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The Koraysh had relied heavily upon being able to pillage the crops of the Muslims to
provide fodder for their horses, however, much to their dismay, when they reached the
oasis they found the fields had already been harvested. There was nothing to feed their
hungry horses and the supplies they brought with them were limited. However, the
camels of the tribes of Ghatafan and the Najd were more fortunate as they were able to
graze upon the tamarisk bushes that grew near Uhud.

Due to the unexpected circumstances, the Koraysh knew that they must strike quickly,
otherwise their cavalry would be too weak to make an effective strike, and so word was
sent to their allies to join them immediately outside Medina.

PRELUDE TO THE ATTACK:

The Koraysh had expected the believers to defend themselves from the fortified
buildings and fortresses of Medina. When they saw the Prophet, praise and peace be
upon him, had made his camp outside the City their spirits rode high as they thought the
battle would be over quickly and victory would soon be theirs.