Battle of Khandaq (Ahzab)
627 AC
"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.
Rasulullahﷺ 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.
the deep trench was built to fortify Madinah.
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 Rasulullahﷺ said 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:
(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 Rasulullahﷺ himself. But hardship and privation failed to dampen the spirit of the Muslims. Knowing of the willing helpers amongst them, Rasulullahﷺ suggested 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 Rasulullahﷺ and 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 (
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 Rasulullahﷺ, 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ. He was
most welcomed by Abu Sufyan. Quraish leaders and Hoyai pledged collaboration
and alliance in the Kaaba until they would kill Rasulullahﷺ.
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.
Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ that the army would arrive to Madinah
within 15 days.
A suggestion of digging Trench by Salman Al-Farsi (R.A.):
Rasulullahﷺ summoned
Muslims to discuss the matter with them and consult them. Rasulullahﷺ 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. Rasulullahﷺ 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. Rasulullahﷺ 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. Rasulullahﷺ 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.
Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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. Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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, Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ. This shows clearly how Rasulullahﷺ respected the concept of citizenship in the society.
Hoyai did not give up and kept
persisting until Kaab agreed to betray tRasulullahﷺ and Muslims.
Prophet (S.A.W.) sends a
Delegation to Banu Qurayza:
The news about Banu Qurayza’s
intentions reached Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ? 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:
(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.”
“[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 Rasulullahﷺ, 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.
Rasulullahﷺ talks with
Ghaftan Tribe:
Rasulullahﷺ then had
to find an alternative plan. Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ informed them that Rasulullahﷺ must consult his companions (R.A.). The
leader of Ghatfan’s tribe said, “Aren’t you their leader?” Rasulullahﷺ said, “Yes, but Madinah belongs to them, and I have to
ask them.”
After consulting with his companions (R.A.), Rasulullahﷺ 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. Rasulullahﷺ did not want Ali (R.A.) to fight Amr but as Ali (R.A.) insisted, Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ during the besiege. Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ was. They fought until late at night. Neither Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ could not perform the noon, afternoon and evening prayers of that day on time. Rasulullahﷺ, 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.) Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ, declared his identity, and
became Muslim. Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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, Rasulullahﷺ 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:
Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ told him the good news. Rasulullahﷺ told the news to his companions (R.A.) and thanked Allah for this victory.
Fate of Banu Qurayza:
Rasulullahﷺ 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.
Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ 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 Rasulullahﷺ undoubted political
ascendancy in the city of Madinah. Quraish had exerted their utmost strength to
dislodge Rasulullahﷺ 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.
