Battle of Dhat al-Riqa
Dhat al-Riqaʿ is one of the demanding Battles led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), during which the Muslims endured hardships and exerted great effort to spread the message of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.
It was named after the torn and rugged terrain that caused the Muslims to wrap pieces of cloth around their feet due to the difficult journey, and "riqāʿ" means patches or pieces of cloth. This article sheds light on the events of the Dhat al-Riqa Battle.
Reasons for the Dhat al-Riqa Battle
The Dhat al-Riqa Battle was aimed at quelling the rebellious Arab tribes aligned with the Quraysh and their allies among the hypocrites who opposed Islam and its followers. After dealing with the Jewish threat in the Battle of Khaybar and defeating the Quraysh militarily in multiple battles, the only remaining danger was the Arab tribes in the deserts of Najd, who engaged in raiding and terrorizing the Muslims.
This included the Ghatfān tribe, which had been involved in the siege of Medina during the Battle of the Trench and had plans to aid the Jews in the Battle of Khaybar. Thus, the Prophet Muhammad decided to confront Ghatfān and put an end to their hostile activities, ensuring the safety and security of the Muslim community.
Objectives of the Dhat al-Riqa Battle
The primary objective of the Battle was to discipline the Ghatfān tribe and prevent them from believing that the Muslims feared them. Additionally, it aimed to establish peace and end raiding and looting activities carried out by these tribes. The Battle was also launched to thwart Ghatfān's intentions to attack Medina.
Date of the Dhat al-Riqa Battle
Historians have debated the exact year of the Dhat al-Riqa Battle. Some suggest it took place in the fourth year of the Islamic calendar, but this is considered a weaker opinion, as prominent companions such as Abu Musa al-Ash'ari did not migrate to Medina until the sixth or seventh year of the Islamic calendar. It likely occurred after the conquest of Khaybar.
Events of the Dhat al-Riqa Battle
The Prophet Muhammad led an army from Medina towards a location known as Bāṭin Nakhl, two days' journey away, where they encountered the challenging and rugged terrain. The lack of sufficient horses and camels forced the Muslim fighters to wrap pieces of cloth around their feet, giving rise to the name "Dhat al-Riqaʿ" for the Battle. The Muslims met with a group from the Ghatfān tribe, but the encounter did not lead to a battle.
Results of the Dhat al-Riqa Battle
News of Muhammad's army spread fear among the Arab tribes seeking to fight the Muslims, causing them to flee to the mountains, leaving behind their women, possessions, and families. Due to the Arab fighters' flight, the Prophet Muhammad decided to return to Medina, and the Battle concluded without engaging in combat.
The Battle achieved its goal of subduing the rebellious Arab tribes and creating a sense of fear and respect for the Muslims, who later embraced Islam and participated in the Battle of Hunayn and the conquest of Mecca.
Dhat al-Riqa Battle and the Prayer of Fear
During the Battle, when the Arab tribes fled to the mountains and the time for prayer arrived, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) feared a sudden attack by the enemy during prayer. To address this situation, a Quranic revelation in Surah An-Nisa (4:102) provided guidance on how to perform the prayer of fear.
The Prophet led the congregation in two cycles of prayer, and then they continued their journey. This demonstrated the flexibility of Islamic practices in adapting to various circumstances.
