A Critical Analysis of 'Real Islam'. Its People ... - Bukti dan Saksi

to the Apostle, it was unimaginable that his supplication against the unbelievers could go astray.
Reinforced by this belief, they became even more determined to deliver them a dose of violence blended
with the worst pillage.
Badr was chosen as the place of battle by the Prophet. It vouched for his martial skill as well as
seriousness of purpose i.e. he wanted the battle to be decisive; neither party must escape lightly. He knew
that the courage of his followers, which emanated from their religious convictions, was far more forceful
than the strength that the superiority of numbers bestowed upon his enemy. A decimating blow to the
unbelievers would lay the foundation of the Islamic Empire.
Badr is situated close to Medina, 'the City of the Prophet'. It is a valley which consists of a plain,
having steep hills to the north and east; on the southern side is a low rocky range, and the west is closely
dotted with sandy hillocks. A small stream also ran through it breaking into springs here and there. The
Prophet chose the most useful reservoir for his army and destroyed the rest. This was a wise military
maneuver, which assured him mastery of the water sources of the battlefield.
The day before the engagement took place, Muhammad had placed the banner of the refugees (the
emigrants) in the hands of Mus'ah; ensign of the Khazrajite was given to al-Hobab and the flag of Aus
was handed to Sa'd Bin Moadh.
Here one again sees the tactical wisdom of Muhammad in choosing the fighting spot. As the Quresh
army, comprising a thousand men advanced toward Muhammad, the glaring rays of the Arabian sun
struck their eyes, making their movements troublesome. Also, the vastly numerical superiority of the
enemy was hidden by the fall of the ground behind. Knowing the gravity of the situation, the Prophet
again resorted to the device of praying to Allah for harnessing the superstitious energies of his followers'
belief into a combating force. Raising his hands upward, he solicited the Maker, "O Allah, accomplish for
me what Thou hast promised me. O Allah, bring about what Thou has promised to me. O Allah, if this
small band of Muslims is destroyed, Thou wilt not be worshipped on this earth". (Muslim, Vol. 3, 4360)
The historian may find it strange that a man is telling his Creator what will happen if He does not
listen to him, and the Almighty agrees to his suggestion for fear of losing worshippers, but his followers
intoxicated by the promises of heavenly virgins and boys had no such qualms. They believed that Allah is
directed by Muhammad and, therefore, the battle shall end in a resounding victory for them.
It was customary among the Arabs to enter single combats before starting the battle. As Sheiba, his
brother Otba and Al-Walid (son of Otba) moved forward to challenge for single duels, three Citizens (the
natives of Medina as distinct from the Emigrants) came out from the Muhammadan ranks to encounter
them.
Here we notice the tribal tendencies of the Prophet, who did not want the honor of starting the contest
go to anyone but his own kith and kin. Calling them back, he turned to the fellow Emigrants and shouted
"you sons of Hashim, arise and fight, according to your right."
However, this pro-Quresh leaning of the Prophet is well balanced by the choice of his combatants.
Out came three warriors, known for their valor, courage and fighting skills. They were Ali (the Prophet's
adopted son and son-in-law), Hamza (the Prophet's uncle) and Obeida. As the infidels saw their heroes
become sacrificial lambs at the Muslim altar, their spirits began to sink. Even more daunting was the
bravery displayed by the Prophet, who recited verses from the Koran, and brandishing his sword stood by
his followers like a lofty granite and assured them that paradise was the reward for martyrdom.
The story of Omeir, a sixteen-year-old Muslim boy, who was allowed to participate in this battle, is
worthy of note. He was hungry and eating dates, when he heard the prophet associate paradise with
martyrdom. Looking at the dates scornfully, "is it these", he cries ruefully "that hold me back from
paradise? Verily, I shall taste no more of them until I meet my Lord". Motivated by the force of belief, he
rushed upon the enemy and tasted the wine of martyrdom loathed by many and loved by a few.
Yet another story worthy of narration is that of Moadh, who slew Abu Jahl, and was attacked by his
son Ikrima. In this catastrophic action, Moadh's arm was nearly severed from his shoulder. Martyrdom
was also his goal, which he coveted, and believed that a second rate action was not compatible with the
dignity of such a heavenly prize. Since his best performance was being checked by his dangling arm, he