locations, issued detailed orders and carried out minor
adjustments.

b. Quraish Plan.
(1) On knowledge about presence of Muslims in Badr , the Quraish really got perturbed about the
intelligence network of Muslim Army. At this stage a fight for the continuation of Battle plan or otherwise
struck between leaders like Utba and Abu Jahal. Utba was in favour of a withdraw, however Abu Jahal
could not be convinced.
(2) Shortage of water was already prevalent and situation was further worsened due to heavy rain fall at
night which eventually turned the ground marshy at lower level.
7. Conduct of Battle.
a. 17 Ramzan, 2 Hijra (March 624 AD) witnessed the first battle between Muslims and Kaffars.
b. Makkans adv and stopped at 300 ms dist from the Muslims.
c. 3 x Quraishs, Utba, Waleed and Shyba advanced and challenged Muslims for one to one fight. The Ansars
responded the challenge. However the Quraish asked for Muhajirs. Instantly Hazrat Hamza, Hazrat Ali and
Hazrat Ubeida accepted the challenge. Both Hazrart Hamza and Hazrat Ali took no time to kill their opponents.
However Shyba managed to injure Hazrat Ubeda. But later he was also killed by Harat Ali.
d. Makkans threw arrows on Muslims from a longer dist which were not very effective. Prophet (PBUH) had
ordered all Muslim soldiers not to open fire till the time enemy comes so close that the black portion of en’s eye
gets distinguished with the white portion.
e. When Makkans came quite close to Muslims, Muslims started throwing their arrows towards Kaffars. This timely
and disciplined action caused heavy casualties to enemies and they failed to climb up and envelope Muslims.
f. By noon Prophet (PBUH) gave orders for c/attk.
g. One of the Muslim gp attk the flag party of Makkans. With the fall of their flag the Makkans started fleeing from
battle field, leaving behind 70 dead and 70 prisoners each and large amount of booty.
h. Only 14 Muslims got shahadat.
8. Analysis.
 a. Due to sound planning, great leadership, belief in Allah Almighty and willing nesss to sacrifice their life in name
of Islam, this small Muslim Army managed to defeat an enemy which was superior in both number and
resources.
b. Muslims were able to successfully utilize their all available resources.
c. Through strong intelligence network Muslims were enable to make a plan well in advance and thereby taking
prompt measures to offset en’s hostile designs.
d. Muslims successfully deprived their enemy from freedom of action and aggression.
e. Skillful use of terrain provided an added advantage to Musilms and checking en’s freedom of movement.
9. Military Lessons.
a. Disrupting En’s strat bal of power by:-
(1) Threatening en’s trade routes.
(2) Making peace treaties with other tribes of Madina, henceforth depriving en forces to make an alliance
with any tribe of Madina.
(3) Depriving en of waater resources by checking the utilization controlling of wells.
b. Efficient Planning by gaining up to date information and consulting companions before any decision.
c. Faith in Allah Almighty and sound conviction about his help.
d. Correct aprc of gr and weather by selection of a raised ground.
e. An efficient intelligence network which provided latest information about en and her plans.
10. Application of Principles of War. COE-SMALS
a. Concentration.
b. Offensive action by choosing the ground of your own choice and compeeling enemy to fight at your on terms.
c. Eco of Effort by:-
(1) Using wpns as per their cap and characteristic.
(2) Excellent fire discipline.
d. Sound Planning. Making a comprehensive plan by keeping in mind own resources as compared to en’s
and gr and weather restrictions
e. Surprise. By not allowing enemy to have E wng about your intentions.
f. Security. By choosing a ground which covers both rear and flanks.
g. Morale.By reiterating the blessings of Allah and his promise for rewards for those who stands fast in his way.
h. Simplicity.
j. Sel of Aim.
k. Adm.
l. Leadership Qualities. All events of war depicts the leadership qualities of Prophet (PBUH) and his ability to
remain abreast with his companions even during crises.

Compiled by: Capt Agha Yasir Khan