MUHAMMAD:

1st-2nd YR OF HIJRAH

53-55 years old

ON THE WAY TO MEDINA

    The group leaving Mecca heading to Medina consisted of three, the Prophet (pbuh), Abu Bakr, and the guide.  Medina is roughly 300 miles away from Mecca, a very long distance in those days.  The voyage was not easy, since they had to use camels during the blistering hot summer.  Not only that, but matters became very difficult, knowing they were hunted by the enemy.  The frustrated enemy knew no mercy, it was the people of Mecca, cruel pagans at the time.

      It took seven days for the historic trip, and the group bravely withstood every kind of difficulty.  To avoid being discovered they had to travel by night, hide, and rest during daytime.  There was little food and water with them.  There was little rest or sleep, and they had to speed through, as fast as they could, to reach freedom and safety in Medina.

      The journey took place during hot sum­mertime, but it cooled down at night, and the comfort of seeing the brilliant stars and having a cool breeze was true luxury.  The stars were their guide, and the moonlight added beauty to the desert.  The surrounding was tranquil, but they had to keep up the pace.

      But during the journey, Abu Bakr had

constant worries, a fear of knowing how critical every day was.  He couldn't rest until they reached safety, afraid for the life of the Prophet and the survival of Islam.

      On the other hand, Muhammad (pbuh) was very calm.  He was certain they were going to reach Medina safely.  He kept calming Abu Bakr and making him feel easier.  He was promised the success of his mission by the Lord of all, Allah Almighty.  Therefore, Muhammad (pbuh) had inner peace, felt assured, and was comfortable.

      The whole experience was a chain of narrow escapes, one after another, each devastating if Muhammad (pbuh) were discovered.  But the mantle of mercy of Allah (God) was over him and he escaped them all.

      At last they reached Qubaa, a place close to Medina.  They were exhausted, tired, dusty, and had little to eat or sleep.  The journey, tension of the events, and miraculous escape from certain death, had taken a heavy toll on them.

In a fast order, the Prophet accomplishes the following:

AT QUBAA 

      One group followed the other, groups of Muslims, very happy Muslims.  They came in high spirits to welcome Muhammad (pbuh).  How grateful he must have felt, it was such a cool comfort.  What a contrast from Mecca of a few months past, and what a welcome change, how nice to be among friends again!  They stayed at Qubaa for four days, not only to rest but also Muhammad (pbuh) was waiting for Ali's arrival.

      The site of Qubaa became a Mosque and a landmark.  Muhammad (pbuh) immediately set to work.  He was anxious to do so, in spite of all the difficulties of the past, and despite all he went through previously!  Muhammad (pbuh) made sure to lay the foundation of the first Mosque in the new land of freedom.  What a sense of dedication!  What a sense of service to Allah!  No matter how exhausted he was, no matter the turmoil of the times, Allah's work had the priority, always.

      The day was Friday, and the Prophet (pbuh) gathered those who were there.  His heart was feeling easier and happier, and the relief of the safe escape felt good.  The Muslims stood side by side, one line after another.  They stood silently and attentively, the intention was to pray together, to perform Friday Salat, with the Prophet as its Imam.  How great it must have felt that all worshiped in freedom, without fear!

      Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gave the first Friday Khutba, then performed the Salat, and it was the first Friday Salat performed in freedom in the history of Islam.  There was no fear, harassment, or fuss, how sweet!  All bowed together, like a solid body of humanity.  All were glorifying the Almighty and praising Him.  All were free, away from subjugation, free to worship.

      None of them ever dared to perform Friday Salat in Mecca before.  How could they, seeing themselves surrounded by so many disbelievers, heartless people bent on opposition?  But this time they were free, they enjoyed this freedom and used it to the best advantage, and that was to worship Allah Almighty in a congregational Friday Salat.

ALI ARRIVES 

      From far way, Ali was coming; haggard, tired, dusty, and hungry.  Ali was approaching slowly and gradually.  The Prophet (pbuh) rushed toward him, with a heart full of joy, and gratitude to the Almighty, since his beloved cousin Ali was safe and sound.  They found out that Ali had traveled on foot, all the 300 miles, alone.  It took him two long weeks of walk, walk, walk.  He had no horses nor camels to use, and he had to go through the silent danger of the vast desert all by himself, his constant hope and wish the safety of the Prophet (pbuh).

      Ali couldn't travel during daytime either, for fear someone might discover him.  The people of Mecca were not to be trusted.  Ali, 23 years of age at the time, had left his destiny to the gentle hands of the Almighty, and he was granted safety.

      Muhammad (pbuh) felt for Ali, seeing him haggard and weary, with swollen feet from walking.  He sat Ali down and insisted on washing Ali's feet, despite Ali's objections, out of love and devotion to the Prophet (pbuh).

      All were happy and cheerful, now that they could escape the evil hands of the disbelievers of Quraish.  At last, they were able to breathe the air of relative liberty.

BUT THE MECCANS WERE FUMING 

      But the disbelievers of Mecca were fuming.  They saw Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims vanish from Mecca, miraculously so, despite all their efforts to stop them.  Neither their plans nor their rewards were of any help.  The Meccans knew that they had looked through every possible road leading to Medina, but Muhammad was nowhere to be found.  Their pride was hurt, they felt confounded and confused, since they lost their chance to destroy Islam.  Muhammad (pbuh) had outsmarted them again.

      For a long time to come, be it in Mecca or elsewhere, the talk of town was about Muhammad's brilliant escape from Mecca.  How could he have done it, and how brilliant?!  Be it during their wild parties, at home, or at the Ka'ba, everyone talked about the miraculous escape.  They admired the feat on the one hand, and were disgusted about their own failures, on the other!

      Most of the Muslims were nowhere around to be harassed or hurt anymore.  Mecca felt strange, the Meccans felt as if they lost their purpose.  The disbelievers in Mecca got used to taking advantage and hurting their easy target, the Muslims, for 13 long years.  Now, all of a sudden, there was a vacuum, the Muslims were gone, and the disbelievers were left frustrated and confused.

A NEW FEAR 

      A new fear began to creep into the hearts of the pagan Meccans without Muslims around.  They reasoned, and correctly so, that when the Muslims were weak and small in number they defiantly stood in the face of every harsh treatment.  The Muslims could not be intimidated.  The disbelievers then asked themselves, "How would the Muslims be once their number increases, or they become stronger?  How dangerous will the Muslims be to the Meccans?"  The Meccans kept wondering and worry­ing.  There was a constant fear that Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims would attack Mecca, taking revenge and destroying everything.

      There was also a guilt feeling in the hearts of the disbelievers of Mecca.  Guilt crept in because they were so heartless and cruel to the Muslims, yet the Muslims carried no arms since the Holy Quran had not authorized it as of yet.  Muslim had only to endure and suffer, could hardly defend themselves.  Added to that, the disbelievers were in awe and admiration not only of Muhammad's escape, but also the way he managed his affairs.  They admired his success, far‑sighted plans, and manner of thinking.  They even admired him for being so successful in constantly outsmarting them, let alone taking all challenges so well.

SINCE AQABA, MEDINA, FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS 

      The Muslims in Medina were a closely knit society, molded by Islam into new personalities, with Allah's consciousness at its heart.  They became bigger in number in the two years since the first meeting in Aqaba.  The Muslims were waiting outside Medina anxiously, happy and impatient, to welcome the new leader, Muhammad (pbuh).

      The Aus and Khazraj were two large tribes at Medina and the territory around.  They had been in a state of war for a number of years.  Upon embracing Islam, they changed from being enemies to being brotherly.  They became united to the surprise of everyone, especial­ly the Meccans.  See how Islam can change people!  The Muslims of Aus and Khazraj were also waiting anxiously to welcome Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

      Every Muslim in Medina wanted to have the privilege of talking to Muhammad (pbuh), everyone was eager to meet and learn from him, and to be with him.  The excitement was running high and the waiting was getting unbearable.

IT WAS FRIDAY 

      The crowd was sizable, thunderous, and eager.  It consisted of not only Muslims, but also non‑Muslims and Jews.  The Prophet (pbuh) was welcomed most warmly and with open arms.  The joy, love, and enthusiasm was sky‑high, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was with them, safe.  He was going to lead the people to victory, the victory of the two worlds, the present one and that of the Hereafter.

      Muhammad (pbuh) felt gratified, happy, and very pleased.  "What a difference," he thought, "what a difference between now and only a few weeks back."  How wonderful it was to see the people with hearts pulsating with Islam, and how discouraging it was when the disbelievers of Mecca fought Islam so ruthlessly!  What a difference between the beautiful and the ugly.  How wonderful freedom of worship is!

Mosque of Qubaa' built as the first Masjid

      There was a beautiful song heard from a distance, sung in unison by the waiting people.  A person hearing it couldn't help but feel his hair standing on end, and be swept with the emotion.  The song welcomed Muhammad (pbuh) to a people who loved and honored him, who promised to follow in his footsteps, and to do all they could for the sake of the new religion.

      The song expressed love, affection, and gratitude to the new Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh).

EACH WANTED HIM TO BE HIS GUEST 

      Having welcomed Muhammad (pbuh) so warmly, Muslims in Medina pleaded with him to allow them be his host, the highest of honors.  Muhammad (pbuh), sitting high on the she‑camel, was very delighted and extremely pleased.  He saw and felt the warmth of everyone, and heard what they had to say.  Since he did not want to hurt anyone's feelings, he preferred not to chose to be the guest of anyone.  He wouldn't choose one person over the other as his host, since this may hurt the feelings of others who had asked him too.  Instead, he came to a very fair solution.  He said, "Let the she‑camel walk until she stops, and wherever she stops, I'll be his guest.  "Everyone was pleased by this suggestion, and they agreed right away, since this suggestion demonstrated equity and fairness.

      The reins of the camel were let loose, and the she-camel walked.  The crowd became silent, and suspense could be felt in the air.  The people followed, with hearts beating hard, full of joy and expectation.  From one winding street to the other the she‑camel went, and the masses of people followed her, excitedly, nervously, and expect­antly.  At last the she‑camel stopped, and there was an "Ah" of relief from everyone.

THEY BUILT A MOSQUE 

      At the spot where the she‑camel stopped, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) dismounted, and he found out that the property belonged to two orphans.  The property was bought, and the First Mosque in Medina was built.  The Prophet's house was also built at the same time, being part of the first Mosque of Medina.

      The Muslims joined in as an energetic active body, to help build the Mosque.  Even the Prophet himself worked, and on the same footing with his fellow workers.  And with his presence he added a feeling of blessings, and an admirable sense of participation.

      It didn't take long before the Mosque and the house were finished.  They were simple and modest, yet vibrant with life and energy.  While the mosque was being built, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stayed in the house of Abu‑Ayy'oob Al‑Ansaari along with his family.

Replica of the Prophet's Mosque

 Prophet's Mosque nowadays

FIRST CLASS EXAMPLE 

      For a cohesive Muslim Society, Muslim brotherhood manifested itself admirably, even at such an early stage.  The Muslims from Mecca had already left their businesses and belongings behind, and when they came to Medina, they were almost penniless.  Their businesses and belongings were more or less lost to them, and in this new place called Medina they had nothing left but their deep Faith in Islam, and their experience in business management.  But in Medina, the local people who were the new converts to Islam were not that well-off either.

      Therefore, at this early stage, Medina had consisted of the following elements:

1. The new converts of Medina, who were not that well‑off,

2. The pagans of Medina who had not converted to Islam as of yet,

3. The three Jewish tribes, the major power of the area, financially predominant, and

4. The Muslims who recently arrived from Mecca, who were almost penniless.

      Each group had a special interest of its own.  The situation was fluid, worrisome, and it needed a workable, appropriate solution.

THE PROPHET (pbuh) TAKES A BRILLIANT STEP 

      How would you manage such a flow of Muslims who had emigrat­ed to Medina, along with the new Muslims of Medina itself?  And all this along with the remaining pagans of Medina plus all the Jewish tribes?  How would you manage when you are not familiar with the area or its people?  Let us see the solution of Muhammad (pbuh).

      Muhammad (pbuh) came out with a brilliant decision once again!  He initiated the status of Muslim‑brotherhood.  This meant that each local Muslim from Medina, was to request one of the Muslims who had emigrated from Mecca, to live with him at home and to share with him his experiences.  This was to be done until such a time came when the Meccan Muslim was able to support himself and his family.

      Muhammad (pbuh) took his beloved cousin Ali in the status of a brother, while his uncle Hamza was to be the brother of Zaid.  Abu Bakr was to be in the status of brother to Kharija.  As to Omar, he became the brother of Itban.

      Every Muslim who emigrated from Mecca, had come to be in a status of brother to a Muslim in Medina.  When this took place, the Muslims could share closeness, support, good feeling and close belonging with each other.  What a great example of Muslim cohesiveness!

      This also became a good way of getting to know each other, talk about the past experiences, and to strengthen each other spiritually, financially and be in an Islamic Melting Pot.  Muhammad's love and regard for his cousin Ali was so unbounded that he selected him as his brother out of all other Muslims available for that choice.  (This fulfills the Prophet's declaration when (at the start of the proclamation of Islam in public) he invited his relatives to Islam.  At that occasion when no one responded to the Prophet's request except the 13 year old Ali, Muhammad (pbuh) said, "This is my brother, executor, and the one to follow me.  So listen to him and obey.")

BUT THE DISBELIEVERS WON'T LEAVE THEM ALONE 

      The Muslims, having freedom of worship at last, were full of enthusiasm.  They had found ready acceptance at Medina, however it made the disbelievers of Mecca ever more jittery, more jealous, and wanting to strike.  The Prophet had to protect this tiny, precious, and dedicated group of Muslims.

      The Jewish tribes in Medina were very influential and strong as a group at that time, and they welcomed the Prophet at first.  Because of that, a treaty was drawn to be of mutual interest to the Muslims and the Jews alike.  The treaty called solemnly for the defense of each other's people against attacks from outside force.  It was a mutual defense agreement or a treaty for:

1. the protection of life,

2. the protection of property,

3. the protection of women and liberty, and

4. the guarantee of peace.

      The treaty gave the Muslims a welcome feeling of security and strength.  After all, they were still small in number compared to the pagans.  The treaty showed that the Prophet (pbuh) was anxious to get peace and security, both being essential to the success of the message of Islam.

DANGER STILL AHEAD 

      The Muslims in Medina were energetic, working for Islam, and they were fast adjusting to the new way of life.  The indigenous Muslims of Medina were learning ever more about Islam, and they were delighted.

      However, the danger from the disbelievers, be it of Mecca or other areas, was not to be ignored, it was very real, and Muhammad (pbuh) was understandably concerned, very concerned.  He knew that the pagans of Mecca, especially those of Quraish, would never, never leave the Muslims in peace.  They had already declared war against Islam and the Muslims for the last 13 years, and theirs were acts of intimidation, and harassment.  It was the perpetual stress and tension which finally forced the Muslims out of their own houses, and away from their relatives and loved ones.  How relentless the disbelievers were and what a formidable enemy of Islam!!

      What would Muhammad (pbuh) do?  Would he wait until Quraish attacks and annihilates every Muslim in existence?  Or would he rather do something else, circumstances permitting?  The answer was obvious, some kind of action was necessary, and it had to be taken.  Muhammad (pbuh) knew that he had the greatest mission.  The Islamic mission was a heavy sacred trust in his hand, it was the mission of "Allah's teachings".  Muhammad (pbuh) was to protect this mission and those who believed in it with all his power.  Therefore, rather than sit and wait for the disbelievers to attack and destroy, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) bravely took the initiative and defied the Meccans with scouting missions, or what is called reconnaissance.

THE SCOUTING MISSIONS 

Several reconnaissance, or scouting missions, were dispatched to collect information about possible Quraish military plans against Islam, or perhaps about Quraish's caravans of trade.  It was obvious that the life line of Mecca was its trade with Syria.  The Meccan caravans, loaded with goods and merchandise had to go to Syria only by way of Medina.

▪  Medina was near this highway, so the caravans were a fairly easy target for the Muslims.  Not only that, but the caravans had also become a means of challenge.  Quraish wanted to challenge the Prophet and the Muslims.  They wanted to keep reminding the Muslims that Quraish was still alive and well, dominant and strong, and that it was still a grave threat to the Muslims.

▪  So, to scare the enemy, and to upset its plans and economics, you have to harass him, don't you?  The Muslim scouting missions were dispatched for exactly that purpose, though they did not engage in any fighting or confiscations at first.  The Muslim missions simply showed the enemy their muscles so to speak, and they reminded the Meccan disbelievers of Islam and the Muslim presence.

▪  The scouting missions also made the Muslims feel big and somewhat strong.  It enhanced their self‑confidence.  For the Meccans, however, the Muslim missions were an alarming source for anxiety, fear, and threat to their livelihood.  It forced them to take the Prophet (pbuh) even more seriously, now that the situation had dramatically changed, and what a change!

▪  The Muslim scouting missions covered most of the commerce routes around Medina.  The Muslims were able to gather a good deal of information, and they could also make many treaties with the tribes along those routes.  Those treaties not only made them feel more secure, but they also gave the enemy further reasons to worry.

AT THE SAME TIME 

      While the above was going on, more Revelations kept coming to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims were taught, lovingly, diligently and regularly by the Messenger of Allah, himself, no less.

▪ One Revelation was in regard to fasting, which became obligatory during the month of Ramadhan.

▪ Another Revelation was in regard to Zakat, which laid the foundation of the finance of the Muslim Ummah (society).

▪ Also, after a specific Revelation, the Muslims started to pray toward the Ka'ba rather than toward Jerusalem, as they used to do before.  As a result, the Ka'ba in Mecca became the focus, the focus toward which every Muslim turns when he prays, no matter where he happens to be in the world.

THE MUSLIMS LEFT BEHIND 

      Notwithstanding all these happenings, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not forget the few Muslims left behind in Mecca.  He sent for them as soon as possible, and strangely enough among them were his daughters!  They soon joined the Muslims in Medina, and it was a good reunion for all.

A'ISHA BECOMES A WIFE 

      Muhammad (pbuh) had been a widower for some time and he lived at home with Fatima, his last unmarried daughter, and his beloved Ali.  Now that conditions became relatively secure, Muhammad (pbuh) wanted to get married.

      A'isha was the daughter of Abu Bakr.  She was in her early teens, vivacious, jubilant, happy, and cheerful.  She became the Prophet's wife after a long engagement.  Having a charming and a lovable personality, she was well liked and highly respected by all.

      The Prophet (pbuh) was 54 years old when he married A'isha.  Khadija, his first wife, had died five years earlier.  Now that he married A'isha, he loved her very much, and he had comfort in her company.  She brought home a youthful spirit, a spirit of cheer, joy and happiness.

QURAISH DID NOT KEEP STILL 

      Two years had passed since the emigration of Muhammad (pbuh) from Mecca.  The colorful story of his courageous and brilliant escape from Mecca had won him much admiration by so many, many people.  During these two years a new and serious problem faced the disbelievers of Quraish, it was a fast increase in the number of converts to Islam.  Thus, the Muslims were emerging as a power to be reckoned with, a serious threat to the commerce of the Meccans.  Without the line of commerce the Meccans would certainly lose their economic power, if not the society's structure.

      Not only that, but the news of the scouting Muslim missions were also on everyone's tongue.  Naturally, there was a lot of exaggeration about the news, which scared the pagans even more.  Yet, there were people who played down the importance of the news, trying to ignore it completely.  In general, however, fear and apprehension, if not alarm, became quite high.

      Another point scaring the Meccans was the remarkable success with which Prophet Muhammad was making treaties with the local tribes.  The tribes were on the way of commerce, so as a result, understandably, the pagan Meccans became apprehensive.

ABU‑SUFYAN'S CARAVAN 

      Abu Sufyan, a self-appointed enemy of Islam, was to lead a caravan, and it was one of the biggest caravans of the area.  It was moving toward Syria, and it was to pass by Medina.  Rich with merchandise, the caravan consisted of a large number of camels.  It was well supplied with guards, guides and what have you.

▪ Learning of such a caravan belong­ing to the enemy, was unquestionably a big challenge to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  How could anyone ignore such an important thing?  Prophet Muhammad therefore, took the challenge, and in so doing wanted to threaten the caravan.  He wanted to confuse and scare those involved in that caravan.

▪   As the caravan was on its way to Syria, the Muslims tried to catch up with it and surprise it.  Alas, the move of the Muslims was too late, and the caravan was able to escape, bypassing Medina without a scratch.

▪   But wait, when the caravan was on its way back from Syria, and as it was approaching Medina, its commander, Abu Sufyan, became wary.  He was worried, afraid that the Muslims this time will succeed in attacking his caravan.  What he did then, was to send an informer as a precaution.  The informer was to speed, as fast as possible, to Mecca asking for help.

▪   In addition, Abu Sufyan himself went on a scouting mission to see if Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims were waiting for the arrival of his caravan.

▪   To his alarm, Abu Sufyan discovered that the Prophet (pbuh), along with three hundred Muslims, were moving quickly toward his caravan.  Abu Sufyan, suspicious and apprehensive, dashed with utmost speed toward his caravan, doing his best to beat the Muslims.  He made it in time, was able to redirect the caravan to a safer route, farther away.  Fear, anxiety, and worry were in the heart of everyone in the caravan.  They moved as fast as they could, to escape the grave danger posed by the Muslims.

▪   But at the same time, Abu Sufyan had already sent an emissary to Mecca, to inform them of the potential danger, so let us see what happened in the meantime.

THE INFORMER TO QURAISH 

      From far away, the Meccans saw a fast approaching man, nervously shouting, short of breath, and frothing at the mouth, he was Abu Sufyan's informer.  He was galloping his camel, with its ears clipped, and the man had his shirt torn to pieces.  To them the scene meant a grave danger, if not an impending disaster.  That was the way they broke very bad news then.  The Meccans rushed to him, heard him shouting  incoherently, almost to the point of confusion.  In an emotional, exaggerated manner, he told them of how Muhammad (pbuh) was in the way, Abu Sufyan's caravan was almost in his grip, and how the Meccans livelihood was in dire trouble.  The news was the worst the Meccans could hear.  They became furious, rushing helter skelter, screaming, urging the annihilation of the Mus­lims.

      Like Abu Sufyan, Abu Jahl was also a power- hungry and self‑appointed leader of opposition, a serious enemy of Islam.  With his sharp tongue, quick temper, and nervous twitch, he took the lead to inflame everyone, he was urging for a combat.  He made matters worse, and he mobilized everyone, even those hesitating.  He was so certain, so sure of victory!  He felt this was the grand opportunity.  The Muslims were going to be crushed.

      The disbelievers of Mecca mobilized a com­paratively large army.  It consisted of one thousand fighters, many of them veterans.  The force was well supplied with arms, and it included most of the notables of Mecca.  Seven hundred fighters were on camels, three hundred on horses, all marching as fast as they could, singing the glory of victory.

      Heavy with swords, shields, and all kinds of armament, they marched, displaying an impressive scene.  The stirred dust looked like a cloud, the noise of the horses, camels, and the shouts of men made the scene impressive.  It was the excitement of superiority, the exhilarating feeling of easy victory—Abu Jahl had promised, and each believed him.

      The direction was toward Medina, and they stopped at a place called Badr.  Over there, however, they received good news from Abu Sufyan.  The news was that the large caravan was safe, and there was no need to worry, let alone fight.  As a result, there was let down, a dampened spirit, which replaced the excitement of a few moments ago.

      But wait, that won't be the end of it.  Abu Jahl, proud of himself and imagining all sort of things, insisted on not returning.  Proudly, if not exultantly, he urged them to continue, to go on and on.  He said, "We will camp for three days.  We will slaughter camels, feast, get drunk, and we will be entertained by musicians.  All the Arabs will hear about us, and they will be afraid of us forever afterwards."  People around him could not but agree, some willingly, others hesita­tingly.  The drama was set, the confrontation was inevitable.

THE MUSLIMS MARCH TOO

▪  At first, Muhammad (pbuh) was only preparing to confuse and intercept the caravan of the Meccans, of Quraish.  He had only three hundred and thirteen men, only seventy camels and no more than two horses.  At times, the men even had to take turns riding the animals.  They had little in the way of arms.  They had mainly swords and only little armors or shields.  The Muslim force looked very small were it compared to the enemy, the pagans of Mecca.

▪  When the Muslims couldn't intercept the caravan of Abu Sufyan, they instead heard of Abu Jahl's big army, moving toward them.  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) decided to confer with his Companions, especially the Muslims of Medina.  Having discussed the matter, Muhammad (pbuh) got unanimous approval for taking the challenge.  The decision was to confront Quraish.  It was to be a face to face battle, no less.  Muhammad (pbuh) felt much assured that the decision was correct.

▪  While busy with the crises of the moment, the Muslims discovered that some in the Jewish society of Medina were actively conspiring to expel the Muslims from Medina!  Oh what a critical time, the Muslims thought, and what a stab in the back!  What the Jews wanted was to take advantage of the grave situation facing the Muslims.  By so doing they abrogated or broke their binding treaty with the Muslims.  Remember, their treaty with the Muslims was for mutual defense, for mutual protection of the people and their property, and not for anything else.  It became obvious now, that one of the Jewish tribes was preparing to knife the Muslims in the back, they thought that the proper moment had arrived!

      The Muslims marched toward Badr, a fairly far place from Medina.  It was winter time, the weather fairly cold, dreary, and rainy.  When they arrived they were fatigued and needed rest.  Thanks to Allah, it had rained, so the soil was soft.  Therefore, fighting could not be started right away; so they rested.  Every Muslim was in the highest spirit of alertness, full of determination, and each knew for sure how decisive the battle was going to be.  Muslims till now had never fought a battle.  This would be their first.

      The army of a vicious enemy, outnumbering the Muslims more than three to one, was camped in front of them.  The army was staring at them, waiting to exterminate them.  If the Muslims failed, their families would be enslaved, and their property taken away, that was certain, and if not by Quraish, certainly by the Jewish tribes of Medina.

AT BADR 

      A hut was erected for the Prophet (pbuh), and Abu Bakr was left with him.  A big ditch was dug, and filled with water from a nearby well, so that the animals could drink when need be without any trouble.  (Surah 8  :  Ayahs 11-25.  Also Surah 3  :  Ayahs 123-127.)

Location of Badr

      The Muslims, small in number, ragged, and not well armed, took their place at the low ground.  Quraish, so formidable, became excited, felt assured; they saw only a small band of non‑trained fighters facing them.  They scoffed at the Muslims, they laughed at them with scorn.  Their certainty of easy victory was firm.  After all, they thought, just take a look, see the difference in number or in experience!!  "Let him call his Lord," they thought of Muhammad, "and let us see if his Lord will save him and his compan­ions."  They said that mockingly to themselves.

      When Muhammad (pbuh) saw the two sides, he became worried, very concerned, and anxiety overtook him.  The situation looked grim, the forces were very unequal, not only in number but also in arms.  It looked overwhelmingly to Quraish's advantage.

      Muhammad (pbuh) was at the tent, he prayed kept praying over and over again, deep from the bottom of his heart!

O' Allah!  Quraish has come with their friends to belie Your Messenger.

O' Allah!  We need Your help which You have promised.

O' Allah!  Should this small band of ours perish, there would be none to worship You.

      Muhammad (pbuh) was so persistent and absorbed in the prayer that his mantle fell off his shoulder a few times, and Abu Bakr put it back again.  So deeply absorbed he was in his prayer that a slight nap overtook him.  Once awake he was seen happy and cheerful.  He came out with the glad tidings:

"Allah had answered his prayer.  The Muslims would be victori­ous in the battle ahead.  He who would be killed, however, will be honored with heavens."

      The news had an electrifying effect on the Muslims.  Their spirits shot high, their excitement knew no limits.  It was of a miraculous impact.  They became restless, felt feverish with activity, ready to pounce on the enemy right then and there.  Ah, the power of Faith!  This was the 17th of Ramadhan, the Muslims were fasting.

THE FIGHT BREAKS OUT 

      Ali, the beloved cousin of the Prophet, Hamza his uncle, and Ubaida a relative of his, were called upon for a duel by Ut'ba, Shaiba, and Waleed.  The latter three represented exceptional fighters of Quraish and were highly respected for their power and prestige.  The three Muslims took the challenge immediately, and with an amazing skill and prowess Ali, Hamza and Ubaida finished off their opponents.  It was a startling feat, it was magnificent.

▪   The enemy was taken aback, it was jarred.  The confident foe was jarred by the unexpected, and face to face with the Mus­lims, the furious Quraish let go a shower of arrows toward the Muslims then led a lightening attack.  Have you ever thought of only three hundred Muslims on foot to face 1000 fierce enemy soldiers on horses and camels!?  Can you imagine how three hundred fasting Muslims, with only swords and little armor, could fight one thousand warriors full of armor!  The battle was ferocious, and it finished with the biggest surprises.  Despite the heavy odds against them, the Muslims were the greatest, ab­solutely the greatest.  And in spite of the heavy odds against them, the Muslims played havoc with the enemy.  It was swift, grand, and unbelievable.  Their muscles and their swords did wonders, and their faith was the foundation of their zeal.  The faith of Islam versus the pride of the enemy, what a comparison, what power!

▪  The Muslims concentrated on the leaders of Quraish, and rightly so.  The Prophet (pbuh) encouraged them, directed them, and urged them to go on and on.  Their response, in return, was to advance ever so courageously on the enemy, over and over again, to cut deeply into him.  The enemy had the biggest shock of its life, was dealt the worst blow ever.

▪  Abu Jahl the enemy of Islam, though heavily protected with amour and shield, was fatally wounded, fell off his horse, in severe shock, and was covered with blood.  He was almost lifeless, laying like a corpse.  He was bleeding from many wounds, covered with blood and dirt, and left in that miserable condition to have a slow agonizing death.

▪  Bilal, previously a slave, was able to finish off his former master Ibn Khalaf (with the help of other Muslims), the one who used to torture him so!  How could Bilal forget, it was only a few years back since he was tortured and battered so mercilessly just for everyone to see.  The scars on his body were the witness, weren't they?!

   The Muslims pressed on and on, relentlessly so, and accomplished the seemingly impos­sible—eleven out of fourteen leaders of Quraish were killed.  They were the harshest and the worst, the ones who conspired to kill Muhammad (pbuh) only two years back.  They lay bloody and motionless that day, covered with blood and dirt.

▪  Three Muslims stood out as the shining example, not only for the tremendous skill in fighting, but also their courage.  The three were Ali, Hamza, and Abu Dajana.  Ali was the most outstanding, he was only twenty five years old at the time, and this was his first fighting engagement ever!  Ali finished off a large number of the enemy.  He eliminated better than thirty disbelievers.

▪  The army of Quraish, having become leaderless, and having received the shock of their life, became confused, disorderly, and extremely demoralized.  Gripped with a sense of defeat, they ran helter skelter, in confusion.  Each ran for life, in great disorder and fear, just to be away from the relentless Muslims.

▪  The enemy left a total of seventy killed— more than thirty of them by the magnificent Ali alone.  Also there were seventy prisoners (Aseer), a large amount of weapons, along with their belongings.  Most important, however, was the destruction of the enemy's sense of superiority, its psychology.

▪  On the other hand, the Muslims lost only six Muhajiroon and eight Ansaar, a total of only fourteen.  They dug graves for their dead, buried them, and prayed at the site.  The enemy's dead were buried in one of the dry wells.

THE NEWS REACHES MEDINA 

      In Medina, not only the Muslims, but also the pagans and the Jews were anxiously waiting for the news of the outcome of the battle, each group for its special reasons and special wishes.

▪  Muhammad (pbuh) sent two Muslims ahead.  They were sent to Medina to break the happy news of the incredible victory.  The two were jubilant, telling everyone of the victory.  They were asked, over and over again, by numerous anxious listeners to tell about the battle.  The Muslims were jubilant and the sense of the victory vibrated their very hearts.  Thanks to the Almighty, the small band of Muslims came out miraculously victorious, and it achieved what had seemed impossible.

▪  But wait, not all people were delighted, others in Medina were highly disappointed.  They were not only the disbelievers of Medina, but also the Jewish tribes, who very much wished that the Muslims be defeated, if not finished.  The Jewish tribes even kept spreading the word that Muhammad was killed, and the Muslims were finished.  In other words, those of the Jewish faith were expressing their true wishes about the Muslims, intentionally spreading false notions about Badr.

▪  A short time after that, however, Muhammad (pbuh) and the victorious Muslims entered Medina.  Flush with a great sense of achievement, their happiness showed on their faces.  What an excitement and what a great day!  The story of Badr was told in detail, over and over again, to so many people.  The families in Medina also kept talking, rejoicing, oh how happy they were, and how thankful!

▪  When the Jews learned that their hopes had failed, and instead the Muslims had a brilliant victory, their envy of the Muslims was accentuated.  That feeling was so intense that some of their leaders expressed the wish to be dead rather than to see Muhammad (pbuh) victorious!

▪  One of them, an influential Jew in Medina, became so full of envy and hate, that he left Medina for good.  He went to Mecca, to live with the pagans of Mecca, and to start a vicious campaign against the Muslims, and to make up foul poetry against Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims!  He tried his best to defame Islam and to convince the tribes of the area to prepare for war against Muhammad.  His efforts did not go without some success as we will see later.

WHAT DID THEY DO TO THE PRISONERS OF WAR? 

      The Muslims had strict instructions to treat the prisoners of war in a noble way, and each of them was to be cared for by a Muslim family.  There were to be no prison camps or hard labor, none whatsoever.  Only gentle and kindly treatment were to be given.  But what was to be done with the seventy prisoners of war in the long run?

      Muhammad (pbuh) listened to the opinions of many Muslims.  He finally came to the conclusion that each prisoner was to be set free if his relatives could afford to pay ransom for him, or to be set free for nothing if his relatives could not afford it.  How fair can you be and how generous!?

      As for those who were able to read and write, and whose relatives could not pay the ransom, they were to do something special.  Each of them was to teach ten Muslim youths how to read and write.  This was a remarkable thing to ask for, wasn't it?!  See how important reading and writing were in the eyes of the Muslims.  When this decision was put to action, a good many Muslims learned the art of reading and writing, and this proved to be of great value in those days.

THE DISBELIEVERS IN MECCA WERE WAILING 

      Feeling depressed, disgraced, heads down, and with gloomy faces, the Meccan fighters entered Mecca defeated.  They wore grey, long‑drawn faces.  They entered Mecca single or in group, too ashamed to look others in the eyes.  The news broke out, and it was devastating, very hard for anyone to take.  The pagans of Mecca, men and women, even children, began to wail.  "How could that ever happen, how could it be?  That certainly was not possible," they thought, but the unexpected had happened, no matter how shocking it was.  Each family lost one, two, or more members during the battle of Badr, and the psychological scar continued for years to come.  It was just a one-day battle, and with such a small seemingly, insignificant enemy.  The leadership in Mecca had gone to pieces.  "What a catas­trophe, what a catastrophe!" they thought, the backbone, the spine of Quraish has been broken, "only two years back Muhammad was lonely, weak, and was forced to leave Mecca in spite of himself.  How could he manage in such a short time to achieve all this?"  "Brilliant, bril­liant!" they answered to themselves admiring him.

      The mood was gloomy, ugly, and their call became unanimous, it was for revenge.  The women became so intensely unhappy that a good many wives had even stopped sleeping with their hus­bands in the same room.  A notable example was Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan.  She kept ridiculing the man­liness, and the bravery of her hus­band, Abu Sufyan.  This was imitated by other women. Life had become misera­ble for everyone in Mecca, the defeat devasta­ted them, it broke their faith in themselves or in their superiority.  Their self‑respect, dignity, and pride were shattered, and that their hopes, ambi­tions, and wishes had been broken to pieces.

ABU‑LAHAB DIES 

      Abu Lahab was another self‑appointed leader of Quraish, an arch enemy of Islam, just as Abu Sufyan and Abu Jahl were.  When he first heard of the news of the Meccan defeat at Badr, he simply denied it, he didn't believe it, since such a thing was way beyond the scope of imagination of anyone in Mecca to believe.  Like so many Meccans, he thought that such a thing could not ever possibly happen.  But when the news was confirmed, and many times so, it threw him into a severe depression.  It shattered him to pieces, and crushed him psychologically.  Soon after, he got sick.  The sickness became worse and it didn't take more than a week before he gasped his last breath and died.

      Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl were uncles of Muhammad (pbuh), one died during Badr, the other soon after.  Abu Lahab was a formidable power against Muhammad (pbuh), and he was one of the biggest enemies of Islam.  He was one of the men who were especially curt and intimidating, full of hate not only toward the Muslims, but especially toward the Prophet.

ALI BECOMES A HUSBAND 

      Ali, the Prophet's beloved cousin, was in his mid twenties; handsome, masculine, and strong.  He had lived with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ever since he was a few years old, and he was the first male to become Muslim.

      Now he had become a husband.  His wife was none but Fatima, herself.  She was the lovely and charming daughter of the Prophet (pbuh).  Fatima earned a special honor, labeled by the Prophet (pbuh) as "the Queen of the women of the world".  The honor was bestowed not because she was the daughter of the Prophet, but because of the unique Islamic qualities she possessed.  No other woman could ever reach as high as Fatima.

      Fatima's marriage to Ali was that of two remarkable persons, the pure to the pure and the pious to the pious.  What a beautiful combination: Ali, the first rate student of the Prophet, marrying none but the Prophet's beloved daughter!  And what an exclusive honor!  What a great privilege!

      Materially they had very little, but spiritually they were as rich as could be.  They were two towering personalities, a couple who faithfully continued the Islamic heritage afterwards.  They and their children carried the torch of Islam ever so high, with valor and unique dedication, sacrificing everything they had for its sake.  Ali and Fatima lived to be happy with each other, their house was the focus of the spiritual goodness, and their children later on were the focus and the very hub to all committed to Islam.

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED THAT YEAR 

      In that year too, Uthman became a husband to Umm‑Kalthum, another daughter of the Prophet.  He was married to a daughter of the Prophet before, and that was for many years.  But that wife fell sick and died soon after.  Because Uthman became married to two daughters of the Prophet, in succession, he was nick‑named "Thul‑Noorain."

      It is also of interest to know that Eid‑Prayers and Eid Zakat were instituted during this period.

      During the few months after the battle of Badr, the Muslims had a short breather of peace and tranquility, they were left alone by the enemies, rather than harassed so often.  Suddenly, it seems, the Muslim power proved itself, it was respect­ed by others, and taken seriously anymore.  Islam and the Muslims had become more of a center of attention than ever before, it had become the power to challenge and to test.  Badr and the brilliant success of the Muslims proved to be a turning point.

QUESTIONS  

1. Which route did Muhammad (pbuh) and Abu Bakr (r) take to escape Mecca to Medina?

2. What time of year was Muhammad's escape from Mecca to Medina?

3. What did Abu Bakr worry about on the escape route to Medina?

4. How long did it take Ali to go from Mecca to Medina?

5. How did Ali travel from Mecca to Medina?

6. Which groups came to welcome the Prophet (pbuh) to Medina?

7. How long did it take for Muhammad (pbuh), Abu Bakr (r) and the guide to travel from Mecca to Medina?

8. What do you call the place which Muhammad (pbuh) and Abu Bakr (r) arrived near Medina?

9. Muhammad (pbuh) and Abu Bakr were met by a large crowd close to Medina.  The crowd was singing in praise of the Prophet.  What did the crowd consist of?

10. Qubaa being the site of the Prophet's arrival, what was the first thing they did?

11. There is a mosque at Qubaa to-day, is it the original one built by Muhammad  (pbuh)?

12. When Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims prayed at Qubaa, the day was Friday.  Was that the first Friday Salat in freedom in Islam?

13. What was Ali's condition when he finally arrived at Qubaa?

14. What did the Prophet (pbuh) insist on doing when Ali (a.s.) arrived at Qubaa?

15. How did the Meccans feel about their failure to kill the Prophet (pbuh) in cold blood?

16. What was the constant fear of the Meccans since the departure of Muhammad (pbuh) from Mecca?

17. What was the feeling at Medina when Muhammad (pbuh) was entering it?

18. Upon entering Medina, everyone wanted to host Muhammad (pbuh).  What was the brilliant solution Muhammad (pbuh) came out with?

19. While being a guest at Abu-Ayy'oob Al-Ansaari, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims built something.  What was it they built?

20. What kind of example did the Prophet (pbuh) give the people by participating in building the Mosque in Medina?

21. With about 450 Meccan Muslims coming to Medina, how did Medina cope with the influx?

22. What were the advantages of effecting brotherhood between the Muslims of Mecca and Medina?

23. Upon arriving in Medina, with whom did Muhammad (pbuh) choose to be in the status of brother?

24. Three dominating Jewish tribes in Medina were controlling the area financially along with other things.  How did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) deal with them?

25. How did Muhammad (pbuh) deal with Quraish of Mecca once Muslims were secure in Medina?

26. What was the purpose of the Muslim scouting missions against the trade caravans of the Meccans?

27. A few years after Khadija's death, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) got married.  To whom?

28. How old was A'isha when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married her?

29. Who was the father of A'isha?

30. Quraish was restless ever since Muslims left Mecca.  Why?

31. What happened to the caravan going toward Syria, under the leadership of Abu Sufyan?

32. What was Quraish's feeling despite the safety of the caravan under Abu Sufyan's leadership?

33. For what did the disbelievers of Quraish fight the Muslims?

34. What is the name of the first battle between the disbelievers of Mecca and the Muslims?

35. What was the size of the fighting forces at Badr?

36. How was Muhammad's feeling when he saw Quraish's fighting force at Badr?

37. What was the news Muhammad (pbuh) came out with just before the fighting broke out at the Badr encounter?

38. What was the Muslims's reaction at Badr when they heard about the news from the Prophet?

39. Describe the battle of Badr.

40. Outnumbered 3 to 1 by the disbelievers, how could the Muslims manage so well at Badr?

41. What were the losses of the Muslims during the battle of Badr?

42. What were the losses of Quraish during the battle of Badr?

43. How many prisoners of war did the Muslims take at the battle of Badr?

44. How many leaders of Quraish were finished at the battle of Badr?

45. What was the Muslims' feeling when they heard of Badr's outcome?

46. What was the Meccans' feeling when they heard about Badr's outcome?

47. What did the Muslims do with the prisoners of war of Badr?

48. Assigning one literate prisoner of war to teach literacy to 10 Muslims was an innovation at the time.  What does that mean to you?

49. At the time of Badr, a Jewish tribe conspired behind Muslims's back in spite of their treaty with him.  How did the Prophet deal with them?

50. When 24 years old Ali (a.s.) had the honor of marrying an outstanding lady, what was her name, and who was she?

51. Uthman (r) married two of the daughters of Muhammad (pbuh) one after the other.  What was he nick-named because of this?