ISLAM AND JIHAD 211The battle of Badr began with stylized duels between the champions of
both sides. Each side sent forward three champions. Two of the Muslim
champions won their duels, but the third was wounded and bled to death.
With the prelude over, the overture began with a bloody engagement.
Muhammad, distraught over the forces arrayed against his tiny band, cried
his prayers aloud, calling on Allah to intervene. As the battle proceeded
he called out, “All who die today will go to Paradise!” This promise was
formalized in Surah IV, 74:
Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the
other. Whoso fighteth in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious,
on him We shall bestow a vast reward.A young man standing by Muhammad, upon hearing the promise of
paradise asked, “What, is it only necessary to be killed by these people to
enter Paradise!” Being told yes, he then charged into a group of enemy
warriors, cutting several down before being wounded himself. The rest of
his band, inspired by the same promise, fought with such furor that the
Meccans were driven back, leaving fifty dead and as many prisoners be-
hind them.
At first, some of the Muslims wanted to slaughter their prisoners. In
what would become a common occurrence—though usually after many
had been slaughtered—they realized that the prisoners had ransom value
and should be preserved.
The battle of Badr became a fundamental pillar in the formation and
foundation of Islam. Had it gone differently, Islam would have ended on
its bloody field. From this battle, a holy battle, Islam was founded and its
continuance assured. In the light and impact of Badr, one can argue that
“war” was a sacrament of the Islamic religion. Indeed, an argument for
this can be found in the Koran as well. Surah III, 123, says that the victory
at Badr came from Allah. The subsequent passages follow:
Surah III, 124. And when thou didst say unto the believers: Is it not suffi-
cient for you that your Lord should support you with three thousand angels
sent down (to your help)?- Nay, but if ye persevere, and keep from evil, and (the enemy) attack
you suddenly,your Lord will help you with five thousand angels sweeping
on.[Italics added for emphasis.] - Allah ordained this only as a message of good cheer for you, and
that thereby your hearts might be at rest—Victory cometh only from Allah,
the Mighty, the Wise—