The expedition (sariyyah) to Fals, commanded by Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), played a significant role in weakening polytheism and spreading Islam across the Arabian Peninsula. The victory of Amir al-Muminin, the destruction of the idol “Fals,” and the spoils obtained stood as a testament to the strength of Islam and the weakness of idol worship.
The Meaning of “Sariyyah”
The word sariyyah, from the root sarw, refers to a detachment of the army sent out, by order of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), to a particular location to carry out a mission, without the Prophet himself accompanying them.
Account of the Expedition
The Prophet of Islam sent Amir al-Muminin, together with a group of men, toward a polytheistic tribe known as “Tayy.” The primary objective of this expedition was the destruction of the idol “Fals,” which was worshipped by this tribe.
In the month of Rabi al-Thani of the ninth year after the Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) sent Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), as the commander of a sariyyah, together with 150 men of the Ansar, 100 camels, and 50 horses, toward the lands of the Tayy tribe, and ordered him to destroy their idol, Fals.
The standard-bearer of this expedition, as in all the campaigns of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), was Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) himself. A black banner and a white standard accompanied him.
Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) and his army then advanced to the dwelling place of the clan of Hatim at the break of dawn, and destroyed and demolished the idol Fals. As a result, he shattered the idol and seized spoils and captives. (1)(2)
The Division of the Spoils
In this engagement, the Muslim soldiers, under the command of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), seized a great deal of spoils — including sheep, camels, and numerous captives — which were brought back to Medina as war spoils.
Amir al-Muminin placed Abu Qatadah in charge of the captives and Abdullah ibn Atik in charge of the livestock and property.
In the treasury of Fals, three swords were found — Rasub, Mikhdham, and a sword known as al-Yamani — along with three coats of mail.
When the army of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) reached the region of “Rakak,” they divided the spoils among themselves, and the Prophet’s share was set aside separately; the captives of the Tayy tribe were then brought to Medina.
Upon the idol Fals hung two swords — one named Mikhdham and the other Rasub. Al-Harith ibn Abi Shamir had gifted these two swords to the idol, and they had been hung upon it. Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) took the two swords and brought them to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family).
Among the captives of this expedition was Safanah, sister of Adi ibn Hatim and daughter of Hatim al-Ta’i, who was brought before the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) in Medina. The Messenger of Allah freed her, and she embraced Islam. (1)(3)
References
- Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, vol. 2, p. 285
- Al-Sahih min Sirat al-Nabi, vol. 7, p. 38
- Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 2, p. 124
