A THOUSAND ANGELS HELPED THEM

Umar ibn al-Khattab narrates: “On the day of Badr, the Messenger of God looked at the non-believers. There were approximately 1,000 of them while the number of believers was only 319.

Seeing the disproportionate numbers, the Messenger of God raised his hands and prayed: ‘My Lord! Please fulfill Your promise to me! Give me what You have promised! If this small community of believers perishes here, there will be no one to worship You on Earth.’

The Messenger of God continued to pray to God as such. His robe was falling down from his shoulders. One of his closest Companions approached him, put his robe back on his shoulders, hugged the Messenger, and assured him: ‘O Messenger of God! You have prayed enough. Our God will not let you down!’

At that very moment, God sent the following verse to His Messenger: ‘When you were imploring your Lord for help (as a special mercy), and He responded to you: ‘I will help you with a thousand angels, coming host after host’’ (al-Anfal 8:9).

Upon this, the Messenger of God turned to his friend, and said: ‘Good news, Abu Bakr! Support from God has arrived. The one over there in between the heavens and the earth is Gabriel spurring his horse and on the lookout!’

Then, the Messenger of God heralded his Companions that God sent angels for support. The Muslims, who fought against the non-believers at that battle, won a great victory.”