BATTLE OF TRENCH
Background
In 4 AH/ 626 AD Banu Nadeer were expelled from Madina to
Khyber as they made a murder attempt on the Prophet.
Therefore they wanted revenge and control of Madina so they
instigated all tribes against Muslims to make an allied force.
Huyayy b. Akhtab, chief of Banu Nadir, went to Makkah with a
delegation and Abu Sufyan gathered 4000 soldiers from south
including 300 horsemen and 1000 men on camels.
Banu Ghatfan joined in exchange of half of produce of Khybar and
added 2000 soldier with 300 horsemen led by Uyaina b. Hasan.
Banu Asad, Bahu Shuja, Banu Sulaym and Banu Murra also joined.
They made an allied forces of 10000 troops.
It was the largest army ever mobilized in the history of Arabia.
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Preparation
Banu Khuza’s man reached Madina in four days to inform.
Prophet was suggested by Salman Farsi to dig a trench.
Madina was closed from three sides by rocky mountains and
trees impenetrable to large armies.
So trench was required only on the Syria trade route side,
northwards.
Prophet approved the plan and established his headquarters at
the hillock of Sala’.
Trench was completed in six days, 5th to 11th Shawwal 5AH, by
3000 Muslims.
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Problems Muslims Faced
Fear of 10000 troops which was, according to some, a bigger
number than Muslim population (33:10)
Hypocrites went away saying ‘our houses are unsafe’ (33:13)
Lack of food due to famine. The Prophet tied two stones on
his stomach.
Jabir b. Abdullah’s goat was made enough for all Muslims as
food by a miracle.
Extremely cold weather also increased the problems.
Event of rock. Prediction of the conquest of Syria, Persia and
Yemen.
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Events after enemies arrival
Allied forces were over-confident but got surprised when they
saw the trench.
They reached in January 627 and siege lasted for 20 days.
Muslims had to kill the time and to stop them from crossing.
A’mr b. Abdwudd crossed the Trench with Ikrama and
challenged for duel. Ali had a single combat with him and after
a fierce fight killed him.
A spy of Banu Quraiza also came to Muslims’ area but Safiya,
Prophet’s aunt, killed him.
Huyayy had convinced K’ab b. Asad, banu Qurayza chief, to
dissolve alliance with Muslim.
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H. Umar informed the Prophet about their renunciation of the
pact with the Prophet.
Prophet became anxious as he didn’t prepare for defense from
that side and they had a large number of weapons with them.
Prophet sent cavalry to that side as they were not required at
the Trench.
Nuaim b. Masood, a leader of Banu Ghatfan, accepted Islam
and created misunderstanding between Banu Quraiza and
allied forces.
He convinced Banu Qurayza not to cooperate with confederacy
without asking for hostages and said to Abu Sufyan that they
will handover hostages to Muahmmad.
Ikrama was sent to confirm and they demanded for the same.
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After 26 days since the digging started Prophet asked Huzaifa
b. Yaman to bring the news from across the trench.
He experienced a miraculous change of weather for him and
brought the news about dissension among confederates and
their hopelessness.
Their provisions were running out. Horses and camels were
dying due to hunger. Violent winds blew the campfires and
tents were torn up.
They withdrew during night and by morning the ground was
cleared of all enemy forces.
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Punishment of Banu Quraiza
After the battle Allah ordered to punish Banu Quraiza.
They were besieged for 25 days.
First they called Abu Lubabah and asked him what
Muhammad will do to them?
He did a gesture of killing but soon realized his mistake and
went to the mosque and tied himself with a pillar as
punishment but later he was forgiven.
They asked Saad b. Muadh to be appointed as their judge.
On their wish he took out the decision from Old Testament.
So their men were killed, women and children were enslaved
and property was divided among Muslims.
Huyayy b. Akhtab and Ka’b b. Asad were al killed.
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Significance
It was the last attack on Madina and then the non-Muslims
found no courage to attempt any attack on Madina.
The military strength of Makkah was crushed and they suffered
great economic loss.
Muslims emerged as a very strong nation and proved that they
were able to defend themselves against any number of army.
It deepened their faith in Allah and His powers.
The last tribe of the Jews was also punished and Madina
became purely Muslim state.
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