A Comparison to the Battle of Badr

While comparing this battle to the Battle of Badr, an author writes:

“On this occasion, the faith and conviction, steadfastness and determination, and resolve and stability demonstrated by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) reinvigorated the hearts of the Muslims with memories of the battles during the life of the Holy Prophet (sa). This first battle during the time of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was quite similar to the Battle of Badr. On the day the Battle of Badr took place, the Muslims numbered a meagre 313 men, while the idolaters of Mecca exceeded 1,000. Even on this occasion (during the battle taking place between Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and the enemies), the Muslim forces were very small in number, and on the opposing side, the tribes of Abs, Zubyan and Ghatfan faced the Muslims with a large army. At the time of Badr, Allah granted [the Muslims] victory over the idolaters, and on this occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and his companions demonstrated their perfect faith and attained victory over their enemies. Just as the Battle of Badr brought about far-reaching results, similarly, this battle also had a great impact on the future of Islam.”

(Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) – Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Pani Piti [Lahore: Islami Kutub Khana], pp. 150-151)

Out of their anger and rage from this defeat, the tribes of Banu Zubyan and Banu Abs suddenly attacked the Muslims living amongst them and subjected them to severe brutalities as they martyred them. In retribution, they martyred hundreds and thousands of Muslims living in their regions, and subsequently, other tribes followed their lead. After learning of these atrocities, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) vowed to severely kill the idolaters and to go to each tribe and avenge the Muslims who had lost their lives by taking the lives of those who had martyred them.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 256)