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with an unequal zeal to march, seek and rob the precious cargoes that lawfully belonged to the
investors.

For a couple of days, the holy warriors took a direct route to Mecca but reaching As-Safra,
they moved in the direction of Badr, a resting station on the road to Syria. Through local gossip, Mu-
hammad's spies came to know that Abu Sufyan's caravan was about to appear there any time. The re-
port was correct but Abu Sufyan was a shrewd fellow. Realizing immediate danger, he at once
dispatched a courier to Mecca asking for a strong defending force.

The Meccans having suffered losses at Nakhla were not prepared to see the repetition of similar
humiliation. Again, it was the caravan of the year because the cargo it carried was worth more than
50,000 golden pieces. Its loss might render the whole community bankrupt. A mixed current of fear and
fervor swept the Meccan society and every household contributed a warrior to the defense of the cara-
van according to the size of its stake. Soon an army of 800 men was raised, accompanied by a band of
women, who specialized in singing war songs, which lent a lion's heart to a bleating lamb. Their battle-
melodies accompanied by the sounds of their tabrets and footwork excited the Meccan soldiers to die
for the honor of their city and ancestors.

As the army reached Al-Johfa, the envoy of Abu Sufyan appeared. He told Abu Jahl, the head
of the army that Abu Sufyan had succeeded escaping Muhammad through stealth and rapid marches,
and all was well. They heaved a sigh of relief, but the question arose if they should return without an en-
gagement. A passionate debate took place among the chiefs of the army. One party argued that, since
no harm had been done, there was no cause for a deadly contest. Moreover, it was argued that the
people on the other side were their close relations: killing them would constantly torture their con-
science. It was not only wise but also desirable to return home peacefully.

Abu Jahl, the head of the Makhzum clan, on the other hand, advocated a fight to the bitter end.
He advocated that their return would be interpreted as a sign of their cowardice, and it was also politic
to nip evil in the bud; otherwise, the specter of Muhammad would grow in potential threat all the time.
His persuasion won the argument, and they passed three days making merry by the fountain.

On the other hand, Muhammad had also been advancing toward Badr. When he reached Al-
Ruha, he heard that the Quresh, being aware of the danger, were marching on him. This necessitated a
council of war. Unlike the Meccans, the Muslims showed contempt for blood ties and expressed a
strong desire for an immediate contest.

Here the charisma of Muhammad's personality and political sagacity deserves mention. He had
emigrated to Medina on the promise of his Medinite followers that they would defend him with their
blood while he would be amongst them. Addressing the war council, and particularly to the men from
Medina, he declared that their pledge neither induced his defense in any aggressive action nor had it any
connection with the events that took place away from the city (Medina). Therefore, they were at liberty
to leave him if they so wished.

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