User:Kansas Bear/Expedition to Tabouk



The Expedition to Tabouk, was a military expedition, which, was initiated by Muhammad in October, AD 630,8 AH. Muhammad led a force of as many as 30,000 north to Tabouk in present-day northwestern Saudi Arabia, and managed to capture Tabouk.

Preparations
Following rumours of a Byzantine invasion, the Muslims as well as allies of Muhammad, received an urgent call to join the campaign. But the Arabs of the desert showed little interest. Many came up with excuses not to participate. Muhammad provided incentives to persuade the Arabs to join, and provided many with gifts.

Expedition
Muhammad and his forces, marched northwards to Tabouk in October 630 (Rajab 9 AH). After arriving at Tabouk and camping there, the Muhammad's army prepared to face the Byzantine Roman invasion. Muhammad spent ten days at Tabouk, scouting the area, making alliances with local chiefs, and with no sign of the Byzantine army, he decided to return to Medina.