On the occasion of the Battle of Tabook, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was departing from Madinah Munawwarah, he said to Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “It is necessary for either me to remain in Madinah Munawwarah, or for you to remain behind (to oversee the affairs of Madinah Munawwarah while the army is away).”

Accordingly, on the instruction of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) did not go out with the army, but remained in Madinah Munawwarah.