Today marks the 17th of Ramadan, a day of great historical and religious significance in Islam. It was on this very day in the second year of Hijri that the Battle of Badr took place. This battle was a defining moment in Islamic history, as it was through divine intervention that the Muslim forces, though vastly outnumbered, achieved victory.
The battlefield of Badr was geographically challenging for the Muslim army. The area where the Muslims camped was sandy and difficult to maneuver, while the Quraysh forces had positioned themselves on solid ground, which was ideal for combat. However, divine intervention changed the course of the battle.
As the evening of the 16th of Ramadan turned into the 17th, both armies remained in their camps, filled with anticipation and tension. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spent the night in deep prayer, beseeching Allah for victory. He prayed with tears in his eyes, pleading, "O Merciful Allah, we desperately need Your help in tomorrow’s decisive battle. Without Your support, we cannot achieve victory. If we are defeated, there may be no one left to worship You on this earth. Decide our fate, for You alone are the ultimate decision-maker. We will fight with all our might, sacrificing our lives to establish Your faith on this land. Grant us victory, for we seek Your assistance."
Allah answered the Prophet’s prayers. That night, heavy rain fell on the desert. The rain softened the sandy terrain under the Muslim army, making it firm and easier to fight on. At the same time, the solid ground where the Quraysh army was positioned became muddy and slippery. Additionally, Allah revealed to the Prophet the names and locations where key enemies would be slain, and this prophecy came true during the battle.
At dawn, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emerged from his prayer with renewed confidence. He declared that the enemy forces would soon be routed, and true to his words, the Quraysh army suffered a devastating defeat. The Muslim warriors, with unwavering faith, had sworn their allegiance, vowing to protect the Prophet at all costs. They pledged, "O Messenger of Allah, we will fight on your right, on your left, in front of you, and behind you. No enemy shall reach you unless they pass over our lifeless bodies. If you command us to ride our horses into the sea, we will do so without hesitation."
The victory at Badr was not achieved by numbers or strength alone. It was through the divine assistance of Allah and the extraordinary faith of the Muslim warriors. Several companions later testified that they saw warriors dressed in white garments fighting alongside them—angels sent by Allah to aid the believers.
The Battle of Badr remains a powerful reminder of the strength of faith and the impact of sincere supplication. The victory was a direct result of the Prophet’s prayers and the unwavering devotion of his companions. Today, as the world faces various challenges, it is a time for believers to turn to Allah in prayer, seeking His mercy and guidance. In this holy month of Ramadan, let us humble ourselves before Allah, ask for His forgiveness, and pray for peace and justice across the world.
The dua for the 17th Ramadan:
اَللّـهُمَّ اهْدِنی فیهِ لِصالِحِ الاَْعْمالِ، وَاقْضِ لی فیهِ الْحَوائِجَ وَالاْمالَ، یا مَنْ لا یَحْتاجُ اِلَى التَّفْسیرِ وَالسُّؤالِ، یا عالِماً بِما فی صُدُورِ الْعالَمینَ، صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّد وَآلِهِ الطّاهِرینَ
Translation:
"O Allah! On this day, guide me towards righteous deeds. Fulfill my needs and aspirations, O the One who does not require explanation or questioning. O the Knower of what lies in the hearts of all creation, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and his pure progeny."
This dua emphasizes seeking Allah's guidance to perform good deeds, asking for the fulfillment of one's needs and desires, and invoking blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, trust in Allah's wisdom, and the pursuit of righteousness during the blessed month of Ramadan.
As Muslims continue their spiritual journey through Ramadan, this dua offers a moment of deep connection with Allah, reinforcing the values of faith, hope, and devotion.
