Part 7
Written by: Abu Rayyan Hamidi
The Meccan Army Abandons the Idea of Retreat
Following the successful escape of Abu Sufyan’s caravan, he dispatched a message to the Quraysh army, stating: “You set out to protect the caravan, and it has been secured. Return to Mecca.” Upon receiving this message, some leaders favored returning, believing their objective had been fulfilled. However, the majority insisted on advancing toward Badr, aiming to display their strength and dissuade the Muslims from ever attempting to seize a Quraysh caravan again.
Abū Jahl, driven by arrogance, declared: “We shall never return to Mecca! We will proceed to Badr, slaughter camels there, feed the people, and host wine-filled gatherings with music and singing girls, so that news of our grandeur spreads throughout the Arabian tribes.”
Despite the opinions of a few who still preferred to retreat, Abu Jahl overruled them, and the army pressed on toward Badr. The Banu Zuhrah tribe, numbering around three hundred men, chose to return to Mecca, thereby reducing the overall strength of the army to approximately 1,000 fighters. Their commander, Al-Akhnas ibn Shurayq, earned lasting respect among his people for this decision.
The Prophet (PBUH) Holds a Council of Consultation
The situation was perilous. A formidable, well-equipped force was advancing against the Muslims—an underprepared and poorly armed group. The Quraysh had sworn to extinguish the flame of Islam and dismantle its growing influence in Madinah.
When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his companions reached the region of Dhafran and learned of the enemy’s advance, he convened a Shura (consultative assembly). Gathering his noble companions, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Advise me!”
Abu Bakr (RA) rose and spoke with eloquence, inspiring courage and resolve. His speech uplifted the spirits of all present. The Prophet (PBUH) then repeated, “Advise me!” and Umar (RA) stood, reinforcing Abu Bakr’s sentiments with his own words of bravery and unwavering commitment.
A third time, the Prophet (PBUH) requested, “Advise me!” This time, Miqdad ibn Aswad (RA) rose and delivered one of the most memorable speeches in early Islamic history. He said:
“O Messenger of Allah! Proceed with what your Lord has commanded. By Allah, we shall not say to you as the Children of Israel said to Moses: ‘Go, you and your Lord, and fight—we will stay here.’ Instead, we say: ‘Go, you and your Lord, and fight—we are with you, fighting at your right, at your left, in front of you, and behind you.'”
Upon hearing these powerful words, the face of the Prophet (PBUH) shone with joy, and he supplicated for Miqdad’s success. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari later remarked that every Companion wished he had spoken those words, for they embodied what was in the heart of each of them—yet it was Miqdad who had the honor of expressing it.
These initial speakers were from the Muhajirun (Emigrants). The Prophet (PBUH) then said once more, “Advise me!”—now seeking the opinion of the Ansar, whose support was essential given the nature of their pledge in Madinah.
Sa’d ibn Mu’adh (RA), leader of the Aws tribe, stood and responded on behalf of the Ansar with firm conviction. His speech was lengthy, but a significant excerpt was:
“O Prophet of Allah! If you command us to plunge into the sea, we shall do so without hesitation, and not one of us will remain behind. We take joy in fighting the enemy in the path of Allah, and we hope that Allah will show you from us that which will bring you delight.”
Upon hearing this, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“سیروا وأبشروا، فإن الله قد وعدني إحدی الطائفتین، والله لکأني أنظر إلی مصارع القوم ”
“March forth and receive glad tidings, for Allah has promised me one of the two parties (either the Quraysh army or the caravan). By Allah, it is as though I can already see the places where the enemy leaders will fall.”
Thereafter, the Muslim army departed from Dhafran, leaving behind various mountains. On the night of Friday, the 17th of Ramadan, they arrived at the plains of Badr and set up camp nearby—ready for the battle that would change the course of history.
