Understanding Islam — Page 100
DID THE EARLY MUSLIMS LEAD OFFENSIVE RAIDS? 98 soon as Prophet Muhammad sa found out about this, he set out in pursuit along with some of his companions, but Kurz was able to escape. This incident sheds light on the evil machinations and plans of the Quraish to attack Mad ī nah and destroy the Muslims completely. It was a significant turning point in relations between the Muslims and the Quraish, as the Quraish had practically initiated battle by inflicting harm upon the Muslims. It was in the context of this event which had naturally caused the Muslims to become apprehensive that the Nakhla expedition took place. Seeing these real threats from the Quraish, Prophet Muhammad sa decided that the movements of the Quraish should be surveyed from a closer distance so that all the necessary intelligence with respect to them is available and Mad ī nah is safeguarded from such sudden attacks in future. A party of eight companions was assembled for this task with ’Abdull ā h bin Ja ḥ sh ra appointed as their commander. The companions selected for this expedition belonged to the tribe of Quraish, and this was because they would have better experience in