An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 37
37 Chapter 9 The First Battle of Islam This was the second year of the Hijrah (Prophet’s escape from Mecca). Muslims were commanded to turn their faces to the Kaaba, the Holy House at Mecca, instead of Bait - ul - Muqaddus, the Holy Place in Palestine. The Qibla (point of attention in prayer) was thus changed. Also fasting was made compulsory during the month of Ramazan. The year is important for other things too. For the first time in the city, courts started functioning, hygienic measures were introduced, lanes were widened and arrangements made to promote literacy, laws r egulated the rights and duties of slaves, and people were enjoined to commit to writing all civil contracts. Yet another great thing happened during the year. Muslims and the Quresh fought their first battle at Badr. The Prophet learnt that the Quresh were on their way to Medina with a big army. He started to meet the enemy far away from the town. He also came to know that a big trade caravan of the Quresh was on its way to Mecca; the Meccan army was there ostensibly to protect it. The prophet was prepared as best as he could. But he had not many means for an armed conflict. He had not many men either. Muslims were prepared to meet only the caravan. They were not in a position to meet the Quresh army.