This lecture covers the prelude to the Battle of Tabuk. Key topics include:- Birth of Ibrahim: Upon returning to Medina, the Prophet’s wife Mariya the Coptic gave birth to a son, named Ibrahim. The Angel Gabriel congratulated the Prophet on becoming a father.- Expedition of Tabuk: This was the last military campaign led by the Prophet. It aimed to preempt a rumored Roman invasion and also test the faith and commitment of the Muslim community during extreme summer heat and the harvest season.- Challenges and Sacrifices: The expedition required significant personal sacrifice, including traveling long distances in severe heat and missing the harvest season, leading to financial hardships.- Legitimate Excuses: Some individuals, including the poor, weak, and elderly, were excused from the expedition due to genuine inability to participate, yet their desperately wanted to go.- The Repenters: A group of companions who stayed behind were punished with social ostracism. They later repented and were forgiven after 50 days.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=720Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Ehi7GsQf0&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT