*A Tribute to the Lion of Allah*
*The First Islamic Battle Against Aggression*
*The Battle of Badr and the Heroism of Imam Ali (AS)*
*A Tribute to the Lion of Allah*
By Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
Islam is a religion founded upon justice, mercy, and the protection of human dignity. The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) clearly establish that warfare in Islam is permitted only in response to aggression, persecution, and oppression.
Allah Almighty declares in the Holy Qur’an:
وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not love the aggressors.”
(Qur’an 2:190)
Another verse highlights the duty of defending the oppressed:
وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ
“And what is the matter with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children?”
(Qur’an 4:75)
Islamic warfare therefore rests upon justice, restraint, and moral responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clearly prohibited cruelty during war.
The Messenger of Allah said:
> “Do not kill women, children, the elderly, or monks in monasteries, and do not destroy trees or crops.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Musnad Ahmad, Al-Bayhaqi)
These teachings demonstrate that terrorism, indiscriminate killing, and destruction are completely contrary to Islamic principles.
The Battle of Badr: The Day of Distinction
The Battle of Badr, fought on 17 Ramadan 2 AH (624 CE), was the first major battle between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh of Mecca.
The Holy Qur’an describes this decisive day as:
وَمَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ
“And what We revealed to Our servant on the Day of Criterion—the day when the two armies met.”
(Qur’an 8:41)
Another verse emphasizes the divine purpose behind the battle:
لِيُحِقَّ الْحَقَّ وَيُبْطِلَ الْبَاطِلَ
“So that Allah might establish the truth and abolish falsehood.”
(Qur’an 8:8)
The Muslims were only 313 in number, while the Quraysh had nearly 1000 soldiers with cavalry and strong equipment.
Despite the imbalance, Allah granted victory to the believers.
وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنْتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ
“Indeed Allah helped you at Badr when you were weak.”
(Qur’an 3:123)
Allah also sent angels to support the believers:
إِذْ يُوحِي رَبُّكَ إِلَى الْمَلَائِكَةِ أَنِّي مَعَكُمْ فَثَبِّتُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا
“When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, so strengthen those who believe.”
(Qur’an 8:12)
According to Sunni scholars like Ibn Kathir in Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Shia scholars like Allama Tabatabai in Tafsir al-Mizan, the angels assisted the believers in strengthening their hearts and morale during the battle.
Historical Background
After the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet to Medina, the Quraysh intensified their hostility. They raided the outskirts of Medina and attempted to destroy the Muslim community.
According to Sunni historians Ibn Hisham, Al-Tabari, and Ibn Sa’d, the Meccan army marched with nearly 1000 soldiers under Abu Jahl.
Similarly, Shia historians such as Sheikh al-Mufid in Al-Irshad and Allama Majlisi in Bihar al-Anwar confirm that the Quraysh army came fully prepared to annihilate the Muslims.
The Prophet (PBUH) left Medina with 313 companions, placing the banner of Islam in the hands of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).
The Prophet’s Prayer Before the Battle
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spent the night before the battle praying intensely to Allah.
According to Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, and Ibn Kathir’s Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, the Prophet raised his hands and said:
> “O Allah! If this small group of believers is destroyed today, You will not be worshipped on earth.”
This supplication reflects the profound significance of the Battle of Badr for the future of Islam.
The Duel of Champions
According to Arab custom, the battle began with a duel between leading warriors.
Three champions from Quraysh stepped forward:
Utbah ibn Rabi’ah
Shaybah ibn Rabi’ah
Walid ibn Utbah
Three warriors from the Muslims answered:
Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib
Ubaydah ibn Harith
Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)
According to Sunni historians Ibn Hisham, Ibn Kathir, and Al-Tabari, and Shia historians such as Sheikh al-Mufid and Allama Majlisi:
Imam Ali killed Walid ibn Utbah
Hamzah killed Shaybah
Utbah was killed after being struck by Hamzah and Ali
This early victory significantly raised the morale of the Muslim army.
Imam Ali (AS): The Hero of Badr
Among the warriors of Badr, Imam Ali (AS) stood out as the greatest hero.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
علي مني وأنا من علي
“Ali is from me and I am from Ali.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Musnad Ahmad)
Another famous narration states:
لا سيف إلا ذو الفقار ولا فتى إلا علي
“There is no sword except Zulfiqar and no hero except Ali.”
(Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri, Al-Mustadrak; also cited in Bihar al-Anwar)
According to Sunni historian Ibn Abi al-Hadid in Sharh Nahj al-Balagha and Shia historian Allama Majlisi, Imam Ali killed several prominent Quraysh warriors at Badr.
These included:
Walid ibn Utbah
Hanzala ibn Abu Sufyan
Al-As ibn Saeed
Tu’aymah ibn Adi
Some historians record that Imam Ali alone was responsible for nearly half of the enemy casualties.
Imam Ali in His Own Words
In Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (AS) described the courage of the Prophet during battle:
> “When the battle became fierce, we used to seek protection behind the Messenger of Allah, and none of us was closer to the enemy than him.”
(Nahj al-Balagha)
In another sermon he declared:
> “By Allah, I never turned my back to the enemy.”
(Nahj al-Balagha)
Another famous saying attributed to him states:
> “By Allah, the son of Abu Talib is more familiar with death than an infant with the breast of its mother.”
(Nahj al-Balagha)
Divine Intervention in the Battle
The Qur’an describes the divine intervention during the battle:
فَلَمْ تَقْتُلُوهُمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ قَتَلَهُمْ
“You did not kill them, but Allah killed them; and when you threw, it was not you who threw but Allah threw.”
(Qur’an 8:17)
According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir al-Mizan, this verse refers to the moment when the Prophet threw dust toward the enemy, symbolizing divine support for the believers.
Outcome of the Battle
The Battle of Badr ended with a decisive Muslim victory.
According to Al-Tabari, Ibn Hisham, Ibn Sa’d, and Sheikh al-Mufid:
70 Quraysh were killed
70 were captured
Abu Jahl, the main enemy of Islam, was killed.
The defeat broke the power and prestige of the Quraysh in Arabia.
Honor of the Warriors of Badr
The companions who participated in Badr were honored greatly.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
> “Allah looked at the people of Badr and said: Do whatever you wish, for I have forgiven you.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
According to Sunni historian Al-Dhahabi and Shia scholar Allama Majlisi, Caliph Umar later gave the highest stipends to the veterans of Badr.
The Everlasting Legacy of Imam Ali (AS)
Among the heroes of Badr, Imam Ali (AS) shines as the greatest symbol of courage and devotion.
He became known as:
Asadullah (Lion of Allah)
Haider al-Karrar (The Ever-Returning Warrior)
The Prophet said:
علي مع الحق والحق مع علي
“Ali is with the truth and the truth is with Ali.”
(Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri, Al-Mustadrak; Al-Amini, Al-Ghadir)
The Battle of Badr was a defining moment in Islamic history. It proved that faith, justice, and divine support can overcome overwhelming odds.
This historic victory not only strengthened the Muslim community but also demonstrated the courage and sacrifice of the companions.
Above all, the battle immortalized Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)—the Lion of Allah, whose bravery defended the Prophet and laid the foundations of the Islamic state.
His courage remains an eternal inspiration for all those who stand for truth, justice, and the defense of the oppressed.k
