Towards the beginning of the month of Ramadhaan of the year 2AH, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) received news that Abu Sufyaan was returning from Syria to Makkah Mukarramah with the trade caravan of the Quraish, fully laden with commercial merchandise and other goods.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gathered the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), and addressed them saying, “The trade caravan of the Quraish which is fully laden with goods is passing by. Proceed towards this caravan. Perhaps Allah Ta‘ala will grant you the wealth of this caravan as spoils of war.” Since they did not have any idea or expectation of entering into a battle or fight, they had set out without any military preparations.