Basbas bin Amr رضي الله عنه
A Badri Companion of Rasulullahﷺ
According to one source, his name was Basbas bin Bishar. Basbas bin Amr Juhani رضياللهعنه belonged to the Banu Saidah bin Ka ‘b bin Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. But according to Urwah bin Zubair رضياللهعنه, he belonged to the Banu Tureef bin Khazraj tribe. Basbas رضياللهعنه participated in the Battle of Badr and is counted among the Ansar Companions.
Apart from the Battle of Badr, he also took part in the
Battle of Uhud.
On the day of Badr, with regard to the departure from Madinah,
in Sirat Khatamun Nabiyyin:
“Upon departing from Madinah, Rasulullahﷺ appointed Abdullah
bin Ummi Maktum رضياللهعنه as the Amir of Madinah in his
absence. However, when Rasulullahﷺ reached close to Rauha, which is situated at
a distance of 36 miles from Madinah, perhaps in the consideration that Abdullah
Ummi Maktum رضياللهعنه was a blind man, and news of the imminent arrival of the
army of the Quraish demanded that in his own absence, the administration of Madinah
should remain strong, Rasulullahﷺ appointed Abu Lubabah bin Munzir رضياللهعنه as
the Amir of Madinah and sent him back.
It was ordered that Abdullah bin Ummi Maktum رضياللهعنه would
only remain to be the Imamus-Salat, while Abu Lubabah رضياللهعنه would oversee matters of
administration. Asim bin Adiyy رضياللهعنه was appointed as a separate Amir to
oversee the additional population of Madinah, i.e., Quba. It was from this very
place that Rasulullahﷺ sent two companions named Basbas رضياللهعنه and Adiyy رضياللهعنه
towards Badr, in order to gather intelligence with respect to enemy movements;
and instructed that they return swiftly with intelligence.”
Incident Before the Battle of Badr
As mentioned, the incident in which Basbas رضياللهعنه and Adiyy bin Zaghba
رضياللهعنه were sent to a
certain place. When the two of them
reached Badr to acquire intelligence, Basbas bin Amr رضياللهعنه and Adiyy bin Zaghba
رضياللهعنه sat their camels by
a well, near a hill. They took out their leather water bags, filled them up
with the water from the well, and had some to drink.
Meanwhile, they overheard two women speaking to one another
about the arrival of a caravan.
There was also a man standing beside them. In the end, they
returned to Rasulullahﷺ and informed him that they overheard the women
discussing a caravan due to arrive. The man who was standing there was Majdi. I
have previously discussed this account in detail. The historian writes that the
following morning Abu Sufyan reached the place where the caravan had arrived.
He asked Majdi, “Did you see anyone who may have come here to
gather intelligence?” He also asked, “If you hide the secrets of the enemy from
us, then no one from the Quraish will ever make peace with you.” Majdi, i.e,
the individual who stood there that day, replied, “By God, I did not see a
single person here whom I do not know. No enemy of yours can be found between
here and Yathrib. Even if there was someone, neither would he have been unable
to hide from me, nor would I have hidden him from you.” He then said,
“Although, I did see two riders stopping by here (pointing to where Basbas رضياللهعنه
and Adiyy رضياللهعنه had sat their camels).
They sat their camels there, drank water, and set off again.”
Abu Sufyan went to the area in which the two companions sat their camels and
picked up the droppings of the camels to inspect them. He was suspicious, and
therefore acted in this way. When he crushed the droppings, he found date
stones in the droppings of the camels. Abu Sufyan then said, “By God, this is
the forage of the camels of Yathrib!
They must have come from there and these were surely the
spies of Muhammad and his people (in other words, the two men had come from Madinah
as spies). From these camel droppings, I can now see why they came here.” He
further said, “I feel as if they are still nearby”. Thereafter he moved on
swiftly with his convoy.
In that era, the Arabs not only had particular ways of
gathering intelligence, but they were also very skilled in deducing information
[from their surroundings]. This has been mentioned under the section on the
Battle of Badr in
“When Rasulullahﷺ reached near Badr, motivated by some
feeling, which narrations have not disclosed, Rasulullahﷺ seated Saiyidina Abu
Bakr as Siddique رضياللهعنه behind himself and proceeded ahead of the Muslim
army. At that time, Rasulullahﷺ encountered an old bedouin, from whom Rasulullahﷺ
gathered during the course of conversation, that the army of the Quraish had
reached very close to Badr. Upon hearing this news, Rasulullahﷺ returned and
dispatched Saiyidina Ali رضياللهعنه, Zubair bin Al-Awwam رضياللهعنه and Sa‘d
bin Abi Waqas رضياللهعنه and others to gather information.
According to another narration, Basbas رضياللهعنه was also
among them – initially, they were sent to gather information about the caravan
but now since they had heard that an army was approaching near, they were sent
once again to gather information regarding the army and Basbas رضياللهعنه was
among them. When these people arrived at the Valley of Badr, they suddenly noticed that a few Makkan were collecting water from a spring.
These companions attacked this party, took captive an
Abyssinian slave and brought him to Rasulullahﷺ. At the time Rasulullahﷺ was engaged in Salat.
When the companions noticed Rasulullahﷺ engaged in Salat, they began to
interrogate the slave themselves, enquiring as to the whereabouts of Abu
Sufyan’s caravan.
Since this Abyssinian slave had come along with the army and
was unaware of the caravan, he responded, ‘I am unaware of Abu Sufyan, but
Abul-Hakam i.e., Abu Jahl, Utbah, Shaibah, and Umayyah, etc., have encamped on
the opposite side of the valley.’ The companions(رضياللهعنه), who were more
inclined to the caravan (as they only had knowledge of the caravan approaching
and this was the only thing on their minds), therefore thought that he was
lying and desired to deliberately conceal the whereabouts of the caravan, upon
which a few people began to beat and strike him.
However, when they would strike him, due to fear, he would
say, ‘All right, I shall tell you.’ When they would release him, he would
reiterate his initial response, ‘I am unaware of Abu Sufyan, but Abu Jahl,
etc., are present nearby.’ When Rasulullahﷺ heard this during his Salat, he
quickly finished his Salat and forbade the companions from beating him and
said, ‘When he tells the truth, you beat him and when he lies, you release
him.’ Then, Rasulullahﷺ gently enquired himself, ‘At this time, where is the
army positioned?’ He responded, ‘On the opposite side of the hillock before
you.’ Rasulullahﷺ enquired, ‘How many men are there in the army?’ He responded,
‘A multitude, but I am unaware of the exact figure.’
Rasulullahﷺ said, ‘Alright, then tell me how many camels are
slaughtered daily for consumption?’ He responded, ‘Ten,’ (ten camels were
slaughtered for them therefore apart from their other provisions for battle,
they had also brought their provisions for food as well). Rasulullahﷺ turned to
the companion sرضياللهعنه and said, ‘It seems as if they are a force of 1,000 men if
they are slaughtering 10 camels.’ This estimate actually turned out to be
correct.”
In the meantime, At the time Abu Sufyan was known as someone who
was so ambitious and clever. He always takes into account all kinds of
possibilities and risks that can occur. He knew exactly what the people of Quraish
had done to the Muslims so far. He is also very aware of the strength of the
Muslim community which is increasingly experiencing improvement and
development.
He searched for information from every group of people he met
as evidence of his concern over his trade and the treasures of the Quraish people
he brought with him. Until finally, he heard from several people, he met that Rasulullahﷺ
had mobilized his companions to intercept the group that was carrying trade
treasures. Hearing this, he was immediately careful and took another route
while sending envoys to the people of Quraish in Makkah to ask for help.
Abu Sufyan hired Dhamdham bin 'Amr Al-Ghifari رضياللهعنه to immediately meet the Quraish and tell them about the situation that was happening. He rushed to ride his camel. With a shout, he said, "O people of Quraysh! Your property with Abu Sufyan is being threatened by Muhammad and his companions. I see you won't get it. Please… please!”
Hearing this news, their fanaticism flared up. They are so
worried about their trade.
They moved quickly. Everyone left except Abu Lahab bin 'Abdul
Muttalib. He sent Al-'Ash bin Hisham bin Al-Mughirah as a replacement. The
Quraysh people agreed to go together in both difficult and easy conditions. In
front of their ranks was a female singer singing insults and reproaches for
Muslims.
Abu Sufyan didn't just stand idly by waiting for help from
the people of Quraysh. He devoted all his expertise so that they would not fall
into the hands of the Muslims. He collected all the information and events and analyzed
them until he finally found out when the Muslim troops went to confront their
trade caravan.
The Quraish polytheists moved with pride in the middle of the desert, among the many Arab tribes along the route that connected the cities of Makkah and Madinah, accompanied by the singing of female singers. They are so proud of the strength and troops that exist. They intended to save Abu Sufyan and the trade caravan from the hands of the Muslims. But apparently, the caravan has been saved. Abu Sufyan himself believed that he had succeeded in saving their trade caravan from the siege and targets of the Muslims. He also sent a message to the Quraish army, "Indeed you have come out to protect your trade, people, and property. They have all been saved. Then come back!”.
Abu Sufyan's envoy finally met the Quraish troops on the way.
He conveyed the news of the safety of their trading caravan. Hearing this news
Abu Jahl said, "By God! We will not return unless we reach Badr and stay
there for three days. We will slaughter animals, feed them, pour khamr, and
listen to the songs of the singers. And the Arabs will also hear of our
expedition and gathering so that they will always fear us forever."
Rasulullahﷺ, went out to intercept the Quraish caravan carrying merchandise. Rasulullahﷺ really did not know the whereabouts of the Quraish forces that were moving towards him. Rasulullahﷺ also stayed outside the city of Madinah, while preparing troops and returning those who did not have the ability to fight.
The Muslim army under the leadership of Rasulullahﷺ numbered 313 people. With them were 2 horses, one belonging to Saiyidina Zubair bin 'Awwam رضياللهعنه and the other belonging to Miqdad bin 'Amr رضياللهعنه, as well as 70 camels which they rode alternately.
Rasulullahﷺ entrusted the white flag to Mus'ab bin 'Umair.
While in front of him, there are two flags. On his right is Zubair bin 'Awwam
رضياللهعنه and on his left is
Miqdad bin Al-Aswad رضياللهعنه, and behind him is Qais bin Abi Sho'sho'ah
رضياللهعنه.
Musyrikin forces managed to mobilize 950 people, most of them
from Quraish. With them, there were 200 horses and camels in very large amounts
for them to ride and carry their supplies and food during the journey.
The polytheists do not have a general leader. It's just that
among them there are two prominent people, namely 'Utbah bin Rabi'ah and Abu
Jahl along with many other Quraish leaders.
The Muslim troops followed the usual route for trade caravans that stretched between Badr and Madinah. Its length is about 60 kilometres. Rasulullahﷺ sent several people to carry out reconnaissance for the benefit of information and security from possible sudden attacks that they thought they could not handle.
Rasulullahﷺ sent Basbas bin 'Amr رضياللهعنه and 'Ady bin Abi
Zaghba رضياللهعنه. They
went all the way to the Badr area. They stopped on a hill close to a water
source. Then they took water and put it in the small water jug they brought
with them and drank it. They are both tasked with gathering information.
Finally, Basbas bin 'Amr رضياللهعنه and 'Ady bin Abi Zaghba رضياللهعنه
overheard two girls from local residents who were arguing about water. One of
them said, "Tomorrow the group will come and I will work for them then I
will make up for the day that should be yours."
The two of them then informed Rasulullahﷺ and his companions
to provide an analysis of this information.
Then Rasulullahﷺ sent Saiyidina Ali bin Abi Talib, رضياللهعنه
'Ady bin Abi Zaghba رضياللهعنه, Saiyidina Zubair bin 'Awwam رضياللهعنه, and
Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas رضياللهعنه
in a team to go to the water source at Badr while looking for information. They
also succeeded in capturing several Quraish people who were tasked with
fetching water. Some of them later converted to Islam, including slaves of Bani
Hajjaj and 'Aridh Abu Yasar slave of Bani 'Ash bin Sa'd. They brought him to Rasulullahﷺ
for interrogation
After that Rasulullahﷺ went with Abu Bakr to do
reconnaissance and gather information. All the information obtained from the
intelligence activities showed that the trade caravan was safe and that the
army of polytheists was now in front of them. The Quraish force is around 900
to a thousand people. Among them, there are some Quraish leaders.
After receiving the information, Rasulullahﷺ then gathered his companions to hold a shura (meeting). Rasulullahﷺ asked for their opinion in determining the plan to face the Quraish forces.
When Rasulullahﷺ was about to move against the polytheist forces and set up camp in front of him and take a position in preparation before the war, he still continued to listen to the advice of his companions. Finally, he received a suggestion from his friend that he go to the source of the water and dig wells and ponds in that place.
Rasulullahﷺ immediately got up with some of his companions. Rasulullahﷺ
went until he approached a resident's water source and stopped there. Then he
ordered his friend to make a well and a large pond at the well where he stopped
and fill it with water. Then they threw into it a pitcher of water. They
finally got a source of water, while the polytheists did not get it. A group of
polytheists came panting with thirst. They want to take water and drink it. All
of them were killed during the Battle of Badr, except for Hakim bin Hizam who
managed to convert to Islam after that. he was so grateful to Allahﷻ for his safety
during the Badr War. Because if not, then he would have died in a state of
disbelief.
There is no doubt that the battle between the Muslim and
polytheist forces will be a very powerful battle. Because the Quraish with
their arrogance wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to destroy the Rasulullahﷺ
and his companions so that the law of paganism became the only rule of law that
applies. However, Allahﷻ wants the strength of the Muslims who have been built
in the City of Madinah and trained in such a way as to produce strong troops
capable of flapping dust on the battlefield, after fifteen years of being under
the pressure of oppression and tyranny and defend the faith and da'wah they
carry.
Therefore, it was seen later that the meeting between the two would really leave bitterness and extreme pain. But behind all this, Allahﷻ wants to destroy the forces supporting falsehood and exalt truth and its defenders.
Rasulullahﷺ and his friends were so excited. They chose the
right place in the battlefield. They set up a podium as a place for the leader
who was heavily guarded. The ranks of the troops began to be arranged and the
phrase "Ahad... Sunday..." was chosen as the code language among
fellow Muslims. This is to avoid chaos, where Muslim troops hit their own
brothers when the war was raging. Rasulullahﷺ ordered his troops not to start
the attack unless after receiving orders. This is so that they are not provoked
by polytheists to fight without results. Rasulullahﷺ said, "If they attack
you, then throw them with arrows. Do not move against them until I allow it.”
Thus, Rasulullahﷺ prepared everything very carefully. He put
everything in its proper place. He did not leave a gap for things that are
sudden and unplanned. Then he put his trust in surrendering everything to Allahﷻ
after trying optimally to the extent of his ability as a human being.
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, p. 354)
(Kitabul Maghazi Lil Waqidi,
pp. 40-41, Alam Al-Kutub, Beirut, 1984)
(Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 373, Basbas Al-Juhani(ra),
Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) He is also known by the names Busaisa,
Busais and Basbasa. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 379, Basbah bin Amr(ra),
Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, , pp.
355-356)
(Sirat ibn Hisham, p. 617, Basbas Wa Adiyy Yatajassusan
Al-Akhbar, Turath Al-Islam, Egpyt, 1955).
(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 422, Basbas bin Amr(ra),
Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
