The reports he had heard in Medina about an imminent invasion by the Romans...

The reports he had heard in Medina about an imminent invasion by the Romans, were false. Peace and tranquillity on the Syrian frontier is another proof that the Romans considered the battle of Mootah as nothing more than a foray by a band of desert Arabs. If Mootah had been such a titanic battle as some Muslim historians claim it was, the Romans would have maintained their garrisons on the border. But they didn't maintain even pickets much less garrisons!

The Messenger of God then pondered the next step to be taken in Tabuk. Washington Irving Calling a council of war, he (Mohammed) propounded thequestion whether or not to continue forward (from Tabuk).

To this Omar replied drily: “If thou has the command of God to proceed further, do so.” “If I had the command of God to proceed further,” observed Mohammed, “I should not have asked thy counsel.” (The Life of Mohammed) Eventually, the Prophet decided not to advance into Syria but to return to Medina. The army spent ten days in Tabuk. Though it had not been engaged in any action, its presence at the frontier had some salutary effects. Many northern tribes of Bedouins accepted Islam.

Dauma-tul-Jandal, a strategic post between Medina and Syria, was acquired as new territory. Just before the army left Tabuk, the monks of the monastery of St. Catherine in the valley of Sinai, came to see the Prophet. He gave them audience, and granted them a charter which is comparable to the Charter of Medina which he had granted to the Jews. Its main terms were: 1. The Muslims would protect the churches and monasteries of the Christians.

They would not demolish any church property either to build mosques or to build houses for the Muslims. 2. All ecclesiastical property (of the Christians) would be exempt from every tax. 3. No ecclesiastical authority would ever be forced by the Muslims to abandon his post. 4. No Christian would ever be forced by the Muslims to become a convert to Islam. 5. If a Christian woman marries a Muslim, she would have full freedom to follow her own religion.

The army recuperated from the toil and fatigue of the long journey, and the Prophet gave it the signal to return home. He arrived in Medina after an absence of one month. Previous…