PRIDE AND VANITY

      When the armed forces of Mecca knew that their caravan had escaped safely, some of them were of opinion that they should avoid the clash with the Muslims, most of whom were their kindreds and citizens. But ABUJAHL and some of his influential friends proposed that Mohammad and his followers should be overawed and punished, so as to make the trade route safe and secure for future use. So, almost all of the Meccans obeyed and followed ABUJAHL who was the chief commander of the army. It was then, 14th March 624 A.D. that the troops of Ghoreish encamped beyond a hill near Badr.

      Ghoreish were sure of their victory over Mohammad's forces who were much less in number of theirs. They therefore very indifferently sat drinking, dancing and jesting to live their night in merriment. Contrary to them, Muslim passed their night in silent prayer and supplication to their Lord entreating him for help against their enemy:

      ``When you were praying to your Lord for help and He answered you, saying: `I shall strengthen you with a thousands angels'' Quran S 8: 1-9