MCQ Detailed View

The Battle of Badr, fought in the second year of Hijrah, was the first major military encounter between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah. The Muslims achieved a decisive victory, capturing around seventy Quraysh prisoners. After the battle, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consulted his companions regarding the fate of these captives.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), known for his gentle and compassionate nature, advised the Prophet (PBUH) to release the prisoners after taking ransom. He believed that accepting ransom would serve two purposes: it would allow the prisoners’ families to secure their freedom, and the funds could be used to strengthen the economic and defensive capabilities of the Muslim community in Madinah. This approach also offered an opportunity for the captives to reflect upon Islam and potentially accept the faith in the future.

On the other hand, Hazrat Umar (RA) suggested a harsher punishment, arguing that the captives should be executed as a deterrent to the Quraysh and to weaken their forces permanently. This reflected Umar’s (RA) strong stance against those who opposed Islam at the time.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) decided to follow the advice of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and accepted ransom in exchange for the prisoners’ release. In some cases, those who could not pay were asked to teach literacy to Muslim children, introducing a system of exchanging knowledge for freedom—an early example of valuing education in Islam.

This decision demonstrated the Prophet’s (PBUH) balanced leadership, mercy, and strategic foresight. It not only provided financial benefit to the Muslims but also opened hearts and minds toward the message of Islam.

Key Facts:

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  Event occurred in 2 AH after Battle of Badr.

  
  


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  About 70 prisoners were taken by Muslims.

  
  


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  Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) advised ransom; Hazrat Umar (RA) advised execution.

  
  


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  Some captives were released in exchange for teaching literacy.