Allah’s highest gift to humans is that He has furnished a Criterion for judgment between right and wrong in His divine revelation, which teaches us the true significance of our eternal Future. Those who do not use that Criterion will be full of woe when the Judgment comes, for Allah always gave warning. Ramadan, a month of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion, is often regarded as a time for Muslims to deepen their understanding of the divine purpose of life. It is not only a period of abstaining from food and drink but also an opportunity for self-purification, reflection on one’s purpose in this world, and connection with the Creator. One significant moment in Islamic history that mirrors the essence of Ramadan’s spiritual journey is the “Battle of Badr”, a pivotal event in early Islamic history, which Allah Himself refers to as “Yawm ul-Furqan”, the “Day of Distinction,” or the “Day of Criteria.” This battle was fought on Friday the 17th of Ramadan, the second year after Hijrah—migration.  Like the Qur’an, this battle is a profound lesson on the “distinction between right and wrong, belief and disbelief,” and is a potent reminder that life in this world prepares for eternal life, for the supreme felicity. “Allah has promised the believers, both men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever, and splendid homes in the Gardens of Eternity, and—above all—the pleasure of Allah. That is “truly” the ultimate triumph.” (Surah at Tawbah: 72).

The Divine Design: Ramadan and the Battle of Badr

Ramadan and the Battle of Badr, converged in time, are connected through their common purpose: to allow believers to differentiate between the “right path” and the “wrong track,” to “seek celestial assistance,” and to understand the true nature of success. Both Ramadan and Badr were times when “faith” was tested, and Allah’s mercy and guidance rewarded those who upheld it. Fasting during Ramadan became an obligation for Muslims the second year after Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) migration from Mecca to Medina, corresponding to 624 CE, forming one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The “Battle of Badr” also occurred the second year after the migration. The battle was a turning point that solidified the identity of the nascent Muslim community. It was a battle between a small group of Muslims, who were deeply connected to their faith and trust in Allah, and the much larger and well-equipped Quraysh army, who represented oppression, disbelief, and tyranny. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Muslims were victorious, not due to their strength but because of the divine help bestowed upon them. “…How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah’s Leave?” And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” (Surah Baqara: 249). Allah’s assistance on that day became a manifestation of “the Furqan,” the divine standard that distinguishes right from wrong, good from evil.

Similarly, “Ramadan” serves as a spiritual “criteria” (Furqan) for Muslims, helping them reflect on their lives and separate the sacred from the profane. Just as the battle of Badr was a moment where the believers proved their mettle to battle, fascination with faith, Ramadan provides the opportunity to discern between self-discipline and indulgence, between temporary worldly pleasures and eternal spiritual gain. During this month, believers are encouraged to “reflect deeply on their actions,” “assess their assurance” to the principles of Islam, and seek Allah's forgiveness for past transgressions. The fasting process is a constant reminder of the “battle between the soul's desires and the need for divine guidance,” just as Badr was a battle between the forces of disbelief and the light of truth.

The Divine Criterion—Furqan: Defining Right and Wrong

The term Furqan is mentioned about three times in the Qur’an, especially as the 25th chapter of the Qur’an. The first verse of this 25th surah mentions, “Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e. this Qur’an) to His slave (Muhammad SAW) that he may be a warner to the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).” Al-Furqan, one of the Qur’an’s names, means “the Decisive Authority.” Verse 41 of Surah Anfal, the 8th chapter states, “And know that whatever of war-booty that you may gain, verily one-fifth (1/5th) of it is assigned to Allah, and the Messenger, and to the near relatives [of the Messenger (Muhammad SAW)], (and also) the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor) and the wayfarer, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our slave (Muhammad SAW) on the Day of criterion (between right and wrong), the Day when the two forces met (the battle of Badr) – And Allah can do all things.” Thus, the divine criterion is the decision between the forces of faith and unbelief. The battle of Badr is called by this name—Furqan, Criterion!  

Revelation, Ramadan and the Battle of Badr

The Qur'an is called the Furqan because it is the ultimate “criteria” that distinguishes “truth from falsehood”, “right from wrong,” and “faith from disbelief.” In this context, the Qur’an provides the guidelines for how a believer should live their life in alignment with the divine will. The “Battle of Badr,” marked as “Yawm ul-Furqan,” was a decisive event where Allah's help differentiated the truth (Islam) from falsehood (disbelief). Similarly, Ramadan serves as a time for self-evaluation, where each believer can examine their actions and intentions and realign their lives with the guidance of the Qur’an. The fasting, the prayers, and the introspection allow the believer to return to Allah, reconnect with Islamic principles, and strengthen their resolve to follow the path of righteousness. By fasting, believers gain “clarity of thought,” allowing them to better differentiate between worldly distractions and their higher spiritual goals. This heightened spiritual awareness helps them journey towards “self-purification,” where they can renew their pledge to Allah’s commandments and seek forgiveness for past mistakes. The sincere adherence to the guidance of the revelation, donning the spirit of Ramadan, and embracing the valour of the battle of Badr will undoubtedly enable us to triumph even tenfold odds against us do not count if we are fighting for truth, justice and faith against enemies of truth, justice and faith!

The Higher Purpose of Life: Preparation for the Supreme Felicity

The battle of Badr took place about 1444 years ago. A tiny band of brothers in faith—the companion of the holy prophet (PBUH), under the leadership of their Commander-in-Chief (PBUH) dared fighting an odd battle for the right cause, for the higher purpose, for the truth to triumph, for the tyranny and oppression to depart from the face of the Earth forever! Since the arrival of Ramadan each year, the believers, and by extension the entire humanity, are reminded of the divine design to take lessons if they want to benefit from the Battle of Badr. The battle is studied, and scrutinised from all probable angles in different military institutions across the globe! Therefore, Ramadan, mainly 17th Ramadan and the Battle of Badr share a higher purpose: to prepare us individuals for the Hereafter, the good pleasure of Allah, which is supreme felicity. In this world, we are constantly faced with decisions that involve distinguishing between “good and evil,” “faith and disbelief,” and “temporary pleasures and eternal rewards.” The Qur’an reminds us that the ultimate purpose of our existence is not to seek worldly pleasures, but to prepare for the “eternal life of the Hereafter.” In this sense, the challenges and trials of life, as symbolised by the “Battle of Badr”, are part of a larger “divine plan” to test our resolve and commitment to faith. And Allah knows best.

Ramadan is a training module, a preparation for eternal life, a time to purify one’s soul and cleanse oneself of “material distractions.” Fasting is not simply abstaining from food and drink. Still, it is a “spiritual discipline” that helps us gain clarity of purpose and redirect our energies towards “worship” and “obedience” to Allah. The connection between Ramadan and the Battle of Badr reminds us that, just as the Muslims were tested during the battle, so are we tested during Ramadan. The true success, however, lies not in temporary victories, but in “how we maintain our commitment to faith” and how we emerge from these tests spiritually more assertive, more aware of our purpose in this life, and more committed to our journey towards the Hereafter.

In essence, Ramadan and the Battle of Badr are both critical turning points in the journey of a Muslim towards spiritual enlightenment. Both serve as criteria (Furqan), helping believers differentiate between right and wrong, and guiding them towards the ultimate goal of preparing for eternal life. Just as the victory at Badr was a sign of divine support for the believers' faith, Ramadan offers us the opportunity to “purify our hearts,” renew our commitment to Allah’s path, and build a strong foundation for the Hereafter.  The “higher purpose of life” becomes clear: it is not merely to navigate the challenges of this world, but to use those challenges as preparation for the eternal, everlasting life in the Hereafter, for Allah declared “And indeed the Hereafter is better for you than the present (life of this world).


Writer: Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad, (C), NUP, ndc, afwc, psc, BN (retd), Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD). Email: misbah28686@gmail.com