Detailed Account

Between major conflicts, the Prophet ﷺ conducted numerous smaller military and diplomatic expeditions that cumulatively expanded Muslim influence throughout the Arabian Peninsula. These included: 1) Badr al-Maw'id (Second Badr/Promised Badr): Abu Sufyan had challenged Muslims to meet at Badr the following year after Uhud. The Prophet ﷺ led 1,500 companions there, but Quraysh, experiencing drought conditions, sent Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud to discourage Muslims with exaggerated reports of Makkan preparations. Despite these psychological tactics, Muslims proceeded to Badr, stayed eight days, conducted profitable trade, and returned with enhanced reputation when Quraysh failed to appear. 2) Expedition to Dumat al-Jandal: The Prophet ﷺ led 1,000 men on a 15-day journey to this strategic oasis 500 miles north of Madinah, near modern Jordan-Syria borders. This demonstrated Muslim reach to distant territories, impressing Byzantine frontier authorities. 3) Expedition against Banu Mustaliq: Intelligence indicated this coastal tribe was mobilizing against Madinah. The Muslims launched a preemptive strike, defeating them quickly and taking captives, including Juwayriyah bint al-Harith, who later married the Prophet ﷺ after accepting Islam, resulting in her tribe's conversion and the freeing of all captives as the Prophet's in-laws. 4) Treaty with Banu Khuza'ah: This powerful tribe controlling routes between Makkah and Ta'if entered a strategic alliance with Muslims. 5) Minor Saraya (detachments): The Prophet ﷺ dispatched smaller contingents led by companions like Ali, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, and Muhammad ibn Maslamah to various regions, addressing specific threats or building alliances without requiring his personal presence. These expeditions served multiple strategic purposes: they kept Quraysh under constant pressure, secured trade routes, demonstrated Muslim military reach, prevented hostile tribal coalitions, and gradually shifted the balance of power in Arabia. They also provided practical training for companions in leadership roles, established Islam's growing political presence, and created buffer zones of allied or neutralized tribes around Madinah.