17th Ramadhan: Nuzul Qur’an & the Battle of Badr

Bismi Llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm

The 17th of Ramaḍhān is a profoundly significant day in Islamic history, marking two pivotal events that shaped the course of Islām.

It is the night of Nuzūl al-Qur’ān, the Descent of the Qur’an, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to our Prophet ﷺ as divine guidance for all humanity.

The momentous event took place when the Holy Prophet ﷺ first encountered Jibril (as) on Jabal Nur, in the Cave of Hira.

During this divine meeting, Jibril (as) commanded the Prophet ﷺ to read, marking the revelation of the first five verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq:

أَقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقِ. أَقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ. عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

“Read, in the Name of your Lord Who created—
He created humans from a clinging clot.
Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,
Who taught by the pen—
Taught humanity what they knew not.”

(Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:1-5)

This profound moment marked the beginning of divine revelation, setting the course for the final message to humanity.

On this same day, in the second year after Hijrah (624 CE), the Muslim community faced its first major test of strength and faith, the Battle of Badr.

The Battle of Badr, also known as Yawm ul-Furqān, was the day of separation—distinguishing truth from falsehood. It was a divine test for the believers, as their perseverance and trust in Allāh ﷻ were put to trial. Had they suffered defeat, the survival of Islām would have been in grave jeopardy.

Many miracles occurred on that day, displaying the boundless power of Allāh ﷻ.

It marks the first victory of our Holy Prophet ﷺ over the kāfirs, granted by the divine grace of Allāh ﷻ. This day witnessed the downfall of those who had oppressed and defied Allāh ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ for years, succumbing to the power of truth and justice.

The Muslim army comprised only 313 men, with 70 camels and three horses—a stark contrast to the 1,000-strong army of the Quraysh, led by Abu Sufyan, boasting 100 cavalry and 170 camels.

Yet, victory was never about numbers or strength; it was about the will of Allāh ﷻ. For when Allāh ﷻ is with His servant, even a single believer can overcome thousands.

To support the believers, Allāh ﷻ sent 3,000 angels dressed in golden turbans, riding white horses. This divine reinforcement turned the tide of battle, ensuring a decisive victory for the Muslims.

Despite the overwhelming odds, only 14 Muslims were martyred, including Sayyidunā Umayr ibn Abi Waqas (RA), the beloved cousin of the Prophet ﷺ.

Despite being outnumbered, our Holy Prophet ﷺ and his companions stood firm in faith, for Allāh ﷻ had promised victory.

Allāh ﷻ orchestrates everything with perfection, and on that blessed day, His decree was fulfilled.

It became a day of Islām, the first and greatest battle in its history.

The names of the righteous warriors who fought in the Battle of Badr, referred to as Badrīyūn, are sacred and often remembered in prayers and dhikr.

Their status is exalted, and their remembrance brings great blessings.

In earlier times, believers would write their names and place them in their homes, bringing goodness and barakah into their lives. It is said that Allāh ﷻ accepts supplications made in their names.

In times of hardship and despair, when it seems that kāfirs dominate and oppress believers, we must remember that Allāh ﷻ’s promise is true. No matter how powerful the oppressors appear, they can never overcome the decree of Allāh ﷻ.

Hence, we must remain steadfast in our faith in Allāh ﷻ. The example of our Holy Prophet ﷺ proves that divine assistance is always near.

Allāh ﷻ sent thousands of angels to support the believers at Badr—not out of necessity, for even one angel could overturn the world—but to honour our Holy Prophet ﷺ and reinforce the truth.

وَلَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِبَدْرٍ وَأَنتُمْ أَذِلَّةٌ ۖ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

(Qur’ān 03:123)

‘‘And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful.’’

Tonight, do recite Surah Al-Fatiha as a gift for the most honoured, Ahlul Badr.

May the barakah of the Badrīyūn be upon us, and may their noble ranks inspire us to stand firm in the path of Islām.

May Allāh ‎ﷻ elevate their status, accept their sacrifice, and grant us the honour of being in their company on the Day of Resurrection. Ameen.

A list of the 313 Names of Ahlul Badr can be found here.

More resources on the Battle of Badr here.

For more on the Last 10 Nights of Ramadhan, please click here.

Wassalam.