Indexed OCR Text

confirmation. To prove herself, she informed Rasulullaah p that she had suckled
from Hadhrat Haleemah wie al chy as he had. She also said that he had once bitten
her as a child and that she had the bite mark to prove it. Recognising the bite-
mark, Rasulullaah p's eyes filled with tears and he spread out his shawl for her to
sit upon. He then informed her that she could stay with the Muslims in honour
or return to her tribe. She opted to return, but became a Muslim before doing
so. Rasulullaah p gave her a slave and some camels and goats as a gift before she
left.
In the Words of the Qur'an
The Qur'aan makes reference to the Battle of Hunayn in the following verses:
Verses 25-27 of Surah Taubah state:
لَقَدْ نَصَرَكُمُ اللهُ فِيْ مَوَاطِنَ كَثِيْرَةٍ ﴿ وَيَوْمَ حُنَيْنٍ ﴿ إِذْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ كَثْرَتُكُمْ فَلَمْ تُغْنِ عَنْكُمْ شَيْئًا وَّضَاقَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ
الْأَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ ثُمَّ وَلَّيْتُمْ مُدْبِرِيِنَ (٢٥٦) ثُمَّ أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِيْنَتَهُ عَلَى رَسُوْلِمٍ وَعَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَآَنْزَلَ جُنُوْدًا لَّمْ
تَرَوْبَا وَعَذَّبَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا * وَ ذُلِكَ جَزَآءُ الْكُفِرِيِنَ (٢٦) ثُمَّ يَتُوْبُ اللهُ مِنَّ بَعْدِ ذُلِكَ عَلَى مَنْ يَّشَآءُ * وَاللهُ
غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (٢٤)
TRANSLATION: Without doubt Allaah has assisted you on numerous occasions,
as well as on the day of Hunayn when your superior numbers impressed you,
but these were of no avail to you (because the enemy took you completely by
surprise). The earth became narrow for you despite its vastness (you could find
nowhere to hide) and you turned away in flight (leaving Rasulullaah p). Allaah then
caused His tranquillity (special peace) to descend on His Rasool p and on the
Mu'mineen (and they all reorganised themselves around Rasulullaah p and defeated the
enemy). (In addition to this,) Allaah (also) sent an army (of angels) that you could
not see and punished those who did not have Imaan (when they were killed and
taken prisoner). Such is the punishment of the Kaafiroon. Thereafter Allaah
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accepted the repentance of those (Kuffaar) whom He willed (when they became
Muslims). Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful (towards those who accept Islaam).
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The Expedition to Tabook
(The Last of all Rasulullaah p's Military Expeditions)
The Muslim state had achieved tremendous stability after the conquest of
Makkah and was the strongest power in the Arabian Peninsula at the time.
However, someone sent a misleading message to the emperor of Rome that
Rasulullaah p had passed away and the Muslims were in confusion. Since it was
also a time of drought, the emperor was advised that this was the best time to
conquer the Muslims.
The Roman (Byzantine) emperor acted on this deceptive information and
immediately assembled an army of forty thousand. When Rasulullaah p
received intelligence that this army had started to march he announced to the
Muslims that they would be marching to meet this army at Tabook.
It was on the 9th of Rajab in the year 9 A.H. that the Muslim army prepared to
march. This was a time of drought, the peak of the summer season and the
journey ahead was a long and arduous one. However, despite the heavy odds,
the sincere Muslims responded to the call of Rasulullaah p and prepared to
accompany Rasulullaah p. The Munaafiqeen were reluctant to make the sacrifice
and also started to instigate the true Mu'mineen against proceeding by saying,
"Do not march in this heat." In fact, they were so desperate to avoid going that
one of them even made the excuse that seeing the Roman women would lead
him to sin. Therefore, he said, it was best for him not to join the army.
Since the expedition promised to be an arduous one, Rasulullaah p encouraged
the Sahabah w to donate whatever they could afford. Hadhrat Abu Bakr t
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donated everything he owned, which added up to 4000 Dirhams. When asked
what he had left behind for his family, Hadhrat Abu Bakr t replied, "I have left
Allaah and His Rasool p for them." Hadhrat Umar t donated half of his
possessions, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Awf t donated 200 Awqiya of silver,
Hadhrat Aasim bin Adi t donated 70 Wasaq of grain and Hadhrat Uthmaan T
donated a thousand gold coins together with 300 camels laden with supplies
and weapons. Turning the gold coins over in his hand, Rasulullaah p remarked,
"After this, no action Uthmaan does will cause him any harm. O Allaah! I am
pleased with Uthmaan, You also be pleased with him."629
Other Sahabah w also donated as much as they could afford, but the supplies
still fell short. There were many impoverished Sahabah w who approached
Rasulullaah p with the request to provide the means for them, since they were
ready to march, but financially incapable. When Rasulullaah p informed them
that he also did not have the means to provide for them, they returned home
with tears in their eyes. With reference to this, Allaah says, "And neither (will
there be any sin) on those who, when they come to you (Rasulullaah p) to provide
transport for them (to proceed in Jihaad), you tell them, "I do not have any
transport for you." They then turn away with their eyes flowing with tears,
despondent that they could not find anything to spend (in Allaah's path)".630
When then time arrived to leave, Rasulullaah p appointed Hadhrat
Muhammad bin Maslamah t as his deputy in Madinah and Hadhrat Ali t as
guardian of his family in Madinah. Hadhrat Ali t submitted, "O Rasulullaah p!
Are you leaving me behind with the women and children?" Rasulullaah p
replied, "O Ali! Does it not please you to know that your relationship with me is
like the relationship between Moosa v and Haaroon v? The only difference is
that there shall be no Nabi after me."
629 Zurqaani (Vol.3 Pg.64).
630
Surah Taubah, verse 92.
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The Muslim army left Madinah with enthusiasm and fervour, numbering thirty
thousand, with ten thousand being horse-mounted cavalry. When the Roman
spies informed the emperor about the movements of the Muslims, he was left
wonderstruck with their speedy manoeuvring. Fear and confusion also spread
amongst his army of a hundred thousand and it was before the Muslims reached
Tabook that the Roman had been fragmented.
As the Muslim travelled to Tabook, they passed through areas where Allaah's
punishment had devastated the nation of Thamud. Rasulullaah p covered his
head as they marched through the area and quickened the pace of his camel,
giving emphatic instructions to the Sahabah w not to enter the ruins or drink
from any of the wells there. Those who had already filled water from the wells
were instructed to throw it out. 631
As they passed through the area, they arrived at a place where there was no
water and they desperately needed some. By the du'aa of Rasulullaah p, Allaah
sent a torrential shower, which fulfilled their need for water. It was also at this
place that Rasulullaah p's camel got lost. One of the Munaafiqeen jibed at this
and said, "He claims to know the news of the heavens, but does not know where
his camel is." When he heard about this remark, Rasulullaah p said, "I swear by
Allaah that I know nothing apart from that which Allaah informs me." It was
shortly afterwards that Rasulullaah p told the Sahabah w the exact location of
the camel, adding that she could not return because her carriage was hooked on
to a branch. The Sahabah w went there and found the situation exactly as
Rasulullaah p had described.632
631
Bukhaari.
632
Bayhaqi.
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A day before arriving at Tabook, Rasulullaah p informed the Sahabah w that they
would be arriving at a spring. However, he cautioned them not to take any water
from it. When they reached there the following day, they found that only a
trickle of water was flowing from it. With difficulty, they managed to get a dish
of water to bring to Rasulullaah p. Rasulullaah p washed his face and hands
with the water and then threw it back into the spring. As soon as he did this,
water started to gush from the spring and everyone was able to have sufficient
water. Rasulullaah p then said to Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal t, "O Mu'aadh! If
you live long enough, you will see this place full of lush gardens."633
Rasulullaah p stayed in Tabook for twenty days, but the Roman army did not
show up. However, neighbouring tribes submitted to the Muslim authority, thus
consolidating the region for the Muslims. Thereafter, Rasulullaah p returned to
Madinah. This expedition is referred to as the final military expedition that
Rasulullaah p personally led.
Masjid Disaar
As Rasulullaah p drew close to Madinah on the return from Tabook, he
dispatched Hadhrat Maalik bin Dukhshun t and Hadhrat Ma'n bin Adi t to
demolish the Masjid Diraar and raze it to the ground. This was a Masjid that the
Munaafiqeen had built and were using to hatch plots against Rasulullaah p and
the Muslims.
Before Rasulullaah p left for Tabook, the Munaafiqeen approached Rasulullaah p
with news that they had built the Masjid for the benefit of the poor and weak
633
Muslim.
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Muslims. They requested Rasulullaah p to perform salaah in this Masjid so that
people may accept it as a Masjid. Rasulullaah p told them that he would see to it
as soon as he returned from Tabook, but on the return journey, he received
revelation instructing that it be demolished.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Verses 107-110 of Surah Taubah state:
وَالَّذِيْنَ اتَّخَذُوا مَسْجِدًا ضِرَارًا وَّكُفْرًا وَتَفْرِيْقًا بَيْنَ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَ إِرْصَادًا لَّمَنْ حَارَبَ اللّهَ وَرَسُوْلَهُ مِنْ قَبْلُ ٠٥
وَلَيَحْلِفُنَّ إِنْ آَرَدْنَا إِلَّ الْحُسْنَى * وَاللهُ يَشْهَدُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكُذِبُوْنَ (١٠٧) لَا تَقُمْ فِيْهِ أَبَدًا * لَّمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى التَّقْوَى
مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ أَحَقُّ أَنْ تَقُوْمَ فِيْهِ * فِيْهِ رِجَالٌ يُحِبُّوْنَ أَنْ يَّتَطَبَّرُوْا ب * وَاللهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُطَّبِّرِيْنَ (١٠٨) أَفَمَنْ
أَسَّسَ بُنْيَانَمَ عَلَى تَقْوَى مِنَ اللهِ وَرِضْوَانٍ خَيْرٌ آمْ مَّنْ آَسَّسَ بُنْيَانَهٌ عَلَى شَفَا جُرُفٍ بَارٍ فَانْهَارَ بِهِ فِيْ نَارٍ جَهَنَّمَ
٥* وَاللهُ لَا يَهْدِى الْقَوْمَ الظَّلِمِيْنَ (١٠٩) لَا يَزَالُ بُنْيَانُهُمُ الَّذِى بَنَوْارِيِبَةً فِى قُلُوْبِهِمْ إِلَّ أَنْ تَقَطَّعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ ٠٥
وَاللهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ (١١٠)٪
TRANSLATION: (Among the Munaafigeen are) Those who built a Masjid to harm
(Islaam and the Muslims), for (the promotion of) kufr, to create disunity between the
Mu'mineen, and to prepare for him (Abu Aamir) who fought against Allaah and
His Rasool p before (in the battles that the Mushrikeen fought against the Muslims).
(When asked about the reason for erecting the building) They will most certainly
swear (with vigour), "We only intended good." Allaah testifies (is a Witness) that
they are definitely liars. (Rasulullaah p then instructed some Sahabah w to demolish
this "Masjid", which they did. These Munaafiqeen asked Rasulullaah p to perform one
salaah in their "Masjid" so that others may follow. However, before Rasulullaah p could do
so, Allaah commanded him with the following words,) Never ever stand in it (in this
"Masjid") ! Surely the Masjid that was established on Taqwa from the first day
(referring to the Masjid that Rasulullaah p built in Quba) is worthier for you to stand
in. In it (in the Masjid founded on Taqwa) are men who love to be extremely pure.
Allaah loves those who are exceptionally pure (those who love both external and
internal purity). Is he who (firmly) established his foundation on Taqwa from
Allaah and His pleasure better or (is) he (better) who established his foundation
on a collapsing edge (of a precipice), so he tumbles with it into the Fire of
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Jahannam? Allaah does not guide oppressive (wrong-doing and unjust) people. The
foundation (the building) that they established will always be a source of doubt
(regret and hypocrisy) in their hearts (as long as they live because they achieved
nothing from it besides humiliation). However, (it is best for them) if their hearts are
split into pieces (if they die, because death will end the humiliation of this world).
Allaah is All Knowing, The Wise.
Abu Aamir was a Christian monk who schemed with the Munaafiqeen to cause
harm to the Muslims. It was for him that they built the Masjid.
The Incident of Hadhrat Ka'l bin Maalik T
As stated above, the expedition to Tabook took place at a time when the
weather was extremely hot, the dates were ready for harvesting, the Muslims
were suffering poverty and the journey and enemy promised to be very trying
and difficult.
Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik t himself narrates his story. He says, "Besides the
military expedition to Tabook, I did not miss a single military expedition in which
Rasulullaah p participated. Of course, I did miss the Battle of Badr, but no one
was reprimanded for missing that expedition because Rasulullaah p had only
intended to intercept a caravan of the Quraysh, after which Allaah brought the
Muslims and their enemy together without any prearrangement. I was present
on the night that the Pledge of Aqaba took place with Rasulullaah p. This was the
night that we pledged our allegiance to Islaam. I would not like to exchange that
night for being at the Battle of Badr even though the Battle of Badr is more
popularly spoken about amongst people. This is my story:
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I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I
missed the (Tabook) expedition with Rasulullaah p. I had never before owned
two animals as I had at the time of the expedition. Until this expedition took
place, it was always the practice of Rasulullaah p to conceal the destination and
make it seem that he was heading in a different direction. When Rasulullaah p
intended to march on this expedition, the heat was extreme; the journey was
long and across barren land and the enemy was large in number. Rasulullaah p
therefore disclosed the matter to the Muslims so that they could make proper
preparations for the expedition. He informed the Muslims exactly where he
intended marching. The Muslims marching with Rasulullaah p were so many
that a single register could not contain their names. In fact, anyone who
intended absenting himself knew that his absence would not be noted unless
Allaah sent revelation about it.
Rasulullaah p left on this expedition at a time when the date crop and the shade
was most appealing (because the dates were ripe for the picking and the intense
heat drew everyone towards the shade). However, the Muslims started their
preparations along with Rasulullaah p. Each morning I left to start my
preparations with the other Muslims but returned home every time without
doing anything, telling myself that I have the means to prepare (and can even do
so at short notice). This procrastination continued until others had prepared in
earnest and the morning arrived when Rasulullaah p marched with the Muslims.
By then I had still not yet made any preparations but told myself that I would get
ready in a day or two and then catch up with them. After they had left, I started
the morning with the intention of making preparations, but returned home
without accomplishing anything. The next morning was the same and again I
returned home without accomplishing anything. This continued happening to me
and the Muslims marched very fast until every chance of catching up with the
expedition was lost. I had a firm resolve to ride out to meet them and wish that I
had. However, I was never destined to do so.
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When I walked amongst the people after Rasulullaah p had left, it saddened me
greatly to see only people whose hearts were tainted by hypocrisy or ailing
people whom Allaah had excused (staying behind). Rasulullaah p made no
mention of me until the Muslims had reached Tabook. As he was sitting amongst
the others at Tabook, he asked, 'What has happened to Ka'b?' Someone from
the Banu Salma tribe commented, 'O Rasulullaah p! His fine clothing (wealth) has
obstructed him.' Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal t interjected by saying, 'You have
made a terrible statement! O Rasulullaah p! I swear by Allaah that we only know
him to be an excellent person.' Rasulullaah p remained silent."
Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik t continues to narrate, "When the news reached me
that Rasulullaah p was returning, I became worried and started thinking of false
excuses. I asked myself what I could do to avert the anger of Rasulullaah p and I
also sought advice from every wise person of my family. When the news
arrived that Rasulullaah p was about arriving, all false excuses vanished from my
mind and I knew that I could never come out of the situation with anything
connected to lies. I therefore resolved to tell Rasulullaah p the truth.
Rasulullaah p arrived and according to his normal practice after returning from a
journey, he proceeded to the Masjid where he performed two Rakaahs of salaah.
He then sat to meet with people. As Rasulullaah p met people those who stayed
behind started approaching him and to present their excuses. They numbered
eighty odd men and even took oaths before Rasulullaah p (to substantiate
their excuses). Rasulullaah p accepted their excuses at face value, renewed their
pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness on their behalf. He then
handed over the inner details of their affairs to Allaah.
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When I approached Rasulullaah p and greeted him with Salaam, he smiled the
smile of an angry person and said, 'Do come forward.' I walked to him and sat in
front of him. He asked, 'What kept you behind? Had you not already purchased
your conveyance?' I responded by saying, 'That's true. By Allaah! Had I been
sitting before someone other than you from amongst worldly men, I would have
certainly escaped your anger by making some excuse because I have been given
the ability to present convincing arguments. However, I swear by Allaah that if I
lie to you today and manage to secure your pleasure, the time will soon come
when Allaah shall make you angry with me. On the other hand, if I tell you the
truth and you become angry with me, I have strong hopes of Allaah's
forgiveness. I swear by Allaah that I really had no excuse. By Allaah! I was never
healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the
expedition.' Rasulullaah p said, 'At least this man had spoken the truth. You may
leave (and wait) until Allaah decides your matter.'
As I stood up, some men from the Banu Salma tribe (to which I belonged) also
stood up and followed me. They said to me, 'By Allaah! We have never known
you to commit a sin before this! Could you not make an excuse like the others
who stayed behind had made excuses? The forgiveness that Rasulullaah p would
have sought on your behalf should have then sufficed for our sin.' They kept
scolding me in this manner so much that I actually made up my mind to return to
Rasulullaah p and deny whatever I had told him. I then asked them, 'Has anyone
else experienced the same treatment as I have?' They replied, 'Yes. Two others
said what you did and received the same reply you received.' 'Who are they?' I
asked. 'Muraarah bin Rabee Amri and Hilaal bin Umayyah Waaqifi,' was the
reply. The two men they named were two righteous men who had participated
in the Battle of Badr and who made excellent examples to follow. I therefore
went on my way when they mentioned these two names to me.
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Rasulullaah p subsequently prevented people from speaking only to the three of
us as opposed to the others who had missed the expedition. People avoided us
and ignored us so much so that even the earth seemed like a different place to
me. It was not the same place I had been used to. We remained in this condition
for fifty days. My two companions became helpless and confined themselves to
their homes, weeping excessively. Since I was the youngest and most daring of
us, I used to go out and join the Muslims for salaah. I even walked about in the
marketplace but no one spoke to me. When Rasulullaah p sat in gatherings after
salaah, I would approach him and greet him with Salaam. I would then ask
myself whether his lips moved in reply to my Salaam or not. I also performed
salaah close to Rasulullaah p and steal a glance at him. I noticed that whenever I
was engaged in salaah, he looked at me and would avert his glance as soon as I
turned towards him.
The time eventually arrived when the attitude of the people became too much
to bear, I walked to the orchard of Abu Qataadah and scaled the wall. He was my
cousin and my best friend. I swear by Allaah that he did not even reply to my
Salaam when I greeted him. I protested by saying, 'O Abu Qataadah! I ask you in
the name of Allaah to tell me whether I have love for Allaah and His Rasool p?'
When he gave no reply, I repeated the question and again asked in the name of
Allaah. He remained silent. Yet again, I repeated myself and took the name of
Allaah. All he said was, 'Allaah and Rasulullaah p know best.' My eyes welled
with tears and I turned around to again scale the wall."
Continuing with the story, Hadhrat Ka'b t says, "As I was walking in the
marketplace one day, I heard the voice of a farmer from the farmers of Shaam
who had come to Madinah to sell his grains. He was announcing, 'who will show
me where is Ka'b bin Maalik?' As the people pointed him in my direction, he
handed over to me a letter from the king of Ghassaan (wrapped in a silken
cloth). The letter read:
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'The news has reached me that your master is being harsh towards
you. Allaah has not made you a lowly and ruined person. Join forces
with us and we shall honour you.'
After reading the letter, I said to myself, 'This is part of the test.' I then went to
an oven where I burnt the letter. When forty of the fifty days had passed, a
messenger of Rasulullaah p suddenly came to me with the message that I was to
separate from my wife. 'Should I divorce her?' I asked. 'No,' he replied, 'just be
separated from her and do not go near her.' The same message was sent to my
two companions. I then said to my wife, 'Go to your family and stay with them
until Allaah decides this matter.'
The wife of Hadhrat Hilaal bin Umayyah t approached Rasulullaah p and
pleaded, 'O Rasulullaah p! Hilaal bin Umayyah is an extremely old and helpless
man who has no servant. Would you object if I serve him?' 'No,' replied
Rasulullaah p, 'Just ensure that he has no intimate relations with you.' She
commented, 'By Allaah! He has no inclination to do anything. By Allaah! He has
wept continuously since this affair started and continues to do so.""
Hadhrat Ka'b t continues, "Some of my family members advised me to also
request that my wife stays to serve me as Hilaal bin Umayyah t had requested
permission. I told them that I would never seek such permission from
Rasulullaah p for I do not know what reply Rasulullaah p would give me as a
young man (who can care for himself). I then remained in this condition (without
my wife) for ten days until full fifty nights had passed since Rasulullaah p banned
others from speaking to us. After performing the Fajr salaah on the morning of
the fiftieth night, I was still on the roof of my house and sitting there in the
condition that Allaah describes in the Qur'aan (in verse 118 of Surah Taubah);
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the earth had narrowed for me despite its vastness (I could find no place to hide
myself) and my own soul had narrowed for me (I had become frustrated with
myself). It was then that I heard the voice of a caller who had climbed to the top
of Mount Sala. He announced at the top of his voice, 'Rejoice, O Ka'b!' I
immediately fell prostrate in Sajdah for I knew that relief had arrived.
After performing the Fajr salaah, Rasulullaah p had announced to the people
that Allaah had accepted our repentance. Many people came to congratulate us
and went to congratulate my two companions. As someone (Hadhrat Zubayr bin
Awaam t) spurred his horse to reach me, a man from the Banu Aslam (Hadhrat
Hamzah bin Amr Aslami t) tribe rushed to climb the hill and his voice was faster
than the horse. When the person whose voice I had heard came to me, I took
off the two sheets of cloth I was wearing and gave them to him (in thanks) for
the good news he had given me. I swear by Allaah that I had no other clothes
besides this at the time. I therefore borrowed some clothes and went to
Rasulullaah p. Droves of people came to congratulate me on my repentance
saying, 'Congratulations! Allaah has accepted your repentance.'
When I eventually reached the Masjid, Rasulullaah p was sitting there
surrounded by people. It was Talha bin Ubaydillaah t who stood up and rushed
towards me to shake my hands and to congratulate me. By Allaah! No other
person from amongst the Muhaajireen stood up to receive me. I shall never
forget this gesture of Talha t. I then greeted Rasulullaah p. With his face
beaming with delight, Rasulullaah p said, 'Rejoice about the best day that has
passed you since the day you were born. I asked, 'Is this from your side, O
Rasulullaah p or from Allaah?' Rasulullaah p replied, 'It is from Allaah's side.'
Whenever Rasulullaah p was happy, his face would shine and appear to be a
portion of the moon. We would therefore always recognise when he was happy.
When I sat in front of Rasulullaah p, I said, 'O Rasulullaah p! As part of my
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Taubah, I wish to give all my wealth as Sadaqah for the pleasure of Allaah and His
Rasool p.' Rasulullaah p advised, 'It would be best if you keep some of your
wealth for yourself.' 'I shall then keep my allotted piece of land in Khaybar,' I
said. I added, 'O Rasulullaah p! Allaah has saved me because of the truth I spoke
and as part of my repentance I shall speak only the truth as long as I live.'
By Allaah! I do not know of any Muslim whom Allaah had given a better reward
than Allaah had given me from the time I spoke the truth to Rasulullaah p. From
the time I mentioned this to Rasulullaah p, I have not spoken any lies up to this
day and hope that Allaah protects me from it as long as I remain alive.
Allaah has revealed the verses to Rasulullaah p stating, "Allaah has certainly
turned in mercy towards the Nabi p and towards the Muhaajireen and the
Ansaar who followed him in the hour of difficulty (to Tabook)" ... "634
I swear by Allaah that after guiding me to Islaam, Allaah has not granted me a
greater blessing than making me speak the truth to Rasulullaah p rather than
lying, thereby causing me to be destroyed like those who had lied. When Allaah
sent revelation, he used the worst of terms for those who had lied than for
anyone else. Allaah states about them, "When you (O Rasulullaah p) return to
them (the Munaafiqeen) shortly (in Madinah) they will swear before you by Allaah
(that they had valid reasons for not accompanying you), so that you may leave them
alone ... " 635
The Expedition of Tabook in the Qur'aan
634 Surah Taubah, verses 117-119.
635
Surah Taubah, verses 95-96.
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The Qur'aan discusses the expedition to Tabook in great detail in Surah Taubah.
Together with details of the expedition, the verses of the Surah provide
invaluable advices and admonitions. The verses discuss the incident of Hadhrat
Ka'b t and his companions as well as the plots that the Munaafiqeen hatched
against the Muslims.
These verses classify the people of Madinah during that time into the following
five categories:
1. The sincere Mumineen who unhesitatingly responded to the
call for Jihaad from the beginning. They are referred to in
verse 117 as those "who followed him in the hour of difficulty".
2. Those sincere Mumineen who were hesitant at the beginning,
but later built up the resolve to join the expedition. With
reference to them, verse 117 states, "the hearts of some of them
were almost shaken (causing them to hesitate)".
3. Those sincere Mumineen who did not participate, but then
repented for their negligence. Their repentance was then
accepted. These were ten men in total. Seven of them met
with Rasulullaah p immediately upon his return from Tabook
and then bound themselves to the pillars of the Masjid until
their repentance was accepted. Their forgiveness was
revealed almost instantly in verse 102, which states, "There
are others who admit their sins ... ". The other three were Hadhrat
Ka'b t, Hadhrat Muraarah t and Hadhrat Hilaal t, whose story
has just passed. Mention is made of them in verse 118, which
states, "And Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three ... "
4. Those sincere Mumineen who were excused from
participating because of ill health or another valid excuse.
They are referred to in verse 91, which states, "There shall be no
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sin (for not fighting in Jihaad) on the weak (elderly), the ill (such as the blind and
paralysed) and those who do not find the means to spend, if they wish Allaah
and His Rasool p well (if they are sincere and true in their loyalty to Allaah and to
Rasulullaah p). There is no blame on those who do good (such as these people
because their situations are beyond their control). Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most
Merciful."
5. The Munaafiqeen who did not participate in the expedition
and made many excuses. There are several verses in the
Surah depicting them.
In the Words of the Qur'an
The following verses of the Qur'aan speak about the expedition to Tabook:
Verses 117-121 state:
لَقَدْ تَّابَ اللهُ عَلَى النَّبِىِّ وَ الْمُهْجِرِيْنَ وَ الْأَنْصَارِ الَّذِيْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُ فِيْ سَاعَةِ الْعُسْرَةِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا كَادَ يَزِيْغُ قُلُوبُ
فَرِيْقٍ مِّنْهُمْ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ ٥ * إِنَّهْ بِهِمْ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِيمٌ (١١٧) وَ عَلَى الثَّلاثَةِ الَّذِيْنَ خُلِّفُوْا ٥* حَتَّى إِذَا ضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ
الْأَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ وَضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ أَنْفُسُهُمْ وَظَنُّوْا أَنْ لَّا مَأْجَآَ مِنَ اللهِ إِلَّ اِلَيْهِ ٥ * ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوْبُوْا ٥ * إِنَّ
اللهَ بُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ (١١٨) يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ أَمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَكُوْنُوْا مَعَ الصُّدِقِينَ (١١٩) مَا كَانَ لِأَبْلِ الْمَدِيْنَةِ
وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُمْ مِّنَ الْأَعْرَابِ أَنْ يَّتَخَلَّقُوْا عَنْ رَّسُوْلِ اللهِ وَلَا يَرْغَبُوْا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ عَنْ نَّفْسِمٍ ٥* ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ لَا يُصِيْئُهُمْ
ظَمَأْ وَّلَا نَصَبٌ وَّلَا مَخْمَصَةٌ فِئْ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ وَلَا يَطَوْنَ مَوْطِئًا يَّغِيْظُ الْكُفَّارَ وَلَا يَنَالُوْنَ مِنْ عَدُوِّنَّيْلًا إِلَّا كُتِبَ لَهُمْ
بِم عَمَلٌ صَالِحٌ ﴿ إِنَّ اللهَ لَا يُضِيْعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ (١٢٠) وَلَا يُتْفِقُوْنَ نَفَقَةَّ صَغِيْرَةً وَّلَا كَثِيْرَةً وَّلَا يَقْطَعُوْنَ
وَادِيًّا إِلَّا كُتِبَ لَهُمْ لِيَجْزِيَهُمُ اللهُ أَحْسَنَ مَا كَانُوْا يَعْمَلُوْنَ (١٢١)
TRANSLATION: Allaah has certainly turned in mercy towards the Nabi p and
towards the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar who followed him in the hour of
difficulty (to Tabook) after the hearts of some of them were almost shaken
(causing them to hesitate). Without doubt, He is Most Compassionate and Most
Merciful towards them (by blessing them with steadfastness and devotion). And
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Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three (Sahaaba y, namely Murara bin
Rabee t, Ka'b bin Maalik t and Hilaal bin Umayyah t) whose matter (forgiveness for not
marching to Tabook) was postponed (for fifty days) until the earth narrowed for
them despite its vastness (and they could find no place to hide themselves), their
own souls narrowed for them (they became frustrated with themselves) and they
were convinced that there was no safety from Allaah except (in turning) towards
Him. Then Allaah turned towards them (in mercy) so that they (could) turn to Him
(in repentance). Indeed Allaah is Most Pardoning, Most Merciful. O you who have
Imaan! Fear (the punishment of) Allaah (by doing good and abstaining from sin) and
stay (associate) with the truthful. It is not (appropriate) for the people of Madinah
and those villagers (the desert Arabs) around them to remain behind (when) the
Rasool of Allaah (proceeds in Jihaad) or to prefer their lives over his. This (act of
remaining behind when Rasulullaah p proceeds in Jihaad) is (not appropriate) because
(the reward of) a good deed will be recorded for them (in their favour) for every bit
of thirst, tiredness and hunger that afflicts them in the path of Allaah; as well as
(the reward of a good deed will be recorded in their favour) for every step that they
take by which the Kuffaar are angered and (the reward of a good deed will be
recorded in their favour for) anything that they take from the Kuffaar (in battle).
Certainly, Allaah does not put the reward of the righteous ones to waste. Every
small and large amount they spend in Allaah's way (for Allaah's pleasure while in
Jihaad) and every valley that they cross (while marching in Jihaad) will be recorded
for them so that Allaah rewards them (with rewards that are) better than that
(action) which they do.
Verses 102-104 state:
وَ أُخَرُوْنَ اعْتَرَفُوْا بِذُنُوْبِهِمْ خَلَطُوْا عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَأَخَرَ سَيِّنًا ٥ * عَسَى اللهُ أَنْ يَّتُوْبَ عَلَيْهِمْ ٥* إِنَّ اللّهَ غَفُوْرٌ
رَّحِيمٌ (١٠٢) خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِمْ صَدَقَةَّ تُطَبِّرُبُمْ وَتُزَكَّتِهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ٥* إِنَّ صَلَوْتَكَ سَكَنٌّ لَّهُمْ * وَاللهُ
سَمِيْعٌ عَلِيمٌ (١٠٣) أَلَمْ يَعْلَّمُوْا أَنَّ اللّهَ بُوَ يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَأْخُذُ الصَّدَقْتِ وَ أَنَّ اللّهَ بُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
(١٠٣)
TRANSLATION: There are others who admit their sins (acknowledge that they were
wrong in not accompanying Rasulullaah p to Tabook). They have mixed their actions,
some being good (the previous expeditions that they joined), while others are evil
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(the expedition that they missed without valid reasons). Allaah will soon accept their
repentance (and forgive them). Allaah is certainly Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(O Rasulullaah p) Take charity from their wealth by which you may purify and
cleanse them, and pray for them. Indeed your prayer for them is a source of
comfort for them (because they know that your du'aa is accepted). Allaah is All
Hearing, All Knowing. Do they not know that surely Allaah accepts (sincere)
repentance from His bondsmen, accepts charity (given for His pleasure) and that
indeed He Most Pardoning, the Most Merciful.
Verses 91-93 state:
لَيْسَ عَلَى الضُّعَفَاءِ وَ لَا عَلَى الْمَرْضِى وَلَا عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ لَا يَجِدُوْنَ مَا يُنْفِقُوْنَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُوا لِلْهِ وَرَسُوْلِم ٠۵
مَا عَلَى الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ مِنْ سَبِيْلٍ * وَاللهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (٩١) وَلَا عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ إِذَا مَا آتَوْكَ لِتَحْمِلَهُمْ قُلْتَ لَا أَجِدُ مَاَ
أَحْمِلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ ؟ تَوَلَّوْا وَّ أَعْيُنُهُمْ تَفِيْضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ حَزَنًا آَلَّ يَجِدُوْا مَا يُتْفِقُوْنَ (٩٢٠) إِنَّمَا السَّبِيْلُ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ
يَسْتَأَذِنُوْنَكَ وَبُمْ أَغْنِيَاءُ ﴿ رَضُوْا بِأَنْ يَّكُوْنُوْا مَعَ الْخَوَالِفِ ﴿ وَطَبَعَ اللهُ عَلَى قُلُوْبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَّمُوْنَ (٩٣)
TRANSLATION: There shall be no sin (for not fighting in Jihaad) on the weak
(elderly), the ill (such as the blind and paralysed) and those who do not find the
means to spend, if they wish Allaah and His Rasool p well (if they are sincere and
true in their loyalty to Allaah and to Rasulullaah p). There is no blame on those who
do good (such as these people because their situations are beyond their control). Allaah
is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. And neither (will there be any sin) on those who,
when they come to you (Rasulullaah p) to provide transport for them (to proceed in
Jihaad), you tell them, "I do not have any transport for you." They then turn
away with their eyes flowing with tears, despondent that they could not find
anything to spend (in Allaah's path). Blame is only on those who seek exemption
(from Jihaad) when they are wealthy. They are pleased to be with those who
remain behind. Allaah has placed a seal on their hearts, so they have no
knowledge (of what is good for them and what is not).
An authentic Hadith states that as the Muslims were returning from the
expedition, Rasulullaah p said, "Indeed there are people in Madinah who have
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shared your rewards with every step you have taken." These are the people
mentioned in the above verse.
Verses 41-49 state:
إِنْفِرُوا خِفَافًا وَ ثِقَالًا وَّ جَابِدُوْا بِآَمْوَ الِكُمْ وَأَنْفُسِكُمْ فِى سَبِيْلِ اللّهِ ﴿ ذُلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ (٣١) لَوْ كَانَ
عَرَضًا قَرِيْبًا وَّسَفَرًا قَاصِدًا لََّتَّبَعُوْكَ وَلَكِنَّ بَعُدَتْ عَلَّيْهِمُ الشُّقَّةُ - وَ سَيَحْلِفُوْنَ بِاللهِ لَوِ اسْتَطَعْنَا لَخَرَجْنَا
مَعَكُمْ وَّ يُبْلِكُوْنَ اَنْفُسَهُمْ نَّ وَاللهُ يَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكُذِبُوْنَ (٣٢٪) عَفَا اللهُ عَنْكَ وَّ لِمَ آَذِنْتَ لَهُمْ حَتَّى يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكَ الَّذِيْنَ
صَدَقُوْا وَتَعْلَمَ الْكَذِبِيْنَ (٣٣) لَا يَسْتَأَذِنُكَ الَّذِيْنَ يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ أَنْ يُّجَابِدُوْا بِأَمْوَ الِمْ وَ أَنْفُسِمْ ٥*
وَاللهُ عَلِيْمُ بِالْمُتَّقِينَ (٣٣) إِنَّمَا يَسْتَأْذِنُكَ الَّذِيْنَ لَا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَ ارْتَابَتْ قُلُوْبُهُمْ فَهُمْ فِىْ رَيْبِهِمْ
يَتَرَدَّدُوْنَ (٣٥) وَلَوْ آَرَادُوا الْخُرُوْجَ لَاَعَدُّوْا لَهَّ عُدَّةً وَّلَكِنْ كَرِهَ اللهُ انْبِعَائَهُمْ فَتَبَّطَهُمْ وَقِثْلَ اقْعُدُوْا مَعَ الْقُعِدِيْنَ
(٣٦) لَوْ خَرَجُوْا فِيَكُمْ مَّا زَادُؤْكُمْ إِلَّا خَبَالًا وَّلَا أَوْضَعُوْا خِلَّكُمْ يَبْغُوْنَكُمُ الْفِتْنَةَ ◌َّ وَفِيْكُمْ سَمُّعُوْنَ لَهُمْ ٥* وَاللهُ
عَلِيْمُ بِالظَّلِمِيْنَ (٣٤) لَقَدِ ابْتَغَوُا الْفِتْنَةَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَقَلَّبُوْا لَكَ الْأُمُوْرَ حَتَّى جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَظَهَرَ آَمْرُ اللهِ وَبُمْ كُرِبُوْنَ
(٣٨) وَمِنْهُمْ مَّنْ يَّقُوْلُ الْذَنْ لَّى وَلَا تَقْتِّئْ ٥* آَ فِى الْفِتْنَةِ سَقَطُوْا * وَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ لَمُحِيْطَةُّ بِالْكُفِرِيْنَ (٣٩)
TRANSLATION: Proceed (in the path of Allaah) when light or heavy (happily or
reluctantly, rich or poor, in good conditions and adverse conditions), and exert
yourselves (for the welfare of the Deen) with your wealth and lives in Allaah's way
(for Allaah's pleasure). This is best for you (in both worlds) if you but knew. Had the
gains been near at hand (easy to get) and (had) the journey (been) an easy one,
they (the Munaafiqeen) would have definitely followed you (in battle, O Muhammad
8). However, the journey appeared too long for them (As a result, they stayed
behind in Madinah and did not join the expedition). They will soon swear by Allaah
(when you return to Madinah), "If we were able to, we would have left with you."
They destroy themselves (by swearing false oaths). Allaah knows that they really
are liars (and will therefore punish them). Allaah has forgiven you (O Rasulullaah p for
excusing some people from marching into battle). Why did you excuse them before
the true ones (those with genuine excuses) became clear before you and (until) you
became aware of the liars (those who made up excuses) ? Those who believe in
Allaah and the Last Day will not request you to excuse them from striving with
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