2016 EID Greetings Forever First Class Postage Stamps

The Muslim prophet Muhammad observed the first Eid (festival) with his followers after their victory at the Battle of Badr.

In 622, facing religious persecution, the Muslims left Mecca and settled in Medina. There, they raided caravans along the trade route to Mecca as both a means of survival and in response to being driven from their homes.

In the spring of 624, a caravan of 1,000 camels carrying valuable goods was en route to Mecca. Muhammad and a small force of 313 men set out for the oasis at Badr to intercept it. When Meccan nobles learned of the planned raid, they mobilized to defend their property.

The two forces met, with the Meccan army outnumbering Muhammad’s followers three to one. As was custom, three champions from each side fought first; all three Meccan fighters were killed, triggering a full-scale battle. According to the Quran, thousands of angels descended to aid the Muslims, striking fear into their enemies and forcing the larger army to flee.

This decisive victory enhanced Muhammad’s reputation and helped propel the expansion of Islam. That evening, Muhammad and his men—who had fasted before the battle—broke their fast together in celebration. Today, Muslims around the world continue to commemorate the breaking of fasts with Eid festivities of their own.