Even after the Muslims left Makkah, the Quraish continued their hostility. Finally, once the Muslims were strong, Allah gave them permission to defend themselves and their religion.
In the month of Ramadhan, the 2nd year after the Hijrah, the Muslims fought the Quraish of Makkah at Badr. The Muslims were only 313 in number, whilst the Quraish army numbered more than a thousand and were fully prepared.
With the help of Allah, the Muslims were victorious in the battle. During the battle, some of the Quraish men were taken as prisoners and later on freed. For the first time in history, prisoners of war were fed, looked after and treated humanely.
Among the captives, were those who had nothing with which to ransom themselves. The Messenger of Allah allowed them to earn their freedom by teaching the children to read and write.
During the following years, the Quraish, made several other failed attempts to destroy the new Muslims state, but the Muslims held strong and defended themselves with great courage.
******
