An evaluation of the narrations concerning the Battle of Badr in al-Qurtubī's al-Jāmiʿ li-Aḥkām al-Qurʾān

Throughout the twenty-three years of his prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only conveyed the verses that were gradually revealed to him by Allah but also demonstrated, through his actions, how these verses were to be implemented in daily life. Consequently, certain events that occurred during the Prophet's lifetime became the occasion for the revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl) of specific verses. Moreover, many other verses—particularly those concerning military expeditions— either directly or indirectly addressed incidents that took place during this period. Therefore, numerous Qur'anic verses are cited in works of sīrah when discussing various aspects of the Prophet's life, while exegetical works frequently refer to sīrah narratives in their interpretations of these verses. This thesis aims to identify and analyze the narrations related to the Battle of Badr as transmitted in alQurṭubī's (d. 671/1273) exegetical work, al-Jāmi' li-Aḥkām al-Qur'ān. The study examines the sources from which al-Qurṭubī derived these narrations, the methods he employed in selecting and evaluating these sources and reports, as well as his personal interpretations. Within the context of these narrations, the thesis is structured into three main sections: developments leading up to the Battle of Badr, events that transpired during the battle, and incidents following the battle. The first section explores the sequence of events and preparations that culminated in the confrontation. The second section investigates the strategic positioning on the battlefield, the course of the battle, and its outcome. The final section discusses the treatment of prisoners and the distribution of spoils, alongside views regarding the virtues of the Battle of Badr and the distinguished status of those who participated in it.