Battle of Badr
The battle of Badr was the first great battle in the military career of the prophet Muhammad according to the sira. Again according to the sira in took place in the month of Ramadan in the second year of the hijra (circa 624 AD). It was a watershed moment in the prophetic career, where some of the prophet's greatest enemies from Mecca were killed or humiliated. It was also interpreted as a sign of divine favor by the Muslim community in Mecca, with angels including Jibra'il reportedly taking part. The runup to the battle, the battle itself and the aftermath were also the backdrop of the revelation for many verses in the Qur'an including the majority of surat al-anfal, the sura of war booty or voluntary gifts. The aftermath of the battle would see Muhammad put in place new rules around the division of booty. The defeat of the Meccans would harden their resolve to resist Muhammad was well as creating several blood fueds that the Meccans felt needed avenging, ultimately culminating the defeat of Muhammad and the Muslims at the Battle of Uhud. For Muhammad, the battle would solidify his reputation as a commander and strengthen the faith of his community.
Background
After having fled with his followers from Mecca to Medina in the hijra Muhammad had continued his preaching, growing his ranks amongst the so called Ansar or partisans/helpers who came on board the movement, joining the ranks of the [[muhajiruun] or emigrants from Mecca. Once Muhammad had felt his position strong enough, he had embarked upon maghaazi or raids against the caravans of the Meccans, which were the life blood of the mercantile city.