The Expedition of Tabuk

 

The powerful Byzantine empire organized a massive army to invade Medina and eradicate Islam, with the help of Arab Christians. 

Prophet Muhammad warned Muslim warriors of all the risks associated during a time of widespread famine that hampered war preparations, including the acquisition of weapons, and a big enemy force. Muslim tribes were contacted by messengers.

Rich Muslims were then requested to donate, which was well-received. Each Muslim contributed whatever they could afford, from dates to camels, to war preparations. Women contributed. They sold their jewellery to pay for war supplies and expedition equipment.

According to Ar-Rahq al-Makhtum, a modern Islamic hagiography of Muhammad by Safi-ur-Rahman Mubarakpuri, one of Muhammad's ambassador was executed by Sharhabeel bin ‘Amr Al-Ghassani (the governor of Al-Balqa). The Battle of Mutah ensued. Mubarakpuri says that event also caused the Battle of Tabouk. Mubarakpuri says Byzantine Emperor Heraclius was assembling a force to crush Muslim authority.

Prophet Muhammad SAW marched toward Tabuk in the north, but the Byzantine army took no action to attack the Muslims. When compared to the earlier armies of Islam, the army of 30,000 was a strong one. Never before had there been such a large contingent of Muslims marching.

After arriving at Tabuk, the Byzantine army was not found in Tabuk, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon emphasising piety to Allah in believers' hearts and how the highest wisdom comes from fearing the one true God. 

During his 20-day stay in Tabuk, smaller conflicts were resolved by treaties. For instance, smaller Jewish communities were taxed through jizyah, which maintained peace despite religious differences, in exchange for protection.

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