Detailed Account

A delegation from the tribes of 'Adal and Qarah came to Madinah requesting Islamic teachers, claiming their people desired to learn Islam. The Prophet ﷺ dispatched ten companions (some accounts say six), including Marthad ibn Abi Marthad, Khalid ibn Bukayr, and their leader 'Asim ibn Thabit. When the group reached Ar-Raji (a water source between Rabigh and Jeddah), they were betrayed—the tribes had conspired with Banu Lihyan, who ambushed them with nearly 100 archers. Seven Muslims were immediately killed while fighting, including 'Asim who had sworn never to touch or be touched by a polytheist (Allah protected his body with a swarm of bees when Quraysh tried to obtain his head). Three companions—Khubaib ibn 'Adi, Zayd ibn al-Dathinah, and Abdullah ibn Tariq—surrendered under a promise of safety, but this promise was immediately broken. Abdullah was killed while attempting escape, while Khubaib and Zayd were sold to Quraysh families seeking revenge for relatives killed at Badr. Before his execution, Khubaib asked to pray two rak'ahs, establishing a tradition for condemned Muslims. He then recited poetry expressing contentment with martyrdom and prayed against his killers. When asked if he wished Muhammad ﷺ were in his place, Zayd famously replied that he wouldn't wish the Prophet ﷺ to suffer even a thorn prick while he himself was safely with family. Both men were dismembered and crucified. Their extraordinary steadfastness became legendary, and months later, when the Prophet ﷺ informed companions of their fate through revelation he received, he called them 'martyrs of exceptional rank.' This incident highlighted the dangers of missionary work in hostile territories and established principles regarding treachery, captivity, and martyrdom in Islam.