Start date December 30, 623 AD | Location Al-Abwa', Saudi Arabia | |
70 soldiers 100 traders of a caravan Similar Expedition of Dhat al‑Riqa, Invasion of Banu Mustaliq, Battle of Hamra al‑Asad, Banu Qaynuqa | ||
the Patrol of al-Abwa or Waddan, occurred on the 12th of Rajab, in the second Hijri year or in Safar of the same year. Muhammad took a force of 70 men and when he reached Waddan, the Quraysh were not there. However, the Banu Damrah, met with Muhammad and they established a peace agreement for mutual cooperation and safety. No fighting occurred during this campaign.
Contents
Background
After Muhammad and his followers had migrated to Medina in 622, the Quraysh confiscated the belongings they had left behind. From Medina, the Muslims attacked several of the Quraysh's caravans traveling from Syria to Mecca. In 624, Abu Sufyan was the leader of one caravan, and as a Muslim force moved to intercept him, he called for help from the Quraysh. This resulted in the Battle of Badr, which ended in a Muslim victory. However, Abu Sufyan managed to bring his caravan home to Mecca. The death of most Quraysh leaders in the battle left him the leader of Mecca.
Abu Sufyan later converted to Islam and became a Sahaba after Muhamnad showed him mercy when Mecca was captured. In a famous hadith Abu Sufyan said:
This is my eye, it has been injured for the sake of Allah and Islam.
Banu Damrah Peace Agreement
Negotiations began and the Muslims signed a treaty with Banu Damrah.
According to Muslim scholar Muhammad al-Zurqani, the provisions of the pact/treaty go as follows :
"This document is from Muhammad, the messenger of Allah, concerning the Banu Darmah. In which he [Muhammad] established them safety and security 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 if the prophet sought their help"
The treaty meant that both parties were forbidden from raiding each other, to join hostile concentrations against each other and to support each other's enemies. William Montgomery Watt, saw this as a deliberate attempt by Muhammad to provoke the Meccan's.