The battles of Badr, Uhud and the Trench

Last time

Before we start: last time, in Preaching in Makka, persecution and the boycott, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

Three battles, three lessons

Three battles in four years decided whether the Muslim community in Madina would survive. At Badr the Muslims were few and won. At Uhud they were stronger and nearly lost, because an order was not followed. And at the Trench, the Quraysh and their allies came with ten thousand, but never crossed. Each battle needs its facts and its lesson.

Badr: the background

The battle was fought in 2 AH, 624. The Prophet and around 300 men set out to intercept a caravan led by Abu Sufyan. They had only 2 horses and 70 camels. Abu Sufyan slipped past and sent word to the Quraysh to go back. But Abu Jahl insisted on continuing. An army of 1300 had been gathered, and some left, leaving 1 0 0 0 soldiers. The Prophet consulted his companions, and they went to meet the Quraysh at Badr. It rained heavily that night, and the Muslims camped near a water well.

Badr: the battle

The next day the battle began with duels. Ali, Hamza and Ubaidah went out and won theirs. Ubaidah became the first martyr, after losing his leg. The Muslims saw the Quraysh as few in number, which increased their faith (8.44). The Prophet prayed continuously. God sent down angels (3.123 to 125), and the Prophet threw dust which caused a sandstorm (8.17). Abu Jahl was killed. Fourteen Muslims were killed, and 70 from the Quraysh, with 70 taken prisoner. Prisoners were treated well, and some paid ransom by teaching ten people to read and write.