When the prophet fought back what did the people of makkah realize?

Answer 1

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The Makkans had been determined to finish off Islam from the earliest days. The Muslims never fought back, they only bare the torture. When the torture became to worse and to dangerous to stay in Makkah, the prophet pbuh ordered his people to go to medina. The Muslim community had escaped their grasp by migrating to safety in Madina.

In Madina, they were safe from the persecutions and abuse they had suffered at the hands of the Makkans. They also had some protection offered by local tribes of Madina who had now accepted Islam. The two main tribes of Madina were the Aws and the Khazraj.

The Makkans still tried to attack the Muslims in Madina by instigating fighting and hatred against them. They exploited past relationships with the different tribes and groups who stayed in that area.

The previous Madinan leader, Abdullah bin Ubai, had already got a small army together to attack the Muslims. He was bitter because there was a power shift towards Muhammad (pbuh), the new spiritual leader of the Muslim community. Before Muhammad (pbuh) came, Abdullah bin Ubai had been an important and influential figure within the community.

When the prophet (pbuh) heard about a new threat from this army, he quickly headed out with some of the Sahabah(companions) to meet them. The situation was quickly pacified when the prophet (pbuh) intervened and spoke to them. He explained to these pagan tribes that the Makkans had no control over them anymore and they should stop their aggression. The small army of non-believers was disbanded and they soon headed back home.

There was still a lot of hostility and evil plotting against the Muslims and the safety of the prophet (pbuh) was compromised, even in Madina. The command was given in the Quran for the Muslims to fight back and defend themselves against all these hostile elements. Sometimes, the Sahabah would voluntarily guard the prophet's house, in case the Makkans tried anything.

The Muslim community began to grow and prosper in Madina. The prophet (pbuh) sent out small groups of Muslims to the different tribes around Madina. These groups made some agreements with the tribes as they had done with the Jews of Madina. They managed to develop good relationships with these tribes and to also make some agreements. They ensured mutual safety and cooperation between both parties leading to peace and prosperity.

in one incident, the prophet (pbuh) sent out a small group of Muslims to get information about the caravan route between Taif and Makkah. This small group of Muslims were despatched from Madina and when they arrived at Naklah, they camped where the caravan was expected to pass. However, to their amazement, the caravan came and camped very close to where they were hiding.

This small group of Muslims were in turmoil about the situation. A great opportunity had developed to attack the caravan but the prophet (pbuh) had told them to gather information about the caravan but did not say anything about attacking it. The caravan included some of the Makkans who were hostile towards the Muslims in the past. This was also in the sacred months where all forms of fighting were forbidden. In the past, there had been the odd battles like the Fijar war, which was fought through these months.

The Muslims did not know what to do so they remained in hiding. Finally, they decided to seize the opportunity by attacking the caravan. There was a small skirmish where one of the Makkans was killed. The Muslims managed to capture the caravan with all its goods and then escorted it to Madina. They also took the captured prisoners to Madina with them.

In Madina, they gave one fifth of the booty to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and divided the rest amongst themselves. The prophet (pbuh) refused their offer and instead was angry with them because they had not followed his clear orders. Instead they had attacked the caravan and had also fought in the holy months.

The Makkans were also angry saying the Muslims had broken the tradition by fighting in the sacred months. They said the Muslims themselves had violated the law that had been followed since the time of Ibrahim (as). They began to tell all the Arabian tribes about this incident and told them that they would get even with the Muslims whenever the opportunity arose.

The Makkans had attacked and abused the Muslims for many years and had taken their wealth, businesses and homes in Makkah. The amount of wealth they confiscated from the Muslims far outweighed any material gain the Muslims would get from attacking the caravans.

The Makkans had committed many horrendous crimes against the Muslims and had been hardhearted and inhumane with their treatment of the Muslims. Many of these outrages had taken place in the holy months!

The prisoners were released from captivity and allowed to return to their families. Blood money was paid to the family of the Makkan killed in the battle. This situation had caused a few problems and increased the tension within the community. However, this had simply been a misunderstanding and the situation was laid to rest when an ayah of the Qu'ran came down.

There was another caravan that was going to pass between Madina and the Red Sea. This caravan would be loaded with goods that had been purchased in Syria. The caravan had already passed this way on its way to Syria so was expected back very soon. The caravan had a special significance because it was run by one of the leaders of Makkah, Abu Sufyan(enemy of Islam). It was carrying the wealth and goods of the Makkans. A hundred well-armed men also heavily guarded the caravan.

The Prophet (pbuh) decided that this caravan should be intercepted and all its goods confiscated. He sent out some scouts who watched the caravan route, keeping an eye out for the caravan. When the caravan was sighted, they would inform the prophet (pbuh) and he would then send out a small army of Muslims to intercept it.

There were many factors in the success of this mission. The first was that the details of the plan had to be kept a secret. If the plan leaked out, the caravan would take a different route making it difficult for the Muslims to intercept it. The information about the movement of the caravan also had to be very precise so that it could be intercepted. Another factor that could affect the success of this mission was the different people in Madina who were against the Muslims. They did not want the Muslims to succeed in anything and were always looking at ways they could bring down Islam. Despite these factors, the prophet (pbuh) decided to continue with the plan.

About this time, the prophet's daughter, Rukhiya, the wife of Uthman bin Affan, was very ill. She had been suffering for some time and was now very ill and weak. The prophet (pbuh) was very concerned for her well-being and remained by her side for much of her illness. The prophet (pbuh) asked Uthman to remain behind and look after his daughter whilst he accompanied the army to take the caravan.

Finally, the caravan was sighted and the scouts headed back to Madina. The prophet (pbuh) had already left with a group of three hundred or so sahabah. They were making a plan to intercept the caravan at a certain point near Badr. This army was not well armed and they also lacked transport - a camel was shared between four or five people. Even though the details of the plan were kept secret, information about the movements and intentions of the Muslims leaked out to the caravan.

Abu Sufyan received information that Muhammad (pbuh) had despatched an army to intercept the caravan. Abu Sufyan was very sly and had a plan up his sleeve. He sent Damdam, from the Ghifari tribe, with a message for the Makkans, asking them to send an army to protect the caravan. He then changed his route and speeded up so that he could avoid the Muslim army.

When Damdam arrived in Makkah, he ripped his clothes and wounded his own camel causing it to bleed. He then went to the Ka'bah, creating a dramatic scene. He announced to the Makkans to hurry with an army to protect the caravan. He claimed that Muhammad(pbuh) was about to capture the caravan. He encouraged them to quickly organise their weapons and move out towards the Muslims.

The Makkans had invested a lot of their wealth in this caravan so they quickly gathered an army of some thirteen hundred soldiers - fully armed and ready for combat. This was the opportunity they were waiting for so they quickly started the march towards the Muslims. They could save the caravan and also fight the Muslims with whom they had a score to settle.

Abu Sufyan and his caravan had managed to escape from the Muslims. He sent another message to the Makkans that the caravan was safe so they can all return back to Makkah. When the Makkan Army got the message, some of them disbanded and returned to Makkah.

However, some Makkans were ready to fight the Muslims and did not want to lose this opportunity. They decided to continue their march to Badr and encouraged everyone else to continue with the mission. In Badr they would enjoy themselves, have a feast and return back to Makkah after a few days of enjoyment. This way the Arabs would know that the Makkans were still in control of their territory. If they encountered the Muslims, they would fight them and easily beat them with their superior weaponry and numbers.

The Muslims were camping near Badr. The news reached them that a well-equipped Makkan army containing some of their finest soldiers was close by, ready to fight them. They were also informed that the caravan had evaded them and was on its way to Makkah through a different route.

The Prophet (pbuh) consulted the Sahabah. He told them of the situation, asking their advice and opinions. Some of the Sahabah replied that they were ready to either attack the caravan or to fight the Makkan Army. They would stand shoulder to shoulder with the prophet (pbuh) and follow whatever he commanded. The Prophet (pbuh) repeated this question because he had only received replies from the Muhajirun and not from the Ansar.

Sa'd bin Mu'adh from the Ansar spoke; he confirmed that Allah had sent Muhammad (pbuh) with the truth. He said that they would be prepared to fight with the Makkans and would not stay behind or stand back from any of the Prophets commands. They said that they were ready to lay down their lives for the noble cause of Islam. They would not hesitate to follow any of Allah's commands and would support any decision the Prophet (pbuh) made.

The scene was thus set for a massive confrontation between the Muslims and the Makkans. The Muslims were not well equipped with weapons - some of them didn't even have swords or spears. The Makkans on the other hand were a fully equipped army dawning its finest armour and parading its military might as it matched towards Bard. The Makkan Army was more than three times bigger than the Muslim army.

It was inevitable that there would be a confrontation between the small Muslim Army against the might of the Makkans. However, there was much more at stake because Islam had newly been established in Madina. If the Muslims were beaten they would lose the cream of the community. The tribes near Madina would then want to take the opportunity to attack the weakened Muslims community.

The Makkans needed to re-assure everyone that they were still a power in Arabia and this battle would prove their status. They also had a score to settle with the Muslims and wanted to use this opportunity to crush the Muslims and Islam.

The stage for a battle was set with two opposing groups, one on each side. Firstly, the well-equipped and well-armed Makkan army with its superior weaponry and numbers was heading towards Badr. The Muslims were coming from the other side with a much smaller army which had very few weapons and armour. They were only armed with swords and sticks to defend themselves against this daunting goliath of a Makkan force.

After a long and gruelling march, the Muslims arrived first at Badr. The prophet (pbuh) commanded his exhausted men to make camp. Al-Hubab ibn al Mundhir asked the prophet (pbuh) whether it was a command from Allah to camp here. The prophet (pbuh) said that it wasn't a command from Allah but his own choice. Al-Hubab sought permission to advise the prophet (pbuh) and was granted permission immediately.

He advised that it was better to camp at the furthest well which would be the closest to the advancing Makkan Army. There they should gather as much water as possible then cut off the supply from the other wells. This would mean that the Muslim army would have the only water source and was also at a better location to face such a big army.

The prophet (pbuh) followed this advice and the Muslims marched on to the furthest well. It rained lightly which caused the ground to become firmer, helping the small army to move quickly to the new location. The Muslims then created a large pond filled with water and then blocked all the other wells.

Sa'd bin Mu'adh suggested that a tent be setup for the prophet (pbuh), away from the fighting front. This would also provide a means to escape for the Muslims if the Makkans were to over come them. Sa'd also appointed some companions to guard the tent, as it would be a major target for the Makkans. The Muslims always put their prophet (pbuh) and their beloved deen before their own personal safety.

After setting up camp, the Muslims had a light nap which was a blessing from Allah. They awoke rested, refreshed and well-motivated - ready to face this mighty Makkan army. Scouts were despatched to gather information about the Makkan army which was now approaching Badr. The scouts reported that the Makkan army had over a thousand men - well equipped, with horses, armour and weapons. The scouts also reported that they had been greatly hindered by the light rain. There were many noble leaders and imminent warriors within this army.

Umair bin Wahab, one of the scouts despatched by the Makkans also reported back and gave details about the Muslim army. He said that it was a small army of three hundred or so men who were poorly armed and protected with only their swords. He also said that his men had checked the rest of the valley and concluded that no reinforcements were on the way.

However, Umair also advised the Makkans that the Muslims would not be taken easily because the men were brave and dedicated with high morale. They would fight to their last man to defend their deen. They advised that a peaceful settlement would be better for both sides. Abu Jahl refused this straight away and instead said that their army would crush the Muslims in the coming battle.

The Makkans gloated over the situation; they had a far larger force than the Muslims. They were also better armed and better prepared for war than the Muslims were. However, even with this in mind, many people in the Makkan army were not happy about fighting the Muslims. The Muslims had not caused them any harm and in fact, the Makkans had been the aggressors by persecuting and oppressing the Muslims for many years.

The prophet (pbuh) always preferred the peaceful solution as this was demonstrated throughout his life but when a conflict was inevitable, the prophet was prepared to take this difficult step. He would plan carefully and take the opinions of his companions about how things should proceed.

Utbah bin Rabi'a didn't want the Makkan army to attack the Muslims either since they had only come to defend their caravan and not to fight a war. The caravan had already reached safety with some clever navigation by Abu Sufyan. Utbah bin Rabi'a suggested that the only bone they had to pick with the Muslims was the death of a Makkan by the hands of some Muslims. He himself would pay the blood money so that the conflict could be averted.

However, Abu Jahl, the great enemy of Islam was also ready for him and anyone else who had second thoughts about fighting. He called them cowards and other names so that they would be reluctant to leave. He used every trick under the sun to keep them there. Abu Jahl had a great hatred for Islam and he knew that this was a great opportunity to finish Islam and the Muslims for good.

The Makkan army marched forward to face the Muslims. They were confident that they would beat the Muslims. Abu Jahl in his pride and arrogance said that the army of truth will be victorious today. This would prove to be true and that the Makkans would get more than they bargained for from the Muslims.

Both armies faced each other across the sand dunes of Badr. The prophet (pbuh) inspected his own ranks and gave his men encouragement. He reminded them that they had more noble goals of defending the truth than any worldly gain. There was a lot at stake here with the Muslims facing their biggest trial, the future of Islam and the Muslims was in the balance.

The Prophet threw some pebbles or stones in the direction of the Makkan forces and said, "May confusion seize their faces". The wind carried the dust towards the Makkan army, causing a sand storm and causing much confusion within their ranks.

The first encounter began when six Makkan soldiers tried to go for water. They were warriors and did not fear anyone as they arrogantly strode forward. The Muslims were more than a match for them and quickly they were all beaten with the exception of Hakeem bin Hizam who survived and later became a Muslim.

Then three Makkan soldiers stepped forward, Utbah bin Rabia and two of his family members. They wanted to combat three Muslims. Without hesitation, three brave Muslims stepped forward to fight them. However, the Makkans protested at this because these men were from the Ansar and they wanted to face their own tribesmen.

The prophet (pbuh) commanded three of his beloved companions to step forward to challenge these aggressors and the Ansar returned to their ranks. Ubaidah bin Al-Harith, Ali and Hamzah stepped forward and duelled with the three Makkans. Hamzah and Ali quickly beat their opponents and then helped Ubaidah who was seriously injured in the combat. Hamzah and Ali finished the last man and then helped Ubaidah back to safety. This signalled the beginning of the battle and both armies clashed.

Ubaidah was injured badly with his leg being cut off and the puss, blood and bone marrow oozed from the wound. The prophet (pbuh) attended to his injured companion but knew that Ubaidah would die from this horrendous injury. He gave him the glad tidings of an abode in Jannah that was awaiting his arrival. Ubaidah became the first martyr (shaheed) in the battle of Badr.

The Muslims fought bitter and won and made the makkan army flee.

The victorious Muslims were making the long return journey to Madina. News of the Muslim victory over the mighty Makkan had already reached Madina and the people were looking forward to receiving their heroes. However, certain groups of people refused to believe these facts and instead said the Muslims had been soundly beaten! These groups included the Jews of Madina and the hypocrites. They knew deep down that the Muslims had won but hoped that the news was false.

The victorious Muslims were making the long return journey to Madina. News of the Muslim victory over the mighty Makkan had already reached Madina and the people were looking forward to receiving their heroes. However, certain groups of people refused to believe these facts and instead said the Muslims had been soundly beaten! These groups included the Jews of Madina and the hypocrites. They knew deep down that the Muslims had won but hoped that the news was false.

On the journey to Madina, the war booty was divided amongst the Muslims that had taken part in the battle. A fifth of it was put aside for Allah and His messenger (pbuh). There was still an issue with what should be done with the prisoners who were now accompanying the Muslim army - this issue would be resolved on arrival in Madina.

The Prophet (pbuh) was with the first group of Muslims to arrive at Madina and the thrilled Muslims greeted them with much enthusiasm. This had been no ordinary victory because the Makkans were much superior in number and weaponry. It would have been almost impossible for any army to overcome them let alone this small ill-equipped army.

The return to Madina was a happy occasion. The only sadness came when Uthman bin Affan returned after having performed the funeral prayer and burial of his beloved wife Rukhiya. He had remained behind to nurse his extremely ill wife and had not gone to Badr. The Prophet (pbuh) had also wished that Uthman remain behind and look after Rukhiya who was also one of Muhammad's (pbuh) beloved daughters.

The prisoners followed the next day accompanied by the rest of the Muslim army. The prophet (pbuh) commanded that the prisoners should be well looked after and not mistreated in any way. He told different Muslims to look after the prisoners in their own homes. The prisoners were effectively treated as guests as the Muslims shared with them their food and drink.

Afterwards, one off the Makkan prisoners said that he felt ashamed at times because he was given such good treatment and the food he was given was better that the food the family ate themselves. He recalled how he would eat bread whilst his hosts would be eating only dates.

After the battle of Badr, the Makkans had decided that they would not go to Madina to collect their relatives and would not pay any ransom. They also agreed that they would not mourn the death of the deceased in case the Muslim found out. They felt that the news of mourning would please the Muslims.

Abu Sufyan was effectively the chief of Makkah and he stuck to this rule by not sending anyone to collect his son or paying a ransom. However, Abu Sufyan arrested one of the pilgrims from Madina who was later swapped for his son. This aggression against the pilgrim was against the rules of the pilgrimage, which had been honoured from the time of Ibrahim (as) by everyone.

The rest of Makkans made a journey to Makkah to collect their captured family members and pay the ransom for their release. Some of the poor Makkans who could not afford freedom were set free on the condition that they wouldn't get involved in any conspiracy against the Muslims again.

Some of the prisoners were allowed freedom after they had taught ten children to read and write. Being literate was the honour of very few people in Arabia at the time. This deal improved the situation of the children and allowed the prisoners to earn their freedom through this noble act.

One of the prisoners was Abbas, the prophet's uncle. During the journey to Madina, he had been tied up like the other prisoners and the prophet (pbuh) was unable to sleep .The shackles of Abbas were then loosened due to his discomfort at the request of the Prophet (pbuh). The condition of all the prisoners was kept comfortable throughout the journey to Madina.

Abbas later told prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that he was a Muslim now and was unable to pay any ransom because of poverty. The prophet (pbuh) reminded him of a private incident where Abbas had told Umm al-Fadl (his wife) to bury some money for him. This money would be divided up between his three sons if Abbas had been killed in the battle.

Abbas was shocked that the prophet (pbuh) knew this as the conversation had taken place privately between Abbas and Umm al-Fadl only. At this point Abbas knew that Muhammad (pbuh) was the true messenger of Allah and whole-heartedly accepted Islam. The prophet (pbuh) did not give Abbas special treatment because he was his uncle but was even-handed and fair with all the people.