The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 117
III - Early Battles, Commencement of Fasting, Alteration of the Qiblah and Initial Discussion on the Battle of Badr 117 additional detail not present in history); and have practically disregarded all of the historical accounts as if they amount to nothing. As a matter of fact, other parts of the Qur’ān itself affirm these historical accounts, and except for one additional detail to which the Holy Qur’ān alludes, in all other details, the Qur’ānic and historical accounts concur with one another, and there is no discrepancy at all. Putting the details to one side, the extract of the historical account, which is proven by authentic narrations, and supported by authentic Aḥādīth , is that on the occasion of Badr, the Companions set out only to intercept the caravan, and it was when they reached close to Badr that they found out about the army of the Quraish. As such, this battle between the army of the Quraish and the Muslims took place unexpectedly. Now, in comparison to this historical account, we cast a glance upon the Holy Qur’ān to determine what it states in this regard. Hence, in Sūrah Anfāl, Allāh the Almighty states:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . “O Messenger! Just as it was your Lord Who rightfully brought you forth from your house (Madīnah), while a party of the believers considered this going forth as being an extremely difficult and delicate task; so too your enemy came forth fighting against you in the way of truth, after it had become manifest (i. e. , the message had been incontrovertibly conveyed to them as per divine custom), and the acceptance of truth unto them was as though they were being driven