Islamiyat · May / June 2025 · Paper 12 · Question 3

Write about the events of the Battle of Badr.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.

The battle was fought in 624 (2AH). The Prophet (pbuh) and a group of around 300 men set off to intercept a caravan led by Abu Sufyan. They had two horses and 70 camels. Abu Sufyan sent word to the Quraysh and an army of 1300 men was gathered, with around 1000 marching to war. Abu Sufyan slipped past the ambush and sent word to the Quraysh to go back but Abu Jahl insisted they continue. The Prophet (pbuh) consulted his companions, and they went to meet the Quraysh army at Badr. (Some might also quote the Nakhla incident.) It rained heavily that night. The Muslims camped near water wells and took control of water resources.

When the battle started ‘Ali, Hamza and ‘Ubaydah went out to fight and won their duels. ‘Ubaydah became the first martyr after losing his leg. The Makkans grew overconfident due to the size of their army. The Muslims saw the Quraysh as few in number which increased their faith (8.44). The Prophet (pbuh) prayed continuously for the success of the believers. Making dua he said, ‘O Allah, if this small band of Muslims is destroyed. You will not be worshipped on this earth.’ God sent down angels to help: ‘Remember You said to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (specially) sent down?”’ (3.124) The Prophet (pbuh) threw some dust which caused a sandstorm (8.17). Eventually the Makkans were defeated. Abu Jahl was killed along with other prominent Quraysh leaders. Bilal is said to have killed his former master. Fourteen Muslims were killed and 70 from the Quraysh while 70 were taken prisoner; the prisoners were treated well, and some paid a ransom for their freedom by either paying money or teaching ten people how to read and write.

In what ways did the outcome of the battle help the Muslims in Madina? Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Candidates can give other examples and all relevant answers should be credited.

This was the first battle that the Muslims had fought, and the first after migration, so winning the battle gave them confidence and increased their belief in themselves.

Their victory ensured they remained strong in their faith and renewed their hope in their migration. It also gave them strength in belief that God was with them.

It helped them to establish their faith and community in Madina and helped to bring the Muslims from the Ansar and Muhajirun closer together. Muslims had gone from a supressed minority to a group that could face the Quraysh, as they now had influence over the trade routes that passed Madina.

Some candidates might also talk about the monetary benefits resulting from the spoils captured in the Battle of Badr.