Expedition to Tabouk

Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

The Expedition to Tabouk, also known as the Expedition of Usra, was a military expedition, which, was initiated by Muhammad in October, AD 630, AH 8. Muhammad led a force of as many as 30,000[1] north to Tabouk in present-day northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Preparations

Following rumours of a Byzantine invasion,[1] the Muslims as well as allies of Muhammad, received an urgent call to join the campaign. But the Arabs of the desert showed little interest. Many came up with excuses not to participate. Muhammad provided incentives to persuade the Arabs to join, and provided many with gifts.[2]

Expedition

Muhammad and his forces, marched northwards to Tabouk in October 630[3] (Rajab AH 9). After arriving at Tabouk and camping there, Muhammad's army prepared to face the Byzantine invasion.[4] Muhammad spent twenty days at Tabouk, scouting the area, making alliances with local chiefs,[3] and with no sign of the Byzantine army, he decided to return to Medina.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 George F. Nafziger and Mark W. Walton, Islam at War: A History, (Praeger Publishers, 2003), 13.
  2. ↑ Muir, William (10 August 2003). Life of Mahomet. Kessinger Publishing Co. p. 454. ISBN 978-0766177413.
  3. 1 2 Richard A. Gabriel, Muhammad: Islam’s First Great General, (University of Oklahoma Press, 2007), 197.
  4. ↑ "The Expedition of Tabuk". Al-Islam. Retrieved 7 August 2016.

Coordinates: 28°23′N 36°35′E / 28.383°N 36.583°E / 28.383; 36.583

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