When our Master arrived near the Badr well, he wanted to consult with his companions about where to establish their base. He asked them for their opinions on the most suitable location. At that time, Hubab ibn Munzir, who was thirty-three years old and a skilled warrior, responded:

“O Rasul of Allah, we are both warriors and experienced in tribal affairs. If you ask me, I would suggest that we close off all the water sources in this area, except for one, and then establish our base at the source that remains.”

After making this suggestion, Hubab worried that he might appear to interfere in the Rasul’s decision. So, he added:

“O Rasul of Allah, I hope you won’t consider me as if I’ve intervened. First, I want to ask you whether this location is the place where Allah ordered you to camp, or is it a location you personally determined for a strategic purpose? If it’s by Allah’s command, please disregard my suggestion. However, if it’s a matter of consultation, my suggestion stands.”

Our Master responded to Hubab’s question, explaining that they had temporarily arrived at that location and that it was subject to change. After this clarification, Hubab once again expressed his opinion regarding where they should establish their base:

“O Rasul of Allah, in my opinion, this place is not suitable for setting up our base. I suggest that we should establish our camp near a well with plenty of sweet water, which I expect the Meccans will choose for their camp. By blocking other wells, they will suffer from a lack of water during the battle, while we will have an abundant supply of water.”

While Hubab was presenting this idea, Gabriel (pbuh) confirmed the suggestion as appropriate. Rasulullah then conveyed this decision to his companions:

“O Hubab, the plan you have suggested is indeed the right one. We will proceed accordingly.”

After establishing their camp near the well, the Muslims, led by the guidance of Hubab, began filling the wells with stones. Once the wells were filled, Sa’d bin Muaz (ra) made a proposal to our Master:

“O Rasul of Allah, we would like to set up a shade for you here, made of palm tree branches. We also wish to provide you with a means of transportation, a riding animal. If we are granted victory with Allah’s help in the battle, that would be wonderful. However, if it is decreed that we are to be defeated, then you can ride the animal and return to the brothers we left in Medina. Know that those who remain in Medina love you more than we do. If they are not here, it’s because they did not know you would be fighting, and they stayed to protect you. They will obey your orders and sacrifice their lives for your comfort and success...”

After receiving such thoughtful consideration from Sa’d bin Muaz, our Master expressed his gratitude through supplication and permitted the construction of the shade.

After swiftly constructing the desired shade made from palm tree branches and leaves, our Master sought some privacy for contemplation and discussion about the upcoming events. He entered the shade along with his close companion, Abu Bakr and started considering the unfolding situation.

Another important precaution our Master took was to send one or two scouts or spies to gather information about the current situation of the Quraysh tribe, who were approaching. Ammar bin Yasir and Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with them) were selected for this task among the companions…

Ammar and Mas’ud came close to the camp of the Quraysh pagans under the light of the stars and the moon’s glow. They observed the movements of the Quraysh forces diligently. As the time for the morning prayer approached, having completed their scouting duties, they returned to the camp and found our Master waiting for them. They immediately informed him of what they had seen and shared their assessment:

“O Rasul of Allah, they are gripped by a tremendous fear. They are doing their best to keep their horses calm and not make any noise. Furthermore, they are preoccupied with drinking and gambling...”

After the morning had come and the Sun had risen a spear’s length or two, some of the Qurayshi polytheists went on a reconnaissance mission around their camp. When they noticed footprints in the vicinity, they immediately informed their expert, Nubayh bin Hajjaj, who, upon reaching the footprints, examined them and then revealed to those around him who they belonged to…

“Those who came to spy on us during the night are Ammar, the son of Sumayyah, and Mes’ud, the son of Ummu Abid. This means that the Muslims are nearby, and they sent these two as spies to monitor us. It appears that Muhammad has gathered all the simpletons among us and the people of Yathrib and brought them here…

We will easily win the victory, but be extremely cautious of this: When you encounter Muhammad and his companions, do not kill their young ones. Kill only the people of Yathrib so that they may not dare to confront us again. As for our ignorant youth, we will publicly shame them in Mecca to discourage others from following in their footsteps…”