When God’s Messenger intended to go on an expedition he always pretended to be going somewhere else till that expedition, meaning the one to Tabuk. God’s Messenger undertook it in extreme heat, facing a long journey, desert country and a numerous enemy. He made clear to the Muslims what they were about to do in order that they might get ready the equipment for their expedition, telling them where he was going.
Anas told that when God’s Messenger went on an expedition he took Umm Sulaim, and he had some women of the Ansar who supplied water and tended the wounded when he made an expedition.
Jabir told that a man said to the Prophet at the battle of Uhud, “Tell me where I shall be if I am killed,” and that when he replied that he would be in paradise he threw away some dates he had in his hand and fought till he was killed.