The Tabūk expedition was directed against the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Heraclius. Although no direct fighting took place, it was a show of strength against one of the world’s superpowers. This marked Islam’s rise from a regional movement to a force engaging with global empires.

How many Muslims took part in the Tabūk expedition?
A. 10,000
B. 20,000
C. 30,000
D. 40,000
Correct Answer: C. 30,000
Explanation: About 30,000 Muslims marched to Tabūk. This was the largest Muslim army gathered during the Prophet’s ﷺ lifetime. The size of the force demonstrated the political and military maturity of the Muslim community, just years after being a persecuted minority in Makkah.

How long did the Prophet ﷺ stay in Tabūk?
A. 7 days
B. 10 days
C. 20 days
D. 30 days
Correct Answer: C. 20 days
Explanation: The Prophet ﷺ camped at Tabūk for 20 days, waiting for the Byzantines who never showed up. Instead of war, treaties were signed with several local tribes. This expedition therefore consolidated Muslim influence over northern Arabia and established Islam as a recognized power.

Why is the expedition of Tabūk called “the Expedition of Straitness” in the Qur’an?
A. Because it was fought in a narrow valley
B. Because of the severe famine and scarcity of resources
C. Because the army was very small
D. Because Muslims faced a naval blockade
Correct Answer: B. Because of the severe famine and scarcity of resources
Explanation: The Qur’an refers to Tabūk as ghazwat al-ʿusrah (the Expedition of Difficulty/Straitness). The Muslims faced famine, extreme heat, and shortage of water. Despite these hardships, their willingness to march showed the depth of their commitment to Islam.

Who was the commander of the Muslim army at Tabūk?
A. Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
B. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb
C. The Prophet ﷺ himself
D. Khālid ibn Walīd
Correct Answer: C. The Prophet ﷺ himself
Explanation: Unlike Muʾtah, where commanders were appointed in succession, the Prophet ﷺ personally commanded the army at Tabūk. This underscores its importance as the final ghazwa in his lifetime. His leadership symbolized Islam’s direct confrontation with global empires.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Tabūk?
A. A major Muslim defeat
B. A decisive battle with heavy losses
C. A peaceful outcome with treaties
D. Capture of Byzantine territory
Correct Answer: C. A peaceful outcome with treaties
Explanation: The Byzantines did not engage, and no fighting took place. Instead, local tribes signed treaties acknowledging Muslim authority and agreeing to pay jizyah (tribute). This peaceful outcome extended Muslim influence into the northern Arabian frontier.

Which companion donated all his belongings for the expedition of Tabūk?
A. ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
B. Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
C. ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān
D. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf
Correct Answer: B. Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
Explanation: When the Prophet ﷺ called for donations to prepare the Tabūk expedition, Abū Bakr brought all his wealth, leaving nothing behind for his family except Allah and His Messenger. This act of sacrifice has become legendary, symbolizing complete trust in Allah. ʿUthmān also contributed generously with camels and wealth, making this a collective effort of sacrifice.

**Siege of Ṭāʾif (8 A.H., 630 CE)
The Siege of Ṭāʾif came right after the Battle of Ḥunayn. It was one of the most difficult campaigns faced by the Prophet ﷺ, showing that not every battle ended in immediate victory.

The failed siege taught Muslims that not every battle ends in immediate success. Allah grants victory when He wills, and patience with trust in Him is the true path.

The Muslims could not penetrate Ṭāʾif’s defenses, so the Prophet ﷺ lifted the siege after 20 days.

Muslims burned some vineyards to pressure the Thaqīf, but the Prophet ﷺ later stopped this action out of mercy.

The siege lasted about 20 days, but the Muslims were unable to breach the defenses.

The defenders poured boiling oil and metal onto the Muslims, killing several, including Abū ʿUbaydah ibn al-Jarrāḥ’s brother.

The Muslims built wooden mobile shelters to protect themselves while trying to burn down the gates of Ṭāʾif.

For the first time in Islamic military history, a catapult was used to attack fortified walls at Ṭāʾif.

Ṭāʾif had fortified walls and skilled archers, making it difficult for Muslims to penetrate.

The Muslims pursued the fleeing Hawāzin and Thaqīf forces after Ḥunayn, which led them to lay siege to Ṭāʾif.