The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 168
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 168 was inevitable. ” 1 On the other hand, the position of the Muslims became significantly stronger as a result of the battle of Badr. The reason being that firstly, this magnificent and unanticipated victory instilled a kind of awe within the tribes of Arabia, in support of the Muslims. Secondly, the spirits of the Muslims themselves were definitely raised as well, and a valid sense of confidence was also developed. Another result of this victory was that the hypocrites of Madīnah were also struck with awe and curbed. Furthermore, since this victory was achieved in completely unexpected circumstances and was a magnificent national memory for both parties in terms of its consequences and influences, the battle of Badr was looked upon as a distinct milestone for the Muslims. Hence, those Companions who took part in this war were considered distinct among others. On one occasion, a Companion of Badr committed a grave mistake, and Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar ra urged that he should be punished considering it to be an act of national treason (although he was a sincere Companion, but happened to commit a mistake), the Holy Prophet sa forbade it saying, “This individual took part in Badr, and mistakes of this nature committed by such people, are forgiven in the sight of Allāh. ” 2 In the era of Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar ra as well, when stipends were fixed for the Companions, those who had taken part in Badr especially received a larger stipend. Even the Companions themselves would feel just pride on account of their participation in the battle of Badr. Therefore, Mr. Muir writes: “Its significance [i. e. , the battle of Badr] is also stamped by the exalted rank assigned to each one of the famous Three Hundred. After the death of Mahomet their names were enrolled as recipients of princely dotations in the great ‘Register of Bedr. ’ These were the peerage of Islâm. ‘Bring me here the garment in which I went forth to Bedr ; for this end have I kept it laid up unto this day. ’ So spake Sa ‘ d, the youthful convert of Mecca, now about to die at fourscore years of age. Crowned with renown as the conqueror of Persia, the founder of Cûfa, and the Viceroy of Irâc, his honours were all cast into the shade by the glory of having shared in the battle of Bedr. In his eyes the ‘garment of Bedr’ 1 The Life of Mahomet, By Sir William Muir, Chapter XII (Islâm Now Depends on Military Success), Number of chief Coreish Killed at Bedr, p. 245, Published by Smith, Elder, & Co. London (1878) 2 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Maghāzī, Bābu Faḍli Man Shahida Badran, Ḥadīth No. 3983