Expedition of Abu Ubaidah ibn al Jarrah, also known as the Expedition of Fish and Invasion of al-Khabt, took place in October 629 AD, 8AH, 7th month, of the Islamic Calendar, or according to some scholars in 7AH, 4th Month.
In the next month, Muhammad sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al Jarrah along with 300 men to attack and chastise the tribe of Juhaynah at al-Khabat, on the seacoast, five nights journey from Medina. He was sent to observe a Quraysh caravan. There was no fighting as the enemy fled after they heard of the arrival.
During this expedition the Muslims' suffered from famine, until they caught a large fish (sperm whale) that came ashore and ate it for twenty days. Ibn Hisham mention the incident in large detail. This is why it is also known as âÂÂexpedition of fish.â They brought some of that meat to Muhammad who also ate it.
The Expedition is referenced in the Sunni hadith collection Sahih al-Bukhari as follows:
The Event is also referenced in the Sahih Muslim hadith collection as follows: