would never embark on a campaign without first giving it another name—until this particular expedition. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) set out on it in the fiercest heat, facing a long journey across a trackless desert and a large opposing force. Accordingly, he disclosed the matter plainly to the Muslims so they could make full preparations, informing them of the exact direction he intended to take. Those who marched with the Messenger of Allah were many, and no written register existed to record their names—by this he meant a formal roster.

Kaʿb said: Therefore, any man who contemplated staying behind assumed he could remain concealed unless some revelation from Allah exposed him. The Messenger of Allah began this expedition when the fruits were ripe and the shade enticing, and I was strongly drawn to them. The Messenger of Allah and the Muslims with him started to equip themselves, and I kept going out each morning to do the same but would return having accomplished nothing, saying to myself, “I can manage that whenever I wish.” My procrastination persisted until matters became urgent. The Messenger of Allah left at dawn with the Muslims, and I had not put together anything of my kit. I went out again yet came back having done nothing. My delay continued until they had moved on quickly and the army was far ahead. I then resolved to mount and catch up with them—how I wish I had done so!—but that was not decreed for me.

Whenever I ventured out among the people after the Messenger of Allah had departed, it grieved me that I could find no one in circumstances like mine except a man openly suspected of hypocrisy, or someone whom Allah Almighty had excused because of weakness. The Messenger of Allah did not mention me until he reached Tabūk. While he was sitting among the people there, he asked, “What has become of Kaʿb ibn Mālik?” A man from the clan of Salama replied, “Messenger of Allah, he has been held back…”