The third day of Ramadan has seen pivotal events that shaped the Islamic world and left lasting impacts on its history. These include the Muslims setting out for the Battle of Badr, the arbitration between Ali and Muawiya (may Allah be pleased with them), and the ascension of Caliph Al-Hakam II in Andalusia. Here’s a closer look at the key events of this historic day:
Muslims Set Out for the Battle of Badr – 624 CE
On the third day of Ramadan in the second year of Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions departed from Madinah to face the Quraysh in the first decisive battle of Islam, the Battle of Badr.
The Muslim army consisted of approximately 313 men, including two cavalry units and 70 camels. In contrast, the Quraysh army had 1,000 men, supported by 200 cavalry units and superior weaponry, making them three times the size of the Muslim force.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Muslims emerged victorious. The Quraysh leader, Amr ibn Hisham (commonly known as Abu Jahl), was killed in the battle, along with 70 of their fighters. An additional 70 were taken as prisoners of war. The Muslim army suffered 14 casualties—6 from the Muhajirun and 8 from the Ansar.
This victory marked a turning point for the Muslim community, solidifying their position in the Arabian Peninsula and paving the way for the spread of Islam.
Arbitration Between Ali and Muawiya – 658 CE
Following the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), a deep division arose among the Muslims. The community was split between those who pledged allegiance to Ali ibn Abi Talib (the fourth caliph) and those who supported Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, who demanded retribution for Uthman’s murder before acknowledging Ali’s caliphate.
This division led to the infamous arbitration between the two parties. Ali’s army was represented by Abu Musa al-Ash’ari, while Muawiya’s army was represented by Amr ibn al-As. Accounts of what transpired during the arbitration differ across historical sources, but it is clear that reconciliation efforts failed.
As a result, Muawiya and his supporters returned to Syria, while Ali and his followers returned to Iraq. The arbitration took place on the third day of Ramadan in 37 AH and marked the beginning of the sectarian divisions that persist among Muslims to this day.
Caliph Al-Hakam II Ascends the Throne in Andalusia – 962 CE
On the third day of Ramadan in 350 AH, Al-Hakam II, the ninth caliph of the Umayyad dynasty in Andalusia, assumed the throne.
Al-Hakam II was known for his passion for knowledge and books, amassing a library of approximately 400,000 volumes collected from across the Islamic world. He was a patron of scholars and intellectuals and prioritized education, ensuring that even the children of commoners could read and write during his reign.
Under his rule, Andalusia flourished in science, literature, and architecture. He continued the construction of the magnificent city of Madinat al-Zahra, a project initiated by his father. His reign lasted 16 years, during which Andalusia reached a cultural and intellectual zenith.
