battle of trench

causes

• In 4 A.H, the Jews of Banu Nadhir plotted to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

• As a result, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exiled them from Madinah.

• Banu Nadhir settled in Khyber and turned it into a base against Muslims.

• Chiefs of Banu Nadhir visited Quraish leaders in Makkah and instigated them to take revenge for the Battle of Uhud.

• The Quraish, emboldened by Muslims’ success and instigated by Jews, decided to attack Madinah with a huge force.

• The Jews of Khyber and other hostile Bedouin tribes allied with Quraish, including:

  • Ashja and Murra

  • Bani Fezara

  • Banu Asad

  • Banu Sulaym

  • Banu Ghatafan

• Because of this alliance of many tribes, the battle is also called Al-Ahzab (“The Battle of the Allies or Confederates”).

• The Quraish and allied tribes raised a combined army of over 10,000 men, led by Abu Sufyan (RA)

fear ad pressure 1

• The siege created a psychological crisis for Muslims. The Qur’an describes:

  “Behold! They came upon you from above you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and ye imagined various (vain) thoughts about God! In that situation the believers were tired: They were shaken with a mighty shock.” [33:10-11]

• Hypocrites spread fear, saying:

  “O people of Yathrib, you cannot stand (the attack), therefore turn back! … they intended nothing but to flee.” [33:13]

council of war 2

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consulted companions about defensive strategies.

• Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA) suggested digging a trench, based on Persian war tactics.

• The idea was accepted, and Muslims started digging along the northern part of Madinah.

• “O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), when we were attacked in the land of Faris and we feared the approach of horses, and when we were surrounded, we would build trenches around us (i.e., to prevent the horsemen from attacking).”

digging trench 3

• 3,000 companions dug the trench in 9–10 days.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personally participated in the digging.

• Muslims also cut fodder to weaken enemy animals.

enemy approaches 4

• The Muslim army numbered 3,000, facing 10,000 enemies.

• In 626 A.D / 5 A.H, the allied force arrived at Madinah’s borders with drums and war songs.

• The trench blocked their advance, and Muslims pelted stones and arrows at them.

• The allies began a siege, trying to find a weak spot for about 30 days

• Some polytheist fighters led by Amr bin Abd, Ikrimah bin Abu Jahal, and Dirar bin Al-Khattab crossed the trench and captured a narrow area.

• Amr challenged Muslims to combat, and Hazrat Ali (RA) killed him, forcing the enemy to retreat.

• Other enemy attempts were foiled by Muslim vigilance

banu quraiza 5

• Banu Quraiza, a Jewish tribe, planned to betray Muslims and ally with Quraish.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent Hazrat Saad bin Muadh (RA) and Hazrat Saad bin Ubadah (RA) to remind them of their loyalty and the Charter of Madinah.

• Banu Quraiza refused and attempted sneak attacks on Muslim fortresses.

• Naim bin Masud (RA) created discontent between Banu Quraiza and the allies, foiling the betrayal

retreat 6

• After around 30 days, harsh winter winds, cold, and lack of food weakened the allied army.

• A violent windstorm threw the Quraish camp into chaos.

• Allah’s help is mentioned in the Qur’an:

  “O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favor to you when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not. And Allah is ever All-Seer of what you do.” (33:9) Al-Ahzab.

• Abu Sufyan (RA) decided to retreat, marking a Muslim victory

outcomes

• After this victory, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) turned towards Banu Quraiza due to their betrayal.

• Muslims besieged Banu Quraiza’s quarters.

• Banu Quraiza surrendered but declined Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s offer to leave Madinah.

• Their fate was decided by Hazrat Saad bin Muadh (RA) according to the Old Testament laws.

• The verdict:

  • Execution of Banu Quraiza men

  • Women and children taken as captives

• The verdict was implemented under the orders of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH