Expedition of Dhat al-Riqa'

The Prophet led an expedition against Ghatafan and other Najdi tribes who were planning to attack Medina. The name Dhat al-Riqa' (the patchwork) derives from the condition of the soldiers' feet, which became so blistered and worn that they wrapped them in rags and patches, or from a mountain in the area with patches of different colored rock. The enemy dispersed upon hearing of the Muslim approach, and no battle took place. During this expedition, the fear prayer (salat al-khawf) was first performed: the army split into two groups, one guarding while the other prayed, then they switched. An incident also occurred when a man named Ghawrath (or Du'thur) ibn al-Harith crept up on the sleeping Prophet, drew his sword, and said: 'Who will protect you from me now?' The Prophet calmly replied: 'Allah.' The sword fell from the man's trembling hands, and the Prophet forgave him. This display of courage and mercy led the man to accept Islam.