Q. & A. 711 to 1707 with solved Papers css 1971 to date

Threat to Quraysh’s Social and Economic Leadership
According to Encyclopedia of Seerah, ”Even in Medina the Quraysh chiefs did not let the Muslims live in peace for very long. The increasing strength of the Muslims in Medina was seen by them as a threat both to their prestige as> custodians of the Ka’bah and to their social and economic leadership.’”5 Decision to clash with the Army instead of a Trade Caravan
A trade caravan of the Quraysh was returning to Makkah with goods worth millions of rupees. It had to travel at a striking range of the Muslims of Medina. Abu Sufyan, leader of the caravan, was well aware of the fact that Muslims posed a threat to their trade route. He sent a messenger to Makkah to inform the Quraysh about the impending peril to the caravan. The Quraysh despatched an army of 1000 men to help their trade caravan and, to fight the Muslims in
1 Encyclopedia of Seerah, you, P 31
The Battle ofBadr
105
order to eliminate their danger for ever. The Holy Prophet could attack the caravan but ultimately had to face the army of Quraysh. Avoiding the clash could tarnish the image of Islam and could make the surrounding tribes hostile to Muslims. The Holy Prophet decided to confront the army of Quraysh despite helplessness and lack of resources. He convened a meetings of his companions to consider the grave situation most of whom favoured an attack on the trade caravan. But the Holy Prophet remained firm in his decision to face the army of Quraysh. The migrant Muslims, who had already suffered a lot at the hands of Quraysh, readily agreed to the Holy Prophet’s proposal. The Ansars, Muslims of Medina, had no previous experience of facing an enemy in miserable condition. The Holy Prophet waited for their decision. After mutual consultation they assured the Holy Prophet of their full support and participation. Ultimately, it was decided to take the army of Quraysh squarely and not to attack their trade caravan. Muslims were ill-prepared and poorly equipped as compared to the Quraysh. They had a few horses and camels, a few swords, spears and armours. The battle of Badr may rightly be called a battle of helplessness for Muslims. But the Holy Prophet knew in his heart that it was a time for Muslims to show their faith in Allah, courage and valour. For them it was a matter of life and death, an occasion to do or die, All eyes of Arabs were watching them. It was the time to take a courageous step and to trust Allah for the final outcome. Avoiding the conflict amounted to cowardice and miserable death, while facing the enemy squarely was honourable in any case^victory or death.
The attacks on Quraybhite caravans should not be considered as simple pillage. Neither were the Qurayshities innocent nor the attackers private bands; a state of war was existing between two City States, and the right of belligerence includes damage to life, property and other interests of the enemy. Incident of Nakhlah
Besides, the Quraysh often used to plunder in the outskirts of Medina. The Holy Prophet sent a party consisting of nine members under Abdullah ibn Jahsh to keep an eye on the movements of 106
Political and Cultural History of Islam

returning from Syria. At this the Quraysh under the leadership of Abu Jahl sent a vast army to attack Medina. When the Holy Prophet was apprised of this, he summoned a council of war in which he decided to attack the caravan of Abu Sufyan on its way home from Syria. Thus the war between the Quraysh and Muslims became unavoidable.