Understanding Islam — Page 127
125 THE BATTLE OF TABUK CRITICS WOULD HAVE one believe that Muslims just decided one day that they should attack Tab ū k and showed up in Tab ū k for loot and plunder. These critics completely and purposely ignore the historical background of this battle. In the 9 th year of Hijra Calendar, or the year 630 CE, Prophet Muhammad sa sent his delegate to Ḥā rith bin Ab ī Shamr, the ruler of Ghass ā n. This area was considered under the rule of Caesar. In his letter given to Ḥā rith, Prophet Muhammad sa of Islam invited the ruler of Ghass ā n to accept Islam and said that God through this blessing would extend his governance and he would be blessed. When this letter was read out, Ḥā rith became enraged and threw the letter away and said, “Who has the power to take my country away from me? Rather, I myself would attack this claimant and even if I had to fight all the way to Yemen I would