An epidemic disease breaks out in Emmaus (Imwas) in Palestine, striking the city and the military camps of the Muslim Arabs, killing most of its population (probably an estimated twenty-five thousand people).

The Plague of Emmaus causes the death of many prominent companions of Muhammad, drawn from the muhajirun or "migrants"—those who had faith in Muhammad when he began to preach in Mecca who fled with him when he was persecuted there—the ansar—people of Medina who welcomed Muhammad and his companions and stood as their protectors, and the badriyun, who had fought at the Battle of Badr.