النص المفهرس

there was sufficient water and where the ground was firm. On the other hand, the camp of the
Muslims had no water and was covered with loose sand which made it difficult for them to move. To
give courage to the Mu'mineen, Allaah again calls them to remember the time) When (in the thick of
battle) slumber was made to envelop you as a means of serenity from Him (so that you do
not panic) and He sent rain to you from the skies to purify you (so that you could perform
wudhu for salaah), to dispel the evil thoughts cast by Shaytaan (who told the Mu'mineen that if
they were on the right, they would not have been in a position where there was no water for them to
drink or clean themselves with), to strengthen your hearts and to make your feet firm (with the
rain, the ground in the Muslim camp became firm while the ground in the Mushrikeen camp became
muddy and unstable). (You should also take courage from the time) When your Rabb commanded
the angels saying, "Indeed I am with you, so strengthen the Mu'mineen (assist them in
battle). I soon shall cast terror into the hearts of the Kuffaar, so strike their necks and
their every fingertip." (The Muslim soldiers then saw that the head of an enemy soldier would fall
to the ground before their swords could strike his neck because the angels struck first. ) This (death
and defeat of the Mushrikeen) was because they opposed Allaah and His Rasool. Whoever
opposes Allaah and His Rasool, then (they should bear in mind that) certainly Allaah is severe
in punishment. This (defeat and death are the punishment, O Kuffaar) so taste it (in this world
already) ! (In addition to this) The Kaafiroon shall have (shall also suffer) the punishment of the
Fire (of Jahannam in the Aakhirah). O you who have Imaan! When you meet the Kuffaar in
battle, do not turn your backs to them (do not desert the battlefield, especially if the enemy are
less than twice your number). On such a day (of battle), whoever will turn his back to them
with a reason other than altering the course of battle (such as pretending to flee so that the
enemy follows them into an ambush) or (flees with a reason other than) retreating to (joining with)
another group (of Muslim soldiers so that their combined force can fight the enemy), then indeed
he shall return with Allaah's anger and his abode shall be Jahannam (because deserting the
battlefield is a major sin). What an evil place to return to! You (Muslims) did not kill them (the
Mushrikeen by your own strength) but it was Allaah Who killed them and you (O Rasulullaah p)
did not throw (the handful of sand into the eyes of the Mushrikeen to temporarily blind all of them)
when you threw, but it was (actually) Allaah Who threw (because if it were not for Allaah
placing the power into the handful of sand, it would not have had the desired effect). (However,
Allaah allowed the Mu'mineen to fight the Mushrikeen despite having the power to do it by Himself)
So that He may grant the Mu'mineen a grand reward from Himself (the spoils of war in this
world and greater rewards in the Aakhirah). Verily Allaah is All Hearing (listens to your prayers),
All Knowing (of your situation). So it was (everything has happened as it has been explained). (In
addition to this) Indeed it is Allaah Who weakens the plots (evil intentions) of the Kaafiroon
(thereby allowing the Mu'mineen to achieve victory). (Referring to the prayer of the Mushrikeen
before the Battle of Badr when they asked Allaah to destroy the party that was on falsehood, Allaah
says to them,) If you require a decision (to know whether it is you or the Mu'mineen who are on
the truth), then indeed a decision has already come to you (when you saw that the Mushrikeen
army were defeated and their leaders killed whereas Rasulullaah p remained safe and unhurt).
However, if you refrain (from kufr and from fighting the Mu'mineen), it will be best for you.
(However,) If you repeat (your aggression against the Mu'mineen), We shall also repeat (the help
that We gave them) and then your armies will be of no help to you even though they be
many (in number and weapons). Verily Allaah is with the Mu'mineen (and will always assist
them as long as they are sincere).
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Verses 41-51 of Surah Anfaal state:
وَاعْلَمُوْا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِّنْ شَىْءٍ فَأَنَّ للهِ خُمُسَهٌ وَلِلرَّسُوْلِ وَلِذِى الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتْمَى وَالْمَسُكِيْنِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيْلِ ﴿ إِنْ
كُنْتُمْ أَمَنْتُمْ بِاللهِ وَمَا انْزَلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعُنِ ﴿ وَاللهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ (٣١) إِذْ
أَنْتُمْ بِالْعُدْوَةِ الدُّنْيَا وَبُمْ بِالْعُدْوَةِ الْقُصْوَى وَالرَّكْبُ أَسْفَلَ مِنْكُمْ * وَلَوْ تَوَاعَدْتُّمْ لَاخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِى الْمِيْعُدِ ىٌ وَلَكِنْ
لَيَقْضِىَ اللهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُوْلًا :﴿ لَّيَبْلِكَ مَنْ بَلَكَ عَنَّ بَيِّنَةٍ وَّيَحْيِى مَنْ حَىَّ عَنَّ بَيِّنَةٍ ٥* وَ إِنَّ اللّهَ لَسَمِيْعٌ عَلِيْمٌ
(٣٢) إِذْ يُرِيْكَهُمُ اللهُ فِيْ مَنَامِكَ قَلِيْلًا * وَلَوْ آَرُبكَهُمْ كَثِيْرًا لَفَشِلْتُمْ وَلَتَنَازَ عْتُمْ فِى الْأَمْرِ وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ سَلَّمَ ٥﴿ إِنَّمَ
عَلِمْ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُوْرِ (٣٣) وَ إِذْ يُرِيِّكُمُوْبُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ فِى أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيْلًا وَيُقَلْلُكُمْ فِىْ أَعْيُنِمْ لِيَقْضِىَ اللهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ
مَفْعُوْلًا * وَ إِلَى اللهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُوْرُ (٣٣٪) يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوا إِذَا لَقِيْتُمْ فِنَّ فَاثْبُتُوْا وَاذْكُرُوا اللهَ كَثِيْرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ
تُفْلِحُوْنَ (٣٥) وَأَطِيْعُوا اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ وَلَا تَنَازَ عُوْا فَتَفْشَلُوْا وَتَذْبَبَ رِيْحُكُمْ وَاصْبِرُوا ٥﴿ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّبِرِيْنَ
(٣٦) وَلَا تَكُوْنُوا كَالَّذِيْنَ خَرَجُوْا مِنْ دِيَارِبِمْ بَطَرًّا وَّ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّوْنَ عَنْ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ * وَاللهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُوْنَ
مُحِيْطٌ (٣٤) وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطِنُ اَعْمَالَهُمْ وَقَالَ لَا غَالِبَ لَكُمُ الْيَوْمَ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَ إِنِّيْ حَارٌلَّكُمْ 5َّ فَمَّا تَرَاءَتِ
الْفِئَّتُنِ نَكَصَ عَلَى عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّيْ بَرِئْءٌ مِّنْكُمْ إِنِّى اَرَى مَا لَا تَرَوْنَ إِنِّى أَخَافُ اللهَ * وَاللهُ شَدِيْدُ الْعِقَابِ
(٢٨٪) إِذْ يَقُوْلُ الْمُنْفِقُوْنَ وَالَّذِيْنَ فِيْ قُلُوْبِهِمْ مَّرَضٌ غَرَّ بَؤُلَاءِ دِيْنُهُمْ * وَمَنْ يَّتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللهِ فَإِنَّ اللهَ عَزِيزٌ
حَكِيمٌ (٣٩) وَلَوْ تَرَى إِذْ يَتَوَفَّىِ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوا ◌ٌ الْمَلْئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُوْنَ وُجُوْبَهُمْ وَ ادْبَارَبُمْ 5َّ وَذُوْقُوْا عَذَابَ
الْحَرِيْقِ (٥٠) ذُلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ آَيْدِيْكُمْ وَ أَنَّ اللّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلَّامٍ لْلْعَنِيْدِ (٥١)
TRANSLATION: Know that from whatever spoils of war you acquire (after fighting a battle
with the enemy), a fifth of it shall be for Allaah (to be spent on the recipients that He stipulates
ahead), His Rasool, the relatives (of Rasulullaah p), the poor, the orphans and the travellers
(who have been stranded without any means with them. The remaining four fifths will be distributed
among the Muslims soldiers who participated in the battle) ; (distributing the spoils of war in this
manner should not be at all difficult for you) if you believe in Allaah and in what We had sent
down (angels and signs of Allaah's power) to Our slave (Muhammad &) on the day of the
distinction (between truth and falsehood), (which was) the day when the two parties
(Mu'mineen and Mushrikeen armies) clashed (at Badr) (Parting with one-fifth of the spoils to please
Allaah would not be difficult for the Muslim soldiers when they understand that they would have never
been able to win the battle without Allaah's help). Allaah has power over everything (He can
make a small and ill-equipped army defeat a larger, heavily-armed army). (The day of the distinction
was the day) When you (the Muslim army) were on the near side (close to Madinah) and they
(the Mushrikeen army) were at the far side (further away) while the caravan (of the Mushrikeen)
was below you (travelling along the coast). If you (Muslims and Mushrikeen) had promised
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(arranged a date) to meet each other (in battle), you would have differed with regard to the
appointment. However, (without the prior knowledge of either army) Allaah decides a matter
that was (destined) to take place so that he who was to be destroyed may be destroyed
after a clear proof (after witnessing Allaah assist the Mu'mineen to win victory despite all odds
being against them) and so that he who was to live may live after (witnessing) a clear proof
(thereby giving him a chance to accept Imaan). Without doubt Allaah is All Hearing (He heard
the du'aa of the Muslims before the battle), All Knowing (He knows the outcome of everything). (O
Muhammad &, remember the time) When Allaah showed you in your dream that they (the
Mushrikeen) were few in number (thereby giving encouragement to the Mu'mineen). If He had
showed you that they were many in number, you (the Mu'mineen) would have lost courage
and disputed about the issue (about whether to fight or not). However Allaah saved you (from
losing courage and from disputing among yourselves). Undoubtedly He has (profound) knowledge
of what is in the hearts (of all). And when you (Muslims) clashed with them (the Mushrikeen),
(Allaah made them appear as) few in number in your eyes (so that you may not lose courage by
seeing an army much larger than your own) and He reduced your numbers in their eyes (to
encourage the Sahabah w to fight) so that Allaah may conclude a matter that was (destined) to
happen. All matters return only to Allaah (Whose decision will always prevail). (Because it was
destined that the Mushrikeen should be defeated at the hands of the Muslims, Allaah made it appear
to the Mushrikeen that the Muslims were much less than they actually were, so that the Mushrikeen
would advance with all fervour to be defeated. However, once the battle had begun, Allaah made it
appear to the Mushrikeen that the Muslims were many more, causing them to lose courage and to
fight in a less fierce manner) O you who have Imaan! When you lock in combat with an army
(of the enemy), then be steadfast and think of (remember) Allaah abundantly (make du'aa to
Allaah for assistance) so that you may be successful (against the enemy). Obey (the commands
of) Allaah and His Rasool and do not fall into dispute (quarrels) with each other, for then
you will become cowardly (weak) and your strength will be lost. Exercise sabr, for verily
Allaah is with those who exercise sabr. Do not be like those (Mushrikeen of Makkah) who left
their homes arrogantly (boastfully) and to show people (announcing that they would not return
home without waiting for the Muslim army at Badr) and who prevent (others) from Allaah's path
(from Islaam). Allaah surrounds all that they do (He knows all that they do and will punish them
for their wrongdoing). (Remember the time) When Shaytaan (Iblees in the guise of a leader of an
Arab tribe) beautified their actions for them (the Mushrikeen of Makkah) and told them
(encouraged them to fight the Muslims), "None from man can overpower you today when I am
by your side." But when the two (Muslim and Mushrikeen) armies faced each other, he
(Iblees) turned on his heels (ran away) and said, "I have nothing to do with you! Without
doubt I can see what you cannot see (I can see the angels coming down to assist the Muslims). I
am truly afraid of Allaah, and Allaah is severe in punishment." (Remember also the time)
When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts there is a disease said, "Their religion
(Islaam) has deceived these people (the Muslims because they dared face a large and powerful
army despite their lack of numbers and resources)." (However, these hypocrites and others like them
do not realise that) Whoever trusts in (relies on the help of) Allaah (despite lack of means), then
indeed Allaah is Mighty (Capable of granting them victory), Wise (in all matters). If only you
could see how the angels (of death) take the souls of the Kuffaar, hitting their faces and
backs saying, "Taste (a sample of) the punishment of the Blaze (the Fire of Jahannam) ! This
(punishment) is because of what your own hands have sent forward (to the Aakhirah by
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committing sins). Allaah certainly does not oppress His bondsmen (and will therefore never
punish a person for something s/he did not do)."
Verses 123-129 of Surah Aal Imraan state:
وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَ أَنْتُمْ آَذِلَّةٌ نَّ، فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُوْنَ (١٢٣) إِذْ تَقُوْلُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ آلَنْ يَّكْفِيَكُمْ أَنْ يُمِدَّكُمْ
رَبُّكُمْ بِثَلَثَةِ أَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَئِكَةِ مُنْزَلِيْنَ (١٢٣) ﴿ بَلَى { إِنْ تَصْبِرُوْا وَتَتَّقُوْا وَيَآتُوْكُمْ مِّنْ فَوْرِبِمْ بُذَا يُمْدِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ
بِخَمْسَةِ الْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلْئِكَةِ مُسَوِّمِيْنَ (١٢٥) وَمَا جَعَلَهُ اللهُ إِلَّا بُشْرَى لَكُمْ وَلِتَطْمَئِنَّ قُوْبُكُمْ بِم * وَمَا النَّصْرُ إِلَّ
مِنْ عِنْدِ اللهِ الْعَزِيْزِ الْحَكِيْمِ (١٢٦) لِيَقْطَعَ طَرَفًا مِّنَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوا أَوْ يَكْبِتَهُمْ فَيَنْقَلِبُوا خَائِبِيْنَ (١٢) لَيْسَ لَكَ
مِنَ الْآَمْرِ شَىْءٌ أَوْ يَتُوْبَ عَلَّيْهِمْ أَوْ يُعَذِّبَهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ ظْلِمُوْنَ (١٢٨) وَلِلْهِ مَا فِى السَّمُوتِ وَمَا فِى الْأَرْضِ ٥* يَغْفِرُ
لِمَنْ يَّشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَنْ يَّشَآءُ ٥* وَاللهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (١٢٩)٪
TRANSLATION: Allaah had undoubtedly assisted you (Muslims) at Badr when you were in a
weak position (with a smaller army and few weapons). So fear Allaah to express gratitude to
Him. (O Muhammad &, remember also the time) When you told the Mu'mineen, "Is it not
sufficient for you that your Rabb reinforces you with three thousand angels, (specially)
dispatched (descending from the heavens to assist you against the enemy)?" Certainly (this is
sufficient)! (Furthermore) If you adopt Taqwa and if they (the enemy) attack you this instant,
(then to remove your anxiety) your Rabb shall reinforce you with five thousand marked
angels. (Allaah then sent five thousand mounted angels to assist the Muslims in the battle, each
angel wearing a turban.) Allaah had granted this (assistance) only so that it may be good news
for you (Muslims, to remove your anxiety) and so that your hearts may be comforted by it (and
you may then be able to fight with more courage, ease and tranquillity). Assistance is only from
Allaah (and not from large armies and equipment), The Mighty, The Wise. (Allaah had granted this
assistance for your confidence and courage and also so) That He may destroy a party of the
Kaafiroon (when they are killed or captured in battle) or disgrace them (when they lose the battle
despite being better equipped) so they return as losers (defeated and humiliated). (When
Rasulullaah p cursed the Mushrikeen during the Battle of Uhud when they injured him, Allaah
prohibited him by saying,) You have no choice in the matter (of punishing the Mushrikeen. Only
Allaah decides if and when people ought to be punished). (If Allaah wills,) He shall grant them the
ability to repent (and become Muslims) or He may punish them (if He chooses not to guide them
to Islaam), for they are indeed oppressors (oppressing themselves by not becoming Muslims). To
Allaah belongs what is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth (everything is in His
1043

control and none can question Him). He pardons whoever He wills and punishes whoever He
wills. Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Victorious Return from Badr
Rasulullaah p and the Sahabah \ stayed for three days at Badr before
returning home to Madinah. However, before returning, Rasulullaah p sent
Hadhrat Zaid bin Haaritha t ahead of to Madinah to inform the people in
Madinah of the outcome of the battle. Hadhrat Zaid's son Hadhrat Usaamah t
says, "My father brought us the good news at the time when we were returning
from the burial of Rasulullaah p's daughter Ruqayya ( al gia)."
It was on the way at Safraa that Rasulullaah p distributed the spoils of war.
When doing so, some of the younger Sahabah y argued that they should receive
a larger share since they did most of the fighting while the elder Sahabah \
fought in the back rows. However, the elder Sahabah w argued that they
deserved an equal share because it was with their support in the rearguard that
the others were able to fight effectively. Then there were those who were
guarding Rasulullaah p who felt that they deserved a greater share since their
task was most vital. It was on this occasion that the following verse was
revealed:
يَسْلُوْنَكَ عَنِ الْأَثْفَالِ ﴿ قُلِ الْأَثْقَالُ لِلّهِ وَ الرَّسُوْلِ " فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ وَ أَصْلِحُوْا ذَاتَ بَيْتِكُمْ. وَ أَطِيْعُوا اللهَ وَ رَسُوْلَهَ إِنْ
كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِيْنَ (١)
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TRANSLATION: They ask you (O Muhammad &) about the spoils of war (about who will receive
what portion of the spoils after the Battle of Badr). Say, "The spoils of war are for Allaah and His
Rasool (for them to distribute it justly among the soldiers). So fear Allaah, correct your mutual
relations and obey Allaah and His Rasool p (the Shari'ah) if you are (true) Mu'mineen."527
This verse points out the fact that it is only with the assistance of Allaah that
any battle can be won. The booty therefore remains the sole right of Allaah,
which he will instruct His Nabi p to distribute as he pleases. It is the demand of
true Imaan that a Mumin fears Allaah at all times and interacts with his fellow
Mumineen with sincerity and love. At the same time, he needs to subject his
desires and will to the pleasure and commands of Allaah. It is the hallmark of any
Mumin that his heart should tremble with the awe of Allaah whenever Allaah's
name is taken and that his Imaan is bolstered whenever he hears the commands
of Allaah. It is bolstered to such an extent that he then pins his trust in Allaah
rather than in anything else.
When this verse was revealed, the Sahabah w happily submitted to the decree of
Allaah and accepted the distribution of the booty according to the directives
issued by Allaah through Rasulullaah p. In addition to granting shares of the
booty to those who fought in the Battle of Badr, shares were also allocated to
eight Sahabah w who remained behind in Madinah by the instruction or
permission of Rasulullaah p.
The Plight of the Captives
Once the booty had been distributed in Safraa, the command was given to
execute one of the captives by the name of Haarith bin Nadhr. Hadhrat Ali t
executed the command. The command to execute Uqba bin Abi Mu'eet came
when the Muslims reached Irqun Natbiyya, and he was executed by Hadhrat
527
Surah Anfaal, verse 1.
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Aasim bin Thaabit t. The other captives, who were seventy in number, were
brought back to Madinah.
The two captives were executed because both of them were staunch enemies
of Islaam and Rasulullaah p. They spared no efforts in harming, mocking and
jeering at Rasulullaah p, using the most insolent and disrespectful terms for
him. This was the same Uqba who placed the innards of a camel upon the back
of Rasulullaah p when he was performing salaah in the Masjidul Haraam. It
was also he who once throttled Rasulullaah p with the intent of killing him and
even spat at the blessed face of Rasulullaah p.528
When the Muslims reached Madinah with the captives, Rasulullaah p distributed
them amongst the Sahabah w with the instruction to care for them and to treat
them kindly.529 The Sahabah w followed the instruction so meticulously that they
would feed the captives first. If there was food left, they and their families would
eat it, otherwise they would suffice with eating dates.
It was after a few days had passed that Rasulullaah p consulted with the senior
Sahabah w about what was to be done with the captives. Hadhrat Umar t voiced
the opinion that they should be executed, but, being a mercy to mankind,
Rasulullaah p did not favour this opinion. He therefore said, "O people! Although
Allaah had given you power over them, they were your brothers just yesterday."
Hadhrat Abu Bakr t then said, "O Rasulullaah p! My suggestion is that you take a
ransom from them and then set them free. These people are from your tribe
528
Khasaa'isul Kubra (Vol.1 Pg.407).
529 Tabraani.
1046

after all and it is not farfetched to believe that Allaah may soon bless them with
Islaam."
The opinion of Hadhrat Sa'd bin Mu'aadh t was also to execute them. Hadhrat
Abdullaah bin Rawaaha t also opposed the opinion to accept ransom from the
captives and suggested that they be executed by being burnt so that the
dominance of Imaan and Islaam may be made apparent and also so that this may
be a lesson for all the Kuffaar and Mushrikeen.
The rest of the Sahabah w also favoured the opinion to accept ransom from the
captives since the captives were all wealthy people and the Muslims were in
desperate need of money at the time. Rasulullaah p therefore implemented the
opinion tendered by Hadhrat Abu Bakr t and instructed that the captives be set
free upon payment of a stipulated ransom. 530
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood t reports that after hearing the opinion of
Hadhrat Abu Bakr t and Hadhrat Umar t, Rasulullaah p remarked that Hadhrat
Umar t was like Hadhrat Nooh v and Hadhrat Moosa v, both of whom opted
for the destruction of their people. Hadhrat Nooh v prayed thus to Allaah:
رَّبِّ لَا تَذَرْ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ مِنَ الْكُفِرِيْنَ دَيَّارًا (٢٢) إِنَّكَ إِنْ تَذَرْبُمْ يُضِلُّوْا عِبَادَكَ وَ لَا يَلِدُوْا إِلَّا فَاجِرًا كَفَّارًا
(٢٧)
TRANSLATION: "O my Rabb! Do not leave even one of the Kaafiroon (alive) on
earth. Surely if You leave them (to live on earth) they will mislead Your
530
Muslim, Mustadrak (Vol.3 Pg.21).
1047

(Mu'mineen) bondsmen and only sinners and Kuffaar will be born to them
(thereby causing more kufr and sin to reign on earth). "531
The du'aa that Hadhrat Moosa u was:
رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ أَتَّيْتَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَأَهْ زِيْنَةً وَأَمْوَالًا فِى الْحَيْوةِ الدُّنْيَا ةُ رَبَّنَا لِيُضِلُّوْا عَنْ سَبِيْلِكَ ثَ رَبَّنَا اطْمِسْ
عَلَى أَمْوَالِمْ وَاشْدُدْ عَلَى قُلُوْبِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى يَرَوُا الْعَذَابَ الْأَلِثِمَ (٨٨)
TRANSLATION: "O our Rabb! Indeed you have granted splendour (luxuries, riches) and
wealth to Fir'oun and his ministers in this worldly life. O our Rabb! This (they use) to lead
(others) astray from Your path (from Towheed). O our Rabb! Destroy their wealth (so that
they cannot use it for evil purposes) and harden their hearts so that they do not have Imaan
until they witness a painful punishment (a time when having Imaan will be futile since it will be
too late)." (Haaroon v also joined Moosa v in this du'aa by saying "Aameen". )532
Rasulullaah p then turned to Hadhrat Abu Bakr t and told him that he was like
Hadhrat Ibraheem v and Hadhrat Isa v. The du'aa that Hadhrat Ibraheem v
made was:
فَمَنْ تَّبِعَنِى فَإِنَّهُ مِنِّئْ ثَّ وَمَنْ عَصَانِىٌ فَإِنَّكَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِيمٌ (٣٢)
TRANSLATION: So whoever will follow me (by believing in Towheed), then he is certainly
from me (from among the adherents of my religion). And whoever will disobey me, then (I pray
531
Surah Nooh, verses 26-27.
532
Surah Yunus, verse 88.
1048

that you give him the ability to obey me because) surely You are Most Forgiving, Most
Merciful."533
The du'aa that Hadhrat Isa v will make for his people on the Day of Qiyaamah is:
إِنْ تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ نَّ وَ إِنْ تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِيمُ (١١٨)
TRANSLATION: If You punish them, then verily they are Your slaves (and You are at liberty
to treat them as You please), and if You forgive them, then surely You are the Mighty, the
Wise (and Your reason for doing so is filled with wisdom)."534
The opinion of Hadhrat Abu Bakr t was therefore implemented in the interests
of the poor Muslims and with the hope that the captives would accept Islaam
someday. However, the more appropriate decision was to execute the captives
because they had been obstacles to the Deen of Allaah. Allaah therefore
revealed the following verses of the Qur'aan to chide Rasulullaah p for taking the
softer decision.
In the Words of the Qur'an
Allaah says in verses 67-69 of Surah Anfaal:
533
Surah Ibraheem, verse 36.
534
Surah Maa'idah, verse 118.
1049

مَا كَانَ لِنَبِىِّ أَنْ يَّكُوْنَ لَمَّ أَسْرَى حَتَّى يُتْخِنَ فِى الْأَرْضِ * تُرِيدُونَ عَرَضَ الدُّنْيَا *وَاللهُ يُرِيدُ الْآخِرَةَ ٠۵
وَاللهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ (،٦) لَوْلَا كِتُبٌ مِّنَ اللهِ سَبَقَ لَمَسَّكُمْ فِيْمَا آَخَذْتُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ (٦٨) فَكُلُوْا مِمَّا غَنِمْتُمْ حَلْلًا
طَيِّبًا ◌ْخُ وَ اتَّقُوا اللهَ ﴿ إِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (٦٩٪)
TRANSLATION: It is not for a Nabi (not becoming of a Nabi) that he takes prisoners until he
has thoroughly beaten (the enemy) in the land (However, since this was not yet achieved during
the early days of Islaam after the Battle of Badr, it was not appropriate for the Muslims to release the
enemy prisoners). You desire the things (wealth) of this world (for yourselves by accepting the
ransom) while Allaah desires the Aakhirah (for you). Allaah is Mighty, the Wise (what He
desires for you is best). If it were not for an order that Allaah had already been preordained
(that some of the prisoners were to become Muslims), a great punishment would have afflicted
you on account of what (ransom) you took (in exchange for the freedom of the prisoners). So
partake of (enjoy) the spoils (ransom) you have received (regarding it to be) lawful and pure
(for you). Fear Allaah (and sincerely seek forgiveness from Him) ! Verily Allaah is Most
Forgiving, Most Merciful (and will therefore forgive your shortcomings).
A narration of Muslim states that when these verses were revealed, Rasulullaah
p and Hadhrat Abu Bakr t wept bitterly. Seeing them weep like this, Hadhrat
Umar t asked what the matter was. Rasulullaah p replied, "Because we had
taken the decision to accept ransom, the punishment of Allaah was almost upon
us. Had it come, it would have destroyed all of us with the exception of Umar
and Sa'd bin Mu'aadh."535
The Ransom and News from the Unseen
The amount of the ransom depended upon the status of the captive, with the
minimum amount being a thousand Dirhams and the maximum being four
thousand Dirhams. Those poor captives who were unable to afford the
ransom, but could read and write, were allowed to go free on condition that
535
Muslim, (Vol.2 Pg.93).
1050

they taught ten Muslim children to read and write. It was in this manner that
Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit t learnt to read and write. As for those poor ones who
were neither literate nor able to afford the ransom, they were set free without
any ransom.
The highest ransom was set for Rasulullaah p's uncle Abbaas t, which was an
amount of a hundred Awqiya (each Awiqya being the equivalent of 37 grams).
The ransom for Aqeel bin Abu Taalib was 80 Awqiya. When Abbaas t pleaded to
Rasulullaah p that he was very poor, Rasulullaah p asked, "Then where is that
money that you and your wife Ummu Fadhl had buried?" When he heard this,
Hadhrat Abbaas t exclaimed in surprise, "I testify that you are the Rasul-
Messenger of Allaah because none but Ummu Fadhl and I knew about that
money!"536
Naufal bin Haarith was another captive who pleaded poverty when told to pay
the ransom. Rasulullaah p asked him, "Then where is that spear that you had
left behind?" When he heard this, Naufal was struck with astonishment and
exclaimed, "I swear by Allaah that none but Allaah and I knew about the spear. I
testify that you are certainly the Nabi of Allaah." He then sent for the spear,
which was worth a thousand Dirhams. 537
Hadhrat Urwa bin Zubayr narrates that shortly after their defeat at Badr, Umayr
bin Wahab Jumhi was sitting with Safwaan bin Umayyah in the Hateem. Umayr
bin Wahab t used to harm Rasulullaah p and the Sahabah w, who suffered
tremendous difficulty at his hands when in Makkah. His son Wahab bin Umayr
was also one of the captives whom the Muslims had captured during the Battle
536 Mustadrak.
537
Mustadrak
1051

of Badr. When Umayr bin Wahab mentioned what had happened to the people
of the well (the well in Badr in which the corpses of seventy Mushrikeen were
thrown), Safwaan bin Umayyah commented, "By Allaah! There is no enjoyment
in life after their deaths." Umayr bin Wahab remarked, "That is true. By Allaah!
Had it not been for the debts I have and am unable to settle, and for my family
whom I fear shall be destroyed without me, I would certainly ride to Muhammad
p and kill him. In fact, I have an excuse to see him since my son is a captive in the
hands of the Muslims."
Taking advantage of the situation, Safwaan bin Umayyah said, "I take the
responsibility of settling your debts. I shall also care for your family like my own
and do everything in my capacity to care for them as long as they live." Umayr
said to him, "Keep this matter a secret between us." Safwaan agreed and Umayr
proceeded to have his sword sharpened and poisoned. He then left on his
journey until he reached Madinah.
In the meanwhile, Hadhrat Umar t was in the company of a group of Sahabah \
who were busy discussing the Battle of Badr. They spoke about the victory that
Allaah had blessed them with and the defeat of their enemy that Allaah had
shown them. As they spoke, Hadhrat Umar t noticed Umayr settling his camel at
the door of the Masjid and carrying a sword around his neck. Hadhrat Umar t
exclaimed, "That dog and enemy of Allaah Umayr bin Wahab is up to no good. It
was he who caused trouble during the Battle of Badr and who estimated our
numbers for the enemy."
Hadhrat Umar t then came to Rasulullaah p and said, "O Nabi of Allaah! The
enemy of Allaah Umayr bin Wahab has come with a sword hanging from his
neck. Rasulullaah p said, "Allow him to meet me." Hadhrat Umar t grabbed hold
1052

of the handle of Umayr's sword and pulled him towards Rasulullaah p by the
collar. He then said to the men of the Ansaar who were with him, "Go to
Rasulullaah p and sit with him. Watch this wretch closely for he cannot be
trusted." He then brought Umayr to Rasulullaah p. When Rasulullaah p saw him
with Hadhrat Umar t pulling him by the handle of his sword at his collar,
Rasulullaah p said, "Leave him, O Umar! You may come closer, O Umayr."
When Umayr came closer to Rasulullaah p he greeted with the words, "Blessed
be your morning." This was the manner in which people greeted during the
Period of Ignorance. Rasulullaah p said, "Allaah has blessed us with a greeting
better than your greeting, O Umayr. He has blessed us with the greeting of
Salaam which is the greeting of the people of Jannah." "Well," said Umayr, "By
Allaah! This is new to me, O Muhammad." Rasulullaah p asked, "What brings you
here, O Umayr?" Umayr replied, "I have come regarding this prisoner that you
have with you. Please be kind to him." Rasulullaah p asked, "Why then the sword
around your neck?" Umayr cursed, "These swords! Have they ever done us any
good ?! " Rasulullaah p said, "Tell me the truth. What have you come for?" "I have
come only for this," Umayr lied.
Rasulullaah p then said to him, "You and Safwaan bin Umayyah were sitting in
the Hateem and discussing what had happened to the people of the well when
you said, 'Had it not been for my debts and the family I have, I would have
gone to kill Muhammad.' Safwaan then assumed responsibility for your debts
and your family if you would kill me. However, Allaah stands between you and
1."
Umayr exclaimed, "I testify that you are certainly the Rasool of Allaah. O
Rasulullaah p! We used to treat as a lie everything that you brought to us from
1053

the heavens and the revelation that descended on you. However, this is a matter
that none but Safwaan and I were witness to. By Allaah! I am convinced that
none besides Allaah could have brought you this news. All praises belong to
Allaah Who has guided me to Islaam and has pulled me in this way." He then
recited the Shahaadah of truth. Rasulullaah p said to the Sahabah w, "Educate
your brother about his Deen, teach him the Qur'aan and free his prisoner."
When the Sahabah w had done as they were commanded, Hadhrat Umayr t said,
"O Rasulullaah p! I made tremendous efforts to extinguish the Deen of Allaah
and I used to cause great harm to those who followed the Deen of Allaah. I
would now like you to permit me to go to Makkah and invite the people towards
Allaah, His Rasool p and Islaam. Perhaps Allaah shall guide them. If they do not
accept, I shall cause harm to them because of their religion as I used to cause
harm to your companions because of their Deen." Rasulullaah p gave his
permission and Umayr left for Makkah.
After Hadhrat Umayr t had left Makkah, Safwaan bin Umayyah had been telling
the people, "Rejoice at the news that will come to you in a few days, which will
make you forget the incident of Badr." Safwaan used to enquire about Hadhrat
Umayr t from every traveller (coming from Madinah). When someone arrived
and informed him that Hadhrat Umayr t had accepted Islaam, Safwaan then took
an oath saying that he will never speak to Umayr again and will never do him any
good turn. 538
Ibn Jareer has also narrated this incident from Hadhrat Urwa t but with the
addition that when Hadhrat Umayr t arrived in Makkah, he stayed there
538
Ibn Is'haaq as quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vol.3 Pg.313).
1054

inviting people to Islaam and harassing those who opposed him. A large
number of people accepted Islaam at his hands.539
539
Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.7 Pg.81).
1055

Lessons and Conclusions
Any opposition against the Kuffaar for the sake of Allaah is referred to as Jihaad
in the context of the Qur'aan. The wealth and slaves captured as a result of any
of these Jihaad expeditions is referred to as Ghaneemah (booty). This booty had
been forbidden for the nations of previous Ambiyaa pull . Whenever they earned
any booty in their Jihaad expeditions, they were required to pile the booty up
and then wait for a fire from the sky to incinerate it as a sign of acceptance from
Allaah. If no fire came, it was a sign that there had been something lacking in the
Jihaad, because of which it was not accepted by Allaah.
However, this injunction was changed for the Ummah of Rasulullaah p. In a
narration of Bukhaari, Rasulullaah p said that five things had been permitted for
his Ummah that were not permitted for the previous Ummahs. Amongst these is
booty. Allaah declares in the Qur'aan, "So partake of (enjoy) the spoils you have
received (regarding it to be) lawful and pure (for you). Fear Allaah (and sincerely seek
forgiveness from Him)! Verily Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful (and will therefore forgive
your shortcomings)".540
A True Prophesy
It was not long after Rasulullaah p emigrated to Madinah that Hadhrat Sa'd bin
Mu'aadh t went to Makkah to perform Umrah. There, as always, he stayed with
Umayyah bin Khalaf. The two proceeded one afternoon to perform Tawaaf of
the Kabah, when they were confronted by Abu Jahal. "Who is this with you?"
Abu Jahal demanded to know from Umayyah. When Umayyah introduced
Hadhrat Sa'd T, Abu Jahal shouted in a rage, "O Abu Safwaan (Umayyah's title)!
540
Surah Anfaal, verse 69.
1056

How can you accommodate such irreligious people who have forsaken the
religion of our forefathers?"
Umayyah remained silent. Abu Jahal then continued with his tirade as he said to
Hadhrat Sa'd t, "I swear that if you had not been with Umayyah, I would never
allow you to return alive!" Undeterred, Hadhrat Sa'd t shouted back, "If you
prevent me from Tawaaf, I swear by the One Allaah that I shall prevent you from
using the route to Shaam."
Umayyah then said to Hadhrat Sa'd t, "Do not raise your voice in front of Abul
Hikam (Abu Jahal) because he is the chief of this valley. "Save the talk," Hadhrat
Sa'd t said to Umayyah, "because I swear by Allaah that I have heard Rasulullaah
p say that you shall die at the hands of his comrades."
"Shall I be killed here in Makkah?" Umayyah asked. Hadhrat Sa'd t replied, "I
have no idea where or when you will be killed, but it will certainly be at the
hands of Rasulullaah p's comrades." This statement scared Umayyah and he
immediately returned home, where he informed his wife Ummu Safwaan about
it. She remarked, "Muhammad never lies. This shall surely come to pass."541
Thereafter Umayyah constantly lived in fear and never left Makkah. When Abu
Jahal started to rally people to join the army to Badr, Umayyah told his wife that
he would have to join them. However, he added that he would arrange to have a
speedy horse at hand to escape back to Makkah if he needed to. His wife Ummu
Safwaan angrily said, "Do you not remember the words of your brother from
Yathrib (Rasulullaah p) when he said that you will die at the hands of his
541
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.2 Pg.220).
1057

comrades?" "I remember well," Umayyah replied, "but if I remain behind, every
child will call me a coward and every woman would taunt me."
He then joined the army and, despite trying to sneak back on several occasions,
he eventually reached the battlefield he was destined to die upon. It was there
that he was then killed by none other than the faithful comrades of Rasulullaah
p. He therefore suffered the losses of this world as well as the Aakhirah.
A True Dream
As stated earlier, Rasulullaah p informed the Sahabah w about the places on the
battlefield of Badr where every Mushrik chief would meet his end. In the
meantime, Rasulullaah p's paternal aunt Aatika al , who was living in Makkah
saw a dream in which a person mounted on a camel arrived at Abtah, where he
dismounted and announced in a loud voice, "O traitors! You will arrive at the
scene of your fall in three days time." People then began to gather around him,
after which he went to the Masjidul Haraam and made the same announcement.
He then ascended to the peak of Mount Abu Qubays and flung a rock down. As
the rock reached the foot of the mountain, it had been crushed to bits and
every house in Makkah received some of its pieces.
She related this dream to her brother Abbaas t and said, "It appears that some
disaster is about to befall your people, so maintain your guard. However, do not
relate this dream to anyone else." In some way or another, word of the dream
soon spread in Makkah. Abbaas t entered the Haram one day and saw the chiefs
engaged in a meeting. When they saw him arrive, Abu Jahal called out to him, "O
Abul Fadhl! One of your men has claimed to be a prophet and now your women
are doing the same!" "What do you mean?" Abbaas t asked. Abu Jahal related
the dream and then added, "Your sister is foretelling your destruction."
1058

It was at that moment that Damdam Ghifaari rode hastily into Makkah with the
message from Abu Sufyaan. He arrived with torn clothing and with the nose of
his camel cut. He announced, "O assembly of Quraysh! Hurry immediately to the
assistance of Abu Sufyaan and your other traders." The Quraysh then made their
preparations for war and marched off to Badr. This turned out to be the
culmination of the dream. 542
It has been related that as the army of Mushrikeen marched along, singing and
dancing, Juhaym bin Silt saw a dream when they reached Juhfa. He saw a man
on horseback accompanied by another on camel back. They stood side by side
and announced, "Utba bin Rabee'ah will be killed, Shaybah bin Rabee'ah will be
killed, Abul Hakam bin Hishaam (Abu Jahal) will be killed, Umayyah bin Khalaf
will be killed ... " In this manner, they named several of the Quraysh chiefs. The
person then stabbed his camel with a spear and let it run amongst the
Mushrikeen army, spilling its blood on every one of the tents as it ran.
When this dream was related to Abu Jahal, he became very angry and remarked,
"Another prophet must have been born in the family of Abdul Muttalib. We shall
see tomorrow in the fight who it is that will be killed."543
A Test
The Muslims faced the Mushrikeen army on the 17th of Ramadhaan A.H.,
corresponding to 11 March 624. Realising that every Muslim was up against
three well armed Mushrikeen, Rasulullaah p turned to Allaah and made du'aa
thus, "O Allaah! These Kuffaar have come in all their pomp and glory to make
542
Mustadrak of Haakim (Vol.3 Pg.19).
543
Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.3 Pg.265).
1059