Detailed Account

After intelligence reports indicated that Banu Tha'labah and Banu Muharib of Ghatafan were mobilizing forces against Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ led 400 (or 700 in some accounts) companions on a preemptive expedition to their territory in Najd. The campaign name 'Dhat al-Riqa' (Expedition of Patches) derives either from the patched banners carried or, more commonly cited, from companions wrapping cloth patches around their feet when they became bloodied from the rough terrain. Upon approaching Muslim forces, the hostile tribes retreated to mountain strongholds, avoiding direct confrontation. During this expedition, several significant events occurred: First, the Prophet ﷺ established the Prayer of Fear (Salat al-Khawf), described in the Quran (4:101-102), where one group prays while another maintains guard position, then they alternate. Second, a potential assassination was thwarted when Ghawrath ibn al-Harith approached the Prophet ﷺ while he rested under a tree separated from his companions. Finding the Prophet's ﷺ sword hanging on the tree, Ghawrath drew it and threatened him, asking, 'Who will protect you from me now?' The Prophet ﷺ calmly replied, 'Allah,' causing Ghawrath to tremble and drop the sword. The Prophet ﷺ then forgave him rather than seeking retribution. Third, a companion was assigned guard duty over his sleeping wife and newborn child during a rest stop. When a polytheist archer targeted them, the companion remained in prayer despite being struck by three arrows, completing his worship before alerting others. Despite not resulting in direct battle, this expedition demonstrated Muslim military mobility, prevented a hostile tribal coalition, and established important precedents for warfare procedures. It also revealed divine protection of the Prophet ﷺ and extraordinary commitment to prayer among early Muslims.