Life-of-Muhammad

56
Life of Muhammad sa
have plunged themselves heedlessly into the sea. The
Prophet sa took counsel. But he had no doubt at all as to
the devotion of his following. He took counsel in order to
sift the weaklings and send them away. But he found
that the Meccan and the Medinite Muslims vied with one
another in the expression of their devotion. Both were
determined that they would not turn their backs to the
enemy, even though the enemy was three times their
number and far better equipped, armed and
experienced. They would rather put their faith in the
promises of God, show their regard for Islam, and lay
down their lives in its defence.
Assured of this devotion by both Meccan and
Medinite Muslims, the Prophet sa advanced. When he
reached a place called Badr, he accepted the suggestion
of one of his followers and ordered his men to settle near
the brook of Badr. The Muslims took possession of this
source of water, but the land on which they took up
their positions was all sand, and therefore unsuitable for
the manoeuvres of fighting men. The followers of the
Prophet sa showed natural anxiety over this
disadvantage. The Prophet sa himself shared the anxiety
of his followers and spent the whole night praying. Again
and again he said:
My God, over the entire face of the earth just now, there
are only these three hundred men who are devoted to Thee
and determined to establish Thy worship. My God, if these
three hundred men die today at the hands of their enemy
in this battle, who will be left behind to glorify Thy name?
(Tabari).
God heard the supplication of His Prophet sa . Rain
came over-night. The sandy part of the field which the
Muslims occupied became wet and solid. The dry part of
the field occupied by the enemy became muddy and
slippery. Maybe the Meccan enemy chose this part of the
field and left the other for the Muslims because their
experienced eye preferred dry ground to facilitate the
movements of their soldiers and cavalry. But the tables