made the matter plain and unmistakable to his Companions for several reasons:

First: The march took place in the intense summer heat, at the very time when the fruit was ripe, and human souls are naturally inclined to rest and comfort.

Second: The distance from Madinah to Tabuk was great, a route of desolate stretches, shifting sands, thirst, and blazing sun.

Third: The enemy was numerous—the Byzantines—who, according to what reached the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), had gathered in vast numbers. For these reasons he openly declared the objective of the expedition and informed everyone that he was going out. The Muslims therefore set forth with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him); none stayed behind except those whom Allah abandoned on account of their hypocrisy, and three men only: Kaʿb ibn Mālik, Murārah ibn al-Rabīʿ, and Hilāl ibn Umayyah—may Allah be pleased with them. These three were genuine believers, yet they stayed back for a reason Allah willed. As for the rest who lagged behind, they were steeped in hypocrisy—may Allah grant us safety.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left with his many Companions toward Tabuk and encamped there, but Allah did not bring him face-to-face with the enemy. He remained in that place for twenty days and then returned without fighting.

Kaʿb ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) says: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims prepared themselves and departed from Madinah. I, however, delayed. Each morning I would go out to saddle my mount, saying, ‘I will catch up with them,’ yet I would accomplish nothing. I did this day after day until the opportunity slipped away and I failed to join them.”