It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ka'b bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), he says: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) intended to undertake a military expedition, he would conceal his intention by expressing something else, until the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk arrived. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fought this battle in intense heat, had to travel a long distance, pass through places of destruction, and face a large number of enemies. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made the matter clear to the Muslims, so that they could prepare accordingly for the enemy. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) clearly informed them of the direction in which he intended to go.