The ahzab (trench) war vol . 6

he ahzab (trench) war



In the fifth year of the Hijra, a Jewish tribe called Bani Nazir went to Makkah and incited the Quraysh against Islam and the Muslims. The Quraysh took advantage of the opportunity, gathered a huge army from different anti-Islamic groups, and started toward Medina.

To guard Medina, the headquarters of Islam, the Muslims dug moats all around the city and lined up in front of the enemy army, whose number amounted to 10,000. Ali, peace be upon him, over came and defeated their commander, and finally the war ended to the advantage and victory of the Muslims. (1)



THE BANI QURAYZAH WAR

The Bani Qurayzah'~ had concluded a peace agreement with the Holy Prophet of Islam, but they violated that agreement in the war of Ahzab and rendered help to the Quraysh. (2) Since the Prophet had recognized them as a dangerous' people, the Muslims had no choice but to kill them. After the war of Ahzab, the Prophet ordered his army to proceed against the Bani Qurayzah. For 25 days, the Bani Qurayzah were besieged by the Muslim army, and they finally surrendered.

The Aws tribe asked the Holy Prophet of Islam to forgive them and spare them the punishment of death. He asked them, Are you ready to select Sa'ad Ma'az, who is one of the men of status among you, as the arbiter and accept his arbitration?' They all agreed, hoping that Sa'ad would take their side. But Sa'ad Ma`az's verdict was to kill their fighters, to take their possessions as booty, and to take their women captive.

The Holy Prophet said, "The arbitration of Sa'ad Ma'az is the same arbitration God has passed upon such people". Then all their fighters were killed.' (3)



Notes:

1- Tarikh Tabari, Vol. 3, p.1463-1476.

2- A Jewish tribe residing near Madinah.

3- Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 20, p. 191; Tarikh Tabari, Vol. 3, p.1472.