The
Tabuk expedition is one of the major campaigns of the Prophet (Sallallaho
alaihe wasallam), and the last one in which he personally took part. When he
received the news that the Caesar (of Rome) had mustered a large force to crush
the power of Islam and was on his way (through Syria) to invade Madinah, he
decided to lead the Sahabah to check him on his way. On Thursday the 5th of
Rajab, 9 A.H., the devoted band marched out of Madinah. As the weather was hot
and the fighting was expected to be very tough, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe
wasallam) made an open declaration that the Muslims should gather in strength
and prepare fully to face the forces of the Roman Empire. He also exhorted them
to contribute towards the equipment of the expedition. It was on this occasion
that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaho anho) contributed all his belongings. When he
was questioned by the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as to what he had
left for his family, he replied:
"I
have left Allah and His Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) for them."
Hadhrat
Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) contributed half of his belongings and Hadhrat `Usman
(Radhiyallaho anho) pro-vided for the equipment of one-third of the whole army.
Although everybody contributed beyond his means, yet the equipment fell far
short of the requirements. Only one camel was available for each group of ten persons,
who were to ride it in turn. This is why this campaign is known as: "The
campaign of hardship."
The
journey was long and the weather hot and dry. The orchards were laden with ripe
dates (the staple crop of Madinah) and it was just the time for harvesting,
when all of a sudden the Sahabah were required to start on this campaign. It
was really an acid test of their Imaan. They visualized the long and arduous
journey, the scorching heat, the formidable enemy opposed to them and, to top
all, the prospective loss of the year's crop, but they could not even dream of
evading the call to arms, and that solely on account of the deeprooted fear of
Allah in their hearts. Except the women, children (who were excusable), those
who were ordered to stay behind by the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)
himself, and the munafiqin, nearly everybody joined the expedition. Also among
those left behind were such persons as could neither arrange conveyance for
themselves, nor was the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) able to provide
them with any. It is about such people that Allah says in his Book:
"They
turned back with eyes flowing with tears in sorrow that they could not find
means to spend." (IX: 92)
Of
the true believers, those who stayed behind without any excuse whatsoever were
three in number. Their story would be presently related. On their way to Syria
when the expedition reached the habitation of Thamud, the Prophet (Sallallaho
alaihe wasallam) covered his face with his shirt and quickened the pace of his
camel. He also instructed the Sahabah to do the same. since that was the scene
of Thamud's destruction. They were advised to pass there weeping and fearing
lest Allah should punish them as he had punished the Thamud.
The
dearest and the most beloved Prophet of Allah and his privileged companions
pass by the ruins of the punished people in fear and tears, lest they meet the
same fate; on the other hand today, if any place is struck with an earthquake,
it becomes a place of sightseeing for us and, if we come across any ruins, our
eves remain dry and our hearts unaffected. What a change of attitude!
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