Battle of Dhu Qarad

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was one of the most prominent agreements between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quraysh. It stipulated a ten-year cessation of hostilities between the two parties, during which both sides would enjoy safety for their lives, property, and offspring. Muslims were pleased with this treaty as it protected them from their most significant enemy in the Arabian Peninsula, the Quraysh. 

At the same time, it provided an opportunity for settling scores with the Jews, who had been hostile towards them with deceit and manipulation, as well as luring various tribes to side with the Muslims. These hostile forces were mainly concentrated in the Khaybar region and its surroundings; however, during the preparations for the Battle of Khaybar, an incident known as the Battle of Dhu Qarad or the Battle of the Forest occurred, which is the central focus of this article.

Reasons for the Battle of Dhu Qarad

The Battle of Dhu Qarad was one of the disciplinary battles led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself against Arab tribes hostile to Islam and the Muslims. 

This time, it was against the Ghatafan tribe and their leader, Uyaynah ibn Hisn al-Fazari, who had raided the Prophet's camels and herds in an area known as the forest, along with forty horsemen. They killed and captured some of the Prophet's companions in the process.

Objectives of the Battle of Dhu Qarad

The Battle of Dhu Qarad was one of the major expeditions personally led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to discipline Arab tribes that persisted in their enmity towards Islam and the Muslims.

These tribes would incite hatred, gather armies to attack the city of Medina, or harm the Prophet's companions. This expedition was a response to the aggression of the Ghatafan tribe, led by 'Uyaynah al-Fazari, who raided the Prophet's camels. This led to the Battle of the Forest, also known as Dhu Qarad.

Timing of the Battle of Dhu Qarad

The Battle of Dhu Qarad was one of the expeditions led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) personally after the Treaty of Hudaibiya. It received its name from a water source where the Muslim army camped during the expedition, called Dhu Qarad. In historical accounts, this expedition is also known as the Battle of the Forest, named after the location where Uyaynah ibn Hisn al-Fazari and his men attacked the Muslims and took their camels.

The battle took place shortly after the Battle of Bani Lihyan, differing slightly among historians, in the sixth year of the Islamic calendar, during the month of Rabi' al-Awwal or Jumada al-Awwal.

Events of the Battle of Dhu Qarad

The events of this battle began with the raid by 'Uyaynah ibn Hisn al-Fazari, a leader of the Ghatafan tribe, on camels grazing in the area known as the forest on the outskirts of Medina. At that time, the Ghatafan leader was accompanied by Ibn Abi Thar al-Ghifari, his wife, and the herdsman. They killed al-Ghifari and took his wife as a captive. The herdsman hurried to Medina seeking help, and the first person he encountered was Salama ibn al-Akwa (may Allah be pleased with him).

Upon learning of the situation, Salama ascended a hill and shouted, "Oh, morning! Oh, morning!" three times, then he pursued the aggressors. Salama was known for his swiftness and skill as an archer, and he rained arrows and spears upon them singlehandedly, causing them to retreat. He managed to recover some of the camels, thirty spears, and thirty cloaks from the attackers.

When the news reached the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he prepared an army of five hundred or, according to some accounts, seven hundred fighters, including both cavalry and infantry. He left Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum (may Allah be pleased with him) in charge of Medina and set off with the army. They reached the location where Salama ibn al-Akwa (may Allah be pleased with him) was. The first to arrive were al-Akhram Muhraz ibn Nadlah, followed by Abu Qatadah, and then al-Miqdad (may Allah be pleased with them).

Results of the Battle of Dhu Qarad

The Battle of Dhu Qarad achieved its main objectives, which included capturing the aggressors from the Ghatafan tribe and retrieving all the camels. Additionally, it sought to avenge the killing of the companion Ibn Abi Thar and the capture of his wife. The Muslim forces were able to expand security and stability after defeating the formidable Ghatafan horsemen in this battle, considering Ghatafan as one of the strongest Arab tribes hostile to Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) praised two of his companions, Abu Qatadah and Salama ibn al-Akwa, for their remarkable courage and bravery in this battle, and he awarded them a share of the spoils of war, both for the horseman and the foot soldier. This battle contributed to strengthening the position of the Muslims in the region.