17th Ramadan 2AH. That was the remarkable day when Allah (swt) rewarded those who had trust in Him, and showed the world that power lies in His hands only, and with no one else. It is the day a few hundred Muslims were victorious in the face of thousands of disbelievers on the other side of the battleground. It is the day when angels were sent to fight alongside the Muslims. It is the day true, unwavering faith was manifested. It is the day that highlights to us how our connection with Allah (swt) can save us from any tribulation. It is the day that defined for us the meaning of tawakkul. This day is the day of the Battle of Badr.
When we commemorate this astounding event, we must thank Allah (swt) first and foremost. And through reflection, we should ask ourselves, do we truly put our trust and reliance on Allah (swt) when things get tough? Do we have the firm belief in our hearts that even if the odds are against us, He is all we need to succeed?
The measure of our tawakkul is how we react to difficulties. If we react with hopelessness, misery, dread and distress, then we have doubted in Allah’s ability to help us. Whereas if we react with hope, strength and tranquility we have embodied the meaning of tawakkul in Allah (swt).
الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَقَالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
“Those to whom hypocrites said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” (3:173)
As illustrated in this beautiful ayah, the believers on the day of Badr were told to give up and fear the grand army they were facing, and ultimately to accept defeat. But they proved in that moment that their belief in Allah (swt) is their most powerful weapon and said with conviction: “Allah is sufficient for us.” And, Allah granted them victory.
We pray that Allah (swt) grants us the gift of tawakkul in Him, so we never despair in any situation. And we pray to Him to grant victory to the righteous believers in Yemen, Palestine, Iraq and all around the world just like He did for the Muslims of Badr
