Muhammad and his Companions soon engaged in a series of caravan raids. These raids were generally offensive[6] and carried out to gather intelligence or seize the trade goods of Caravans financed by the Quraysh, (such retaliation was explained as being legitimate by saying many Muslims possessions and wealth left behind when they migrated from Mecca were stolen).[7][8] The Muslims declared that the raids were justified and that God gave them permission to defend against the Meccans' persecution of Muslims.[9][10] Another reason for the raids appears to have been economic stress, as the food output of Medina was barely capable of feeding the Muslim newcomers. Hence, the raiding of food was mandatory to supplement their diet.[11]