Battle of Al-Abwa

General

The Battle of Al-Abwah also known as the Battle of Waddan[1] or the Invasion of Waddan[2] was the first military expedition organized by the Prophet (ﷺ) to disrupt the trade routes between Makkah and Syria. It began in the month of Safar 2 AH (623 CE) and lasted fifteen days. Even though the expedition is refereed to as a Battle and Invasion no combat actually took place. The intended target a Quraysh caravan was not intercepted.

Location

Waddan is located between Makkah and Madinah near Rabigh, approx. twenty-nine miles from Madinah.[3] Al-Abwaa and Waddaan are separated approx. six to eight miles by a piece of land.[4]

Army

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) led the army with Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib carrying a white flag.

The muslims, mostly muhajiroon, with numbers ranging from 70[5] to 200[6]; some riding and some walking attempted to intercept a Quraish caravan.

Leadership in Madinah

Said bin Ubadah remained in Madinah to administer affairs.[7]

Aftermath of Expedition

A non-aggression pact was signed with Amr bin Makhshi Ad-Damri[8] who represented the people of Banu Damrah.[9]

The treaty included the following provisions:

“This is a document from Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah concerning Bani Damrah in which he established them safe and secure in their wealth and lives. They can expect support from the Muslims unless they oppose the religion of Allah. They are also expected to respond positively in case the Prophet sought their help.”[10][11]

References

  1. Jump up↑ Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee (2005), The Noble Life of The Prophet, Vol.2, Darussalam Publications, p. 877, ISBN 9960-9678-8-3 (Vol.2)
  2. Jump up↑ Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (2002), Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet, Revised Edition, Darussalam Publications, p. 244, ISBN 9960-899-55-1
  3. Jump up↑ Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (2002), Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet, Revised Edition, Darussalam Publications, p. 244, ISBN 9960-899-55-1
  4. Jump up↑ Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee (2005), The Noble Life of The Prophet, Vol.2, Darussalam Publications, p. 877, ISBN 9960-9678-8-3 (Vol.2)
  5. Jump up↑ Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (2002), Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet, Revised Edition, Darussalam Publications, p. 244, ISBN 9960-899-55-1
  6. Jump up↑ Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee (2005), The Noble Life of The Prophet, Vol.2, Darussalam Publications, p. 878, ISBN 9960-9678-8-3 (Vol.2)
  7. Jump up↑ Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (2002), Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet, Revised Edition, Darussalam Publications, p. 244, ISBN 9960-899-55-1
  8. Jump up↑ Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (2002), Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet, Revised Edition, Darussalam Publications, p. 244, ISBN 9960-899-55-1
  9. Jump up↑ Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee (2005), The Noble Life of The Prophet, Vol.2, Darussalam Publications, p. 878, ISBN 9960-9678-8-3 (Vol.2)
  10. Jump up↑ Al-Mawahibul-Ladunniyah 1/75 and its commentary by Az-Zurqani
  11. Jump up↑ Safi-ur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (2002), Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet, Revised Edition, Darussalam Publications, p. 244, ISBN 9960-899-55-1