The Day of Criterion: The Anniversary of the Great Battle of Badr

A Key Introduction

I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I believe that there is no god but Allah, the Sovereign and the Manifest Truth, and that Muhammad, our master, is His servant, Messenger, and Last Prophet.

O Allah! Confer Your salat and blessings upon Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad as You conferred Your salat and blessings upon Ibrahim and the Family of Ibrahim. You are Owner of Praise, Owner of Glory! And be pleased with Muhammad's good companions and all Your righteous servants and mujahidin.

O Allah! Guide us and grant us acceptance, for You are the Hearing, the Knowing; accept our repentance, for You are the Relenting and the Merciful.

Brothers and sisters, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

Today's massive demonstrations by our people in the capital, Sana'a, and across the other governorates served as a powerful, practical, and jihadist commemoration of the great anniversary of the Battle of Badr. What an honourable and blessed commemoration it was! It was a commemoration expressed through principled stance, through action, and through steadfastness along the straight path. Such is a great blessing and a success granted by Allah (Glory be to Him).

In taking part in this anniversary, our Yemeni people reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause, their opposition to American and Israeli tyranny, and their resistance to America's escalating aggression against our country. Taking part in these demonstrations is an act of jihad for the sake of Allah (the Almighty), grounded in a just cause that pleases Allah (Glory be to Him). It expresses this people's identity, their values, their genuine faith-based belonging, and their loyalty to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) and to the great religion of Islam. They are a people who hold fast to their lofty Islamic principles; thus, they possess faith-inspired pride and cannot accept being humiliated or treated as fair game. They refuse to bow to the enemies of Allah.

This significant practical commemoration strengthens the connection by which this noble people bind their present to their glorious past in supporting Islam, striving in the cause of Allah (the Almighty), and bearing the banner of Islam. It serves the same purpose of resisting the anti-faith tyranny of the oppressive, arrogant forces of evil, criminality, disbelief, and corruption. Just as the anti-faith tyranny of the past was embodied by the front of disbelief that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) confronted, so the unjust, anti-faith tyranny of today is embodied in America and Israel and those who orbit in their sphere. Our dear people follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F), walking in his path.

The important message delivered by the Yemeni people through their million-strong turnout

Our dear people sent a clear message through their great turnout today:

• This turnout clearly affirms to the Palestinian people that they will not stand alone. The Palestinian people will not be left to face their fate unaided. We, as Yemenis, will never allow the Israeli enemy, with American partnership and protection, to single them out for annihilation, starvation, and displacement, nor to eliminate the Palestinian cause or seize Palestine and its sacred sites. This is what the Israelis and the Americans want, but our people will never accept it, given their religious, moral, and humanitarian commitment to this just cause and this great plight.
• It also sends a clear message of resistance to American aggression, as the Americans declared a new round of aggression against our country, in support of the Israeli enemy. Our noble people will not stand by as mere spectators in the face of this aggression that targets them for their just stand. Our people have delivered a message of steadfastness and resilience in confronting American tyranny and aggression. There is also a message to the criminal, deranged infidel Trump: Our dear people remain unwavering in their conviction, courage, and dignity of faith, placing their trust in Allah (the Almighty) and relying on Him with certainty in His true promise of victory over arrogant tyrants.

Accordingly, these important messages to the enemies—the Americans and Israelis alike—as well as the message reaffirming our dear people's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, are all clear and unequivocal. They are also accompanied by action; only yesterday, our jihadist armed forces engaged an American aircraft carrier, forcing the carrier to retreat all the way to the far north of the Red Sea, a distance of 1,300 kilometres. Our armed forces also repelled enemy attempts to launch an assault.

These practical messages—through both the popular stance and the military action of our armed forces with their remarkable jihadist performance—truly make the commemoration of this occasion a decisive distinction: It draws a line between Islam and disbelief, between faith and hypocrisy, between the choice of submission and humiliation before the disbelievers (which, regrettably, some among the Ummah have adopted), and the faith-based choice of defiance to the disbelievers—the choice that embodies the path of faith and follows the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F).

Considering this magnificent scene—so clearly manifested in the million-strong turnout of our dear people in support of this jihadist effort—we once again issue a warning to the Americans: If they persist in their aggression against our country in support of the Israeli enemy, they will only drive us to confront their escalation with further and more powerful measures. We are currently countering their aggression by targeting their aircraft carrier and their warships in the sea, but if they persist, we possess even greater options for escalation—options that will be even more painful and distressing for them. We thus direct this warning to them. They should heed the clear and forceful message delivered by our dear people today, confirming their steadfastness.

Furthermore, the Israeli enemy's insistence on preventing aid from entering the Gaza Strip amounts to a grave act of aggression—an appalling crime that cannot be ignored. On this matter too, we have made it clear that imposing a blockade on Israeli vessels is only a first step. However, as the famine afflicting the Palestinian people in Gaza worsens, we cannot simply stand by or limit our response to this stage. In this position, we are guided by our religious, moral, and faith-based responsibility and also seek to do all that within our power. Therefore, when circumstances demand and duty calls, we do not hesitate to take greater steps or broader action; we are ready.

We express our gratitude and appreciation to my people and ask Allah (Glory be to Him) to reward you, to grant you honour, to elevate your status, and to accept from you this magnificent gathering and the significant participation on the anniversary of this blessed battle, which pleases Him and constitutes an act of jihad in His path and for the sake of His pleasure. In this lecture, we will speak about the Great Battle of Badr and its important lessons and insights for us (especially in the light of our current course of action) and for our Ummah as a whole, which is in need of reminders regarding that.

Key points to know before discussing the Battle of Badr!

In this lecture, we will begin with important introductions. This battle reminds us of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F), of his march, of his jihad, and of the idea that he is our role model and example: He guides us, and we are guided by his life, positions, and actions. We believe that he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of His Prophets, the role model, and the guide for us on the path of truth. Hence, when we return to such occasions and recall some of the life of the Prophet (PBUH&F), it is in the spirit of seeking guidance and following his example.

The journey of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) in establishing the religion, building the Ummah, and applying the teachings of the Holy Quran to every field of life serves as guidance for Muslims across the ages—not only for his own generation. Indeed, he (PBUH&F) always kept future generations in mind and acted accordingly. Through every action, arrangement, and stance, he provided guidance for Muslims until the end of time. He did not limit his considerations to his own era in his mission to establish the religion of Allah, build the Ummah, and work in every field on the basis of the Quran's guidance. This is an important matter for us to understand well because it provides us with the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) as a source of guidance that we can follow and benefit from.

People usually study historical events to understand their causes and effects. Indeed, one of the chief benefits of looking back at history is that it allows us to learn from experience: what led to victory and what resulted in defeat, the reasons for success and failure, and so on. This is of great importance and benefit.

However, regarding the life of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) and the historical events within the framework of his jihad and work, while they are indeed rich with lessons related to this aspect and represent a significant and inspiring school about causes, effects, and the laws that govern life, there is also another consideration that is more profound and important. It is not limited to the fact that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) attained an unparalleled level of success, especially when one considers the various factors involved:

• the extremely limited means available — both in material terms and in numbers and resources;
• the immense complexities faced, whether in circumstances, conditions, or the nature of the adversaries;
• and the extraordinary magnitude of the achievement realised despite all these challenges.

This is of the utmost importance when reflecting on what was achieved by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and the believers, and on the very nature and magnitude of that achievement. For it was a truly great achievement—one that brought about a sweeping transformation in the entire situation and altered the course of history. Yet, despite all this, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) remains the supreme model and guide. He is the Messenger of Allah, and our religious and faith-based affiliation demands following his example. This is a unique feature of the biography of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F). There is a fundamental difference between studying the events of his life and studying other events: We may benefit from other events by grasping the divine laws that govern life and the causes and outcomes, but when it comes to the life of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F), we also seek guidance and emulation as a result of this connection and faith-based affiliation. That is why Allah (Glory be to Him) declares in the Holy Quran: {'Indeed in the messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often'}[Al-Ahzab 33:21].

Historical events that altered the course of history and brought about significant transformations in human history have a particular significance among all events. Although history abounds in events, certain ones are distinguished by this very characteristic: They altered the course of history, produced new realities in human society, and exerted a far-reaching influence across generations. Their impact was not confined to a certain circumstance, community, or period of time; rather, they extended broadly and endured through the ages. Thus, such events carry a unique and exceptional significance compared to all others.

Among those historic events that hold such significance and distinction are the Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Mecca—we shall discuss the Conquest of Mecca in another lecture, Allah willing. These impacts and transformations of these events have extended to our present day and will continue beyond it until the end of history; therefore, their importance and relevance for us is truly immense.

The urgent need for the Muslim Ummah to return to the Prophet's life for guidance!

As our Ummah, at this very stage, is facing intense targeting and experiencing a state of considerable confusion concerning choices, decisions, positions, and orientations, it is in greater need than ever to return to the life of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) and draw lessons and insights from it and from his jihad, approaching it with trust and the intention of emulation. As we mentioned, the relationship with the Messenger is one of faith, and his actions and march were guided by faith. That is, he did not act or make decisions based on personal perspectives that were disconnected from religious and faith-based teachings. Rather, he acted by the light of Allah, by His guidance, and according to His teachings. Concerning the Battle of Badr, Allah said to him, {'For it was your Lord Who made you venture from your home for a just cause'}[Al-Anfal 8:5]: This was always in response to Allah's instructions and teachings. Therefore, the practical endeavours of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) in his jihad and in his march were within the framework of implementing Allah's directives and fulfilling His instructions. Thus, the life of the Prophet (PBUH&F) is a school in terms of religious and faith-based commitment and in terms of the fulfilment of religious and faith-based responsibilities on that basis.

It holds this value. In other words, the matter is not merely that we are studying the ideas or actions of ordinary individuals confined to their own personal experiences. Rather, when we study the life of the Messenger of Allah, we study Islam and faith and observe the truth as it is practically embodied in reality. By virtue of our faith-based belonging, we see ourselves obligated to pursue this path and follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) and all that he presented, thereby reinforcing our confidence in the success of this approach.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) moved forward in accordance with the Holy Quran, acting upon Allah's guidance and instructions that we read and study in the Holy Quran. So what were the results? He encountered extraordinarily difficult and complex circumstances—yet what was the outcome? We see this clearly in his life; it strengthens our confidence in taking the path of faith and assures us of the profound results that follow when we act on Allah's instructions: When we act according to Allah's instructions, great results follow. This is because they stem from His wisdom, mercy, and knowledge. They are not random instructions issued by someone unaware of the changing times and varying conditions. Rather, they come from Allah (Glory be to Him), the One Who knows both the unseen and the seen: {' He Who knows [every] secret within the heavens and the earth'}[Al-Furqan 25:6].

That is why we must study the Prophet's life and consider the events of his era and his actions from this perspective, for his valuable teachings are founded upon Allah's light and guidance. Hence, we should proceed with confidence, reinforce that confidence, and learn from his example how to put those teachings into practice. Building upon this, the Holy Quran, the life of the Prophet, and his jihad must be our guiding standard as Muslims, especially in this era, for evaluating opinions, orientations, and stances. This is essential because, unfortunately, the Ummah is currently experiencing immense confusion.

The enemies are actively targeting this Ummah. Indeed, the Americans, the Israelis, and the Jewish Zionist movement are all targeting this Ummah. Their options, measures, and positions are clear, and their orientation is firm and unambiguous. They do not engage in endless debate or become paralysed by indecision over every step, action, or position. On the contrary, they act according to a set plan and a clear project—the Zionist project—which serves as their foundation. Their objectives and policies are clearly defined, and all are aggressive in nature. They pursue interim gains in order to reach their final goals, acting with unmistakable clarity of purpose.

Regrettably, we see this reality prevailing among them, yet lacking among Muslims. It is Muslims who should have taken the lead in confronting their enemies with clear positions, firm principles, a sound and well-considered vision, and a comprehensive plan. In fact, Muslim positions are not consistent; they tend to be short-lived, reactionary responses. That is, whenever the enemies take a step within the framework of their wide project, the Muslim response, marked by inconsistency and contradiction, is nothing more than a fleeting, momentary response to each new development, as though every incident were isolated and nothing would follow. It is as if, whenever a new crisis is manufactured by the Jews, Muslims simply wonder how to respond, then move on to the next, and so forth. Thus, regrettably, they flounder in a state of shocking blindness, ignorance, and foolishness. This is a direct consequence of turning away from the Holy Quran, from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F), and from drawing on his example by acting on the Holy Quran. It is also due to their failure to examine the enemy, its plans, and its real project with seriousness and objectivity.

For this reason, hasty actions and impulsive responses are absolutely the wrong path for this Ummah to follow; they vary, fluctuate, and, in most cases, have no impact, value, or significance in the face of the enemy.

We need to make the movement of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F), along with his life and his successful stands—which have proven their success—a model to follow. Based on that, we must evaluate, as Islamic nations and countries, our positions and orientations: Are they in line with the approach of the Messenger? Do they align with the Quran and the movement of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F)? So if these positions and orientations are not aligned with that, the Ummah should not adopt them, immerse itself in them, or waste time, effort, and opportunities on them in a way that enables the enemies to achieve more successes and strengthen their chances of securing additional accomplishments. This is a very important matter.

Our Ummah is being targeted to the greatest extent and faces an extremely dangerous situation. Its enemies are very evident today—evident in their acts of killing, occupation, and destruction. Actually, they are seeking to: 

• destroy this Ummah,
• erase its religious identity,
• occupy its lands,
• plunder its resources,
• enslave it,
• humiliate it.

That is why they do not relent, moving from one war to the next, from invading one country to another, from orchestrating the internal collapse of countries to launching outright invasions elsewhere.

If, for instance, we review the last twenty years—though this kind of assessment is largely absent among Muslims—what have the Americans and Israelis done? Have they ever allowed the Ummah any peace? Just consider only the last twenty years, although this issue began long ago. Their hostile practices are ongoing and will continue. They will not be stopped except by deterrence, by defeat, by formidable power within the Ummah that blocks their schemes and their criminal, aggressive actions.

فالأُمَّة هي تتضرر بالخيارات الخاطئة، والقرارات الخاطئة، التي تتيح لأعدائها المزيد من السيطرة، من التمكُّن من تنفيذ مؤامراتهم في داخلها؛ لأنهم يشتغلون في كل الاتِّجاهات: الاجتياح المباشر، الأعمال المباشرة، والأعمال التي من داخل الأُمَّة؛ فهم يشتغلون ويَتَحَرَّكون بهذا الشكل.

The Ummah is damaged by wrong choices and decisions that allow its enemies to gain more control and execute their conspiracies from within. They operate in all directions: through direct invasion, direct actions, and activities from within the nation; they work and move in this manner.

The Day of Criterion: How should we view it and what lessons can we learn?

The Day of Criterion is the great title given to the Battle of Badr—named as such by Allah in Surah Al-Anfal. That means it signifies a pivotal moment in history. Therefore, we must regard this occasion with great importance, as it led to profoundly significant outcomes. It is also important to benefit from it and similar events by correcting the perception prevailing in the Ummah, as well as inspiring fresh resolve and motivation within the Ummah and fostering hope as we pursue the right practical course.

Meanwhile, our enemies relentlessly promote fear, exaggeration, despair, and demoralisation within the Ummah. Additionally, they mount vigorous efforts to sow confusion, spreading doubt, promoting falsehoods, and reinforcing misguided choices, as previously discussed.

In light of all this, we must reflect on the Day of Criterion—the anniversary of the Great Battle of Badr—and on what preceded and followed it in the life of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F). We must do so in ways that enable us to sharpen our vision, rekindle our resolve, and strengthen our trust in Allah's promise of victory. This should also enable us to transform the dark and humiliating reality of our Ummah and take decisive, practical steps in the right direction to achieve this change.

One of the first lessons from the Great Battle of Badr is the importance of striving in the cause of Allah. It is the right choice through which Allah brings about change, provides real protection for the Ummah, and drives back the threats and harms posed by the enemies. This, indeed, is a matter of great significance.

Other options are currently being presented and followed in the reality of the Ummah. One option is passivity, inaction, and surrender, and it is the path taken by a broad spectrum of the Ummah: regimes, governments, and leaders, as well as intellectuals, cultural, and political currents and their masses. Their approach is to remain silent and inactive in the face of American actions, leaving them free rein and simply leaving the arena open for them.

Such an attitude is not even rational in the most instinctive sense; it runs counter to basic human nature. How could this be? Yet, alarmingly, this mentality is widespread among large segments of Muslims—governments, the masses, and elites alike.

Worse still, there are those within the Ummah who hold an even more dangerous view: to collaborate with the enemy—forming alliances, joining their ranks, and serving as tools in their schemes.

This is nothing short of a grave calamity. It marks a total departure from the principles of Islam, its noble values, exalted ethics, and its mission to establish justice in life. At the same time, it constitutes full empowerment of the enemy, aiding them against ourselves, the Ummah, our homelands, our people, and our resources. It is mobilisation wholly opposed to the principles of Islam and fundamentally contradicts them.

Jihad for the sake of Allah (Glory be to them) is what can really protect the Ummah and fend off evil and evildoers, for it goes in line with the divine laws that govern this life and determine the relationship between causes and consequences in the course of human life.

Allah (Glory be to Him) said in the Holy Quran, {'And were it not for Allah repelling some people by means of others, the earth would indeed become corrupted'}[Al-Baqarah 2:251]. This is one of Allah's established laws: that He repels people by means of others. This restraint takes the form of practical action—confronting tyranny and resisting oppression, which curbs the excesses of the tyrants. Without this divine law, the earth would be utterly corrupted, and human society would not survive. For among people, there are those whose tyranny, aggression, and evil reach such extremes that they life would either disappear or become full of corruption, with nothing left in a good state. In other word, human life would either disappear entirely or reach a level of such extremely terrible corruption that it would turn into an animalistic, beastly life, devoid of any value for the human essence, human dignity, or human worth. There would be no stability whatsoever, nor any sign of stewardship on the earth: no cultivation, no flourishing, and no stability.

With that said, jihad in the path of Allah remains bound to this divine law, as Allah (Glory be to Him) says, {'And were it not that Allah repels the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned [praised]'}[Al-Hajj 22:40]. Even religious practices would not have survived without this divine law.

Therefore, when Allah permitted and commanded Muslims to strive forth in jihad—as stated in the Holy Quran: {'Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory'}[Al-Hajj 22:39]—this too was in the context of repelling oppression. Even if the Ummah does not want to fight, its enemies are determined to fight it and annihilate it. Out of sheer aggression, the Israeli enemy kills daily—taking the lives of peaceful people, ordinary citizens, humanitarian workers, journalists, and civilians. Thus, the Ummah must act within the framework of this divine principle to repel injustice and protect itself from danger. This is why Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&F) took action in the Great Battle of Badr.

Had there been any alternative more successful, more prudent, more painless, or more suitable, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&F) would have been the first to adopt it instead of jihad, given his perfect wisdom and compassion.

And that concludes our introductory lecture.

We ask Allah (Glory be to Him) to grant us success in seeking what pleases Him. O Allah! Have mercy on our virtuous martyrs, heal the wounded among us, and set free our captives. You are the Hearer of Prayer!

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

 

#Yemen #Sayyed Abdulmalik Al-Houthi #Ramadan Lecture 25-10-21