The Ultimate Jihad: The Battle of Tabuk

by 29 November 202136 comments

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

The Ultimate Jihad: The Battle of Tabuk

Many battles have been fought in the name of Islam. The battle of Tabuk, also known as the expedition of Usra, in October of 630 CE was to be the last battle headed by the Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Approximately 30,000 Muslim men participated in the march to the north of Tabuk then; presently located in northwest of Saudi Arabia.

External Provocations

The Byzantine empire, one of the powerful states then, with the push of Christian Arabs, prepared a large army with the objective to put an end to Islam by attacking Medina.

Strong Leadership Rallying Actions

During that period, with widespread famine that caused scarcities of resources from food to war preparations, encompassing purchase of weapons, in addition to the large number of the enemy’s army, Prophet Muhammadﷺ did warn the Muslim soldiers of all the risks involved. Messengers were sent to Muslim tribes for a call to action.

Following that, rich Muslims were asked to contribute to the collective effort which garnered encouraging responses. Albeit money was channelled to the war preparations, each Muslim contributed in whatever way he or she could afford, ranging from dates to camels. Women did their part, too. They gave up their jewellery for the war effort which helped in paying for the required resources, such as equipment for the expedition.

Sifting Munafiqs from the Ummah

An opportunity to unite Muslims also surfaced the opportunity to identify hypocrites lurking in the community. This particular group gave many excuses, including casting doubts on Muslims to triumph over the Byzantine army, so that they could extract themselves from being part of the battle. Among a few Quranic verses which addressed this specific issue:

وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ ٱئْذَن لِّى وَلَا تَفْتِنِّىٓ ۚ أَلَا فِى ٱلْفِتْنَةِ سَقَطُوا۟ ۗ وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمُحِيطَةٌۢ بِٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

And among them there is one who says, “Allow me (to stay behind) and do not expose me to an ordeal.” Look! They have already fallen into an ordeal, and certainly Jahannam (the Hell) has the disbelievers encircled.

[Surah At-Tawbah 9:49]

March to Tabuk

With many impossibilities and hurdles conquered, under the leadership of the Prophet, 30,000 Muslim soldiers set off from Medina in the month of Rajab. The scorching heat of the sun did not deter these men from carrying out jihad in the name of Allah.

Many Challenges Experienced

During one of the many stops, the Muslim army was desperate for water. They even had to slaughter a camel to drink water. Again, the Munafiqs seized the opportunity to slander the Prophet ﷺ for not asking Allah for rain. Miraculously, with Allah’s blessings, the Prophet’s ﷺ prayer was answered, thus allowing the Muslim soldiers to fill their drinking containers.

Bloodless Battle Won

Upon arrival in Tabuk, the Byzantine army was nowhere to be found. The enemy had withdrawn at the last minute.

In Tabuk, the Prophet delivered a sermon; part of it emphasised piety to Allah in believers’ hearts whereby the highest wisdom is derived from the fear of one and only true God. And, doubt is a sign of infidelity of faith.

While in Tabuk, the Prophet was informed about a plague in Damascus, Syria. Narrated by Saud:

يُحَدِّثُ سَعْدًا عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ بِالطَّاعُونِ بِأَرْضٍ فَلاَ تَدْخُلُوهَا، وَإِذَا وَقَعَ بِأَرْضٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِهَا فَلاَ تَخْرُجُوا مِنْهَا ‏”

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari 5728]

During his stay in Tabuk lasting 20 days, smaller battles were won in the form of treaties. For instance with smaller pockets of the Jewish communities through jizyah — taxation in exchange for security, which upheld harmony despite religious differences.

About The Author

Muslim Pro Team

Comprised of a diverse team of writers, editors, and experts, the Muslim Pro Team is committed to delivering insightful, relevant, and authentic content that resonates with the global Muslim community. With a passion for Islamic spirituality, culture, and modern living, our team members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every article, ensuring that Muslim Pro remains a trusted source for guidance, inspiration, and connection in the digital age. Together, we strive to empower and uplift Muslims worldwide on their journey of faith and personal growth.

36 Comments

  1. Ridwanulahi Jimoh

    I love it and I don’t mind receiving this everyday about our Muslim tribe

    Reply
    • Asmaa

      Very informative and easy to read summary of an important event in islam

      Reply
  2. Abdul Hakeem Kilanko

    I am more informed Jzk!I

    Reply
    • Azhar Jameel

      سبحان اللہ

      Reply
  3. Alkali Waziri Abali

    May Allah strengthen the believers in faith,status and wisdom in the application of this beautiful story in their lives. May Allah also open the door of understanding for others as well.

    Reply
    • Nuzhat T Qureshi

      Aameen.! JAKK for du’aa.

      Reply
    • Mohammed

      Amen 🙏☪️

      Reply
  4. Kishwar khan

    Yes enjoyed reading this article. Thankyou

    Reply
  5. Ruslan

    Truly an additional knowledge that forelong the memories..tq for sharing

    Reply
  6. Mojeed Yusuf

    Wonderful

    Reply
  7. Farhana

    Alhamdulilah

    Reply
  8. Farhana

    SubhanAllahi

    Reply
  9. Adan Gulleid

    Masha Allah that was interesting I love ❤ the stories

    Reply
  10. عبدالله

    BarakaLlahufikum, it is a great reminder, i wish it could have been quite profound,

    Reply
  11. Amina

    Very Informative Alhumdllilah

    Reply
  12. Siraj

    MaShaa’Allah a good narrative

    Reply
  13. Munira

    So interesting narratives.

    Reply
  14. Amidu

    Enjoyed it.

    Reply
  15. Nizhonni Montti

    This is a beautiful inspiration to our beloved Prophet Muhammad I think I will get the book and read up on my beloved Prophet and all his achievements aided by God beautiful your new features very nice SubhanAllah!

    Reply
  16. Oley

    What a beautiful story of the prophet SAW and his companion May Allah be please with all of them
    Mas sah Allah well narrated

    Reply
  17. Mariam

    This make me cry because of the betrayal of the munafigs. May Allah bless him and all the faithfuls Ameen ya Raab. Blessings to the creators of this wonderful app. Jazakyl Allah khair

    Reply
  18. Yasmin Schirtzer

    I really enjoyed reading about our Muslim history, please post about
    the other wars.
    JazakAllah

    Reply
  19. Mariam

    This make me cry because of the betrayal of the munafigs. May Allah bless him Blessings to the creators of this wonderful app. Jazakyl Allah khair

    Reply
  20. Fazlo

    God is great

    Reply
  21. Mohammed Merchant

    This story teaches have a complete faith in Allah SWT you will overcome all difficulties & successful

    Reply
  22. Dilawer Ahmed Parkar

    Alhamdulillah this information is very good and accurate.

    Reply
  23. Isatou

    Allahamduillah very informative Mashalll may Allah bless the prophet Mohammed and his house hold

    Reply
  24. shahzad shahid

    Jazak Allah khair,
    Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  25. Harvey Witt

    Remarkable History of the resolve of prophet Muhammad (Pbuh ). The believers and the love of Allah (SWT) for the believers. So inspiring ????

    Reply
  26. Umarr Sillah

    Very encouraging to believe and fight for a cause you believe in. The quotation that don’t go to a place where there is an outbreak of plaque and don’t leave a place where there is an outbreak is verily true in our present Covid-19 saga. We live to learn everyday

    Reply
  27. Abu Bakarr Baturay

    Very interesting narrative,my salutation to prophet mohammed (Peace and blessings be upon him) and the 30,000 Muslims soldiers..

    Reply
  28. Sokhna

    MachaaAllah!!! Diazakakahu Khayran for this reminder. I enjoy it????????

    Reply
  29. Okolo Talib

    I love the stories

    Reply
  30. Syed Najeeb

    No doubt Islam has emerged to the world and is enlighting us with all its beauty and character that it holds. The prophetic life is full of lessons that we should act as our Allah has ordained us through his revelations and the sunnah of the holy prophet. As muslim women and men participated as per their capapcities to fight the enemy of Allah, We should also as and when required. Today we can help our muslim bothers and sisters and not leaving them in lue=rch rather support them in any manner possible and can strengthen the message of Tabook in particulay & Islam in general
    jazakallah kher

    Reply
  31. Isha

    alhamdulillah this helped me very much with my islamic studies research so jazakallah 🙂

    Reply

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