“O Allah, if this small group is destroyed, then there will be no one left on the earth to worship You.” – Prayer of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) at the expedition of Tabuk as narrated by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad during his Friday Sermon

On Friday, 24 October 2025, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued his series on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), focusing on the Expedition of Tabuk.

The Expedition of Tabuk was a measured response to persistent reports of a Byzantine incursion into northern Arabia. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prepared and moved only to deter aggression and protect the Muslim community.

His Holiness mentioned it was a very testing time for the Muslim community as it was to include a long journey in extreme heat and Muslims had to make financial sacrifices.

At the same time, His Holiness explained that a group of hypocrite conspirators in Medina had set up a centre to spread false rumours and demoralise Muslims, trying to prevent them from joining the expedition of Tabuk.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) took firm action when a serious threat to the community’s order emerged from such activities. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered for that centre to be demolished. The gathered people fled. Despite knowing the people, the Holy Prophet Muhammad did not take any further action against them.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The mercy and forgiveness of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) still prevailed — he did not order the arrest of any of them, nor did he prescribe any further punishment. However, the centre of their conspiracies, their headquarters, was abolished.”

Speaking about the condition of the Muslims, His Holiness explained that when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) announced the journey to Tabuk, Muslims showed great zeal and sacrifice. Though the treasury was empty and many were poor, wealthier companions helped by donating generously — Hazrat Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) alone gave a thousand gold dinars. Some poor companions, unable to afford travel, wept when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told them he had no means to take them.

The Holy Quran mentions their sincere sorrow in chapter 9, verse 92:

“[No blame lies] against those to whom, when they came to thee that thou shouldst mount them, thou didst say, ‘I cannot find whereon I can mount you;’ they turned back, their eyes overflowing with tears, out of grief that they could not find what they might spend.”

Another aspect that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned in relation to the expedition of Tabuk was regarding the prayers of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It is written that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), after taking every possible outward precaution in preparation for the battle, turned to prayer. From the beginning of the preparations until the departure towards Tabuk, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) continued to make this supplication: ‘O Allah, if this small group is destroyed, then there will be no one left on the earth to worship You.’ It is a remarkable coincidence that this supplication is mentioned both at the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) very first battle, the Battle of Badr, and also during his last military expedition.”