To properly understand the place of jihad in the Muslim worldview, it is important to keep in mind that Islam has been, from its very beginning, not only a religion but a political community -- the nation of Islam (ummat al-Islam ). Muhammad was not merely a prophet communicating the word of God, but a political leader and military commander. Hence, any victory by the army of a Muslim state over non-Muslims is perceived as a victory for Islam itself. According to Islam, Allah promised the Muslims victory and superiority over all other religions worldwide. Allah validated this message with the Battle of Badr, in Ramadan of 624 AD, when 300 Muslim warriors under Muhammad's command vanquished the 950-strong army of the Quraysh tribe -- a military feat which played a crucial role in shaping the Islamic consciousness.