Issue No: 206
18th July 2014
19th Ramadhan 1435 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Disturbing news for Muslims:
The Qurayshi idolators had put all their savings on a trade caravan to Syria and decided to use the profits to purchase arms, horses and other items of war. This was in preparation to launch a battle against the muslims. The news of this caravan, under the leadership of Abu Sufyan, proceeding to Makka was disturbing for the muslims in Madina.
It was barely the second year since the Noble Prophet and the muslims had undertaken the Hijra.
Battle of Badr:
The Noble Prophet left Madina with a small band of 313 men, 2 horses and 70 camels to go to Badr outside Madina to face the Qurayshi army led by Abu Jahl. The army of the Qurayshi idolators was strong having 1000 men, 100 horses and 700 camels.
It was on the 17th of Shahru Ramadhaan in the year 2 A.H. when the two armies faced each other.
Day of victory:
The famous Quraysh warriors Utbah, Shyba and Walid came to challenge the muslims in single combat. They were defeated and killed by Ubayda, Hamza and Imam Ali. The Quraysh got disturbed and began attacking en masse.
In the thick of the battle, the Noble Prophet prayed to Allah. By Divine help the muslims, though few in number and strength of weapons, achieved the greatest victory. This strengthened the faith of the believers and made them united as a community.
Was it not the absolute confidence in the Divine Power and total commitment to eimaan that, despite the enemies having the upper hand in numbers and weapons, the dua for help from Allah was responded? Thus the muslims achieved victory.
Our battles:
We too, the ummah of Islam, have not been spared of the attacks against our faith and unity. These assaults have been advanced in numerous fronts including ideological, political, economic, military, cultural, social and other confrontations. The pictures and videos of destruction and mangled bodies of children and babies due to the horrendous acts of killing of innocent lives taking place in several regions in the Middle East is absolutely shocking.
Admittedly, seeing and experiencing all of this makes it difficult to hold on to hope. One may find oneself asking: When will the Help of Allah come?
But like the early muslim community at Badr, this is when we have to hold on to faith even stronger and more firmly than ever before. As difficult as it may seem, we have to find the conviction and courage to strengthen our belief even more.
It is not only by the strength in our numbers or vastness of our resources that we can succeed to continue being devoted muslims submitting to the teachings of Thaqalayn: the Qur’an and Ahlul Bayt.
Is it not only through our commitment of our duty to Allah, being thankful for the numerous bounties showered upon us and zealously guarding our unity as brothers in Eiman that we shall thrive to overcome the various challenges in our way? Insha Allah.
Like the dua of the Noble Prophet at Badr are you fervently beseeching for Divine relief from the prevailing conflict and brutal suffering for the victims?
Your one dua may be the one that is accepted or the one that initiates the Help of Allah. However, our duas are meaningless without eiman; faith.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat