year twelve AH; Allah knows best.

The Expedition of ‘Abd Allah ibn Rawaha against Usayr ibn Zarim (Shawwal)

It is related that when Salam ibn Abi al-Huqayq was killed, the Jews appointed Usayr ibn Zarim as their leader. He travelled among Ghatafan and other tribes, mustering them to wage war against the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ therefore dispatched Ibn Rawaha with three men, secretly, to gather information. He learned of Usayr’s plans while the latter was off his guard, then returned and informed the Prophet.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ then called the Muslims to arms; thirty men responded, and he placed Ibn Rawaha in command of them.

They came to Usayr and said, “May we safely present the purpose for which we have come?” He replied, “Yes, on condition that I enjoy the same safety from you.” They said, “Yes.” Then they continued, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ has sent us to bring you to him; he will appoint you over Khaybar and treat you generously.” Tempted by the offer, Usayr set out, accompanied by thirty Jews, each riding pillion behind a Muslim.

When they reached Qarqarat Thabār, Usayr had second thoughts. ‘Abd Allah ibn Anis—who was in the detachment—said: “He stretched out his hand toward my sword, but I noticed it, urged my camel forward, and exclaimed, ‘Treachery, enemy of Allah!’ He did that twice. I then dismounted, drove the men on, and singled Usayr out. I struck him with my sword, severing most of his thigh. He fell, still grasping a cudgel, and struck me, splitting my scalp. We then turned on his companions and killed them; only one man managed to escape.”