[Year Five AH]

The Expedition to Dūmat al-Jandal (1) in Rabīʿ al-Awwal

Ibn Isḥāq (2) said: “Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ marched against Dūmat al-Jandal (3).”

Ibn Hishām (4) adds: “It took place in Rabīʿ al-Awwal—that is, in the fifth year—and he appointed Sibāʿ ibn ʿUrfaṭah al-Ghifārī to administer Madinah.”

Ibn Isḥāq (5) continues: “He turned back to Madinah before reaching the place, met with no resistance, and remained in Madinah for the rest of that year.” Such are the words of Ibn Isḥāq.

Muhammad ibn ʿUmar al-Wāqidī (6), on the authority of his teachers and a number of the early generations, related: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ wished to advance toward the outskirts of Greater Syria. He was told that this would alarm Caesar, and it was reported to him that a large force had gathered at Dūmat al-Jandal (7), that they were oppressing travellers who passed by, and that a great market was held there. They were even said to be planning an approach toward Madinah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ therefore called the people to arms, setting out with a thousand Muslims. He would travel by night and conceal himself by day. With him was a guide from Banū ʿUdhrah named Madhkūr, an expert tracker (9).

When he drew near to Dūmat al-Jandal, the guide informed him of some herds belonging to Banū Tamīm. He advanced until he fell upon their livestock and shepherds, taking some captive while others escaped in every direction. News of this reached the inhabitants of Dūmat al-Jandal, so they dispersed. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ entered their precinct, but found no one there (10), and he remained there