In the meantime, Abu Sufyaan was apprehensive and feared such an interception. Therefore, as he got closer to Hijaaz, he continued enquiring from every traveller on the road for some news about Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

Eventually, he was informed by some travellers that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had instructed his companions to pursue his trade caravan. Hearing this, Abu Sufyaan immediately paid Damdam Ghifaari a sum of money to go to Makkah Mukarraham and convey the following message to the Quraish, “As quick as you can, protect your caravan and try to safeguard your trade capital, as Muhammed and his companions have already departed to intercept this caravan.”

This is the very same caravan which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had previously set out to intercept with two hundred Muhaajireen (in the expedition of Ushayrah when this caravan was on the way to Syria). Now, this same caravan was returning from Syria.

Since Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) merely intended to intercept the caravan, in haste, very few people were able to accompany him on this journey. Since this journey was not undertaken with the intention of fighting and jihaad, those who failed to participate were neither rebuked nor criticised in any way.

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 2/55-58)