SECOND YEAR AFTER HIJRA

1. What are the events of the second year of Hijra in chronological order?
The events of second year of Hijra in a chronological order are as follows:
1) Obligation of fasting
2) Obligation of Zakah
3) Obligation of Eid prayer
4) Obligation of the sacrifice of animals on 10, 11, 12 of Dhil-Hajj every year
5) The emerging of Hypocrites (Munafiqeen)
6) Some Rabbis and Jewish scholars accepted Islam, one of them being Abdullah bin
Salam
7) Changing of the Qibla
8) Battle of Badr

FASTING, ZAKAT, EID PRAYER, AND SACRIFICE

2. When was fasting established as an obligatory ritual?
At the end of 18 months after Hijra, in 2 A.H., fasting, the third pillar of Islam, was
established as an obligatory ritual in the month of Ramadan. The Holy Quran says, “O
you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before
you so that you may (learn) self-restraint”
3. When was Zakat made obligatory?
Zakat, the fourth pillar of Islam, was made obligatory by Allah in the same year as
fasting, which was 2 A.H. The Holy Quran states it as: “And spend in the Way of Allah
and cause not destruction by your own hands, and do good. Surely, Allah loves
those who are kind.”
4. When was Eid prayer made obligatory?
Eid prayer, which is a thanksgiving prayer that is offered on the first day of Shawwal, was
made obligatory (wajib) in 2 A.H. The ‘Sadaqat al-Fitr’ (Alms on the occasion of Eid)
were also enforced and the first Eid prayer was also offered the same year.
5. When was animal sacrifice made obligatory?
Animal sacrifice on the occasion of Eid ul Adha, which if offered on 10,11,12 of Dhil-Hajj
was made obligatory in 2 A.H. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) offered Eid prayer and
sacrificed two goats.

6. Who embraced Islam in the second year of Hijra?

In the second year of Hijra, some of the rabbis and Jewish scholars embraced Islam.
They included a learned rabbi named Abdullah bin Salam, whose acceptance of Islam
greatly annoyed other Jews. At that time, a group of Hypocrites also emerged.

CHANGING THE QIBLA

7. What was the initial direction of Qibla?
The initial direction of Qibla was Baitul Muqaddis in Jerusalem. The direction of Qibla
was changed by Almighty Allah from Baitul Muqaddis to Holy Kabbah, according to wish
of the Prophet (PBUH).
8. What is Qibla?
The Qibla is the direction to which a Muslim faces while he/she is praying. Direction of
Qibla (Holy Kabah) is set for Muslims as the centre for all their religious and spiritual
activities.
9. What was the first Qibla?
When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) emigrated to Madinah, the first Qibla was Al-Aqsa
Masjid (Baitul Muqaddis). This was a temporary situation because the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) wanted to face the Kabah while praying.
10. Did Almighty Allah grant the wish of His beloved Prophet?
Yes, Almighty Allah granted the wish of His beloved Prophet and declared the following
in the Holy Quran: “Surely, We have observed you turning your face (O Muhammad)
towards heaven repeatedly, and We will surely turn you to a Qibla with which you
will be pleased. So, turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid (Kabah) at once, and
wherever you (believers) are, turn your face towards it.”
11. When was the Qibla changed?
The Qibla was changed in the month of Rajab (or Shaban) in 2 A.H. from Baitul
Muqaddis in Jerusalem to Kabah in Makkah as a result of the divine revelation during the
Zuhr prayer in a Masjid, which is now known as ‘Masjid-e-Qiblatain’ (Masjid of two
directions).
12. What was the significance of the change in direction of the Qibla?
The significance of the change in the direction of the Qibla from Jerusalem to Kabah was
that it was the beginning of the national life of Islam; it established Kabah as the religious
centre for all the Muslims, as previously it had been a place for pilgrimage for all the
tribes of Arabia. The hypocrites were identified by this change in direction as they
hesitated in changing their Qibla.

BATTLE OF BADR
13. What was Battle of Badr?
Battle of Badr was the first formal battle between Muslims and Quraish of Makkah. Holy
Quran has declared this war a criterion between right and wrong. The Great of
Expedition of Badr took place on 17th Ramadan 2 A.H. Allah called this battle “The Day of
Distinguishing”.

CAUSES OF THE BATTLE

1. The animosity of Quraish towards the Muslims. They were greatly displeased
with the people of Madinah for giving shelter to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his
companions. They feared that if the Muslims prospered in Madinah, then one day,
Islam would spread all over Madinah. Hence, they demanded the Ansar of Madinah
to drive the Muslims out, but they refused, which made the Quraish more furious.
Because of this, they contacted the Jews and the hypocrites and sought their help.

2. The jealously of Quraish for the growing power of Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah.
They used to raid Madinah. Their cavalry would occasionally reach the borders of
Madinah and attack the grazing areas used by the Muslims’ animals and carry off
some of the camels and cattle of Muslims. The Quraish also started to threaten and
torture the Muslims living on the borders of Madinah.

3. The incident of Nakhla was a significant cause for the battle as the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) sent a group of eight people under the command of Abdullah bin Jahsh
to the south of Makkah to keep a close eye on the movements and activities of the
Quraish. The group reached a place called Nakhla. There, Abdullah bin Jahsh and
his companion came across a small Quraish caravan led by a Quraish chief named
Amr bin Hazrami. They attacked the caravan and Amr bin Hazrami was killed even
though the Holy Prophet (PBUH) never gave the part permission of such violence.
 Two of the companion of Amr bin Hazrami were also captured, but one of them
successfully escaped to Makkah. Abdullah bin Jahsh returned to Makkah with the
loot and prisoners, but the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was displeased with his fighting. As
a result of this incident, the level of hostility of the Quraish towards the Muslim
increased, and they were now eager and looking for the opportunity to avenge the
blood of Amit bin Hazrami.

4. The permission of Jihad was given by Almighty Allah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH)
received revelations in which the permission was granted to wage a holy war against
invaders. “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you; but do
not transgress, for God does not love the transgressors.” In the light of verse,
Muslims were allowed to defend themselves against any invasion and to use their
strength in this respect.

5. The incident of Abu Sufyan’s caravan. In 624 AD, Abu Sufyan, who was extremely
hostile towards the cause of Islam was coming back to Makkah from Syria with a
large trading caravan belonging to the Quraish. The Prophet (PBUH) decided to
intercept the caravan on the way, so he dispatched a group of Muslims, but Abu
Sufyan was informed in time and diverted his caravan to the Red Sea Coast. He also
sent a fast riding messenger, Dam Dam, to Makkah asking for a rescue party from
the Quraish, and Abu Jahl, the Quraish leader, at once raised a well-equipped army
of 1,000 to save the caravan and to teach a lesson to the Muslims for daring to
obstruct their trade route. This army consisted of 200 horsemen and 700 camels.
However, Abu Sufyan reached safely to Makkah and after arriving, wrote to
commanders to Quraish to return as the purpose for which they left for fighting had
been fulfilled, but Abu Jahl insisted on advancing towards Badr and his opinion was
accepted. The Quraish army advanced forth and camped in the plain of Badr, which
is located nearly 60 miles from Madinah.

EVENTS OF BATTLE
14. What happened when the news of the departure of Quraish reached Madinah?
When the news of the departure of the Quraish army, led by Abhu Jahl, from Makkah
reached Madinah, the Prophet (PBUH) consulted his companions and a small force of
three hundred and thirteen men was prepared; they had two horses, seventy
camels, and sixty suits of armour. When the Muslim army reached Badr, the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) prayed to Allah for help in the following manner: “O Lord! If this little
band of Muslims is perished, there will be no one on earth to worship You.”
15. What were the advantages of the Muslims in the Battle of Badr?
The advantages of the Muslims in the Battle of Badr were that the Muslim army had a
strategic position and the ground on which they stood was hard and firm, as it was on a
sloping ground of the hill, whereas the Quraish encamped on flat and sandy soil. On the
night before the battle, rainfall started which made the sandy soil extremely difficult to
walk on, but this was a mercy for the Muslims as the rain made their ground smooth and
the stand firm. Furthermore, when the battle started in the morning, the Quraish army
was surprised when it saw the Muslim army. Due to divine help, the meagre Muslim
army seemed like a huge army to the Quraish. Moreover, Allah sent 1000 angels to
assist the Muslims in this battle.
Reference:
“He sent down water on you from heaven, to purify you thereby and to put away from
you the defilement of Satan, and to strengthen your hearts and to confirm your feet.”
16. What did the three Quraish leades challenge?
Early in the morning, the Quraish army assembled and marched towards the Muslims.
When they reached the battleground, the battle started in the classical Arab fashion.
Three of Quraish leaders, Utba bin Rabia, his brother, Shayba, and his son, Walid bin
Utba, stepped forward and challenged the Muslims to single combat. At this, Hazrat
Hamza (RA), the Prophet (PBUH)’s uncle, Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Ubaydah bin
Harith (RA), the cousins of the Prophet (PBUH) came out. In a short time, Hazrat
Hamza (RA) killed Utba, Hazat Ali (RA) killed Walid, while Hazrat Ubaydah (RA) with
some difficulty and with the help of his two companions also killed Shayba.
17. What were these single-handed combats followed by?
These single-handed combats were followed by an attack from the Quraish upon the
Muslims. The Quraish fought with great courage, but with the special help from Allah and
an excellent battle strategy of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Muslims fought well and
were breaking the morale of the army of the Quraish.
18. What happened when the battle reached its criticalphase?
When the battle reached its criticalphase, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) lifted a handful of
gravel by the command of Allah and hurled it on the face of the enemy, which confused
them more and caused a psychological effect, and they began to flee.
19. What happened to the prominent leaders of the Quraish army?
The prominent leaders of the Quraish army were either killed or made prisoners. Abu
Jahl, the commander of the Quraish army, was killed by two teenaged bots of the Ansar,
named Muaz and Muawiz.
20. What did the Quraish warrirors do?
Throwing their arms, equipment, and baggage all around the battlefield, the Quraish
warriors fled to Makkah and Muslims won the battle. The Quraish army left behind 70
men dead, and 70 were taken as prisoners of war, while only 14 Muslims were martyred.
The Muslims also captured 115 camels, 14 horses, and a rich store o clothes, carpets,
and equipment of war. The Prophet (PBUH) divided the captives among his
Companions.
21. How were the prisoners treated?
The prisoners were treated kindly and humanely, so much so that many of them
accepted Islam. While the rich prisoners were freed on payment of ransom, those who
could read and write were asked to teach ten Muslim children for a fixed time, after which
they would be set free.
22. What kind of victory was the victory of Badr?
Indeed, the victory of Badr was a glorious and spiritual victory of Truth (‘Haq’) over
Falsehood (‘Batil’) – with Divine help. The Holy Quran speaks about this at a number of
places, “Indeed there was a sign for you in the two hosts, which met together in
encounter; one party fighting in the Way of Allah, and the other unbelieving… and
Allah strengthens with His aid whom He pleases; most surely there is a lesson in
this for those who have eyes to see”

IMPORTANCE OF THE BATTLE

23. What did Battle of Badr prove?
Battle of Badr proved the truthfulness of Islam and that of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was
the true Messenger of Allah. It helped Muslims to uplift the banner of Islam above all
other prevailing religious beliefs, creeds, cults, and doctrines. (1)
24. What would have happened if the Quraish had won the battle?
If the Quraish had won the battle of Badr, they would have ensured that the fortress of
Islam was destroyed once and for all. Reluctantly, the world would have fallen once
again into ignorance and darkness.

1. The battle of Badr was a decisive battle and it was the most important victory in the
history of the Islamic world. It determined and completely changed the destiny of the
Muslims. The victory at Badr inspired the Muslims with new hopes and encouraged
them to unite their success. It also put an end to the evil plot of the pagans.

2. The victory at the battle of Badr strengthened the character and enhanced the
confidence and self-reliance of the Muslims.

3. The victory brought a lot of riches to the Muslims. They collected a large booty from
the battlefield, which helped to alleviate the poverty of Muslims, and their economic
condition also improved.

4. The victory consolidated Islam in and around Madinah The tribes, specifically, the
Bedouin tribes, who were determined to uproot Islam in Madinah, became cautious
to launch any military action against Muslims. Seeing the outcome of the battle, they
formed alliances and treaties with the Muslims and began to flock under the banner
of Islam. They hypocrites under the leadership of Abdullah bin Obayi also became
more careful.

5. The miraculous victory of the small Muslim army at Badr also helped in spread the
religion of peace. This victory proved that Islam was a true religion and was here to
stay. Hence, more and more people converted to Islam. Moreover, this victory
strongly established the supreme authority of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah.
His Prophethood was confirmed, and he was accepted as the chief judge and ruler of
Madinah.

6. The victory of Muslims at Badr shattered the power and the leadership of the
Quraish. A number of their leaders, such as Abu Jahl, Utba bin Rabia, Shayba,
Walid, and Umayyah bin Khalaf were killed in the battlefield. Abu Sufyan now
became the leader of the Quraish but literally their power and respect were both
crushed at Badr and they could not launch any decisive battle against the Muslims.

7. The prisoners of war were treated very nicely by the Muslims. They were allowed to
ride, while the Muslims themselves walked on foot; they were given bread to eat,
while the Muslims themselves satisfied their appetites with dates only. This treatment
helped to create a very favourable impression of Islam and the Muslims.
EXPULSION OF BANU QAINUQA
Expulsion: removal or exile
25. What was Banu Qainuqa?
Banu Qainuqa was one of the three prominent tribes of Madinah (the other two were
Banu Nadir and Banu Quraizah) who did not fulfil their promise and broke the treaty of
Madinah during the battle of Badr. Therefore, they were expelled by the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) from Madinah as a form of punishment for their betrayal.
 Banu Qainuqa was the first Jewish tribe to break the treaty with the Muslims.

Reasons:
26. What did Banu Qainuqa do during the battle of Badr?
During the battle of Badr, Banu Qainuqa did not fulfil their promise of helping the
Muslims as they were bound to do according to the Treaty of Madinah.
27. What did Jews of Banu Qainuqa do?
Jews of Banu Qainuqa insulted a Muslim woman in the market. A fight took place, and
as a result, a Jew and a Muslim were killed, which further worsened the rivalry among
the Jews and Muslims.

28. What did the Prophet (PBUH) do as a result?

As a result, the Prophet (PBUH) laid siege to the fortresses of the Jews which continued
for 15 days. Afterwards, Banu Qainuqa accepted the defeat and were forced to leave
Madinah. Some went to Syria while others settled in Khyber.