The Battle of Badr
624 CE · The Prophetic Era
Just over 300 poorly-equipped Muslims face a Quraysh army nearly three times their size at the wells of Badr — and win. The Quran names the day Yawm al-Furqan, the Day of the Criterion (8:41), and records the help sent down: "Allah had already given you victory at Badr while you were weak" (3:123).
At Badr, in the second year after the Hijrah, a small Muslim force of around 313 faced a much larger Quraysh army. With faith, discipline, and divine support, the Muslims achieved a decisive victory. Key leaders of the Quraysh were killed or captured. Badr became a sign of Allah’s support for the believers.
The Quraysh had sent a large caravan from Syria; the Muslims set out to intercept it. Abu Sufyan, leading the caravan, sent for help and a Quraysh army of about a thousand marched from Makkah. The two sides met at the wells of Badr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) chose the position, secured the water, and the Muslims prepared for battle with around 313 men, few mounts, and limited weapons.
What this event turned on
- Decisive victory against Quraysh
- Divine support and angels
- Martyrs and prisoners