¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them©

The Hanafi scholar, Muhammad Hamid says: As for calling upon (nida')
the righteous (when they are physically absent, as in the words "O
Muhammad" in the above hadiths), tawassul to Allah Most High through
them is permissible, the supplication (du'a) being to Allah Most Glorious,
and there is much evidence for its permissibility.
g{x i|Üàâxá Éy à{x cxÉÑÄx Éy UtwÜ
ALLAH BE WELL PLEASED WITH THEM
Those who call on them intending "tawassul" cannot be blamed. As for
someone who believes that those called upon can cause effects, benefit, or
harm, which they create or cause to exist as Allah does, such a person is an
idolator who has left Islam - Allah be our refuge!

This then, and a certain person has written an article that tawassul to Allah
Most High through the righteous is unlawful, while the overwhelming
majority of scholars hold it is permissible, and the evidence the writer uses
to corroborate his viewpoint is devoid of anything that demonstrates what
he is trying to prove.

In declaring tawassul permissible, we are not hovering on brink of idolatory

(shirk) or coming anywhere near it, for the conviction that Allah Most High
k
alone has influence over anything, outwardly or inwardly, is a conviction
that flows through us like our very lifeblood.

If tawassul was idolatory (shirk), or if there were any suspicion of idolatory

in it, the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not have
taught it to the blind man when the latter asked him to supplicate Allah for
him, though in fact he did teach him to make "tawassul" to Allah through
him.

And the notion that tawassul is permissible only during the lifetime of the ARWI PRESS
person through whom it is done but not after his death is unsupported by www.manaqib.org
any viable foundation from Sacred Law ["Rudud 'ala abatil wa rasa'il al-
Shaykh Muhammad al-Hamid]
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THE STORY OF BADR indication from the Prophet himself (Allah bless him and grant him peace),
From: Prophet Muhammad – Aspects of His Life 2
the tawassul he taught during his lifetime not requiring anything else to be
By: Fethullah Gülen
http://en.fgulen.com/content/view/1138/3/ generalized to any time thereafter.

Background (3) The authenticity of Tabarani's hadith of the man in need during the
caliphate of Uthman (Allah be well pleased with him) is not discussed by
As Muslim power solidified in Madina, the Quraysh began to worry about a
possible threat to their trade route to Syria. In a letter addressed to 'Abd the article in detail, but deserves consideration, since the hadith explicitly
Allah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul, the Quraysh threatened to kill all Madinese men proves the legal validity of supplicating Allah (tawassul) through the
and enslave their women unless they expelled The Messenger. The Prophet deceased, for 'Uthman ibn Hunayf and indeed all the prophetic
put a timely end to this, and Ibn Ubayy did not pursue the matter.

Next, when Sa'd ibn Mu'adh went to Makka to perform the minor Companions, by scholarly consensus (ijma'), were legally upright ('udul),
pilgrimage ('umra), he was stopped at the Ka'ba's entrance and prevented and are above being impugned with teaching someone an act of
from performing the circumambulation. Also, the Makkans sent quite disobedience, much less idolatory (shirk). The hadith is rigorously
regular invading parties. authenticated (sahih), as Tabarani explicitly states in his "al-Mu'jam al-
saghir." The translator (Nuh Ha Mim Keller), wishing to verify the matter
Given such incidents, the Muslims had to extend their control over the
Syrian trade route to force the Quraysh and other unfriendly tribes to further, to the hadith with its chain of narrators to hadith specialist Sheikh
reconsider. It also was time for the Prophet to show the forces arrayed Shu'ayb Arna'ut, who after examining it, agreed that it was rigorously
against him that the preaching of Islam could not be stopped or eradicated authenticated (sahih) as Tabarani indicated, a judgement which was also
from its adherents' hearts, and that polytheism and unbelief would surrender
confirmed to the translator by the Morrocan hadith specialist Sheikh
to Islam.
'Abdullah Muhammad Ghimari, who characterized the hadith as "very
The Makkan Caravan rigorously authenticated," and noted that hadith masters Haythami and
Mundhiri had explicitly concurred with Tabarani on its being rigorously
At the beginning of 624 CE, a large Qurayshi caravan en route to Makka
authenticated (sahih). The upshot is that the recommendedness of tawassul
from Syria, and escorted by no more than 40 security guards, arrived at a
place within reach of the Muslims. It contained goods that had been to Allah Most High - through the living or the dead - is the position of the
purchased with the Emigrants' property. Naturally Abu Sufyan, the Shafi'i school, which is why both our author Ibn Naqib Al-Misri, and Imam
caravan's leader, feared a Muslim attempt to retrieve their stolen property. Nawawi in his "Al-Adhkar (281-282)", and "al-Majmu" explicitly record
And so he sent a messenger to Makka asking for help and reinforcements.
that "tawassul" through the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace)
This caused an uproar throughout Makka. Leading Qurayshi chiefs decided and asking his intercession are recommended. A final article below by a
to fight the Prophet. About 1,000 fighters left Makka, amidst much pomp Hanafi scholar concludes the discussion.
and show, to crush the Muslims' rising power. They also wanted, as always,
to terrorize neighboring tribes to ensure their trade caravans' continued CALLING UPON THE RIGHTEOUS
safety.

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The Dilemma
(1) that there are 2 hadiths, Tirmidhi's hadith of the "blind man" and
Tabarani's hadith of the "man in need" to whom Uthman ibn Hunayf related The Messenger, always informed of developments that could affect his
the story of the blind man, teaching him tawassul that the Prophet (Allah mission, realized that if an effective step were not taken right then, the
preaching of Islam might suffer a blow. Had the Quraysh taken the
bless him and grant him peace) had taught the blind man. initiative and attacked Madina, the city's small Muslim community might
have perished.
(2) Tirmidhi's hadith is rigorously authenticated (sahih), being the subject
of the above investigation of its chain of narrators, the authenticity of which Even if the Quraysh only brought their caravan safely to Makka by dint of
their military strength, the Muslims' political and military prestige would be
is established beyond a reasonable doubt and attested to by nearly 15 of the undermined. Once this happened, their lives, property, and honor would be
foremost hadith specialists of Islam. The hadith explicitly proves the jeopardized.
validity of supplicating Allah (tawassul) through a living intermediary, as
the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) was alive at the time. Deciding to use his available resources, the Prophet left Madina. Although
he may have wanted a decisive battle with the Quraysh, most Muslims
The author of the article holds that the hadith implicitly shows the validity
wanted to capture the caravan and retrieve their property.
of supplicating Allah (tawassul) through a deceased intermediary as well,
since: The Prophetic Proposition

The Prophet assembled the people and told them that the Qurayshi trade
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) told the blind man to go
caravan was in the north and its invading army was in the south, moving
perform ablution (wudu) pray two rak'as, and then make the supplication toward Madina. He also informed them that God had promised that they
containing the words, "O Muhammad, I seek your intercession with my would be able to seize either party. It was for them to choose which target
Lord for the return of my eyesight," which is a call upon somebody to attack.
physically absent, a state of which the living and the dead are alike.
Aware of the Prophet's intention, an Emigrant named Miqdad ibn 'Amr
replied:
Supplicating Allah (tawassul) through a living or deceased intermediary is,
in the author's words, "not tawassul through a physical body, or through a “O Messenger of God. Proceed as God has commanded you. We are
life or death, but rather through the positive meaning attached to the person with you wherever you go, even as far as Bark al-Ghimad. We shall
not say, as the Children of Israel said to Moses: ‘Go forth, you and
in both life and death, for the body is but the vehicle that carries that your Master, and fight. We shall remain here sitting.’ We rather say:
significance. ‘Go forth, you and your Master, and fight, and we shall fight on your
side as long as the eyelid of any one of us keeps moving.’ ”
And perhaps the most telling reason, though the author does not mention it,
Until the Battle of Badr, The Messenger had not sought military aid from
is that everything the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace)
the Ansar. This was the first time they would prove their commitment to
ordered to be done during his lifetime was "legislation" valid for all Islam. Without addressing them directly, The Messenger again put the two
generations until the end of time unless proven otherwise by a subsequent alternatives before his audience. Realizing what The Messenger was doing,
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an Ansari named Sa'd ibn Mu 'adh, the leader of the Aws tribe, rose and related it by a chain of transmission meeting the standards of Bukhari and
said: Muslim, which the hadith master Dhahabi confirmed, and Shawkani cited
as evidence. Dhahabi and Shawkani, who are they? The meaning of this is
“O Messenger of God. I think your question is directed to the Ansar.
We believe in you, affirm that you are the Messenger of God, and that all the men of the hadith's chain of transmission are known to top
bear witness to the truth of your teachings. We took the oath of Imams of hadith such as Dhahabi (and who is severer than he?), Ibn Hajar
allegiance to you that we would hear and obey you. O Messenger of (and who is more precise, learned, or painstaking than he?), Hakim,
God, do as you wish! By the One Who has sent you with the truth, if
Baihaqi, Tabarani, Ibn 'Abd al-Barr, Shawkani, and even Ibn Taymiya.
you were to take us to the sea and plunge into it, none of us should
remain behind. So take us along to the battlefield with God's
blessings.” This hadith was recorded was recorded by Bukhari in his "al-Tarikh al-
kabir", by Ibn Majah in his "Sunan", where he said it was rigorously
The decision was made to fight. This was also the decree of God, as authenticated (SAHIH), by Nasa'i in "Amal al-yawm wa al-layla", by Abu
mentioned above.
Nu'aym in "Ma'rifa al-Sahaba", by Baihaqi in "Dala'il al-nubuwwa", by
The Armies Mundhiri in "al-Targhib wa al-tahrib", by Haythami in "Majma' al zawa'id
wa manba' al-fawa'id", by Tabarani in "al-Mu'jam al-kabir", by Ibn
The Makkan army consisted of 1,000 fighters, including 600 soldiers in Khuzayma in his "Sahih", and by others.
coats of mail and 200 cavalrymen, and was accompanied by singers and
dancers. Dancing and drinking parties were held whenever it halted. The
soldiers arrogantly vaunted their military power and numerical strength to Nearly 15 hadith masters ("huffaz", hadith authorities with more than
the tribes and settlements it passed, and boasted of their invincibility. Even 100,000 hadiths and their chains of transmission by memory) have
worse, they were fighting for no lofty ideal; rather, they sought to defeat the explicitly stated that this hadith is rigorously authenticated (sahih). As
forces of belief, truth, justice, and good morals.
mentioned above, it has come with a chain of transmission meeting the
The Muslim army was made up of 313 fighters: 86 Emigrants and 227 standards of Bukhari and Muslim, so there is nothing left for a critic to
Ansar. Only two or three Muslims had horses, for resources were scarce. attack or slanderer to disparage concerning the authenticity of the hadith.
There were no more than 70 camels, so three or four persons took turns
riding each camel. The Messenger took turns with two others. When they
Consequently, as for the permissibility of supplicating Allah (tawassul)
asked him to ride the camel and exclude them from the turns, The
Messenger answered: "You are no better in strength than me. Concerning through either a living or dead person, it follows by human reason,
the reward, I am not in less need of it than you." scholarship, and sentiment, that there is flexibility in the matter. Whoever
wants to can either take tawassul or leave it, without causing trouble or
The Muslim soldiers were fully devoted to and ready to die for the cause of making accusations, since it has been this thoroughly checked ("Adilla Ahl
Islam. To accomplish what He had decreed, God made The Messenger
dream that the number of Makkan soldiers was small, just as He made the al-Sunna wa al-Jama'a , 79-83).
number of the Muslims appear smaller in the eyes of the Makkans (8:44).
It is well to review some salient features of the proof that was given, such
as:
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This is an explicit, unequivocal text from a prophetic Companion proving The Battlefield
the legal validity of tawassul through the dead. The account has been
classified as rigorously authenticated (SAHIH) by Baihaqi, Mundhiri, and The two armies met at Badr. The Makkans outnumbered the Muslims by
Haythami. three to one and were far better equipped. However, the Muslims were
fighting for the most sublime cause: to establish God's religion, based on
belief, good morals, and justice. Deeply convinced of Islam's truth and
AUTHENTICITY OF THE HADITH OF THE BLIND MAN eager to die for it, they were ready for battle.

Tirmidhi has stated that the hadith of the blind man is "a hadith that is well Being the first to reach the battlefield, they positioned themselves around
the wells. They also benefited from the heavy downpour of the previous
or rigorously authenticated but singular, being unknown except through his
night, for it provided them with an abundant supply of water that they
chain of narrators, from the hadith of Abu Ja'far, who is not Abu Ja'far quickly stored in large containers. The rain also compacted the loose sand
Khatmi," which means that the narrators of this hadith, despite Abu Ja'far in the upper part of the valley in which they pitched their tents. This
being unknown to Tirmidhi, were acceptable to the degree of being well or allowed them to plant their feet firmly and move with less difficulty. In the
valley's lower part, however, where the Quraysh army stationed itself, the
rigorously authenticated in either case.
ground was marshy. In addition to these Divine blessings, God sent a
feeling of drowsiness over the Muslims and gave them a feeling of peace
But scholars before Tirmidhi established that Abu Ja'far, this person and security (8:11).
unknown to Tirmidhi, was Abu Ja'far Khatmi himself. Ibn Abi Khaythama
The Formation
said: "The name of this Abu Ja'far, whom Hammad ibn Salama relates
from, is 'Umayr ibn Yazid, and is the Abu Ja'far that Shu'ba relates from," From their campsite, the Muslim army could see the whole battlefield. It
and then he related the hadith by the channel of transmission of 'Uthman was divided into three parts: one center and two flanks. The central force
from Shu'ba from Abu Ja'far. consisted of the leading Emigrants and Ansar who were foremost in
devotion to The Messenger. Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr, a member of one of
Makka's richest families who had accepted Islam as a youth, carried the
Ibn Taymiya, after relating the hadith of Tirmidhi, said: "All scholars say standard of The Messenger. He was so handsome that when he would go
that he is Abu Ja'far Khatmi, and this is correct." out wearing his silk clothes, before his conversion, Makkan girls would
stare at him from their windows. After he embraced Islam, however, he
Reflect on this. followed The Messenger wholeheartedly. He sacrificed whatever he had in
the way of God, and was martyred at Uhud, during which he again bore the
Prophet's standard. When he lost his right arm, he took the standard in his
The hadith master, Ibn Hajar, notes in "Taqrib al-tahdhib" that he is left hand; when he lost his left arm, he was left with a "head" to protect The
Khatmi, and that he is reliable (saduq). Messenger, before whom he was finally martyred.

The flanks were commanded by 'Ali and Sa'd ibn Mu'adh. 'Ali was famous
Ibn 'Abd al-Barr likewise says that he is Khatmi, in "al-Istii'ab fi ma'rifa al- for his courage and deep devotion to The Messenger. He had been only 9 or
ashab." Moreover, Baihaqi related the hadith by way of Hakim and 10 years old when he told The Messenger: "I will help you," after the
confirmed that it was rigorously authenticated (SAHIH), Hakim having Messenger had gathered his kinsmen at the outset of his mission to seek
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their conversion and support. On the night of the Prophet's Emigration, 'Ali place of ablution and perform ablution (wudu), then come to the mosque,
had slept in the Prophet's bed so he could leave Makka in safety. By the perform two rak'as of prayer therein, and say:
time those surrounding the house discovered this ruse, The Messenger had
reached Thawr cave. 'Ali was wholly dedicated to the cause of God.
'O Allah, I ask You and turn to You through our Prophet Muhammad,
The Messenger took all necessary precautions and made the best possible
preparations. He mobilized his resources and chose his best and most the Prophet of mercy; O Muhammad (Ya Muhammad), I turn through you
qualified men as commanders. He stationed his army at the valley's upper
to my Lord, that He may fulfill my need,' and mention your need. Then
part. He then pitched his tent where he could see the whole battlefield and
have his commands conveyed instantaneously. As the final prerequisite, he come so that I can go with you [to the caliph Uthman]." So the man left and
prayed with great earnestness and humility: did as he had been told, then went to the door of Uthman ibn Affan (Allah
be pleased with him), and the doorman came, took him by the hand,
“O God, here are the Quraysh who in their vainglory seek to brought him to Uthman ibn Affan, and seated him next to him on a cushion.
deny and cry lies against Your Messenger. O God, support us
with the help You promised me. O God, were this small group of
Muslims to perish, no one in the whole world would remain to 'Uthman asked, "What do you need?" and the man mentioned what he
worship You.” wanted, and Uthman accomplished it for him, then he said, "I hadn't
remembered your need until just now," adding, "Whenever you need
After the prayer, he threw a handful of dust at the enemy saying: “May
their faces be scorched.” something, just mention it." Then, the man departed, met Uthman ibn
Hunayf, and said to him, "May Allah reward you! He didn't see to my need
The Battle or pay any attention to me until you spoke with him."

Badr was a severe test for the Muslims. They would either win or be
Uthman ibn Hunayf replied, "By Allah, I didn't speak to him, but I have
martyred, for they were commanded not to flee. They could retreat in
orderly fashion under strong enemy pressure, as a stratagem to seek seen a blind man come to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give
reinforcements or regroup with another party in the rear (8:15), but not him peace) and complain to him of the loss of his eyesight. The Prophet
because of cowardice and defeatism. Such a disorderly flight would reveal (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "Can you not bear it?' and the
that they preferred their lives over Islam, a major and deadly sin.
man replied, 'O Messenger of Allah, I do not have anyone to lead me
The battle begins. In the Quraysh's first frontline were 'Utba ibn Rabi'a, his around, and it is a great hardship for me.'
brother Shayba, and his son Walid. They challenged the Muslims to single
combat. Three young Ansar went forward. "We will not fight Madina's The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) told him, 'Go to the
farmers and spherherds!" 'Utba shouted arrogantly. This was, in fact, what place of ablution and perform ablution (wudu), then pray two rak'as of
The Messenger expected. He ordered 'Ali, Hamza, and 'Ubayda ibn Harith
forward for single combat. Hamza fought and killed 'Utba, and 'Ali killed prayer and make the supplications.'" Ibn Hunayf went on, "By Allah, we
Walid with two blows. 'Ubayda, who was old, fought Shayba and was didn't part company or speak long before the man returned to us as if
wounded on his knee. Hamza and 'Ali rescued him, killed Shayba, and nothing had ever been wrong with him."
carried 'Ubayda away.

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Scholars of Sacred Law infer from this hadith the recommended character The Outcome
of the "prayer of need," in which someone in need of something from Allah
The Quraysh were shocked by such an unexpected beginning. The
Most High performs such a prayer and then turns to Allah with this Muslims' belief and sincerity won them God's help. The Quraysh, who had
supplication together with other suitable supplications, traditional or exulted in their power, were decisively defeated by the ill-equipped
otherwise, according to the need and how the person feels. Muslims. Seventy Qurayshis were killed. 'Awf and Mu'awwidh, two young
Ansari brothers, joined with 'Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud to kill Abu Jahl, who
The Messenger called the "Pharaoh of the Muslim Umma." Almost all
The express content of the hadith proves the legal validity of "tawassul" Qurayshi leaders were killed: Abu Jahl, Walid ibn Mughira, 'Utba ibn
through a living person (as the Prophet - peace be upon him - was alive at Rabi'a, 'As ibn Sa'id, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, and Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid.
that time). It implicitly proves the validity of tawassul through a deceased Prior to the battle, The Messenger had indicated the spots where they would
one as well, since tawassul through a living or dead person is not through a die, saying: "'Utba will be killed here; Abu Jahl here, Umayyah ibn Khalaf
here," and so on.
physical body or through or through a life or death, but rather through the
positive meaning (ma'na tayyib) attached to the person in both life and Seventy Qurayshis were captured. God allowed the Muslims to ransom
death. them, and some were released. However, those who could read and write
were to be released only after they had taught these skills to the unlettered
Muslims. Such treatment proved very beneficial for the Muslims' image.
The body is but the vehicle that carries that significance, which requires
First, those captives who had expected execution gladly paid the ransom.
that the person be respected whether dead or alive; for the words "O Second, Madina's low literacy rate was raised and the newly literate
Muhammad" are an address to someone physically absent - in which state Muslims could be more effective in preaching Islam and gaining people's
the living and dead are alike - an address to the meaning, dear to Allah, that respect. Third, literate captives could learn about Islam and be in close
contact with Muslims. This was certain to soften their hearts and accelerate
is connected with his spirit, a meaning that is the ground of "tawassul," be it
their conversion, together with that of their families. Fourth, the captives'
through a living or dead person. families and relatives were so glad to see their captive family members,
whom they had presumed dead, that they became much more receptive to
THE HADITH OF THE MAN IN NEED Islam."

The decisive victory gained at Badr made Islam a force to be reckoned with
Moreover, Tabarani, in his "al-Mu'jam al saghir," reports a hadith from throughout Arabia, and many hardened hearts were inclined to accept
'Uthman ibn Hunayf that a man repeatedly visited Uthman ibn Affan (Allah Islam.
be pleased with him) concerning something he needed, but Uthman paid no ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
attention to him or his need. The man met Ibn Hunayf and complained to
him about the matter - this being after the death (wisal) of the Prophet
(Allah bless him and give him peace) and after the caliphates of Abu Bakr
and Umar - so Uthman ibn Hunayf, who was one of the Companions who
collected hadiths and was learned in the religion of Allah, said: "Go to the

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(2) The TAWASSUL of a living person to Allah Most High through his
g{x i|Üàâxá Éy à{x cxÉÑÄx Éy UtwÜ own good deeds, as in the hadith of the three people trapped in a cave by a
ALLAH BE WELL PLEASED WITH THEM
great stone, a hadith related by Imam Bukhari in his "Sahih;"
I seek refuge in Allāh from the accursed satan
In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind (3) And the TAWASSUL of a person to Allah Most High through His
May Allāh accept al-Fātiha from us as a gift for our master and leader the entity (dhat), names, attributes, and so forth.
Prophet Muhammad, the chosen one (Allāh bless him and give him peace)
Since the legality of these types is agreed upon, there is no reason to set
and also for our masters who fought in Badr and Uhud (Allāh be well
forth the evidence for them. The only area of disagreement is supplicating
pleased with them).
Allah (tawassul) through a righteous dead person. The majority of the
orthodox Sunni Community hold that it is lawful, and have supporting
In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind
hadith evidence, of which we will content ourselves with the Hadith of the
Praise be to Allāh, Lord of the Worlds. The Most Merciful, the Most Kind.
Blind Man, since it is the central pivot upon which the discussion turns.
Owner of the Day of Judgment. Thee (alone) we worship; Thee alone we
ask for help. Show us the straight path. The path of those whom Thou hast
THE HADITH OF THE BLIND MAN
favored; not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who
astray.
Tirmidhi relates, through his chain of narrators from 'Uthman ibn Hunayf,
that a blind man came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace)
In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind
and said, "I've been afflicted in my eyesight, so please pray to Allah for
Say: He is Allāh, the One! Allāh, the eternally Besought of all! He
me." The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "Go make
begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him.
ablution (wudu), perform two rak'as of prayer, and then say:

In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind

"Oh Allah, I ask You and turn to You through my Prophet Muhammad,
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of Daybreak - from the evil of that which He
created; from the evil of the darkness when it is intense, and from the evil
the Prophet of mercy; O Muhammad (Ya Muhammad), I seek your
of malignant witchcraft, and from the evil of the envier when he envieth.
intercession with my Lord for the return of my eyesight [and in another
version: "for my need, that it may be fulfilled. O Allah, grant him
In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind intercession for me"]."
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, the God of
mankind, from the evil of the sneaking whisperer who whispereth in the The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) added, "And if there is
hearts of mankind of the jinn and of mankind. some need, do the same."
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬

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 ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them© ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them©
(Supplication) O Allāh, adorn us with the adornment of belief, ennoble us
TAWASSUL
with the nobility of the Qur’an, honour us with the honour of our master
SUPPLICATING ALLAH THROUGH AN INTERMEDIARY
From Reliance of the Traveller Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Make the reward of our
By Sheikh Nuh Ha Mim Keller recitation of al-Fātiha reach all the prophets and messengers and make us
www.sunnipath.com/Resources/Questions/QA00000140.aspx all of those who love them. May Allāh bless and grant peace to the best of
His creation, our master Muhammad, his family and all of his companions.
TAWASSUL (definition) Exalted is your Lord, the Lord of Might, far beyond their descriptions of
Him. And peace be upon the messengers. And praise be to Allāh, Lord of
Supplicating Allah by means of an intermediary, whether it be a living [all] the Worlds. (37:180-182)
person, dead person, a good deed, or a name or Attribute of Allah Most ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
High. I seek refuge in Allāh from the accursed satan
In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind
The scholar, YUSUF RIFA'I, says: I here want to convey the position, There has come to you a messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to
attested to by compelling legal evidence, of the orthodox majority of Sunni him is what you suffer; full of concern for you, to the believers kind and
Muslims on the subject of supplicating Allah through an intermediary singularly compassionate. But if they turn away, [then] say, “Sufficient for
(tawassul), and so I say (and Allah alone gives success) that since there is me is Allāh; there is no deity but him. On Him I rely, and He is the Lord of
no disagreement among scholars that supplicating Allah through an the Seat of the Highest Authority.” (9:128-129) ۞ Muhammad is not the
intermediary is in principle legally valid, the discussion of its details merely father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allāh and the Seal
concerns derived rulings that involve interschool differences, unrelated to of the Prophets. And Allāh is Aware of all things. (33:40) ۞ Surely Allāh
questions of belief or unbelief, monotheism or associating partners with and His angels shower blessings upon the Prophet . Oh you who believe,
Allah (shirk); the sphere of the question being limited to permissibility or ask blessings upon him and greet him with greetings worthy [of his high
impermissibility, and its ruling being that it is either lawful or unlawful. station]. (33:56) (O Allāh send Your blessings and peace upon our leader,
There is no difference among groups of Muslims in their consensus on the prophet and master, Muhammad.) ۞ We have truly given you a clear
permissibility of three types of supplicating Allah through an intermediary victory – in order that Allāh may forgive your faults – past and future – and
(tawassul): that He may perfect His blessings upon you and guide you to a straight path
– and [that] Allāh may help you with [a] mighty help (48:1-3) ۞ Exalted is
(1) TAWASSUL through a living righteous person to Allah Most High, as your Lord, the Lord of Might, far beyond their descriptions of Him. And
in the hadith of the blind man with the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant peace be upon the messengers. And praise be to Allāh, Lord of [all] the
him peace) as we shall explain; Worlds. (37:180-182)
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬

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 ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them© ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them©
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind who blessed us
with belief and guided us to the way of the Hanifs and gave us to drink
O Allah, and include his family, companions and the people of Badr
from sublime goblets the enthusiasm for His saying in the Qur’an, “Indeed
the possessors of ambition
We have honoured the children of Adam” (17:70), and He motivated us
with, “Ye are the best community that has been raised up for humankind”
O Allah, be pleased with all the readers and listeners of this lasting
(3:110).
panegyric poem

He honoured us with His beloved, pure, noble one, chosen from

O Allah, beautify our ending with goodness, all praise is due to You,
humankind, namely Muhammad, who was sent with the religion of truth
scented and perpetual.
and aided by dazzling signs. Glory be to He who set up the pillars of His
religion by means of His prophet and the companions of the Prophet whom
O Allah, O Merciful One, have mercy on the muslims and be pleased with
He described thus in the Qur’an, “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
those of Badr, the people of excellence. Send blessings and peace upon the
And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among
Seal of the Prophets, his family and all Companions.
themselves. Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing and falling prostrate
(in worship), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) acceptance. The mark of
O Granter, O One who accepts repentance time and time again, relent
them is on their foreheads from the traces of prostration. Such is their
towards the believers in You. Send peace and blessings upon he who will
likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel like as sown corn that
intercede for the sinful. Be pleased with our Imams, the companions of
sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk,
Badr and provide us, for their sake, the best of this world and religion.
delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight
of) them. Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe and do good
Grant abundant peace. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
works, forgiveness and immense reward” (48:29).
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
Of them He favoured the mujahidin (those who strive in God’s way),
“Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a
The End
rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He
hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;
Degrees of rank from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. Allah is ever
Forgiving, Merciful” (4:95-96)

Of the mujahidin He favoured those who were martyred in the battle of

Badr. They sacrificed their pure souls for Allah and His messenger. Allah
honoured them and made clear benefits in reading their names and doing
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 ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them© ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them©
lives. O Allah, do not take us to task for the evil of our actions nor destroy
Tawassul to Allah by them. By their lofty blessings, may Allah benefit us
us on account of our mistakes. O Allah, we ask You to protect us from the
through them in both worlds and may He grant abundant peace upon our
punishment of the Grave and to make us safe from the Greatest Fear (al-
master Muhammad, upon his family and companions.
faza‘ al-akbar) and the Abode of Perdition. Make us inhabitants of Paradise
in the Hereafter by the right of Muhammad and his pious family. May
May Allah be well pleased with the people of Badr May He be well pleased with the martyrs of Badr
Allah send His blessings upon the best of His creation, our master
Muhammad, his family and all of the Companions. Praise be to Allah, Lord
Qasida 1
of the worlds.
Blessings, peace and the purest of greetings be upon the Chosen one
and his family in every generation
O Allah, the ‘Virtues of the people of Badr’, the noble upright
companions, has now been completed
Indeed, praise belongs to Allah, Creator of creation, for guiding us to
the religion of the ‘Best Community’
O Allah, forgive us of all mistakes for the sake of the people of Badr,
the helpers of humankind
And for favouring us with Ahmad, the prophet of guidance, the
eraser of ruin
O Allah, be merciful to us and expand our sustenance and fulfill our
aims
A messenger who called the disbelievers to the truth and so the
foremost ones followed him and were guided and all attained success
O Allah, distance us from hell and cause us to enter the Abode of
Peace
Whoever prevented others from (believing in) him perished and
were ruined; By various punishments and afflictions
O Allah, make us safe from affliction, grief, depression and
crowding
Allah aided him with miracles and with the foremost ones, they
established the religion of God with victory
O Allah, save us from our own selves, from satan, people, the world
and the abode of blame
They spent their wealth generously and sold their souls for the
religion of guidance in all regions by military campaign
O Allah, free us of the need for anyone besides You, of things that
are other (than You) and avert from us the forbidden (haraam)
“Harsh with the disbelievers, merciful to each other”, their virtues
are over and above all ranks
O Allah, send blessings and peace to Taha, the intercessor for
creation on the Day of Rising
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And of the Companions Allah favoured the people of Harb and
Suffah who consisted of both Ansar and Muhajirin O God forgive and be generous to us by causing us to attain our
requests. And repel harm from us for the sake of the people of Badr O
And of them, our Lord God honoured those who participated in the Allah
battle of Badr with numerous blessings and the highest distinction
O God, You are the Possessor of subtle kindness, grace and affection.
The Book and the Sunnah’s praising of them is sufficient in How many a worry was banished for the sake of the people of Badr O
establishing their rank Allah!

Upon them be Allah’s pleasure and happiness, also His giving, most May Allah send blessings without limit nor restriction, upon the
complete gifts and purest greetings. devoted Prophet. And his family, masters, the finest of people and
upon the people of Badr O Allah
And may the Lord of creation bless the Guide, his family and ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
companions accompanied by peace. Closing Du‘a for ‘Virtues of the People of Badr’
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ O Allah send Your blessings upon our master Muhammad and upon the
Allah-glorified and exalted be He says, “Think not of those, who are slain family of our master Muhammad, such a blessing by which we are saved
in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have from all terrors and trials, and from all sicknesses and plagues, a blessing
provision. Jubilant (are they) because of that which Allah hath bestowed that purifies us from all sins and which is a cause of us being forgiven for
upon them of His bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not all mistakes, which fulfills all our needs, which raises us with You to the
joined them but are left behind: that there shall no fear come upon them highest degrees and which causes us to attain our ultimate goals, in all
neither shall they grieve ” (3:169-170). things good, during our lifetime and after death. O Allah we do Tawassul to
You through Your mighty Name and by the rank of Your noble prophet, the
The scholars of Siyar (Allah’s mercy be upon them) have said that of the martyrs and all the companions, that You forgive us of sins, cover our
martyrs of Badr, only ten or so were actually martyred but that the rest faults, make our characters (akhlaq) excellent, expand our sustenance
share the same reward, thus confirming the truth of the aforementioned (rizq), cure illnesses and free us of pains. And by them, repel from us and
noble verse along with clear hadiths and decisive evidences. from the people of our land and homes, this permeating poison, oppressive
affliction and forbidding epidemic. Indeed You are the Answerer of
Regarding the exact number who were martyred (i.e. the total number who prayers, the All-hearing. O Allah, illuminate our hearts with knowledge and
participated in Badr, slain or otherwise), it was 313, 314, 315 or, according make our bodies be used for Your obedient service. Purify our inmost
to some scholars, 363. selves from afflictions and make our thoughts occupied with contemplation.
O Allah, forgive our previous sins and protect us for the remainder of our

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We do Tawassul through ‘bismillah’ and through the Guide, the As to miraculous incidents connected to the names of those who
Messenger of Allah. And through all who strive for Allah and the participated in Badr, then they are numerous. We shall mention here just a
people of Badr, O Allah fraction of them with the hope that on account of them, Allah blesses us
and pours down springs of their fragrances upon us.
O Allah make the Ummah safe from ruin and misfortune. And from
worry and distress for the sake of the people of Badr O Allah Miraculous Incidents
A person set out intending the pilgrimage to the inviolable House of God
O Allah save us, lift all harm and thwart the plots of enemies and be (i.e. to Mecca) and wrote the names of the people of Badr on a piece of
kind to us for the sake of the people of Badr O Allah paper that he placed in the lintel of his house door. Thieves came intending
to burgle the place and when they went up on the roof, heard conversation
O God, dispel the anxieties of us disobedient and ruined ones. And and the clank of weapons so retreated.
avert all tribulation and epidemics for the sake of the people of Badr O
Allah They returned to burgle for two consecutive nights only to experience the
same thing. Due to their astonishment they desisted from burgling the
How many an occasion did protection come about and was abasement place.
removed. And how many a blessing arrived due to the people of Badr,
O Allah When the owner of the house returned from the Hajj the head of the gang
asked him “I adjure you by God to tell me what you did to your house to
The whole world has constricted the heart, along with fear. So save all protect it?” The owner replied “I did nothing other than write God Most
of us from this difficulty for the sake of the people of Badr O Allah High’s word’s ‘and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them
for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory)’ (2:255) and the names of
We have come seeking support and the bulk of felicity and good the people of Badr”.
fortune. Therefore show open handed generosity to us for the sake of
the people of Badr O Allah The thief said “This is enough for me”. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the
worlds.
And do not turn us away in disappointment, rather make us be upon
goodness. O Possessor of might and awe for the sake of the people of May Allah be well pleased with the people of Badr May He be well pleased with the martyrs of Badr

Badr O Allah
Qasida 2
If You turn us away then who is there for us to go to for fulfillment of Oh Lord, bless and send peace, always and forever upon the Prophet
allour needs? O Dispeller of calamities, for the sake of the people of that includes his companions and family
Badr O Allah
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Mujadh-dhar, and Ma’bad, and Ma’bad, Ma’qal, and al-Mundhir, and
May the pleasure of my Lord be upon our great masters, those martyrs
Muharriz, and Mulail, and Nadr, and al-Nu’mān, and al-Nu’mān, and al-
of the land of Badr as much as there are grains of sand on earth
Nu’mān, and al-Nu’mān, and al-Nu’mān, and al-Nu’mān, and al-Nu’mān,
They are the army of virtue, excellence and noble deed, they built up and al-Nu’mān, and Nawfal
the religion of the chosen one who was of the tribe of Mudar
May Allah be well Pleased with all of Them
They are suns of the religion of guidance, full moons of our
community. Truly how excellent a group, they have no equals And through Wāqid, and Wahb, and Wahb, and Wadī’a, and Wadqa, and
Haaniy, and Hubail, and Hilal, and Yazīd, and Yazīd, and Yazīd, and
Brave of heart in war and battle like panthers of death against the Yazīd, and Yazīd, and Abī Sinān, and Abī ‘Uqail, and Abī Haitham, and
disbelievers and their leaders Abī Mulail, and Abī Lubāna, and Abī Hunna, and Abī Hanna, and Abī
Dayya, and Abī Shaikh, and Abī Dujāna, and Abī Talha, and Abī al-A’wār,
The necks of disbelief bowed to them and were in disarray due to and Abī Ayyūb, and Abī Jabīb, and Abī Qais, Abī Khallād, and Abī
attacks against them by heroes endowed with insight Khārija, and Abī Sirma, and Abī Khuzaima, and Abī Qatāda, and Abī
Dawūd, and Abī Salīt, and Abī Salīt, and Abī Hasan, and Abī al-Yasr, and
Ask if you please, Hunayn, Badr and Uhud (famous battles), how the Abī Hasan, and Abī al-Yasr, and Abī Mas’ūd
disbelievers were tormented and how death flowed
Upon them all be constant peace, gifts and splendour, as long as the Sun moves and rises
They are men, indeed mountains, indeed like Time in determination,
great masters indeed We ask You O Allah by all the Companions (Allah’s pleasure be upon
them all) to protect us from all afflictions and all evil and to give us
Treat with reverence these men of chivalrous qualities whose virtues happiness and joy by Your fulfilling our needs. Make us of Your
were complete and whose benefits to creation are indisputable righteous servants on the Day of Judgement and Gathering. May Allah
bless and grant peace to our master Muhammad, his family and
We ask Allah, Creator of Humankind through them and through the
companions as much as the heedful remember him and the heedless
Chosen Master (i.e. the Prophet) to fulfill our aims and to save us all
forget him.
from affliction and harm in religion and worldly affairs and from hell
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬

Blessings be upon “this Prophet” (3:68), his family and companions as Blessings of Allah, the peace of Allah be upon the Meccan, the
long as the full moon ‘Badr’ travels by night Messenger of Allah. Blessings of Allah, the peace of Allah be upon
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ the Medinan, the beloved of Allah

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Another person relates “I had a son whom I loved more than anyone else,
And through ‘Āqil, and ‘Ubaida, ‘Umair, and ‘Umair, ‘Umair, and ‘Abd who possessed decency and religion. The son of a minister unjustly and
Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, aggressively murdered him. I appealed for retaliation against him but no
and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Ayyād, and ‘Uthmān, and ‘Uqba, and ‘Uqba, and one would take up my case. Therefore I started to beseech Allah Most High
‘Ukkāsha, and ‘Āmir, and ‘Āmir, and ‘Āmir, and ‘Ummār, and ‘Amr, and through the people of Badr morning and evening appealing for their sake
‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Ummāra, that retribution would come about. Depression and despair befell me.
and ‘Uwaim, and ‘Uwaim, and ‘Abbād, and ‘Ubaid, and ‘Ubaid, and
‘Ubaid, and ‘Ubaid, and ‘Abd al-Rahmān, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, Then, while I was sleeping one night, I saw men of splendid bearing and
and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Āsim, and ‘Āsim, pleasing state. Someone said, “O people of Badr, onward!” They thus all
and ‘Āsim, and ‘Awf, and ‘Umair, and ‘Umair, and ‘Umair, and ‘Ummāra, advanced. I said to myself “Subhanallah! (an expression of surprise), these
and ‘Ubaid, and ‘Abd Rabbi, and ‘Abda, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, are the people of Badr, by Allah I will follow them!” I started walking
and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and ‘Amr, and behind them until they reached a raised place. Each one of them sat on
chairs of light. I saw people coming to them with their various complaints
‘Āmir, and ‘Āmir, and ‘Āmir, and ‘Āmir, and ‘Ā’id, and ‘Āsim, and
so I told them my story (i.e. his son’s unavenged murder) to which one of
‘Usaima, and ‘Isma, and ‘Abs, and ‘Abbād, and ‘Ubāda, and ‘Abd Allāh,
them replied “There is no power and strength save in Allah, the Most High,
and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and
the Majestic.”
‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd
Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh, and ‘Abd Allāh,
He then turned to those with him and asked “Who of you will bring me the
and al-‘Ajlān, and ‘Utbān, and ‘Utba, and ‘Utba, and ‘Utba, and ‘Uqba, and
antagonist of this man?” So somebody set off and had not been gone for a
‘Uqba, and ‘Adiy, and ‘Atiyya
moment but that he returned with the murderer whom he asked “Was it you
who murdered this man’s son?” He replied “Yes”. He was then asked
May Allah be well Pleased with all of Them “Why?” to which he admitted “It was an unjustified and aggressive act on
my part.” He was then told to sit on the floor which he did. I was handed a
And through Ghannām, and al-Fāki, and Farwa, and Qudāma, and Qatāda, dagger and told “This is your antagonist, go ahead, kill him just as he killed
and Qutba, and Qais, and Qais, and Qais, and Ka’b, and Ka’b, and Libda, your son.” I took hold of him slaughtering him by slitting his throat at
and Mihja’, and Mālik, and Mālik, and Midlāj, and Mas’ab, and Ma’mar, which point I suddenly woke up. In the morning I heard a big commotion
and Marthad, and al-Miqdād, and Mistah, and Mas’ūd, and Muhriz, and that the minister’s son had been found dead with his throat cut that morning
Mu’attab, and Ma’n, and Mubash-shar, and Muhammad, and al-Mundhir, in bed by an unknown assailant!”
and al-Mundhir, and Mālik, and Mālik, and Ma’n, and Mu’attab, and
Mu’attab, and Mas’ud, and Mu’awwidh, and Mu’awwidh, and Mu’ādh, and May Allah benefit us through them (i.e. the people of Badr)
Mu’ādh, and Mu’ādh, and Mu’ādh, and Mu’ādh, and Mālik, and Mālik,
and Mālik, and Mas’ūd, and Mas’ūd, and Mas’ūd, and Mas’ūd, and May Allah be well pleased with the people of Badr May He be well pleased with the martyrs of Badr

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Barā’i, and Bashīr, and Bishr, and Tamīm, and Tamīm, and Tamīm, and
Qasida 3
Thaqf, and Tha’labat, and Thābith, and Thābith, and Thābith, and Thābith,
Allah be well pleased with the help of creation, the Pole of the Awliya
and Thābith, and Thābith, and Tha’labat, and Tha’labat, and Jabr, and
Jābir, and Jubair, and Jābir, and Jubair, and Jābir, and Jabbār, and Hamza,
Whoever ruin has descended upon and is beset with worries, then call
and Hātib, and Hātib, and al-Husain, and al-Harth, and al-Harth, and al-
out in appeal, O people of Badr, the martyrs
Harth, and al-Harth, and al-Harth, and al-Harth, and al-Harth, and al-Harth,
and al-Harth, and Hāritha, and Hāritha, and Hāritha, and Hāritha, and
Whoever is in grief, sorrow and gloom, then say, while seeking
Huraith, and al-Hubāb, and Habīb, and Harām, and Hamza
sanctuary, O people of Badr, the martyrs

Whoever is afflicted by the bitterness of misfortune and constricted May Allah be well Pleased with all of Them
with a fearful heart, say, while hurrying and hastening, O people of
Badr, the martyrs And through Khālid, and Khabbāb, and Khabbāb, and Khunais, and
Khusaim, and Khawliy, and Khawwāth, and Khidāsh, and Khirāsh, and
How many an occasion did relief from suffering and calamities come Khārija, and Khallād, and Khallād, and Khallād, and Khallād, and Khālid,
about by your rank and how many a victory! O people of Badr, the and Khulaid, and Khalīfa, and Khubaib, and Dhi al-Shimālain, and
martyrs Dhakwān, and Rabī’a, and Rib’iy, and Rifā’at, and Rāfi’, and Rāfi’, and
Rāfi’, and Rāfi’, and Rāfi’, and Rifā’at, and Rifā’at, and Rifā’at, and
O Lord, grant our hopes, repel afflictions and hardships and bring Rāshid, and al-Rabī’i, and Ruhaila, and Zaid, and Zaid, and Zaid, and
relief for us with happiness for the sake of the people of Badr, the Ziyād, and Ziyād, and Ziyād, and Zaid, and Zaid, and Zaid, and al-Sā’ib,
martyrs and Sālim, and Sabra, and Sinān, and Suhail, and Suwaibit, and Sa’d, and
Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Simāk, and Sufyān, and
O our Lord, avert from us all ruin and trials, lift the calamities of the Salma, and Salma, and Salma, and Sālim, and Sahl, and Sahl, and Sahl, and
age for the sake of the people of Badr, the martyrs Suhail, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Sa’d, and Simāk, and
Sufyān, and Surāqa, and Surāqa, and Sulaim, and Sulaim, and Sulaim, and
Indeed we have come to You (i.e. to Allah) requesting and seeking so
Sulaim, and Salīth, and Sinān, and Sawād, and Sawād, and Shujā’, and
do not turn us away disappointed for the sake of the people of Badr,
Shammās, and Sharīk, and Safwān, and Suhaib, and Sabīh, and Saifiy, and
the martyrs
al-Dahhāk, and al-Dahhāk, and Damra, and Tulaib, and al-Tufail, and al-
Tufail, and al-Tufail
You are the Greatest Lord, You are Kind and Most Generous so have
mercy on us O Most Merciful One for the sake of the people of Badr,
May Allah be well Pleased with all of Them
the martyrs
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 ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them© ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them©
Of the purest lineage and noblest descent, all of the Arabs are in his
service May Allah eternally send blessings upon the Messenger Ahmad, his
family the stars of guidance and upon the people of Badr, the martyrs
Trees moved miraculously towards him furrowing the earth, rocks ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
spoke; he split the moon by pointing at it
It’s related that Zayd ibn ‘Aqil (rahimahu Allah Ta ‘ala) said “For some
years the main highway in the western region was out of bounds due to
Gabriel came on the night of the prophet’s Isra when he was called to
predatory beasts and highway bandits. Anyone setting off on this route
the Lord’s presence
would perish even if traveling in numbers.

He attained honour and Allah forgave for him what had been done
A group of us were once sitting when a man appeared from the highway
previously by his community
with a large amount of merchandise. Apart from a male slave, no one else
was with him. He was moving his lips as if reciting something. We
Muhammad is our master and we are enobled by responding to what
received him and said among ourselves, “This man truly has something
he called to
great.” We looked behind but there was only the aforementioned slave with
him.
Upon him be the blessings of Allah and upon his family and his
people at Badr.
My father said to him “Subhanallah, how did you make it safely alone with
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
the merchandise while this highway’s been out of bounds for some years
Sheikh Darani (Allah’s mercy be upon him) said that he heard from the due to wild beasts and bandits?” He replied “I embarked on this route with
Sheikhs of Hadith that du‘as (supplications) are answered when the names an army that the Messenger of Allah himself (Peace and blessings be upon
of the people of Badr are mentiond. He added that it’s a tried and tested him) set out on with and with whom he encountered his enemies and with
practice (mujarrab). Others have said that many of the Awliya (those close whom he was granted victory by Allah.”
to God) only attained sainthood (wilaya) by reading their names and doing
Tawassul through them. My father asked “And which army of the Companions could it be that you
have met!?” He replied “I have met the people of Badr (May Allah be well
Therefore we ask Allah Glorified and High through our prophet and master pleased with them) and entered them with me on this perilous route fearing
Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) and through Abū Bakr, neither wild beast nor bandit.”
and ‘Umar, and ‘Uthmān, and ‘Ali, and Talha, and Zubair, and ‘Abd al-
Rahmān, and Sa’d, and Sa’īd, and Abi ‘Ubaida, and al-Akhnas, and al- Mystified, my father said “By Allah, I adjure you to inform me of your
Arqam, and Anasa, and Iyās, and Unais, and Iyās, and Anas, and Ubayyi, story in full!” The merchant replied “Know, may Allah show you mercy,
and As’ad, and Aws, and Bilāl, and Bujair, and Bahhāth, and Basbasa, and that I was once the leader of a gang of bandits. No caravan would pass but

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that we would plunder it and no merchandise would come our way but that
I spoke to him again and he said, ‘Take this piece of paper and put it at the
we seized it. One night as we were sitting, our spies came to inform us that
front of the ship and point with it in the direction the wind is coming from.’
such and such a merchant had set off with a large amount of merchandise
but accompanied by only fifteen men. Upon hearing this we set out and
I took it and did as instructed then lo and behold, Allah lifted the veils off
attacked the party killing ten of them.
my eyes so that I saw men taking hold of the ship’s extremities dragging it
towards land then ramming it into the sand. On that night many ships were
The merchant came to us saying, “O you lot, what do you want!?” Our
wrecked save ours. The next morning a good wind came our way which
reply was, “We want to carry away this merchandise of course so save
enabled us to become unstuck from the sand and set off (sirnar – sirna).
yourself along with whoever remains of your companions!” The merchant
That which was written on the piece of paper was the names of the people
retorted “How can you do anything to me while I have the people of Badr
of Badr. We started to repeat their names until we reached safety.”
with me?” We asked “We don’t know the people of Badr?” The merchant
then said Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest) and started to recite names
These amazing miracles and wondrous incidents were all derived from the
that were unknown to us. This caused panic among us and put us to flight.
light of the greatest of God’s messengers in rank, spiritual aspiration and
glory. Were it not for him Allah would not have created creation, nor
A strong wind then started up against us and we heard a beating sound, the
morning, nor the breaking of dawn.
clang of weapons and the swish of spears with someone saying, “Receive
the people of Badr with graceful patience!”
May Allah be well pleased with the people of Badr May He be well pleased with the martyrs of Badr

I looked and saw men and what men they were! They were like eagles upon
Qasida 6
horses outstripping the wind. They were encircling. After witnessing all this
May the highest of blessings and peace be to the Messenger and his
I hurried to the merchant and said, “ana billah wa bika!” To which he said
family
“Repent to Allah from these acts.” I repented at his hands.
Morning appeared with his appearance and the night spread out from
A like amount of people from my bandit gang was killed as were killed
his hanging locks of hair
from the merchant’s party in retribution. When I wished to depart I asked
him to teach me the names of the people of Badr which he did. Ever since
He surpassed the messengers in virtue and towered above the most
knowing the names I have never been in need of anyone guarding me,
rightly guided of paths which pointed to Him (i.e. Allah)
neither on land nor sea. It was with these names that I came along this route
(i.e. safely) as you have seen. Any thief or wild beast that saw me would
A treasure of generosity, master of bounties, guider of nations to His
avoid my path so Allah be praised”.
Sharia (Sacred law)

May Allah be well pleased with the people of Badr May He be well pleased with the martyrs of Badr

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Qasida 4
They carried out military expeditions and raised high the Word of God I gift my salutations along with eternal salams to the Chosen one and
at the battle of Badr intercessor Muhammad

Chiefs they were, martyrs, pious, outstanding, of discreet generosity The breezes of the Lord of the Throne truly increase at a place where
the names of Badr are mentioned
How many an occasion did relief come about due to Tawassul being
done through them as well as victory in a sublime state Their blessings and their giving is a safety from every calamity and
turbidity
By them we hope that God will remove harm and by them may the
requests of distressed hearts be attained How many a preternatural phenomenon and marvel occurred at their
mention
Continuous blessings of Allah be diffused on Taha, the Hashemite
Prophet, his family and companions as long as people do Tawassul They have perfections of sublimity, magnanimity and glorious deeds
through the people of Badr, the possessors tested fear that by Allah, are not restricted
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬
It is related from a North African, “I set out on a journey on a large ship O those who mention their names and praise them, you have attained
with a lot of people on board. A storm started up with the wind getting goodness and abundant bounties
stronger and the waves bigger until we were almost sinking. Some on board
were praying, some crying and yet others imploring (i.e. God). O all those present, seek nearness and intercession through their high
rank in everything, it will be gained.
A fellow traveler said to me, ‘There’s a majdhub (divinely distracted
person) on board, would you mind approaching him?’ I went and found O Lord, O our Merciful One, we do tawassul by the Chosen one and
him asleep and said to myself, ‘If this poor man had any sense he would not by their (i.e. people of Badr) rank do we seek victory
be sleeping in such dire circumstances.’
Apportion us thankfulness for a bounty bestowed by You out of sheer
I prodded him with my foot to which he awoke saying, ‘In the name of generosity for us, You are a Great Lord
Allah with whose name nothing can cause harm in the earth or sky, and He
is the All-hearing, the All-knowing.’ I said to him, ‘O servant of God, can’t Give generously and increase us in knowledge and give us the tawfiq
you see what we are facing?’ He remained silent and didn’t respond to me. to do good actions and that we are not preoccupied with other than
You
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 ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them© ¨The Virtues of the People of Badr – Allah be well Pleased with Them©
Three days had not passed but that news came to the people of one of the
Repel from us every harmful thing and misfortune and cause us to king’s ships being lost at sea with the king’s son on board along with a vast
attain all goals in which You are brought to mind fortune. With this news, the Byzantines went to the king and told him
everything about me i.e. the bad luck I had brought. They said ‘This
May God bless the Prophet and his family as long as Mars rotates and Muslim has remained in our land and we have been perishing. We have no
the full moon ‘Badr’ shows itself doubt that he must be descended from one of the prophets.’ So the king sent
‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ ‫٭‬ for me and freed me, giving one hundred dinars and provision for returning
me to my land. This was the reason for my deliverance from captivity.”
Sheikh ibn Hajr al-‘Asqalani (Allah’s mercy be upon him) said, “A cousin
of mine was captured in the lands of the idolaters and the Byzantines
May Allah deliver us all for the sake of the people of Badr from the
demanded a large ransom for his release which we were unable to pay. I
imprisonment of sins and mistakes.
therefore sent the names of the people of Badr to him on a sheet of paper
instructing him to memorise them and beseech God through them. Allah May Allah be well pleased with the people of Badr May He be well pleased with the martyrs of Badr
thus freed him without any ransom being given. Upon his return we asked
him about it and he replied: Qasida 5
Blessings of Allah be upon the Guide, the Prophet, the intercessor of
“When that sheet of paper with the names reached me, I did as you humankind on the Day of Reckoning
instructed (i.e. memorized and beseeched God by them). I was put up for
sale as a slave with people haggling over me and agreeing terms for my sale The cool breeze of the Most High Master be upon the companions of
among themselves. Whoever would buy me would have some misfortune Taha the Abtahi (i.e. the Prophet)
befall him so my price went down until I was sold for only seven dinars. I
had only been with my new owner for three days but that he was afflicted Especially the people of Badr who are of the best, the most
with something serious as a consequence of which he would take it out on outstanding ones of manifest superiority
me by torturing me in various ways saying, ‘You are a sorcerer. I am not
going to sell you but rather kill you as a sacrifice to the cross!’ They are the pious, the signposts, the guides, their own selves they
ransomed for the Prophet
Sometime after this, his riding animal bolted, smashing his face and
causing him to die at once. I subsequently became the property of his son Glory be to God who indeed cleared them from blame and gave them,
and he too, started punishing me. News of me had started to spread so the peaks of lofty splendour, precedence
people would tell my new owner ‘Expel this captive from our land.’ He
however refused anything other than killing me. They encompassed honour, virtue and perfection by keeping company
with the beautiful seal of the Messengers
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