 Ibn Ubayy then led his men back to Medina, retiring to the strongholds, while Muhammad resumed his advance.Islamic tradition presumes that Ibn Ubayy turned back to protect the town or his own possessions.According to Watt, Surah interprets Ibn Ubayy's withdrawal as showing "cowardice and lack of belief in God and the Prophet"

Muhammad's 700 men met the 3000 of the Quraish in the Battle of Uhud and were defeated.