During the days of the Prophet, the Ramzan month witnessed a host of important historical events. Many companions of the Prophet achieved great laurels, a few important battles were fought and won, which enabled Muslims to consolidate their position.
The ‘Battle of Badr’ was fought between an army of just 313 Muslims and more than 1,000 well-equipped soldiers belonging to the native Qurayshi community. The Muslim army, overcoming various handicaps, managed to score a decisive victory on the 17th day of Ramzan. This victory proved a major turning point in the Islamic history.
Angels to the rescue
Muslims believed that Allah, following supplication of the Prophet, sent down thousands of Angels in succession to assist the Muslim army and ensure their victory in the battle.
On the eighth day of Ramzan, another key event took place. Muslims managed to conquer the holy city of Makkah and conducted purification of Al-Ka’bah and this marked the end of Shirk in the Arabian Peninsula.
It is in the month of Ramzan, in the ninth year of Hijrah, Islamic calendar, that the Prophet returned victorious from Tabuk, after regaining authority of the area, which was under the control of Roman empire.
After the Tabuk expedition, the Arab tribes congregation came to him in large numbers pledging their obedience and accepting the faith. Also during this month in the same year, the tribe of Thaqeef came around after 20 years of enmity and accepted the faith.
The Kings of Himyar in Yemen came to the Prophet and they too embraced Islam.
During the month of Ramzan in Hijri year 13, Muslims won their most important battle in Iraq known as Al-Buwaib, and it was the gateway to opening the land of Iraq; also it paved the way for the downfall of the Persian Empire. Sudan and south of Egypt became Muslim lands in the Ramzan, Hijri year 31.
The Prophet suffered serious personal setbacks during this month. His beloved wife Bibi Khadijah al-Kubra, commonly regarded by Muslims as the ‘Mother of Believers,’ died on the 10th of Ramzan the tenth year of the proclamation of Islam.
Hazrath Ali Ibn Abi Taalib, was the cousin and husband of Bibi Fathima Zahra, daughter of Prophet. He was the fourth Caliph. The death of Hazrath Ali at the hands of Khawarij in Al Kufah (at present in Iraq) took place on the 17th day of Ramzan in the Hijri year 40.
Bibi Ayisha, was one of the wives of Prophet. She played a prominent role in the early Islamic history, both during Prophet’s life and after his death. She inspired women to learn, teach and lead. Bibi Ayisha passed away in the holy city of Madina on 17th Ramzan in the Hijri year 58.