In the year 622, Mohammed and his followers have been chased from Mecca north to Yathrib (now called Medina), where they survive by ambushing and hijacking the caravans on the route from Syria to Mecca. When word of a particularly wealthy caravan reaches Mohammed, he has it lured into an ambush by filling the water holes along its route with sand. This arouses suspicion, and an army is called up from Mecca to defend the caravan. A tremendous battle ensues, and although greatly outnumbered, the Muslims win the battle through Divine intervention in the form of 4000 angels.

The eerie scene open in the desert before dawn. Prayers are offered. Then, the caravan can be heard, slowly approaching.