Islam at War: A History

BIRTH OF ISLAM 7

equally bad for the enemy. In fact, militarily speaking, an army’s position
is always far worse when pursued than when pursuing. In fact this surah
foreshadows the famous pursuits of Napoleon, and even the blitzkriegs of
World War II. It is difficult to say if the Prophet perceived this specifically,
but his words certainly provoked his men to push harder. If they were
pursuing a broken enemy, the necessity to pursue that enemy and complete
his destruction was critical if Muhammad was to break their power.
The victory at Badr manifested the Muslim’s spirit of discipline and
contempt for death. These two factors would become the hallmark of
Muslim warfare for the next 1,500 years. It is interesting that Muhammad
at first refused the service of his Medina Ansar. This may be an indication
that he had formulated the requirement that none might fight as his allies
unless they were Muslims. This idea would be important in the years
following, as many tribes flocked to his banner. It was very much the
tradition of that country—and many more since—that people followed a
winner and deserted a loser. The Prophet’s idea may have been to use this
as one more tool to persuade conversion.
This idea is supported by Surah IV, 89.

They that long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye

may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them until

they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity)

[abandon Islam] then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and

choose no friend nor helper from among them.

This is a clear indication that the decision to join Islam was irrevocable.
Defection would not be tolerated by the armies of Muhammad.
The Battle of Badr also seems to have been followed quickly by the
revelation of Surah VIII. Militarily, this surah is extremely interesting.
Within it are the following passages:

12. When my Lord inspired the Angels, (saying) I am with you. So make
    those who believe stand firm. I will throw fear into the hearts of those
    who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger.


13. That is because they opposed Allah and his messenger. Whoso opposeth
    Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment,


14. That (is the award), so taste it, and (know) that for disbelievers it is the
    torment of Fire.


15. O ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn
    not your backs on them.