El-Curf location

El-Curf is a strategic location located a few miles north of Medina towards Syria. This place is directly connected to the last days of the Prophet Muhammad's life. In the month of Safar in the 11th year of Hijra (May 632), the Prophet Muhammad prepared a large army under the command of Usama ibn Zayd to head towards Syria. Usama was to be sent to the area where his father (Zayd ibn Haritha) was martyred in Mu'tah. The army had gathered at the El-Curf location and had completed preparations for movement. The Prophet was ill during those days; however, despite his severe illness, he insisted on the army's movement. When some companions suggested different names due to Usama's young age, the Prophet sternly said, "Do not dispute Usama's command." While the army was waiting in El-Curf, the Prophet passed away (12 Rabi' al-Awwal 11/8 June 632). Usama and his army received this sad news here. When Abu Bakr assumed the caliphate, he ordered Usama's expedition to set out, and the campaign was successfully completed. [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, "Usama ibn Zayd" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/usame-b-zeyd; "Usama ibn Zayd Expedition" article; Ibn Sa'd, at-Tabaqat, II, 189-192]