Expedition of Dhu Amarr

The expedition of Dhu Amarr (also called the expedition of Ghatafan) was the largest military muster the Prophet led before the battle of Uhud; it took place in Muharram 3 AH (July 624 CE) with four hundred and fifty fighters of the Muhajirun and the Ansar. ¹

Medina's intelligence learned that a great gathering of Banu Tha'laba and Muharib of Ghatafan had assembled, meaning to raid Medina's outskirts under Du'thur ibn al-Harith al-Muharibi (or, it is said, Ghawrath). ^{1 2}

The Prophet left Uthman ibn Affan in charge of Medina and marched swiftly to Najd; when the Bedouin heard of his advance they fled scattering into the mountaintops and ravines. The Prophet halted at the water of Dhu Amarr and stayed all of Safar or near it, to overawe the enemy and display Muslim strength. ^{1 3}

Rain caught the Prophet and his companions and his clothes were soaked; he drew off alone under a tree and spread his clothes to dry. Du'thur descended on him with a drawn sword, stood over his head and said: who will keep you from me today? The Prophet said, calm and firm: "God" — and the sword fell from Du'thur's hand. The Prophet took it and said: "who will keep you from me?" He said: be the best of takers — and he pardoned him. Du'thur became Muslim and returned to his people calling them to Islam. ^{4 2}