English
Ka‘b ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would not intend an expedition without 1 concealing it by mentioning something else, until the expedition of Tabuk. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) undertook it in extreme heat, facing a long journey, a desert, and a numerous enemy. He clarified their objective to the Muslims so they could prepare adequately and informed them of the destination he intended.
Possible references (unverified, pending editorial review)
- Candidate: Sahih al-Bukhari 4418 (unverified) 97% confidence
- Candidate: Sahih Muslim 2769a (unverified) 96% confidence
Confidence and text similarity are not editorial verification.
Commentary and footnotes (2)
Note 1
(1) The statement: “concealing it by mentioning something else”: Ibn al-Malik said: This means he hid it by referring to something else, appearing to intend another destination for strategic reasons, to keep the enemy unaware and safe from spies who might inform them. His concealment (ﷺ) was through insinuation, such as intending Makkah but asking people about Khaybar’s condition and routes, not explicitly saying he intended one place while meaning another, as that would be lying, which is impermissible. As stated in (Al-Mirqat).
Note 1
(١)قوله ورى بغيرها: قال ابن الملك: أي سترها بغيرها، وأظهر أنه يريد غيرها لما فيه من الحزم وإغفال العدو والأمن من جاسوس يطلع على ذلك فيخبر به العدو، وتوريته صلي الله عليه واله وسلم كان تعريضا بأن يريد مثلا غزوة مكة، فيسأل الناس عن حال خيبر، وكيفية طرقها لا تصريحا بأن يقول: إني أريد غزوة أهل الموضع الفلاني، وهو يريد غيرهم؛ لأن هذا كذب غير جائز، كذا في (المرقاة).