Best of Angels

Rifa’ah bin Rafi’ Az-Zuraqi (radi Allahu anhu) said: “Jibreel (alaihis salam) came to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and asked: ‘How do you estimate among you those who participated in the battle of Badr?’ The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) replied, ‘They were the best of Muslims.’ Jibreel said: ‘The same is the case of the angels who were at Badr.’” [Sahih Bukhari]
 
The Quran confirms the fact that angels fought along with Muslims in the historic battle of Badr. This hadith highlights the superiority of those Companions, as well as of those angels, who participated in the battle of Badr against the forces of disbelief. The special station of the Mujahideen of Badr is due to the tawakkul (reliance and trust) they displayed in Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) with no precedence of Muslims’ having done so and emerging victorious before. Doing things for the first time is always the hardest since the outcome is unknown.

If one looks only at the number of forces or weapons and resources, the odds were high against the Muslims. But the Muslims fought with courage, counting on Allah’s help and trusting Allah’s promise that He helps those who help His Deen. Moreover, they believed in the excellence of either outcome: victory or martyrdom.

The battle of Badr was not the only occasion when angels came to the aid of Allah’s servants. Nor were these occasions limited to the time of Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam). “Mujizaat” happen for Prophets to prove that they are sent from Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), since only He, being the Originator of the universe, can alter or suspend the laws of nature; while “Karamaat” are special favours/miracles that Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) bestows on the Mujahideen in all ages.

Those who struggle with their lives and wealth, uncertain about returning to their families with either, are not abandoned by Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), rather they are the most beloved of all people to Him. He sends armies of angels to support them, provides them with food and drink in miraculous ways and strengthens them with Sakeenah (tranquility that descends from Allah) in the most difficult of circumstances. For the best of Muslims, He (subhana wa ta'ala) sent the best of angels to help.