Showing posts with label Khandaq War. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Khandaq War. Show all posts

Chapter 23 - Battle of Khandaq (Ahzab)


Battle of Khandaq (Ahzab)

627 AC     

Illustration of the digging of the Trench, the defense of Madinah from the
 invading the confederate army of musyirikin Makkah.

"O you who believe! call to mind the flavor of Allah to you when there came down upon your hosts, and We sent against them a strong wind and hosts that you saw not, and Allah sees what you do."

(Al Quran 33:9.)

Abu Sufyan, on the occasion of the retreat of the Quraish army after the battle of Uhud, had said that they would return the next year. Promising to inflict further destruction and crushing defeat on Muslims.  True to his word, when the next year arrives, he left Makkah with him leading the large army. On reaching Marru 'z Zahran he was forced to turn back home due to famine. Abu Sufyan used the period of postponement to further strengthen the Quraish army and to gather more support which he succeeded in getting active support from the Jewish clans, and also in coaxing neighboring Bedouins to destroy Islam. 

Abu Sufyan was so confident that non-believers or the mushriks of Hijaz (Arabia) agreed and joined to inflict the final crushing of Islam. Abu Sufyan mobilize a huge army consisting of the Quraish, themselves, the Jews, and the Bedouin tribes, they left Makkah and proceeded to Madinah in the fifth year of Hijra (627 A.C). 

Rasulullahﷺ being informed of the approach of this army, hurriedly summoned the Companions together to devise means to meet the situation. It was a question of great importance- for something had to be decided upon soon to save the Muslims from being entirely wiped out. Salman, the Persian companion suggested that a deep and wide trench should be dug around the city. This was agreed to by all. The digging of the trench was commenced immediately as there was no time to be lost. 

Rasulullah allocated the task among them with each group having 10 companions. Rasulullahﷺ himself taking part in the digging just like the rest of the Companions. Madinah a city of barakah, with one side a natural barrier of huge rugged rocks; and on the other, it was protected by the high stonewalls of house, so the digging of the trench was confined to the two remaining sides. The Muslims set to work cheerfully, and while digging recited verses from the Quran. 

Illustration of placement for defense with the location or stretch where 

the deep trench was built to fortify Madinah. 

Rasulullahis the only example in history of a person holding spiritual and temporal power working like an ordinary laborer with others. After some time the work of one of the groups come to a standstill because of an obstruction caused by a large block of stone. They were quite exhausted in attempting to break it and but the block would not break. Rasulullahthen gets into the ditch and with his pickaxe struck the stone, which moved a little and gave out a spark, cried together with one voice, "God is great " and to the Prophet, it was revealed in that spark that he would be given the keys of the palace of Syrian King. 

Another stroke at the stone and it was cracked, and at the same time another spark of fire appeared, and the Companions shouted," Allahu Akbar" and to Rasulullahﷺ was revealed that he would be given the keys of the Persian Kingdom. The third time he struck at the stone broke into little pieces, and  Rasulullahsaid to the Companions that he was made aware that even the key of Yemen would be his, and that his followers would have sovereignty over all nations.

It was an extremely anxious time for the Muslims when a huge force of nearly 24,000 strong was almost at the very gates ready to crush them. The whole city seemed shaken to its very foundations. The Holy Quran pictures this in the following ayat:

"when they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes turned dull and the hearts rose up to the throats, and you began to think diverse thoughts about Allah.."

(Al Quran 9: 10)

As to the advance of the enemy, it must be said it seemed like veritable cyclones, determined to sweep away every obstacle in the path; but in spite of this, the Muslims were of courage, feeling well assured that this was the last desperate attempt of a deadly foe. Having now fortified the town against attack from without, there still remained the danger of attack from within, as a precaution against which the women and children were removed to a place of safety.

The enemy approaching Madinians met their first setback when they discovered the deep trench which had been dug around the town. They decided to settle down to a siege that lasted a month and caused great suffering and starvation to the Muslims, including Rasulullahhimself. But hardship and privation failed to dampen the spirit of the Muslims. Knowing of the willing helpers amongst them, Rasulullahsuggested buying help from the tribe of Ghaftafan by offering them one-third of the produce of Madinah. This would also weaken, the strength of the enemy a great deal. But the Helpers, hearing of the plan, did not wish it to carry out. They and the others held it was beneath their dignity to do such a thing. "Come what may, we will fight to the last" was their slogan.

In spite of all precautions the Jews and the Hypocrites were on the lookout for an opportunity to rise from within Madinah. Mention of the word"Hypocrites" reminds us to deal with it more fully, for it bears a special significance to the history and phraseology of Islam. As long as Rasulullahand the Muslims were in Makkah opposition towards them was open and took the form of torments and cruelties. But in Madinah, it was of a special and unique form. In order to undermine Islam, and bring about its fall from within, the Jews, now afraid of losing their power because of the eminence of Islam and others, started becoming Muslims in name only, "Abdullah bin Ubay was at the head of these. 

Before the arrival of Rasulullahﷺ in Madinah, Abdullah wielded great power and authority and would have been made king, but the presence of Rasulullahﷺ eclipsed his personality. He found it too difficult to accept a second-place where he had once stood fast. At the outset, he had offered some opposition, but then the rapid growth of Islam led him to reconsider his position and adopt hypocrisy as the best policy. He, therefore, became Muslim but left no stone unturned in bringing trouble to Islam, and many others followed his example.

It was, therefore, natural for the Muslims to be most wary of these hypocrites; for the danger from within was becoming as dangerous as that from without. Finally, Rasulullahﷺ decided to give battle, and as usual, several duels were fought first in which the Muslims succeeded. 'Sayidina Ali ibn Abu Talib ra killed Amru bin Wadd. who was believed to be a match for thousand? 

In the end, the Quraish made a general attack but failed to cross the deep trench. Only their arrows and stones came down in terrible showers and had it not been for the firmness of the Muslims the enemy would have won the battle. It was, in short, their steadfastness that brought them success. The enemy became weary of the siege and exhausted in their fruitless attempts to cross the trench. Their provision had run short, yet they hesitated to retreat. One night a fierce storm broke loose over them. It blew all their tents away and caused terrible havoc amongst their stores and munitions. It seemed to the Quraysh that the very elements of nature were against them. They took it as an evil omen, and next night retreated. The Holy Quran alludes to this incident in the following ayat; 


O! ye who believe! Remember the favor of Allah which He hath bestowed upon you. When there came upon you an army (Al-Ahzaab), then We sent upon them a storm (strong) and hosts (of angels) which you could not see. And (remember) Allah is ever Seer of what ye do. "

(Al Quran 33:9)

This clearly shows that there was the divine hand at work, which frustrated all attempts of the enemy to crush the handful of Muslims.

Thus the most powerfully organized expedition against Islam failed utterly in accomplishing the task, in which at its outset it was doggedly determined to succeed.

The Battle of Trench or Ghazwah Ahzab

The Third Battle in History of Islam - Battle of Trench / Ghazwah Khandaq / Ghazwah Ahzab, learnings and the exemplary leadership of Prophet Muhammad PBUH ( Rasulullahﷺ)

Background:

The fifth year of Hijrah (Muslims emigration from Makkah to Madinah) was a foundation in the life of Muslims. Quraish and the Jews realized that getting rid of Rasulullah, and his companions (R.A.) was impossible unless they all collaborate together in Ahzab (parties) in order to fulfill their aim. This was their only solution.

That was the idea of Hoyai Ibn Al-Akhatb the head of Bani An-Nadir, the Jewish tribe that broke its oath with Rasulullah and was consequently driven out of Madinah. 

Call to Other Tribes against Muslims:

When Bani An-Nadir left Madinah they went to Khaibar and from there, Hoyai went to Quraish to meet Abu-Sufyan to collaborate with him in fighting  Rasulullah. He was most welcomed by Abu Sufyan. Quraish leaders and Hoyai pledged collaboration and alliance in the Kaaba until they would kill  Rasulullah.

Hoyai then left for the Ghatfan tribe which was the second power in the peninsula after Quraysh. He held the same deal with them before moving to Ashja tribe and other Arab tribes.  Can you how this man exerted all his efforts to support the case that he knew to be false?  Look into our state and see how much effort we exert to support truth and righteousness!

 Strength of Enemy's Army:

Their leader was Abu-Sufyan and the army consisted of 10,000 soldiers from different Arab tribes such as Quraish, Ghatfan, Ashja, Bani Sulaim, and other Arab tribes. They decided to head to Madinah to abolish Muslims and Islam. Remember that the biggest army faced by Muslims before was just 3,000 soldiers.

 

 Rasulullah is Informed about Enemy’s Intentions:

Thanks to the intelligence service powered by Talha Ibn Obaid (R.A.) and Said Ibn Zaid (R.A.), the news reached  Rasulullah that the army would arrive to Madinah within 15 days.

 A suggestion of digging Trench by Salman Al-Farsi (R.A.):

 Rasulullah summoned Muslims to discuss the matter with them and consult them.  Rasulullah explained the whole situation in detail. Companions (R.A.) knew that they had to plan, work, and exert effort within this doctrine. Salman Al-Farsi (R.A.), a man from Persia, suggested digging a trench, a plan that was applied in his country. Salman's (R.A.) idea was a good one because it conformed to the nature of Madinah.  As the east, west, and south sides of Madinah were naturally surrounded by pointed, rocky land, which no one can even walk on. Hence, they had to close the north part by the trench.

 At the same time, the hypocrites started shaking the confidence of Muslims, "You are digging a trench because you are afraid of them". But Muslims focused on their plan. The trench was dug at the narrowest part between the two pointed rocky areas of the east and west.   Rasulullah plan was to include the following:

- Staying inside Madinah.

- Digging the trench and staying behind it to protect the city, lest any of the enemies could cross the trench.

- Providing a safe place for women and children.

 

Digging of Trench:

The total number of Muslim warriors was 1500.  Rasulullah divided them into groups, each including 25 persons. Each group, led by a team leader, was responsible for a digging specific area, which they would protect afterward. Hence, they would exert all their efforts in digging their area with quality. AbuBakr Siddiq (R.A.) and Umar ibn Khattab (R.A.) played the quality assurance role by ensuring that the required standards in the digging process were fulfilled. Rasulullah moved from one group to another, working with them to raise their spirits and encourage them all.  He worked more than any one of them and held the hardest task of all: removing the dust and stones from the trench.

 

Rasulullah companions (R.A.) were afraid and worried for many reasons.  They still had Uhud before their eyes; where 70 of their fellow Muslims were martyred. They were also worried that they would not be able to finish digging the trench before Quraish would arrive. Furthermore, Madinah was suffering from starvation at that time. Muslims used to tie a stone on their stomach to control the feeling of hunger, while Rasulullah tied two stones out of severe hunger. Despite all these hard conditions, Muslims' morale was high; Hassan Ibn Thabit (R.A.) wrote poetry to raise their spirits even more. In ten days the trench was ready.

 

The arrival of Enemy’s Army and they were surprised:

The army of Ahzab (Quraish and the other tribes) came with ten-thousand soldiers and besieged Madinah. The Ahzab was greatly surprised to see the trench as it was not an Arab technique and they were not prepared for this. Rasulullah divided the companions (R.A.) into groups to defend the trench. The siege continued for twenty-four days and Quraish was waiting for just a moment of carelessness or sleep from the Muslims. However, the fifteen-hundred companions (R.A.) proved to be very careful and watchful during the twenty-four days of the siege.  

 

Violation of Treaty by Banu Qurayza:

Quraish could not pass through and found no solution. They considered communicating with Banu Qurayza (a Jew tribe in Madinah) to have them attack Muslim women and children from the south of Madinah. However, Banu Qurayza signed a constitution with the Rasulullah and according to the treaty, they were considered as citizens, had their rights and duties, and were not to attack Muslims or help anyone to attack them. Quraish thought that as the Jews would start killing children and women of Muslims, Rasulullah and the companions (R.A.) would immediately leave the trench and they would attack the Muslims from north and south.

 

Hoyai went to Kaab (leader of Banu Qurayza) to persuade him. However, Kaab, said he saw nothing but loyalty and justice from Rasulullah. This shows clearly how Rasulullah respected the concept of citizenship in the society.

 

Hoyai did not give up and kept persisting until Kaab agreed to betray tRasulullah and Muslims. 

 

Prophet (S.A.W.) sends a Delegation to Banu Qurayza:

The news about Banu Qurayza’s intentions reached Rasulullah who got so worried and sent Saad bin Maaz (R.A.) and Saad Ibn Ubadah (R.A.) to make sure of the news.

They asked Kaab, “O Kaab! Haven't you signed an agreement with the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)?”

But Kaab replied, “Who is Rasulullah? Who is Mohammad? There is no agreement between us. We have torn it.”

 Allah’s Revelation against saying of Hypocrites:

When the news spread in Madinah about the treaty, the hypocrites (munafiqeen) said "how could Mohammad tell us we will conquer Persia and Rome while we are not even able to go to the bathroom out of fear?". Allah revealed Ayas that can be translated as:


“And [remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease said, "Allah and His Messenger did not promise us except delusion, And when a faction of them said, "O people of Yathrib (Madinah), there is no stability for you [here], so return [home]." And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet, saying, "Indeed, our houses are unprotected," while they were not exposed. They did not intend except to flee. " 

(Surah Al-Ahzab: 33: 12-13)

The situation was extremely difficult and Muslims were getting frustrated because of the hypocrites' talk. Allah says in Quran:

“[Remember] when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted [in fear], and hearts reached the throats and you assumed about Allah [various] assumptions. There the believers were tested and shaken with a severe shaking.” 

(Surah Al-Ahzab: 33: 10)


“[Remember] when they came at you from above you and from below you, and when eyes shifted [in fear], and hearts reached the throats and you assumed about Allah [various] assumptions. There the believers were tested and shaken with a severe shaking.” 

(Surah Al-Ahzab: 33: 11)

 

Safiyah (R.A.) Kills a Jew:

There have to be moments where the believers are tested and this was one of them. One of the Jews was sent to examine the fort where the women and children stayed.  Hassan Ibn Thabit (R.A.) was watching the fort.  Hassan (R.A.) was not a fighter, but there was no other fighter available to guard the fort. Safiyah (R.A.), the aunt of Rasulullah, told Hassan (R.A.) to kill the man to prevent him from getting back to the Jews with information. Hassan (R.A.) told her he could not kill a man, so this brave woman hit the man and killed him. She then cut his head and threw it near the forts of the Jews to let them know that Muslims were guarding the women and children's fort. 

 

Rasulullah talks with Ghaftan Tribe:

Rasulullah then had to find an alternative plan. Rasulullah went to the Ghatfan tribe (one of the enemy’s tribe) asked them if they would return to their home, they will get one-third of the crops of Madinah. They finally agreed, but Rasulullah informed them that Rasulullah must consult his companions (R.A.).  The leader of Ghatfan’s tribe said, “Aren’t you their leader?” Rasulullah said, “Yes, but Madinah belongs to them, and I have to ask them.”

 After consulting with his companions (R.A.), Rasulullah told Ghatfan that the people of Madinah refused the compromise.

 Ali Ibn Talib (R.A.) kills Amr Ibn Wadd:

After twenty-three days since the siege, the situation was getting worse. The trench started to be exposed and Quraish began to approach.

 Amr Ibn Wadd, who was a skillful fighter from Quraish, was the first one to get to the trench. He jumped with his horse in the trench and said, “Who will fight me?” Ali Ibn Talib (R.A.) stepped forward. Rasulullah did not want Ali (R.A.) to fight Amr but as Ali (R.A.) insisted, Rasulullah offered him his sword “Dhulfiqar” and asked Allah to help him. Ali (R.A.) and Amr got into an intense fight while Rasulullahﷺ kept praying for Ali (R.A.) who was very dear to him. Eventually, Ali (R.A.) killed Amr and beheaded him, so Rasulullah said, “Throw it at them so they would be scared.”

 

Severe Attacks of the Enemy:

After one on one fight between Ali Ibn Talib (R.A.) and Amr ibn Wadd, enemies threw a lot of arrows at the tent of Rasulullah during the besiege. Rasulullah was standing in front of the tent with his armor on his body and his helmet on his head.

 

Hazrat Jabir (R.A.) narrates:

“That day, the polytheists fought us all day. They divided their soldiers into teams.  They sent a big group of soldiers under the command of Khalid bin Waleed where Rasulullah was. They fought until late at night. Neither Rasulullah nor the Muslims could have the opportunity to leave their places.” 

(Kitab Al-Maghazi by Imam Al-Waqidi: V:2, P:473)

 The clash continued so intensely that Rasulullah could not perform the noon, afternoon and evening prayers of that day on time. Rasulullah, who did not damn even those who tortured and insulted him, damned them because they caused him to delay his prayers as follows: 

 As Narrated by Ali (R.A.) Rasulullah said:

‘On the day (of the Battle) of Ahzab we were diverted from the middle prayer, till the sun set. May Allah fill their graves or their houses, or their stomachs with fire.’
(The narrator is in doubt about" houses" and" stomachs".) 

[Sahih Muslim: 627 (c)]

 

Role of Nuaym Ibn Masud (R.A.):

A man named Nuaym ibn Masud (R.A.) from the Ashja tribe went to Rasulullah, declared his identity, and became Muslim. Rasulullah was very happy with him and advised him to go back and bring them the news. Nuaym (R.A.), disguised himself as one of the non-believers, went to Banu Qurayza and told them that Quraish was not from this land, and so if they got bored and exhausted from the siege, they would leave Banu Qurayza alone in front of Rasulullah who would take revenge for their betrayal. He told the solution was to encourage Quraish to fight but take fifty of Quraish's leaders to guarantee that Quraish would not leave.

 

Nuaym (R.A.) then went to Abu Sufyan and told him that Banu Qurayza made an agreement with Rasulullahﷺ to bring him fifty of Quraish’s leaders to make peace with him. On the next day, Abu Sufyan contacted Kaab, the leader of Banu Quraiza, and asked him, “When do we attack?”. Kaab said, “Give us fifty men first to ensure your seriousness in the fight.”  Abu Sufyan thought that Nuaym (R.A.) was right, so he replied saying that he would not give them even one man. Thus, Kaab also thought that Nuaym was right. This was the first step toward victory as Nuyam (R.A.) fooled them both to keep them from working together and this supported the nation and protected it.

 

Rasulullahﷺ  Prayer:

On the 24th day, Rasulullah was on the mountain, where he had been praying faithfully for four days. His prayers were fruitful. An extremely cold night followed and strong cold winds blew, uprooting the tents of Quraish, throwing their belongings, and hitting their faces with small stones. Victory began to come with the wind.  Allah says in Quran: 

“O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to [attack] you and We sent upon them a wind and armies [of angels] you did not see. And ever is Allah, of what you do, Seeing.” http://sohabih.blogspot.com

(Surah Al-Ahzab: 33: 9)

Dear brothers, victory is not offered as a piece of cake for anybody. Victory is bestowed on those courageous faithful believers who exert all their effort to vindicate Allah. Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

 "O you who have believed, in case you vindicate Allah (SWT), He will give you victory and confirm your feet (i.e., give you victory)." (Surah Muhammad: 47:7)

 

Muslim Victory:

Rasulullah selected Huzaifa Ibn Al-Yaman (R.A.) to get the news of the enemies without getting into any trouble with them. Huzaifa (R.A.) left and felt very cold until he reached the trench: it was so warm. On the other side, Huzaifa (R.A.) found Quraish and its allies really scared, tired and cold.  Abu Syfyan called the people to gather. The leaders gathered and because it was dark, Huzaifa (R.A.) was able to get among them.  Huzaifa (R.A.) thought of killing Abu Sufyan but he remembered the words of Rasulullah not to do anything against them. Abu Sufyan told the men that he decided to leave because they could not face the betrayal of the Jews (as they thought the Jews betrayed them). Also they were not prepared for these cold winds and hunger. 

 Huzaifa (R.A.) went back to Rasulullah told him the good news. Rasulullah told the news to his companions (R.A.) and thanked Allah for this victory.

 Fate of Banu Qurayza:

Rasulullah then told the companions to go back to their homes after 24 days of the siege and 10 days of digging. 

Jibril (A.S.) (Gabriel) descended and said, “O Muhammad! Have you put down your weapons and the angels haven't put theirs yet?” 

Jibril (A.W.) meant Banu Qurayza and their betrayal for the Muslims.

 

Rasulullah called back the companions and told them the fight was not over and told them:

“Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger will pray the Asr prayer only in Banu Qurayza.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 4119)

 

The companions (R.A.) reached Banu Qurayza and besieged them for 15 days.  Banu Qurayza offered to leave their weapons and get out of Madinah, but Rasulullah totally refused as Islam is great mercy but betrayal and corruption are not acceptable. 

 Death of Saad bin Maaz (R.A.):

The wound of Saad bin Maaz (R.A.) (the wound he sustained earlier when he was hit by a dart from Quraish) started to bleed again and Rasulullah embraced him. Saad (R.A.) died. His funeral was attended by 70,000 angels. 

 Martyrs and Deaths during the Battle:

During this battle, seven Muslims were martyred and four unbelievers were killed. All of the Companions (R.A.) that were martyred were from Ansaar (Muslim Residents of Madinah).

 The outcome of the Battle:

The failure of the siege marked the beginning of Rasulullah undoubted political ascendancy in the city of Madinah. Quraish had exerted their utmost strength to dislodge Rasulullah from Medinah and this defeat caused them to lose their trade with Syria and much of their prestige with it. At this point, Quraish and other non-believers residents of Makkah began to consider that conversion to Islam would be the most prudent option for them.

 

Signboard erected by the current government indicating the location of the Battle of The Trench or Ahzab (Confederation Army of the unbelievers of Makkah). The 7 mosques built within this warzone are to indicate the post or camps led by several companions during The Battle of The Trench. 

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