Expedition of 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf

The expedition of ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf, also known as the Second Expedition of Dumatul Jandal took place in December, 627AD, 8th(Sha'ban) month of 6AH of the Islamic calendar. ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf was sent on a Mission to win over the Banu Kalb tribe and get them to adopt Islam and side with the Muslims, this operation was carried out successfully.

The Expedition
Muhammad appointed ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf to head to Dumatul Jandal to win over the people. It is reported by the Muslim Scholar Ibn Hisham, that he told ‘Abd al-Rahman: Fight everyone in the way of God and kill those who disbelieve in God. Do not be deceitful with spoils, do not be treacherous, nor mutilate,do not kill children. This is God’s ordinance and practice of his prophet among you. [Ibn Hisham, Sirat Rasul Allah, p. 672] ‘Abd al-Rahman set out with 700 men on an expedition to Dumat al-Jandal, that is on the route to Khaybar, Fadak. The place was a great trading center; the inhabitants were mainly Christians and were ruled by a Christian king. Following the Islamic rule, on reaching Dumatul Jandal, ‘Abd al-Rahman summoned the people of the tribe to embrace Islam within three days grace.

During the 3 day period, Al-Asbagh, a Christian chief of Banu Kalb complied and many of his followers also followed suit. Other tribes also paid tribute (Jizya) to ‘Abd al-Rahman. On agreement to pay Jizya tax regularly, they were allowed to keep their Christianity.

Muhammad received the news through a Messenger, and then instructed ‘Abd al-Rahman to marry Tamadhir, the daughter of the Christian chief, Al-Asbagh. So ‘Abd al-Rahman married Tumadhir bint Asbagh, the daughter of the Christian king and brought this lady with him to Medina.