The valley of Bedr is a plain, with hills flanking it to the north and east.  On the west are small sandy hillocks which render progress difficult, especially if the ground is at all damp from recent rains.  Through this shallow valley runs the little stream, having at its south-western extremity the springs and wells which give the place its importance as a halting stage.  Command of the wells was of the highest importance, but as yet neither army had obtained it, for the Muslim had not taken up their final position, and the Kureisch were hemmed in by the sandy ground in front of them.

The wretched water-carriers being brought before Mahomet at first declared they knew nothing, but after some time confessed they were Abu Jahl’s servants.

“And where is the abiding place of Abu Jahl?”

“Beyond the sand-hills to the east.”

“And how many of his countrymen abide with him?”

“They are numerous; I cannot tell; they are as numerous as leaves.”

“On one day nine, the next ten.”

“Then they number 950 men,” exclaimed the Prophet to Ali; “take the men away.”

Mahomet now called a council of generals, and it was decided to advance up the valley to the farther side of the wells, so as to secure the water-supply, and destroy all except the one they themselves needed.  This manoeuvre was carried out successfully, and the Muslim army encamped opposite the Kureisch, at the foot of the western hills and separated from their adversaries by the low sandy hillocks in front of them.  A rough hut of palm branches was built for Mahomet whence he could direct the battle, and where he could retire for counsel with Abu Bekr, and for prayer.

Both sides had now made their dispositions, and there remained nothing but to wait till daybreak.  That night the rain descended upon the doomed Kureisch like the spears of the Lord, whelming their sandy soil and churning up the rising ground in front of the troops into a quagmire of bottomless mud.  The clouds were tempered towards the higher Muslim position, and the water drained off the hilly land.

“See, the Lord is with us; he has sent his heavy rain upon our enemies,” declared Mahomet, looking from his hut in the early dawn, weary with anxiety for the issue of this fateful hour, but strong in faith and confident in the favour of Allah.  Then he retired to the hut for prayer and contemplation.

“O Allah, forget not thy promise!  O Lord, if this little band be vanquished idolatry will prevail and thy pure worship cease from off the earth.”

He set himself to the encouragement and instruction of his troops.  He had no cavalry with which to cover an advance, and he therefore ordered his troops to remain firm and await the oncoming rush until the word to charge was given.

But on no account were they to lose command of the wells.  Drawn up in several lines, their champions in front and Mahomet with Abu Bekr to direct them from the rear, the little troop of Muslim awaited the onslaught of their greater foes.