The Battle of Badr, the first battle of Islam - Part 2/3

Warfare in those days followed a different pattern. Before the general battle began, a number of duels were fought between the leading warriors on each side. When the Muslims reached the fertile vale of Badr, a favorite watering place and camping ground on the caravan route, three stations northwards from Mecca, the Prophet (S.A.W) ordered a halt, taking up a suitable position near a stream of fresh water, to await the arrival of the infidel army. It was on the next day, Friday, 17th Ramazan 2 AH or January 13th 624 AD that the enemy, blowing their trumpets, approached the Muslims, and both forces were arrayed in battle.

Three of the infidel warriors, Utbah, the father-in-law of Abu Sufyan, his brother Shaybah, and Al-Walid son of Utbah came out of the ranks and arrogantly challenged the Muslims. Three Ansars of Medina stepped forward to meet this challenge. This greatly enraged the Meccans who refused to combat with the Ansars saying, "We have not come all this way to cross arms with the Medinites, against whom we bear no grudge. We challenge the people of Mecca who have the courage to defy us." Upon this Ali and Ubaydah, cousins of the Prophet, and Hamzah his uncle, responded to the challenge. In the words of Col. Bodley, "At the taunt of the Quriashite, Ali dashed out of the Muslim ranks glittering in breast-plate and helmet. He was soon followed by Ubaydah bin al-Harith, a paternal cousin of Muhammad and Hamzah who wore an ostrich feather in his Cuirass. The three companions were thus closely related to Muhammad and fulfilled the Quraish for Hashimite (the clan of the Prophet) blood!"

The three duels were as rapid as they were murderous. Hamzah killed Shaybah, While Ali killed Al-Walid. Ubaydah was mortally wounded, but before he fell, Ali and Hamzah were able to come to his rescue. Hamzah hurled himself at Utbah, and with a sweep of his sword cut off his head. In a few minutes three of Mecca's most important warriors had been sent to find out the truth about the hell which Muhammad (S.A.W) had promised them!" Ubaydah was the first martyr at this battle. He died after he lost his leg.