Give a brief description of the main events of the Tabuk Expedition.
Causes of the Expedition of Tabuk
The Christians had a hostile relationship with Muslims since the time of the Battle of Mautah. The Byzantines were afraid of the growth of Arabia and the spread of Islam. Caesar, Heraclius, could not ignore the progressive danger threatening his borders. So, he concluded to demolish the power of Muslims before they became powerful enough to conquer. To meet the requirements, Caesar gathered a massive army of the Byzantines to launch a decisive battle.
Battle of Tabuk
The news of the Byzantine’s preparation had spread fear amongst the Muslims of Madinah. That was a difficult time for Madinah to wage a war because there was a famine in Hijaz. Date crop was ready to pick the weather was intensively hot. Additionally, a rugged distance had to be covered in case Muslims decided to encounter the expected danger. Besides, the hypocrites of Madinah made it more difficult by casting seeds of fear in Madinah.
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Few tribesmen brought the news of Heraclius’ preparation and equipment of an enormous army numbering over 40,000. The Prophet (S.A.W) thought if he delayed the situation, it would leave an awful impression on Islam and the credibility of the Muslim army.
Preparation For the War
Despite the hardships that Muslims were suffering from, He (S.A.W) was determined to spoil Roman’s attempt to approach the land of Islam. The Prophet (S.A.W) ordered his companions to get ready for war and sent messages to Makkans and other tribes for their assistance. Almost all Muslims responded positively except hypocrites who made excuses to stay behind, only three people with true faith did not participate in this expedition.
Muslims did not have enough supplies and arms, so Prophet (S.A.W) asked Muslims to contribute to the expedition. The companions sacrificed hugely at this time. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) donated all of his wealth, leaving himself with nothing but Allah and His Messenger as a fortune for his family. Hazrat Umar (R.A) gave half of his wealth, and Hazrat Usman (R.A) donated 300 camels, 50 horses, and 10,000 Dinars. The Prophet (S.A.W) remarked: “Whatever Uthman does from this day onward, he will suffer no harm.” Hazrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf (R.A) paid 8000 Dirhams worth of silver. Muslim women also contributed by donating their ornaments.
Administration Affiars
Prophet (S.A.W) appointed Mohammad bin Maslamah (R.A) as in charge of Madinah, and Hazrat Ali (R.A) was left to look after the women and children. Hazrat Ali (R.A) chased Mohammad (S.A.W), but the Prophet (S.A.W) turned him back to Madinah by saying: “Are you not content, Ali, that you are to me as Haroon was to Musa, except that there will be no Prophet after me?”
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Departing For the War
In 630 A.D. / 9 A.H, 30,000 men marched towards Tabuk under the leadership of the Prophet (S.A.W) to face the Byzantines. Despite donations, the army was not well equipped. There was a shortage of mounts, to the extent that eighteen men mounted one camel in turns. Due to the lack of provisions, the army had to eat leaves, and a few others had to slaughter their camels. It was a challenging journey that took seven days.
After arriving at Tabuk and camping there, the Muslim army was ready to face the enemy. However, the Roman army was surprised that Muslims did not show up for combat. The Prophet (S.A.W) sent small expeditions to various neighbouring tribes. Consequently, the alliance of Christian tribes (Tabuk, Dumat, Ailah and Taima) agreed to come under the protection of Muslims and were ready to give Jizya. Prophet (S.A.W) gave them a guarantee letter.
Soon the Romans had withdrawn from the border towns and decided not to encroach on Muslims’ land. When the Prophet (S.A.W) saw no reason to pursue them in their territory, He returned to Madinah after 20 days. While returning, the hypocrites tried to kill the Prophet (S.A.W) but Hazrat Huzaifa (R.A) well-defended Prophet (S.A.W). About this event, the Quran states: “And they resolved that (plot to murder Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) which they were unable to carry out.” (9:74 Al-Tauba)
Decision Regarding Hypocrites
Upon Prophet (S.A.W)’s arrival in Madinah, the Hypocrites who had stayed behind came to him to repeat their excuses. Prophet (S.A.W) did not criticize them. He (S.A.W) was confident that Allah would deal with them. As for the three sincere believers, Kab bin Malik (R.A), Murra bin Rabi (R.A) and Hilal bin Umayya (R.A), who favoured speaking the truth, Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) directed his companions not to talk to them. After 50 days of shunning, Allah turned to them. Allah revealed the verses of Surah Tauba and accepted their repentance.
And ˹Allah has also turned in mercy to˺ the three who had remained behind, ˹whose guilt distressed them˺ until the earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on them, and their souls were torn in anguish. They knew there was no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them in mercy so that they might repent. Surely Allah ˹alone˺ is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful. (Surah Taua - 118) — Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
Explain the significance/effects of the Tabuk Expedition. / Explain the importance of the Tabuk Expedition.
The failure of Romans in their attempt to invade Arabian lands brought prestige and strength to Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula. It confirmed the Muslims’ domination all over Arabia, and it was clear to everybody that the power of Islam and its followers would live among the Arabs. Moreover, unbelievers and the hypocrite who continuously relied on Byzantines for support to work against Islam had lost their hopes. Realizing that there was no way out and that they had failed, they gave up their attempts. Though, after the death of Abdullah bin Ubai, Allah ordered Muslims to treat them severely.
Masjid-e-Diraar
Allah revealed the truth about the Masjid Al-Diraar. They never worshipped there, but they utilized it as a secret place to plot and conspire against Islam. After receiving a revelation, Prophet (S.A.W) sent his companions to demolish the mosque.
Islam spread all over Arabia. The Expedition of Tabuk was the last campaign of the Prophet (S.A.W). A vast number of delegations visited successively to meet Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) to accept faith or join hands with him. These delegations were frequent and more numerous than those which came after the conquest of Makkah.
Consolidation of Islam
At the end of the 9th Hijra, Arabia had been unified under the banner of Islam. Pilgrimage became obligatory for Muslims this year with the following revelation “Pilgrimage thereto is duty men owe to Allah those who can afford the journey.” (Al – Imran 3:97)
Abu Bakr (R.A) was appointed the Ameer-ul-Haj. Henceforward, the non-Muslims were not allowed to visit the Kaaba or perform the pilgrimage.
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