The Raid on Ghamar
Time and Place of the Raid
This raid took place in the month of Rabi al-Awwal in the year 6 A.H. in the region of Ghamar. [1] The region of Ghamar is a distance of two days and nights from the city of Medina and is on the road towards Iraq. [2]
Background to this Raid
Reason for this raid
The reason for this raid has not been found in the books of history.
The commander of the Muslim army
The Prophet sent Ukashah ibn Mihsan al-Asadi along with forty men to go towards Ghamar. [3]
Account of the Raid
The tribe of Bani Asad became aware of the presence of the Muslim army in their area and escaped. Shortly thereafter, Prophet Muhammad sent a number of people to gather information about the tribe and they brought back the news that they had found their tracks. In the meanwhile, the Bani Asad appointed one of their tribes men to remain awake throughout the night and stay vigilant of the situation, however he ended up falling asleep shortly before morning. The Muslims captured him and questioned him regarding Bani Asad. One of the Muslims lashed the man from Bani Asad and as he feared for his life, he told the Muslims that if they grant him security, he would let them know about some livestock which belongs to his cousins (which the Muslims could take), in such a way that the Bani Asad would not know that the Muslims were in the vicinity. They Muslims accepted and went with him until they reached a strait and he told them to enter the strait and that when they did, they would see the livestock grazing. The Muslims attacked and the people of Bani Asad escaped out of fear. [3]
Post-Raid Account
The Muslims ended up taking two hundred camels and brought them back to the city of Medina. [3]