Detailed Account of the Banu Mustaliq Expedition

When the Prophet learned that al-Harith ibn Abi Dirar, chief of Banu Mustaliq (a branch of Khuza'ah), was gathering forces to attack Medina, he preemptively marched with his army to their watering place at al-Muraysi. The Muslims launched a swift attack, routing Banu Mustaliq and capturing a large number of prisoners, livestock, and goods. This campaign was significant for several incidents that occurred during and after it. First, a quarrel between a Muhajir and an Ansari nearly escalated into tribal conflict when Abdullah ibn Ubayy tried to inflame tribal loyalties, saying: 'When we return to Medina, the more honored will surely expel the less honored,' upon which Surah al-Munafiqun was revealed. Second, the Prophet married Juwayriyah bint al-Harith, the daughter of the tribal chief, and this marriage led the Muslims to release all their captives as they were now the Prophet's in-laws. Third, the slander against Aisha (the Incident of Ifk) occurred on the return journey from this expedition.