Lessons from Badr !

"O you who believe! Do not precede Allāh and His Messenger (in decision making), and have Taqwā of Allāh. Verily, Allāh is Hearing, Knowing.” [49:1]

The Messenger of Allah (saws) accompanied by his noble companion hastened to reach the water springs of Badr in order to prevent the polytheists from occupying them. Upon arriving at the springs nearest to him the Messenger (saws) halted the Islamic army, intending to set up camp at that spot.

It was at this point that the noble companion al-Hubab bn. al-Mundhir bin al-Jamuh approached the Prophet (saws) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! Is this a spot that Allah has revealed to you, thus we can neither advance farther nor withdraw from it, or is it (a matter of) opinion, military tactics and stratagem?” The Messenger of Allah (saws) replied: “Nay, it is (a matter of) opinion, military tactics and stratagem.”

Upon hearing this, al-Hubab said, “O Messenger of Allah! In that case, this is not a good place. Let us continue to advance with the people (the Muslim army) until we reach the springs that are nearest to the people (the polytheists). Then we should occupy them and destroy the wells that are (located) beyond them, then build cisterns over the springs and fill them with water. Thereafter, we (can) fight the people and we will have drinking water while they will be deprived thereof.” In response to this counsel the Prophet (saws) said: “Indeed, you have given good advice.”

[Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, vol.3, pg.36]

There is no aspect of the Prophet's (saws) life that fails to serve as a source of indispensable guidance for those who are journeying to their Lord in search of His Pleasure. The battle of Badr is just one such gold mine that provides the believer with numerous lessons, from which he or she can immensely benefit. This exchange between the Messenger of Allah (saws) and his noble companion al-Hubab is but one incident that occurred during this decisive battle. However, the benefits contained therein are abundant and priceless.

The most important lesson that can be derived from this incident is contained in al-Hubab’s statement, “O Messenger of Allah! Is this a spot that Allah has revealed to you, thus we can neither advance farther nor withdraw therefrom, or is it (a matter of) opinion, military tactics and stratagem?”

This statement illustrates the deep understanding of Islam that the Prophet’s companions possessed. It demonstrates their fear of Allah their respect for His Deen, and how they honoured His Messenger (saws). Indeed, al-Hubab’s question highlights an important principle of the Shari’ah, against which none is permitted to transgress. This is the principle of not preceding Allah and His Messenger (saws) in decision making. Such an act is not befitting of those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, hence He says: "O you who believe! Do not precede Allāh and His Messenger (in decision making), and have Taqwā of Allāh. Verily, Allāh is Hearing, Knowing.” [49:1]

Shaykh Abdur-Rahman bin Nasir as-Sa’di commented on this Ayah, stating that, “Allah commanded His believing servants with that which belief in Allah and His Messenger (saws) necessitates of compliance with His orders, avoiding His prohibitions, and to walk behind the commands of Allah, (thereby) following the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (saws) in all of his affairs. (Additionally), they should not precede Allāh and His Messenger and should not say anything until He has spoken, nor should they give orders until He has given His command.”

The Shaykh further stated that: “There is a (severe) prohibition contained in this (Ayah) against giving preference to other than the Messenger's (saws) speech over his statements. For indeed, whenever the Sunnah of Allāh’s Messenger (saws) has been made clear, it becomes compulsory to follow it and to give preference to it over other than it, irrespective of who the person is.”

[Taysirul-Karimir-Rahman fī Tafsiri Kalamil-Mannan, pg.764]

All of this can be understood from al-Hubab’s question, “Is this a spot that Allah has revealed to you, thus we can neither advance farther nor withdraw therefrom, or is it (a matter of) opinion, military tactics and stratagem?” It is important to note al-Hubab’s response to the Prophet's (saws) statement, “Nay, it is (a matter of) opinion, military tactics and stratagem.”

It was only after verifying whether the Prophet’s (saws) decision was one based upon what had been revealed to him (saws) or one that was open to “opinion, military tactics and stratagem”, that this noble companion presented his opinion and suggestion regarding the matter. This indicates that the companions  understood that there is a difference between matters regarding which the Shari’ah provides clear rulings, and those issues that are simply a matter of “opinion, military tactics and stratagem”. They would never precede Allah and His Messenger (saws) in any matter, thereby acting without consulting them. Rather, whenever they were faced with an issue, situation, or a problem, etc. they would immediately turn to Allah and His Messenger (saws) for guidance in this regard.

This was irrespective of the knowledge and experience that they may have possessed regarding the issue in question, as the incident with al-Hubab clearly demonstrates. They would consult Allah and His Messenger (saws) before acting and if what they possessed of knowledge and experience contradicted the revelation, they would abandon it and submit to what had been revealed, for indeed Allah says: “It is not for a believing man, nor a believing woman, that when Allāh and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allāh and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into clear misguidance.” [33:36]

This is a very important principle that the Muslim must embrace and adhere to, as it is a question of Imaan and an issue that is directly connected to Tawheed. It is a principle that must regulate all of his affairs, especially in the field of Jihaad in the cause of Allah for the Mujaahid will only acquire success in proportion to his submission to the Book of Allah as was explained by Shaykhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah: “And (it is from) the religion of Islam that the sword must follow the Book. So if knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah comes to light, and the sword follows that, the authority of Islām will be established. However, if the sword agrees with the Book sometimes and contradicts it at other times, then the religion of whoever behaves in this manner will be according to that.” [Majmu’ al-Fatawa: 20/393]

As for those matters that fall into the realm of “opinion, military tactics and stratagem”, then it is upon the Muslim to share his knowledge and experience when it is necessary to do so. This is exactly what al-Hubab did; he did not shy away from this responsibility, as the believer desires nothing but good for the Ummah. In fact, pursuing the Pleasure of Allah also entails advising those who have been entrusted with the affairs of the Muslims; hence, Allah’s Messenger (saws) said: “Verily, Allah is pleased with three (things) for you: that you worship Allah and do not ascribe any partners to Him, that you hold on to the Rope of Allah together and do not be divided, and that you advise whoever Allah has appointed over your affairs.” [Muslim]

Additionally, it is upon those in leadership positions to facilitate such advice, encourage those under their authority to present it when required, and to accept and act upon the good thereof, irrespective of one’s rank, knowledge, or experience. This is understood from the Prophet’s (saws) statement, “Indeed, you have given good advice.”

The leader should not be unapproachable, nor should he be unnecessarily harsh towards those over whom he has been appointed. He should listen to his followers and not consider himself above advice, as Allah said to His noble Messenger (saws): “And by the Mercy of Allāh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pardon them and seek forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allāh, certainly, Allāh loves those who put their trust (in Him).” [3:159]