Attack of Kurz bin Jābir and Ghazwah of Safwān - Jamādiyul-Ākhir1 2 A.H.

However, despite such vigilance and various Muslim parties constantly making watchful rounds in the surroundings of Madīnah, the mischief of the Quraish managed to break through. As such, ten days had not passed since the return of the Holy Prophet(sa) to Madīnah when a chieftain of Makkah named Kurz bin Jābir Fihrī very cunningly along with a company of the Quraish, suddenly raided a pasture of Madīnah, which was situated only three miles from the city and fled with camels, etc., belonging to the Muslims. As soon as the Holy Prophet(sa) received news of this, he appointed Zaid bin Ḥārithah(ra) as the Amīr in his absence, and set out in his pursuit along with a group of the Companions. The Holy Prophet(sa) pursued him until he reached Safwān which is an area close to Badr, but he made good his escape. This Ghazwah is also known as Ghazwah Badratul-Ūlā.2

This raid of Kurz bin Jābir was not a minor Beduin act of plunder, rather, it is definite that he had set out against the Muslims on behalf of the Quraish, with a particular motive. As a matter of fact, is it very likely that he had specifically come with the intention of inflicting injury upon the very person of the Holy Prophet(sa), but upon finding the Muslims vigilant, settled upon the robbery of their camels and ran off. This also demonstrates that the Quraish of Makkah had planned to raid Madīnah so as to utterly destroy the Muslims. It should also be remembered that the Muslims had already been given permission for Jihād by the sword prior to this, and in a sense of self-defense they had begun to employ an initial plan of action in this regard as well. However, until now, they had not practically suffered any loss in terms of wealth or lives. However, the raid of Kurz bin Jābir was one which practically inflicted harm upon the Muslims. In other words, even after the acceptance of the challenge of the Quraish, it was the disbelievers who practically initiated battle.