Part 24
Abu Rayyan Hamidi
The Ghazwah of Dhi Amr
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received intelligence that the tribes of Banu Tha’labah and Muharib had mobilized in the region of Dhi Amr, preparing to fight the Muslims and attack Madinah. Without delay, the Prophet (PBUH) set out with four hundred and fifty companions. When news of the Muslim army’s approach reached those tribes, they panicked, fled, and dispersed into the surrounding mountains.
The Muslim forces encamped beside a spring in the area of Dhi Amr and remained there for about a month, reinforcing the impression of their strength in the hearts of their enemies. This campaign took place in the third year after the Hijrah, during which the administration of Madinah was entrusted to Uthman ibn Affan (RA).
“Allah, the Exalted, will save me.”
One night, heavy rain fell and drenched the Prophet’s garments. He withdrew a little from his companions and sat beneath a tree to dry his clothes. At that moment, a chieftain of Banu Thaʿlabah named Daʿthur ibn al-Harith noticed that the Prophet (PBUH) was alone. Seizing the opportunity, he approached, drew his sword, and said menacingly, “Who will save you from me now?”
The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Allah, the Exalted, will save me.”
In that instant, by Allah’s power, the sword slipped from Daʿthur’s hand. The Prophet picked it up and asked, “And who will save you from me now?” The chieftain looked upon him with remorse and said, “No one.”
Overwhelmed by what he had witnessed, Da’thur recognized the truth of Allah’s power. His heart softened, and he embraced Islam, declaring the testimony of faith. The Prophet (PBUH) returned the sword to him and set him free. When Da’thur returned to his tribe, they asked what had happened. He replied, “I met a tall man; He struck me in the chest, and I fell on my back. Then I realized he was an angel. After that, I accepted the faith and became a follower of Muhammad (PBUH).” From that day onward, Da’thur became a sincere caller to Islam and invited his people to the truth.
The Ghazwah of Buhran
The Ghazwah of Buhran took place in the third year after the Hijrah, during the month of Jumada al-Awwal. The Prophet (PBUH) marched with three hundred companions toward a region called Buhran, located between Makkah and Madinah, intending to confront the tribe of Banu Sulaym. However, the tribe had already withdrawn, and no battle took place. The Muslim army remained in the area for ten days before returning to Madinah.
Lessons from the Expeditions of Qadar, Suwaiq, Dhi Amr, and Buhran
1. The Qadar expedition demonstrated that if someone fights you, you may respond in kind, and if they seek peace, you should make peace. This pragmatic policy reflects the prophetic approach the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) adopted even toward the Jews.
2. These campaigns also highlight the remarkable effectiveness of the Muslim army’s intelligence system. Before the tribes of Banu Sulaym, Banu Tha’labah, and Muharib could launch open hostilities, the Prophet (PBUH) had already disrupted their plans. Guided by accurate intelligence, Muslim forces targeted enemy gatherings, councils, and military bases, scattering their ranks and thwarting their conspiracies.
3. Contemporary Islamic movements and military formations would do well to learn from this approach. Tribulations and seditions should not be permitted to grow, spread and harm the Muslim community. Rather, they ought to be detected and addressed early and decisively so they can be eradicated before they escalate.