I begin with the name of Allah the most merciful and the most kind, peace and blessing be upon beloved Prophet (S.A.W)

THE FIRST DECISIVE BATTLE IN THE ISLAMIC HISTORY

On 17th of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak in the 2nd year of Hijra in which only 300-317 Muslims (possessing only two horses and 70 camels) defeated highly equipped army of 1300 soldiers including 100 horsemen 600 mailed soldiers with a large number of camels. The battle of Badr was a milestone for the eradication of Makkan terrorism on peaceful people of the Islamic state. On the occasion of the 3rd Friday of Ramadhan (1422 A.H, 30th of Nov 2001) we will try to remember some lessons from this historical victory of justice and peace against the mischief spreading people of Makkah. The details of the indecent are mentioned in Sura Al-Anfal chapter 8th and Sura Aal-E-Imaan chapter 3 of Al-Quran.

We are commanded by Allah to remember this great victory of Islam and its followers led by Sayyidina Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) as Allah (S.W.T) says: - "And remember when you were few and were reckoned weak in the Land, and were afraid that men might kidnap you but He (the Most High) provided a safe place for you, strengthened you with His help and provided you with good things so that you might be grateful" (8: 26 Al-Quran) In Sura Aal-E-Imraan Allah (S.W.T) says: - "And no doubt Allah (S.W.T) did help you at Badr although you were resource less (materially). So keep fearing Allah (S.W.T) so that you may be able to render thanks (to Allah the Most High)" (123; 3 Al-Quran)

Brothers and Sisters in Islam today we will discuss only the following lessons of success in this worldly life and the hereafter.

SAHABA (R.A) (COMPANIONS) AND THE LEVEL OF IMAN

The followers of Islam loved Allah (S.W.T) and His Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) more than their families and everything of this world. When the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) consulted them. Al-Miqdad ibn Amr rose and spoke: "O messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) go ahead with what Allah (S.W.T) has commanded you, for, by Allah (S.W.T) we shall not say to you as the children of Israil said to Moses (A.S) "Go, you and your Lord and fight and we will remain here" But we will say to you Go you and your lord and fight we shall fight under your guidance (with those who fight against Islam)" (Seerah ibn Katheer)

Then Sa'ad ibn muadh the chief of Ansar helpers spoke: "Do you want our opinion O Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam)? " Yes" said the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam). Sa'ad said: "We believe in you and know that you speak the truth. We have given you a solemn oath and a covenant to listen and obey so go ahead with what you desire, for by Him who sent you with the truth if you were to ask us to cross the sea we would cross it with you and not a single man of us would tarry behind. Lead us forward with the blessings of Allah (S.W.T)" (Seerah ibn Hisham)

The Leader of this Army loved his followers and the followers loved their commander for Allah (S.W.T). The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) smiled and said: "March forward and be of good cheer for Allah (S.W.T) has promised me that one of the two groups will be ours. By Allah (S.W.T) I am seeing (all those) places where the people (enemy) will be killed" (See seerah ibn Kathir Vol2 P392 and other books of Seerah)

THE TRUE AND BOLD BELIEVERS

After listening to the glad tidings of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) all worries of the Sahaba (R.A) were over and they were blessed with great peace and harmony. The prayers of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) were so effective during the night of Badr that the Muslim Army (Mujahideen) enjoyed sound and refreshing sleep, which is the proof of Allah's (S.W.T) favour upon them and the state of their undisturbed and peaceful mind and heart. Allah (S.W.T) says in the Quran: "(Remember) when He (Allah the Most High) covered you with a slumber as a security from Him and He caused rain to descend on you from the sky to clean you thereby and to remove from you the RIJZ (whispering evil suggestions etc) of the Devil (Shaitan) and to strengthen your hearts and make your feet firm thereby" (8; 11)

The certainty and the unshakable faith in the words of Allah (S.W.T) and the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) is the greatest source of victory and success in every aspect of lives, which makes us hopeful and certain in the mercy of Allah (S.W.T). It is due to our weaker faith in Islam, which causes disappointments and hopelessness. The Battle of Badr reminds us of a verse in the Al-Quran in which Allah (S.W.T) says: "The people of Iman (true faith) are those who believed in Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) and brought no doubts and practiced Jihad (struggle of all kinds for peace and harmony) in way of Allah (S.W.T) with their wealth and their selves those are the truthful ones" (49; 15 Al-Quran)

KINDNESS SHOWN TO THE CAPTIVES OF BADR AND THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM

When the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) reached Madinatul Munawwara, He (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) consulted the Sahaba (R.A) about the captives and accepted the suggestions of Abu-Bakr Assiddiq that the prisoners should pay ransom. Sayyidina Abu-Bakr said: "They are after all our relatives, and their money would give us strength (see Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhroom) moreover Allah (S.W.T) could guide them to Islam". The ransom for these prisoners was between 1000 and 4000 Dirhams. Those who were not able to pay ransom were entrusted with ten children to teach them reading and writing. The instructor would be set free when his pupils have learnt the art of reading and writing.

This is a great example of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) and His followers that Islam is the way of peace and harmony, which is achieved by forgiveness and education. Due to the kindness shown by Prophet Muhammad (SAS) many of the captives and their children accepted Islam and proved to become great leaders of Islam.

FORGIVENESS IN AFGHANISTAN

The blood shed by the Afghans and brutality practiced by them to those surrendering is to clear disobedience of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam)and an insult to Islam and muslims. They must stop the war crimes if they are the followers of the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam). They have forgotten they are not aware of the examples and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam).

The duty of the Muslim ummah and all other nations is to take quick and firm action to stop human catastrophes in Afhanistan.

ALLAH (S.W.T) HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES

Allah (S.W.T) helped the Sahaba (R.A) due to their matchless piety and righteousness, which was achieved through true love and obedience of Allah (S.W.T) and His Messenger (SallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam). Allah (S.W.T) says: "And obey the order of Allah (S.W.T) and of His Messenger (SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) and do not quarrel together lest you will loose heart and your united strength may depart from you and be patient (in adversity) indeed Allah (S.W.T) is with the patient." (8; 46) Al-Quran.