Expedition of Dhaat Al-Atlah
Time and Location
This expedition took place in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the year 8 A.H. in Dhaat al-Atlah towards Syria. [1]
Background on the Battle
Reason for the battle
In some reports it has been mentioned that Prophet Muhammad had sent some Muslims to the area of Dhaat al-Atlah to invite the people to Islam. The people of this area did not accept the message of the Muslims and entered into combat with them.[2] [3] [4]
Sending of Soldiers by the Prophet
Waqidi narrates,
“The Prophet of Allah send Kab bin Umayr al-Ghiffari along with fifteen men.” [1]
Details of the Expedition
Kab and his band of fifteen men would hide during the day and travel during the nights until he was close to the area. However, one of the spies of the people of Dhaat al-Atlah saw them and informed his people that the number of Muslims is very little. Thus, they were able to gather a larger number of people, rode on their horses and came face-to-face with the Muslims. In the beginning, they wanted the Muslims to submit to them, however the Muslims refused and this led to the battle in which all of the Muslims except for one were killed. [1]
Reactions after the Expedition
One of the injured Muslims who survived the attack traveled at night and was able to get himself back to Medina. He met the Prophet and described the incident to the Prophet of Allah in detail, which made the Messenger extremely unhappy. [1]