The repulse of the Muslim army at the Battle of Mu’tah, affected dangerously Muhammad's prestige among the tribes of the Syrian frontier. There were rumours that a number of tribes, including Banu Qudah were now preparing to attack Medina. He appointed Amr ibn al-As, the new convert of Islam, to subjugate the Banu Qudah tribe, and incite the tribes friendly to Muhammad to attack the Banu Qudah. Amr was chosen because he was related to the Banu Bali tribe, who were located in the area he was to carry out the operation.