Today the 17th of Ramadan marks the day the Battle of Badr took place, two years after the Prophet’s ﷺ migration to Medina, where after years of persecution Muslims were allowed to defend themselves.
14 companions were martyred in the battle. 70 men of the Quraysh were killed. The battle also saw the killing of important Qurayshi leaders and some of the worst enemies of Islam, including Umayyah ibn Khalaf and Abu Jahl, at the hands of Muslims.
Muslims were heavily outnumbered by the large army from the Quraysh. Muslims numbered around 313 who were not well equipped and the Quraysh had over 950 well equipped men. The Battle of Badr is mentioned several times in the Quran, in Surah Aal-‘Imran it is mentioned by name:
Allah helped you at Badr when you were very weak. Be mindful of Allah, so that you may be grateful. (3:123)
Remember when you said to the believers, ‘Will you be satisfied if your Lord reinforces you by sending down three thousand angels? (3:124)
Well, if you are steadfast and mindful of Allah, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand swooping angels if the enemy should suddenly attack you!’ and Allah arranged it so, (3:125)
as a message of hope for you [believers] to put your hearts at rest – help comes only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise (3:126)
