The Prophet of Allah: Mohammed, Peace be Upon Him (SAW), arrived at Al-Madinah Al-Monawwarah in the 3rd month (Rabii Awwal) of first Hijri Year (September 622 CE) - No military operation had occured before that        
Military Operations in the Era of Prophet Mohammed (SAW)  
First Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
1 The Prophet (SAW)'s Uncle: Hamza Offensive Sariyyah composed entirely of Muhajirs Quraysh camels at Sayf Al-Bahr 9th No Fight  
2 The Prophet (SAW)'s Cousine: Obaidah bin Al-Harith Offensive Sariyyah composed entirely of Muhajirs Quraysh camels at Thanayyat Al-Murrah 10th No fight but Saad bin Abi Waqqas was hit by the first arrow in Islam  
3 The Prophet (SAW)'s Cousine: Saad bin Abi Waqqas Offensive Sariyyah composed entirely of Muhajirs Quraysh camels at Al-Kherar 11th No Fight  
 
Second Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
4 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Al-Abwaa (Waddan) - The army is entiely composed of Muhajirs Quraysh and Beni Dhomrah bin Bakr bin Abd Manah bin Kananah 2nd Alliance treaty with Beni Dhomra  
5 The Prophet (SAW) Defensive Offensive Ghazwah of Safwan  (first Bader Ghazwah) Karz bin Jabr Al-Fahri attacked Al-Madinah, thus the Prophet (SAW) went after him 3rd Karz bin Jabr Al-Fahri escaped and no fight took place  
6 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Al-Bawat After Quraysh 3rd No Fight  
7 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Al-Asheera Quraysh camels 5th & 6th The camels were missed, treaty of no aggression was done with Beni Medlej  
8 Abdullah bin Jahsh Al-Asadi Reconnaissance Sariyyah Recon of Quraysh camels between Makkah and Taif 7th They killed the Hadhramite and brought two captives in Al-Haram Month  
9 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Giant Bader Initially Quraysh camels, then fight erupted 9th Victory of Muslims  
10 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Beni Selim of Ghatafan Beni Selim gathered to attack Al-Madinah, thus he surprised them 9th Stayed for 3 days to scare them, then returend without a fight  
11 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Beni Qaynoqaa Jews of Beni Qaynoqaa because they preached the treaty 10th Expulsion from Al-Madinah  
12 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Al-Soweeq Going after the infidels upon a sudden attack on Al-Madinah by Abu Sofyan 12th The polytheists escaped and threw the Soweeq from their hands  
 
Third Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
13 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Thi Amr Ghatafan in Najd 1st - 2nd Returned after 1 month without a fight  
14 Mohammed bin Maslamah Al-Awsi Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Assassination of Kaab bin Al-Ashraf 3rd Assassination was successful  
15 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Bahran After Quraysh in Bahran 4th & 5th Stayed for 2 months they returned without a fight  
16 Zayd bin Harithah Offensive Sariyyah Quraysh camels coming through Najd 6th The convoy was taken as booty as Maa Al-Qeradah: big strike against Quraysh  
17 The Prophet (SAW) Defensive Ghazwah of Ohod Defending Al-Madinah against Quraysh and its allies 10th Deficient victory of Quraysh, because they didn't stay to celebrate as the convention was, and they didn't take captives or anything as booty  
18 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Hamraa Al-Asad Showing the strength of Muslims 1 day after Ohod War Quraysh got scared and returned to Makkah, giving up the idea of attacking Al-Madinah  
 
Fourth Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
19 Abu Salamah Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Deterrence of Beni Asad bin Khozayma, who considered an attack on Al-Madinah 1st They escaped, thus he got booty and returned      
20 Abdullah bin Onays Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Deterrence of Khaled bin Sofyan Al-Hathali, who considered an attack on Al-Madinah 1st Abdullah brought the head of Khaled to the Prophet (SAW)      
21 Asim bin Thabet Dawah Tragedy of Al-Rajee Teaching Islam to people in Adl and Qarah 2nd The infidels of Beni Lahyan betrayed the Muslims: 10 martyrs      
22 Al-Monther bin Amr Dawah Tragedy of Bir Maona Inviting people of Najd to Islam, upon invitation by Abi Baraa Amer bin Malek and under his protection 2nd The infidels of Beni Lahyan betrayed the Muslims: all 70 martyrs. The Prophets (SAW) made supplication against them for 1 complete month      
23 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Beni Al-Nadhir Jews of Beni Al-Nadhir because they preached the treaty 3rd Expulsion from Al-Madinah      
24 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Najd Deterrence of Bedouins of Beni Mohareb and Beni Thaalabah of Ghatafan 4th or 5th The Prophet (SAW) scared them and returned to Al-Madinah safe and sound      
25 The Prophet (SAW) Defensive Offensive Scheduled Ghazwah of Bader The date with Quraysh at Bader 8th He stayed 8 days waiting for Quraysh, but they got scared and didn't come      
 
Fifth Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
26 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Dawmat Al-Jandal Tribes of Dawmat Al-Jandal for piracy 3rd Peace was made with Oyaynah ben Hesn Al-Fazari  
27 The Prophet (SAW) Defensive Ghazwah of Al-Khandaq (trench): Al-Ahzab Defending Al-Madinah against Quraysh and its allies 10th & 11th The polytheists were defeated and turned back to their homes  
28 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Beni Quraythab Jews of Beni Al-Quraythah because they preached the treaty 11th Men were killed, women, children and moneys were captured  
29 Abdullah bin Ateek Al-Khazraji Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Assassination of Abi Rafii: Salam bin Abi Haqiq 11th or 12th Assassination was successful  
 
Sixth Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
30 Mohammed bin Maslamah Al-Awsi Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Hanifah in Najd 1st Mohammed caputred their head: Thomamah bin Athal, who became Muslim later on in Al-Madinah  
31 Okashah bin Mohsen Offensive Sariyyah Water of Beni Asad called Al-Ghamr 3rd The infidels escaped and he took 200 camels as booty back to Al-Madinah  
32 Mohammed bin Maslamah Al-Awsi Offensive Sariyyah Thu Al-Qassah at Diyar Thalabah 4th Ambush took place and all Muslims were martyred except Mohammed bin Maslamah, who pretended to be dead  
33 Abu Obaidah Amir bin Al-Jarrah Offensive Sariyyah Revenge for the Sariyyah of Mohammed bin Maslamah 4th The infidels escaped and he returned to Al-Madinah with the booties  
34 Zayd bin Harithah Offensive Sariyyah Al-Jomom Water of Beni Selim 4th Muslims took booties and returned to Al-Madinah  
35 Zayd bin Harithah Offensive Sariyyah Al-Ees, after Quraysh camels 5th Muslims took booties and returned to Al-Madinah  
36 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Beni Lahyan Revenge for the betrayal in Al-Rajii 5th The infidels espaced, thus he returned to Al-Madinah  
37 Zayd bin Harithah Offensive Sariyyah Beni Thalabah 6th The infidels espaced, thus he took booties and returned to Al-Madinah  
38 Zayd bin Harithah Offensive Sariyyah Wadi Al-Qura 7th Nine Muslims were martyred  
39 Abu Obaidah Amir bin Al-Jarrah Offensive Sariyyah Watching Quraysh camels 7th The brigade starved: ate a plant, so Allah (SWT) sent them a whale from the sea to eat  
40 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Beni Al-Mostaleq (Ghazwah of Mereseea Water) The gathering of Benu Al-Mostaleq, commander: Al-Harith bin Abi Dherar 8th Beni Al-Mostaleq were defeated, the Prophet (SAW) married Al-Harith's daughter, Beni Al-Mostaleq all became Muslims, the incident of Efk (false accusation against our Mother: Aisha RA)  
41 Abdur-Rahman bin Awf Offensive Sariyyah Diyar Beni Kalb at Dawmat Al-Jandal 8th Abdur-Rahman married the daughter of their king after they became Muslims  
42 Ali bin Abi Taleb Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Saad at Fidk for supporing the Jews of Khaybar 8th They escaped, thus he took booties and returned  
43 Abu Baker As-Siddiq Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Giving lesson to Fazarah at Wadi Al-Qora for conspiring to assassinate the Prophet (SAW) 9th He defeated them, took booties and captives and returned to Al-Madinah  
44 Karz bin Jaber Al-Fahri Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to Al-Arnis for apostasy and betrayal of camels shepherd 10th He captured them and took them to Al-Madinah, so the Prophet (SAW) punishes them  
45 The Prophet (SAW) Peacemaking Al-Hodaybiyah Peace Treaty Peacemaking to neutralize Quraysh and its allies to eradicate the presence of Jews in Khaybar in particular and the Arabian Peninsula in general 11th Al-Ridwan Pledge of Allegiance under the trea after the rumor that Othman bin Affan was killed, the peace treaty of Hodaybiyah, Khozaa'a and its Habashi's joined the camp of Islam, became able to deal with northern regions full time, nine messages to kings and leaders  
46 The Prophet (SAW) Defensive Offensive Ghazwah of Thi Qerd Oyaynah bin Hesn Al-Fazari attacked camels of the Prophet (SAW), killing a man of Ghafar and kidnapped his wife 12th Salamah bin Al-Akwaa chased them, then others, then the Prophet (SAW), until they rescued the Muslim woman and took the goods back  
 
Seventh Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
47 Abban bin Saeed Offensive Sariyyah To scare the bedouins in Najd not to attack Al-Madinah during the conquest of Khaybar 1st Mission was successful and Abban followed the Prophet (SAW) to Khaybar  
48 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah: The Conquest of Khaybar Eradication the presence of Jews in Khaybar (army composed only of Al-Ridwan Pledge of Allegiance givers) 1st Victory of Muslims and conquest of Khaybar  
49 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Fidk Jews of Fidk 2nd Peace treaty without a fight  
50 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Wadi Al-Qura Jews of Wadi Al-Qora 2nd Victory of Muslims and peace treaty  
51 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Taimaa Jews of Taima 2nd Peace treaty  
52 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of That Al-Riqaa Deterrence of Beni Thalabah and Mohareb of Ghatafan 3rd He ran into group of Ghatafan and made treaty with them. Later on they all became Muslims  
53 Ghaleb Al-Laythi Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Al-Molawweh at Al-Qidid for killing the companions of Beshir bin Sowayd 3rd He attacked them during night and defeated them, took booties and returned, after Allah (SWT) protected them from huge army with floods  
54 Zayd bin Harithah Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Giving lesson to Jotham at Hosma for their piracy against Dahya bin Khalifah Al-Kalbi: the carrier of the Prophet (SAW)'s message to Caesar 6th Attacked them off guard, inflected wounds all over them, took booties and returned  
55 Omar bin Al-Khattab Offensive Sariyyah Hawazen at Torba 8th They escaped, thus he returned without a fight  
56 Beshir bin Saad Al-Ansari Offensive Sariyyah Benu Marra at Fidk 8th All got martyred but Beshir, who returned to Al-Madinah after his wounds were healed at the Jews of Fidk  
57 Ghaleb Al-Laythi Offensive Sariyyah Benu Awwal and Benu Abd ben Thalabah at Mayfaa'a 9th He defeated them, took booties and returned  
58 Abdullah bin Rawahah Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Aseer bin Zoram was gathering Ghatafan against the Muslims, at Khaybar 10th he deafted them and killed them all  
59 Beshir bin Saad Al-Ansari Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Yemen and Jabbar at Ghatafan lands 10th The infidels escaped and the Muslims took booties and returned with 2 captives  
60 Ibn Abi Al-Awjaa Dawah Sariyyah Calling Beni Selim to Islam 12th They refused Islam and fought  
 
Eighth Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
61 Ghaleb Al-Laythi Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to those who killed the companions of Beshir bin Saad Al-Ansari of Beni Morra at Fidk 2nd The Muslims were victorious, took booties and returned      
62 Kaab bin Omayr Al-Ansari Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Qodhaa'a gathering in Sham lands to attack the Muslims 3rd All Muslims were martyred, except one who pretended to be dead      
63 Shojaa bin Wahb Al-Asadi Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Hawazen for their repetitive support to enemies of Muslims 3rd The Muslims were victorious, took booties and returned      
64 Zayd bin Harithah, then Jafer bin Abi Taleb, then Abdullah bin Rawahah, then the Muslims selected Khalid bin Al-Walid Defensive Offensive Ghazwah of Motah (the Prophet witnessed it through Angel Jibril, thus it's called Ghazwah) Preparation of conquest of Christian lands, stopping the gatherings of Romans, Giving lesson to Sharhabeel bin Amr Al-Ghassani: governor of Caesar, for killing the messenger of the Prophet (SAW): Al-Harith bin Omayr Al-Azdi 5th No victorious side, all three commanders were martyred, Khaled retreated the army to Al-Madinah, the Romans and their Arab agents didn't chase the retreating Muslim army, Arab tribes were overwhelmed by the shocking battle: tribes of Beni Salim, Ashjaa, Ghatafan, Thobyan, Fazarah and others became Muslims      
65 Amr bin Al-Aas Offensive to Defend Sariyyah of Muhajirs and Ansar, with help from tribes of Beli, Othra, and Belqin: That Al-Salasel Ghazwah Repulsion of Qadhaa'a: ally of Romans, which gathered again in the North to attack Al-Madinah 6th Majority of infidels escaped, except one tribe that fought, no decisive result      
66 Abu Qatadah Offensive to Defend Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Ghatafan in Najd for their gathering and intention to attack Al-Madinah 8th Muslims were victorious, took booties and captives and returned      
67 Abu Qatadah Deceptive Maneuver Sariyyah Mystification of the real target of the army heading to Makkah, thus Abu Qatadah marched away from Makkah to Batn Adhm 9th Abu Qatadah changed route and joined the army of the Prophet (SAW) during its march to Makkah      
68 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah: Conquest of Makkah Conquest of Makkah 9th Muslims were victorious and the conquest of Makkah was completed      
69 Khalid bin Al-Walid Offensive Sariyyah Demolition of Al-Ozza at Nakhla, between Makkah and Al-Taif 9th Demolished      
70 Amr bin Al-Aas Offensive Sariyyah Demolition of Sowaa, idol of Hatheel 9th Demolished      
71 Saad bin Zayd Al-Ash-hali Offensive Sariyyah Demolition of Manat 9th Demolished      
72 Khalid bin Al-Walid Dawah Sariyyah Beni Jatheema of Kananah 10th Killing took place by mistake, thus the Prophet (SAW) paid blood money to people and returned their moneys to them      
73 Abdullah Al-Aslami Reconnaissance Sariyyah Recon of infidels forces at Wadi Awtas 10th Intel came back to the Prophet (SAW)      
74 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Honayn Confrontation with the gatherings of Hawazen, Thaqeef, and Qays in Wadi Awtas 10th The infidels, under the commandership of Malek bin Awf Al-Nadhri, ambushed the Muslims at Honayn valley, Muslims were defeated at the beginning, but the Prophet (SAW) stood fast they they gathered around him then became victorious      
75 Abu Aamer Al-Ash-ari Offensive Sariyyah Chasing the infidels in Awtas 10th Abu Aamer was martyred      
76 Abu Mosa Al-Ash-ari (Abu Aamer's brother) Offensive Sariyyah Chasing the infidels in Awtas 10th The Muslims were victorious, Malek bin Awf escaped with his men to Al-Taif      
77 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive Ghazwah of Al-Taif (Thaqeef) Thaqeef and Hawazen in Al-Taif 10th After 18-day siege, the Prophet (SAW) turned back      
 
Ninth Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
78 Oyaynah bin Hesn Al-Fazari Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to Beni Tamim 1st He defeated them, took captives and returned, Beni Tamim came after him to Al-Madinah, after lengthy poetic and speech challenges they adopted Islam  
79 Qotbah bin Aamer Offensive Sariyyah Group of people of Khatha'am 2nd Qotbah was martyred, the Muslims were victorious and took booties  
80 Al-Dhahhak bin Sofyan Al-Kilabi Offensive Sariyyah Benu Kilab 3rd Muslims were victorious  
81 Ali bin Abi Taleb Offensive Sariyyah Demolition of Al-Qals: idol of Tayi' 3rd Demolished, some fighting took place with tribe of Tii, Muslims took booties and returned to Al-Madinah  
82 Alqamah bin Mejazzez Al-Medlaji Offensive Sariyyah Giving lesson to some Habashi's gathered at Jeddah coast for piracy against Makkah 4th Habashi's escaped  
83 The Prophet (SAW) Offensive to Defend Ghazwah of Tebuk Stopping the confrontation of Romans and their Arab agents of Ghassan tribe with Islam and Islamic State 7th The Romans and their agents were scared and left the battle field; Muslims didn't find any army to fight against, Muslims reached Al-Madinah after 50 days in Ramadhan  
 
Tenth Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
84 Prophet's governors in Yemen Defensive Skirmish with Al-Aswad Al-Ansi Restoring the governance of Islam over Yemen after being taken over by imposter Al-Aswad Al-Ansi who claimed to be prophet 12th thru 3rd The ordeal of Al-Aswad Al-Ansi lasted 3 or 4 months, until Fayruz Al-Daylami killed him prior to the death of the Prophet (SAW)  
 
Eleventh Hijri Year  
No. Commander Operation Nature Operation Description Target Hijri Month Outcome  
85 Osama bin Zayd Offensive to Defend Army of Osama Giving lesson to Romans for killing Farwah Al-Jothami: their governor on Maa'an, after adopting Islam and refusing to go back to Kufr. Target, as set by the Prophet (SAW): "Attack Abna at Dawn and Burn". 2nd & 3rd The army paused at Al-Jarf outside Al-Madinah awaiting for the news about the sickness of the Prophet (SAW), until Caliph Abu Baker sent it late Rabii Awwal. The army achieved its target under fog and returned to Al-Madinah. Many tribes kept their faith due to this offensive. Caesar was shocked: what's wrong with those people; their Man dies and they attack us!!  
The Prophet of Allah; Mohammed (SAW), passed away in the 3rd month of the 11th Hijri year (June 632 CE) in Al-Madinah  
  Nature of Military Operations No. Percentage   Hijri Year Number of Military Operations  
  All Operations 85 100.0%   1 3  
  Offensive 49 57.7%   2 9  
  Offensive to Defend 21 24.7%   3 6  
  Defensive Offensive 4 4.7%   4 7  
  Dawah 4 4.7%   5 4  
  Defensive 3 3.5%   6 17  
  Reconnaissance 2 2.4%   7 14  
  Peacemaking 1 1.2%   8 17  
  Deceptive Maneuver 1 1.2%   9 6  
      10 1  
Military operations commanded directly by the Prophet (SAW) 31 36.5%   11 1  
 
       
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
All praise be to Allah (SWT) for this. Historians disagreed on the timings of some of the military operations, thus it was necessary to make preference at certain places, after investigation. 25 Ramadhan 1426 H, 28 October 2005 CE. This table is part of Dr. Mosa'b Hawarey's book: The Journey of Prophecy; Days of Peace and War, authored in Arabic and offered for sale at The Islamic Book Network.
EXCEL FILE: http://military.hawarey.org/military_english.xls  
Hijri (lunar) Months: Remarks:    
1 Moharram 1. The word (Ghazwah) is used for a battle that was witnessed by the Prophet (SAW) himself.    
2 Safar 2. The word (Sariyyah) is used for small military unit (e.g. brigade) not accompanied by the Prophet (SAW).    
3 Rabii Awwal 3. The word (Muhajir) means (immigrant): it indicates the Muslims who immigrated to Al-Madinah from Makkah, generally.  
4 Rabii Thani 4. It's highly essential to understand that Hijrah (immigration) was decided on, in time and place, by Allah (SWT) Himself.  
5 Jomada Awwal 5. Notice the approach of the Prophet (SAW) of using Muhajirs only for military operations during early stage of state construction.  
6 Jomada Thani 6. Hijri months are lunar months, in contrast to Gregorian months (solar). The Hijri calendar was first implemented by Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab, and the Hijrah of the Prophet was selected as the landmark to start it. An attempt to start the calendar on the day of the Prophet's arrival at Al-Madinah was unsuccessful, because he arrived on the 12th. Thus, it was satisfactory to select the year of the incident of Hijrah as the first year of the lunar calendar. Relevant to the difference between the two calendars is seen in Surat Al-Kahf (18), verse (25), where Allah (SWT) mentions 309 years, but the Jews disagreed claiming it's only 300 years, from their knowledge of past nations: they were counting solar years while Allah (SWT) mentioned the count in lunar years, distinguishing in that verse between the 300 years and the added 9 years.    
7 Rajab    
8 Shaaban    
9 Ramadhan    
10 Shawwal    
11 Tho Al-Qidah      
12 Tho Al-Hijjah 7. The Hijrah has pivotal importance in the establishment of the state, keeping in mind remarks 4 & 5 above.    
  8. Ansar (supporters) are the Muslims of Al-Madinah who adopted Islam and invited the Prophet (SAW) to leave Makkah and join them there as a head of state. They were composed of two sides: Al-Aws & Al-Khazraj.