It has been nearly a thousand years since the last vestiges of the Tebarian Hegemony collapsed, breaking into small warring kingdoms. Battles were fought, kingdoms fell, and new rulers rose to overtake their elders. The civilizations slowly joined together, following singular leaders and obeying new faiths. Centuries later, things had settled.… Ever since Allah (SWT) created this life on earth, there is a conflict between Truth and Falsehood, a continuous battle between good and evil. Allah (SWT) has blessed the month of Ramadan with numerous bounties. Also being a month of patience and victory as it was during this holy month when one of the historic battles took place - the battle of Badr; on 17th of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak in the 2nd year of Hijra in which only three hundred plus faithful defeated highly equipped army of 1300 soldiers. It was not a numbers game; there are indeed lessons that highlight the victory of truth and righteousness.

We are commanded by Allah (SWT) to remember this great victory, as Allah (SWT) says:  "And no doubt Allah did help you at Badr although you were resourceless (materially). So keep fearing Allah so that you may be able to render thanks (to Allah the Most exalted)". (Quran)  The battle of Badr was a  day on which Allah (SWT) gave victory to His Prophet (SAW) and the believers with him, after they had been treated harshly, suffered [at the hands of their enemies], tortured and displaced from their homes. And this was for nothing other than to make them firm in their belief, hold fast to their Truth, to answer Allah (SWT) their Lord, to put their trust in Him, to rely upon Him and to seek victory through Him. This is the result of the truthfulness of the believers, their love for their truthful commander, their steadfastness and unshakable faith in all situations.

The lessons of victory in this battle left many examples for all mankind, especially Muslims that victory always is that of Truth, not of evil, Allah (SWT) willing. We have similar examples from other faiths where the battle between truth and falsehood has been described in detail. From the epic battle of Kurukshetra in the Hindu scripture Mahabharata to the Battle of Badr in Islamic history, there are indeed lessons that highlight the victory of truth and righteousness. These narratives serve as powerful lessons emphasizing the importance of a divine intervention, showcasing the power of faith and to strive for goodness.

Many other valuable lessons to be learned from the Battle of Badr but due to the constraints of space a few will be mentioned here, which is the humbleness of Allah’s Prophet (SAW), in seeking Allah’s (SWT) aid. Despite his certainty in Allah’s (SWT) promise of victory He, (SAW), spent the whole of the night before the battle supplicating humbly in front of Allah (SWT), invoking his Lord with hands outstretched to the heavens, imploring Him for His aid and victory, to the extent that his mantle fell from his shoulders. Upon seeing this Abu Bakr (RA), felt sympathy for him, went to him, embraced him tightly and said, “It is sufficient, O Messenger of Allah. Indeed Allah will fulfill His promise to you.” The prayers of the Prophet (SAW) were so effective during the night of Badr that the Muslim Army enjoyed sound and refreshing sleep, which is the proof of Allah's (SWT) favor upon them and the state of their undisturbed and peaceful mind and heart.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: "(Remember) when He (Allah the Most High) covered you with a slumber as a security from Him and He caused rain to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the RIJZ (whispering evil suggestions etc) of the Devil (Shaitan/Satan) and to strengthen your hearts and make your feet firm thereby" (8; 11 Al Quran) The certainty and the unshakable faith in the words of Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (SAW) is the greatest source of victory and success in every aspect of lives, which makes us hopeful and certain in the mercy of Allah (SWT).

 The battle of Badr reminds us about the kindness shown to the captives of Badr and the enemies of Islam, which itself depict the greatness of the Prophet (SAW) and his companions. When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) reached Madina Munawarah, He (SAW) consulted his companions/the Sahaba (R.A) about the captives and accepted the suggestions of Abu-Bakr As Siddiq(RA) that the prisoners should pay ransom. Sayyidina Abu-Bakr said: "They are after all our relatives, and their money would give us strength (Ar-Raheeq Al-Maktoom). Moreover Allah (SWT) could guide them to Islam". The ransom for these prisoners was between 1000 and 4000 Dirhams. Those who were not able to pay ransom were entrusted with ten children to teach them reading and writing. The instructor would be set free when his pupils have learnt the art of reading and writing. This is a great example of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and His followers that Islam is the way of peace and harmony, which is achieved by forgiveness and education. Due to the kindness shown by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) many of the captives and their children accepted Islam and proved to become great leaders of Islam.

Allah reminds us in the Holy Quran saying, “Isn’t Allah sufficient for His slave?” (“If Allah bestows His support upon you then no one can defeat you and if He doesn’t, no one else can and in Allah do the believers put their trust.” The various trials and tests which challenge us in this life are only to draw our attention to the reality that we are the slaves of Allah (SWT), so that we turn to Allah (SWT), put our hopes in Him and realize His true power and might. When we realize this, Allah (SWT) the Exalted reminds us saying: “And your Lord said: ‘call upon Me, I will answer you. Indeed, those who refuse my worship shall enter Hellfire forever”. “If My slaves ask regarding Me then tell them that I Am close, I answer their supplications if they call upon Me; so answer My call, believe in Me, so that you may be guided.” “Who will answer the afflicted and remove harm if they call [upon Him].” (Al Quran).

And as the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said, “The closest the slave will be to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so prostrate much particularly during this holy month. Let me conclude with reminders; while the Battle of Badr holds particular significance in Islam, your point about similar themes of standing for truth against evil and oppressive powers being present in various faiths and historical contexts is valid.

Many religious and cultural traditions have narratives of individuals or groups standing up against tyranny and injustice, often at great personal risk. We ask Allah (SWT) to help us in trials and tribulations, learn from the lessons of the Battle of Badr and we seek the aid of Allah (SWT) in attaining His servitude and worship. Aameen!

In the case of the Battle of Badr, it's seen as a manifestation of the struggle between right and wrong, with the Muslims representing the truth and justice, and the Quraysh representing oppression and injustice. This theme of moral struggle resonates across different faiths and traditions and historical events, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right when facing evil, regardless of the odds or circumstances.

Islam is the way of peace and harmony, which is achieved by forgiveness and education.

(Author is Consultant Surgeon, has a Diploma in Islamic studies from Islamic Online University. His work has been published in local and international Journals. Feedback:  drfiazfazili@gmail.com)