Tabuk Expedition:

- Background
● As Muslims had now conquered Makkah, they marched with galloping speed
throughout the length and breadth of Arabia
● The neighbouring Christian states, especially the great Roman Empire were
watching with concern and anxiety
● The were jealous of Islam’s growth, and foresaw a danger in the rising power of
the Muslims
● They decided to launch a consolidated attack on Arabia to hamper Islam’s growth
● Romans collected a huge army under Heraclius’ instructions
● Prophet heard of this, and knew it was necessary to defend and protect Islam
● Prophet (SAW) could not risk waiting and seeing his country invaded
● It was a hot summer, with bad crops and hardly anything to eat
● The rumours of a Roman invasion become very persistent
● Prophet ordered to prepare to meet this Roman invasion
● He also sent emissaries to all his followers and allies throughout Arabia and
asked them to join him

- Main Events
● The journey to Syria was long, and made more difficult by the heat of Arabia
● Along with this, the crops were ready for cutting in the fields
● Many who were poor did not have the means to provide themselves with horses
or camels, and Prophet (SAW) also was not well off enough to make
arrangements for themselves
● Hz Uthman gave 1000 dinars and 200 camels
● Hz Abu Bakr gave all his property
● Umar gave half his possessions
● Muslims army: 30,000
● 10,000 horses
● Rajab 9 AH -> training started
● Muslims were afraid of facing the Romans because of their military skill and
discipline
● Many hypocrites did not join the Prophet (SAW) and complained about the
intense heat
● They also asked others not to join the Prophet (SAW)
● The Quran says, “... they were averse to strive in Allah’s with their
property and their persons, and said: Go not forth in the heat. Say:
The Fire of Hell is fiercer in heat. If only they could understand”
● Prophet (SAW) left Hz Ali bin Abi Talib in Madina to look after the Muslims
families
● After about a fortnights journey, the Muslims army encamped at a place called
Tabuk that lay between Madina and Damascus, waiting to hear news about the
enemy’s movements
● Romans had spies all over the country and had been informed of the Prophet’s
preparations for war and know they he had come to meet them and retrieve the
loss of Muslims at Mutah
● They quickly retired behind their frontiers
● The aim of the Holy Prophet (SAW) was to defend Muslims and not invade Syria
so he did not pursue them