Muslim-Quraysh conflict in the time of
Prophet Muhammad(SAW)
When the Prophet(SAW) migrated to Madinah, his fellow makkans were outraged. They were not willing to let Prophet Muhammad(SAW) escape from their persecution and so tried to bring him back, but remained unsuccessful. The nightmare for them was that if Muslims rises from Madinah, they will eventually become threat for Quraysh.
The major threat for the Quraysh was that the Muslims will capture their caravans. The Quraysh's caravan always halted in Madinah then will leave for Makkah. Muslims were also allowed to fight against the Quraysh and loot their caravans, as the Quraysh have captured their possessions and made Muslims leave their homeland without taking their possessions. Allah permitted to fight Muslims in the following Verse:
"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you."(2:190)
Also:
"Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory."(22:39)
The conflict between Muslims and Quraysh led to the beginning of Muslim-Quraysh war.
Now that the Muslims are allowed to fight, the Prophet(SAW) started to organize a Muslim military. When the Prophet dispatched an expedition with a chosen commander, it is called 'Sarriya'(they are often dispatched in cavalry units), and when he himself participated in an expedition, it is called 'Ghazwah'.
1 A.H. (623 A.D.)
The first battle which took place in 1 A.H., Ramadan was the Sariyya Saif al Bahr. Abu Jahl was returning from Syria with a caravan. The Prophet dispatched an expedition to coast of Red sea to intercept the caravan. He dispatched an army of 30 Muhajirin under the leadership of Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib(RA). The expedition met with the caravan at the outskirts of Ais, on the coast of Red Sea. A battle almost erupted but Majdi bin Amr Jahni intervened and matters subsided. The Muslim rode beneath a white standard (first ever used by Muslims) borne by Abu Marthad bin Haseen Ghanwi(RA). This was the first interception of caravan of Quraysh. In the following months, Prophet sent more expeditions.
The second Sariyya and second caravan interception was the expedition to Batn Rabi led by Abu Ubaydah bin Harith. He led an army 60 Muhajirin and head to Batn Rabi when they came across Abu Sufyan and his 200 men. Arrows were shot from both sides but there was no general fighting. 20 Muhajirin under the leadership of Saad bin Abi Waqqas were sent to Rabigh near Kharar, but they returned without having any combat and attacking any caravan. This was the third interception.
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Rabigh, an ancient town in the coast of Red sea,
Makkah reigion, 280 km south of Madina |
2 A.H. (624 A.D.)
The first Ghazwah occured in Safar 2 A.H. It is known as Ghazwah e Abwa or Wadaan. Prophet Muhammad(SAW) led an army of 70 Muhajirin and planned to intercept a caravan but returned without any fight. However, he signed a treaty with Amr bin Makhshi al Dhamri. Then in 2 A.H., Rabi Al Awwal, Prophet led a group of men to Buwat in the outskirts of Radwi. This expedition is also known as patrol of Buwat. It was the fifth interception of the Quraysh's caravan.
The first battle of Badr, also known as the expedition to Safwan occured in the same month. Kurz bin Jabir Al-Fihri rustled some grazing cattle belonging to the Muslims. The Prophet gathered seventy Muhajirin and chased him to Safwan on the outskirts of Badr, but Kurz escaped.
The Prophet also led a squadron of 150 to 200 Muhajirin in either Jamad Al Awwal or Jamad Al Thani. They went to Dhul Ushairah to intercept a caravan led by Abu Sufyan who was heading to Syria, but it had passed a few days before they arrived. During this time, Prophet(SAW) signed a non-aggression pact with Banu Madlaj. This caravan was also a cause of the second battle of Badr.
Prophet(SAW) then sent Abdullah bin Jahsh Asadi along with 12 Muhajirin to Nakhlah in Rajab. The aim of the expedition was to collect information and intelligence about a caravan financed by the Quraysh. Abdullah's men attacked the caravan and killed one person. They also took two captives whom they brought it to Madina. The Prophet became upset after hearing the news. He set prisoners and paid bloody money to the victim's family. The Quraysh protested vehemently about the attack because it happened in a month on which fighting is prohibited. Allah revealed the following verse in reference to the Muslims attack on the caravan:
"They ask you concerning fighting in the prohibited months. Say: Fighting during these months is a grave offense, but preventing people from following the path of Allah, disbelieving in Him, preventing access to the Sacred Mosque, and driving out its residents are greater offenses with Allah. Unrest and oppression are worse than killing."(2:217)
The second battle of Badr
Military expeditions and raid were minor until this point. Those raid served Muslims into conduct of warfare. The battle of Badr was the major battle in Muslim-Quraysh war and first most decisive battle. The caravan which Prophet(SAW) tried to intercept in Dhul Ushairah had flee to Syria. The Prophet then sent two men in Hawraa in Syria to await the caravan's return. The men spotted the caravan returning and hurried back to Madinah to inform Prophet Muhammad. Prophet then raised an army of 313 to 317 Muslims ill-equiped but highly potential with 2 horses and 70 camels. Those two horses belonged to Miqdad bin Amr Kindi and Zubair bin Awwam. The Muslim army marched to Badr, about 155 km southwest of Madinah. The main white Muslim standard was given to Musab bin Umayr. Muhajirin and Ansar had different standards. The Muhajirin standard was given to Ali ibn Abi Talib(RA), and the Ansar standard to Saad bin Muadh(RA). Badr, ringed by high mountains, was accessible through routes. One is called Al-Udwat Al-Qaswa lay in south, the second one, called al Udwat Al Duniya, approached from the north, and the third approached from the east and was used by the people of Madinah as the main thoroughfare to the settlement of Badr. There were houses, wells, and orchards there, so the Quraysh's caravan will broke their journey and will stay here for a few days.
Muslims only have to block these three entrances to stop the Quraysh's caravan. Accordingly, the Prophet and his men departed opposite direction to Badr, and when came into a safe distance from Madinah, they headed for Badr. The carvan which Muslims hoped to seize was the caravan of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb returning from Syria. It contained 40 men, 1000 camels and goods worth about fifty thousand dinars.
Abu Sufyan was highly cautious. He asked every person about the Muslims activity, nd he came to know about the Muslim army when he was at a great distance from Badr. He then headed for westward to red sea coast, bypassing Badr. He then sent a man to Makkah asking for an army to escort the caravan safely to Makkah.
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Muslims' and Quraysh's movements during
the time of Battle of Badr |
The Quraysh received Abu Sufyan's message and mustered an army of 1300 men to confront Muslims and protect the caravan. Their leader was Abu Jahl. All the nobles and chiefs of the Quraysh participated in the battle except of Abu Lahab, who sent a man in place of him. All the neighboring tribes participated except of Banu Adiy, who were close the Prophet Muhammad's family.
When the Quraysh army reached Juhfa, they received a message that the caravan of Abu Sufyan has reached safely to Makkah. Only the clan Banu Zahra left in the advice of their chief Akhnas bin Shariq Thaqafi. Now the army consisted of 1000 men. Upon reached Udwa Qasmi, the Quraysh set up their camp in a spacious field, just behind the mountains that surrounded Badr. Prophet came to know about the gigantic army of Quraysh advancing Badr and held discussion what should they do. It was decided that Muslims will fight.
The Muslims arrived Badr the same night as the Quraysh did. The Muslims first camped at Udwat Al Duniya, but Hubab bin Mundhir(RA) advised Prophet that they should camp nearest the enemy so they could store water in reservoirs. He also suggested that the wells should be filled up so that there will be no water for the Quraysh. This strategy proved brilliant. Saad bin Muadh(RA) along with some youths were to act as lookouts.
A gentle rain also fell which made Muslims have a refreshing sleep.
It was Ramadan 17, 2 A.H. and the two armies met. Prophet prayed for victory continuously.
The Quraysh's best horseman, Utbah bin Rabia, Shayba bin Rabia, and Waleed bin Utbah challenged Muslims to fight from them. Three men from answer answered, but the Quraysh wanted the Makkan exiles to fight. Ali bin Abi Talib, Ubaydah bin Harith, and Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib came forward. Hamzah killed his rival Shayba, Ali too killed his opponent Waleed. Ubaydah and Utbah had wounded each other, so Ali and Hamza ran to Ubayda and killed Utbah. Ubaydah later died from the wound which he incurred(wounded leg) and died while coming back to Madina.
The battle then began. Muslims proclaimed continuously:"Ahad, Ahad,..." Allah had sent one thousand angels to fight against Quraysh. The Prophet then took a handful of dust and blowed, saying:"let their faces be disfigured". The dust became a storm of dust and the Quraysh came in disarray. The Muslims started to capture their enemies. The Quraysh started to retreat, and Muslims chased them. Abu Jahl was well protected by men carrying swords and spear. Two young boys, Muadh bin Ifra and Muadh bin Amr advanced towards Abu Jahl and wounded him badly. These kids loved Prophet and were enemies to Abu Jahl. Abdullah bin Masood(RA) caught Abu Jahl lying and beheaded him. The greatest enemy of Prophet and Allah was killed.
The day of the battle was also named 'the day of distinction' as the Muslims fought from their kinsmen, relatives, and fellowmen. They were different from them through their faith.
6 Muhajirin and 8 Ansar died from Muslims side. They were buried in Badr and their grave sites are still known today. 70 men were slain and 70 taken as captives from Quraysh's side. 24 chiefs of Quraysh were thrown to foul-smelling wells. The Prophet stayed in Badr for three days. The prisoners were treated kindly. The prisoners who knew writing and reading were to teach 10 children. Those who could ransom themselves ransomed, and those who cannot read or write and/or ransom themselves were freed.
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Graveyard of Badr
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The Qur'an comments on the battle: "And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah ; perhaps you will be grateful." This verse tells the power of Allah that he cause defeat to the disbelievers who thought that their high numbers will make them victorious.
Expedition of Saweeq
Abu Sufyan was furious over the Quraysh's defeat in Badr. He took oath to encounter Muslims. He set out for Madinah with two hundred men, intent of spreading destruction. He raided a settlement called Arid, hacked and burned a number of precious date trees, and get away after killing two Ansar. When the Prophet came to know about it, he left with his men to catch Abu Sufyan. He pursued them to Karkarat Al Kadr, but the enemies escaped. The Quraysh, who tried to escaped swiftly, were forced to get rid of their most valuable provisions, especially corn meal, or saweeq, from which the expedition got its name.
3 A.H. (625 A.D.)
The Sariyya of Qardah
In Jamad Al Awwal, 3 A.H., the Quraysh sent a trade caravan to Syria by the way of Iraq. They entrusted the caravan to Safwan bin Umayya and were not concerned by the risks involved since the route went to Najd, far from Madinah and the Muslim territory.
When the Prophet came to know about the precious caravan of Quraysh he dispatched a cavalry of 200 men under the command of Zayd bin Haritha(RA). At Najd, the caravan halted at a spring name Qardah. The Muslim cavalry attacked the caravan and captured the possessions of it, though the men of Quraysh managed to escape. The caravan guide Furat bin Hayyan was captured too. The kind treatment which Furat experienced in the hand of Muslims made him one of them too. The booty consisted of hundred thousand dirhams. The Muslims, by this raid, inflicted devastating economic defeat to Quraysh the same as Badr.
The Battle of Uhud
Now the Quraysh had bitter losses at Badr and Qardah. They were furious over their defeats and started to make a huge army. They incited others as well, especially those who lost their relatives in the battle. Song of vengeance were sung and women also made others to participate in the army. Subsidiary tribes were made to join the battle, and so, the Quraysh had raised an army of 3000 men with 300 camels, 200 horses, and 700 coats of mail. Abu Sufyan was the commander of the Quraysh army, and the valiant fighters from Banu Abdul Dar were made the standard bearers. The proud army set out and advanced towards Madinah. On Friday, the 6th of Shawwal, they reached the outskirts of the city and camped in a opened field in the well of Qanah below Mount Uhud and Ainaan. The Prophet was expecting the army for a week, and had declared Madinah as a state of emergency. Abu Tamim Aus bin Hajr Aslami sent message to Muslims about the Quraysh advance towards Madinah.
The Prophet, when came to know about the Quraysh's advance, held a conference with his companions regarding how to protect Madinah. The Prophet himself advised that Madinites should fight inside the city. Men will face the enemy at the entrance of lanes and alleys, and women attacking from their rooftops of house. Many companions agreed on the idea also the leader of Hypocrites Abdullah bin Ubbay. But some Muslims who were new converts or were not able to participate at the Battle of Badr said that Muslims should fight outside the city. The Prophet agreed upon their idea seeing their enthusiasm. The Prophet divided army into three groups: One group of Muhajirin and their standard bearer will be Musab bin Umayr. Another comprised of the Aus tribe, their standard bearer Usayd bin Hudair(RA), and the third unit was of Khazraj tribe, their standard bearer Hubab bin Mundhir. The army consisted of thousand men and 4 cavalry.
After Asr prayer, the Prophet set out for Mount Uhud and inspected the troops in Shaykhayn. He send back youths for their safety. However, Prophet allowed Rafi bin Khadij and Samura bin Jundab, for Rafi a good archer, and Samura a good wrestler. Prophet prayed his Maghrib and Isha prayer there and halted there for a while, then departed for Shaut, where he prayed Fajr prayer at dawn. When the things seemed to be going great, Abdullah bin Ubbay deserted the army with his 300 men as being an enemy of Muslims. Banu Salma and Banu Harith felt reeling by the action of Abdullah bin Ubbay and considered themselves retreating. The Muslims army now shrunk to an army of 700 army. The Prophet took shortest route to Mount Uhud and descended on the valley. Now the Quraysh stood between the Muslims and Madinah.
The Prophet drew up his troops for the battle. He formed fifty archers in the mount Ainaan and made Abdullah bin Jubayr Ansari their head. They were stressed that under no circumstances they were to move from their position, regardless where the battle went. The Pagans also advanced towards the battlefield, marching with their women singing, and the army thirsty for revenge. Khalid bin Waleed and Ikramah bin Abi Jahl also stood in the battle as commanders, both lost there fathers.
When the armies met. Talha bin Abi Talha Abdari challenged Muslims for a single combat. Zubayr bin Awwam came forward to accept challenge. He jumped on Talha's camel, threw him down and slew him. The battle began. Khalid bin Waleed, who was the head of Quraysh cavalry, tried to attack Muslims three times from rear but the Muslim rearguards will shower them with arrows. The Muslim concentrated on the Quraysh's 11 standard bearers until all of them are wiped out. Two Muslims, Hamzah and Abu Dujana fought bravely and there heroic style of battle made them legendary in the Muslim military history. Hamzah was matyred by Wahshi bin Harb who gained from his master Jubayr bin Mutim. Despite the martyrdom of Hamzah, the Muslims fought desperately until they made enemies flee. The archers saw the enemies retreating and so 40 of them left their places, despite of their head stopping them. It was that point when the Muslims victory turn to defeat. Khalid bin Waleed spotted the Muslims rearguard moving from their place and attacked Muslims from rear, and this time he was successful. He wiped out those ten Muslims along with his men. The Muslims stood between the Quraysh infantry and cavalry.
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| Muslim and Quraysh movements in the battle |
They still fought but then someone from the Quraysh shouted that he have martyred Prophet Muhammad(SAW), which resulted in many Muslims loosing there will to fight and the Quraysh were overjoyed. Some Muslims fled from the grief. The Qur'an comments on this event: "Muhammad is no more than a messenger; the messengers have already passed away before him; if then he dies or is killed will you turn back upon your heels?"(3:144) The Prophet himself rose from the crowd and said:"O servants of Allah! Come to me!" The Quraysh chased the voice to attack him, but the Prophet said:"Whoever protects me from them deserves paradise and will be my companion in the paradise." Many companions ran to save the Prophet Muhammad. They were 7 Ansar and 2 Muhajirin. All of the 7 Ansar lost their lives for the cause one by one. Only Talha bin Ubaydullah and Saad bin Abi Waqqas stood with Prophet. The Quraysh charged against him. A rock flew at Prophet, which broke his lower right teeth, cut his lower lip. Prophet helmet was also broken, exposing his head. Someone from the enemies struck the Prophet's shoulder with a blow so powerful that it left him in severe pain for a month. Luckily, he escaped severe injury because of his double coat of mail.
Saad bin Abi Waqqas unleashed a volley of arrows at the pagans. Talha bin Ubaydullah was fighting with a whole band of enemies. He incurred 35 or 39 injuries at the end of the battle. He served Prophet as a shield and was shot by arrows. More companions ran for the service of Prophet, and Jibreel(AS) and Mikael(AS) descended to help Muslims.
What happened was that Musab bin Umayr(RA) was martyred by Abdullah bin Qama. Musab(RA) resembled to the Prophet much, and so, Abdullah thought he had killed Prophet and claimed this. The Muslims lost their morale to fight, and just then Kab bin Malik caught a glimpse of Prophet and shouted that Prophet is alive, which helped Muslims to revive their lost morale.
The Prophet chose to retreat and headed to the Mountain pass. The pagans chased them, but remained unsuccessful, and 2 pagans died while chasing. Abu Sufyan and Khalid bin Waleed decided to return Makkah as they were satisfied by the damage they inflicted upon Muslims. 22 Quraysh were killed, and the 70 men from Muslim army. 41 martyrs belonged to Khazraj tribe, 24 from Aus, 4 from Muhajirin, and a Jew was also killed. The Jew is said to be Muhayriq, who left his wealth for Prophet. The Prophet is reported to have said:"Muhayriq is the best of Jews!"(Ibn Hisham) A Madinite name Quzman also participated in the battle. After killing 7 men, he had inflicted a fatal wound. Quzman, in his last moment, said:"I fought for my tribe, not for matyrdom." He then pushed his weight towards sword and committed suicide. This is said by Qatadah bin Numan, who was present at his final moments. Amr bin Thabit, better known as Usayram, embraced Islam before the battle of Uhud. He was martyred in the battle, and had not even prayed Salah once in his life. But he still gained Paradise. In a Hadith, the Prophet said:"He worked little, but gained a lot!"(Bukhari) Abu Hurayrah also said about Usayram:"the person who entered Paradise without offering Salat even once in his life."
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| Mount Uhud |
At Muslim camp, it was time to rest and take stock. Muhammad bin Muslimah fetched fresh water for Prophet. Because of Prophet's wound, he offered Zuhr prayer in sitting position, and the companions did the same. Some women joined Muslims and fetched water for the wounded. Dialogue and resolution also began when both armies started to leave. Abu Sufyan, after the verbal debate, issued a challenge:"We shall meet again at Badr next year." To which, the Muslims agreed.
The armies then started to leave. If the Pagans captured the Madinah, the course of the history have been entirely change. The Muslims then buried their martyrs in the same field. The Qur'an says:"What you suffered on the day the two armies Met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers,- (Surah Al-Imran, 166)
Expedition to Hamra Al Asad
The Prophet, next morning when the Muslims returned to Madinah, the Prophet sent a crier to announce that whoever participated in the battle of Uhud should get ready to pursue enemy. The Muslims set out for Hamra Al Asad, eight mile away. The Pagans camped at Rawha, eight miles away from Madinah. They held a war council. Much recrimination was traded as the troops berated their leaders. Why had they squandered the advantage by not entering Madinah?
The Muslims were also pondering strategy. Mabad bin Abi Saeed Khazai, who loved Prophet very much, came to him at Hamra Al Asad. Prophet asked to approach Abu Sufyan and use scare tactics to make pagans off. Mabad reached to the Quraysh's camp and scared them about the Muslims. They became afraid of the Muslims. Abu Sufyan sent a caravan which was passing through to Muslims to give them a message. He in return offered them dry fruits and other things. They agreed and told Prophet that the Pagans are ready to attack. The Muslims answered:" Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best to determine our affairs."(3:173) The Pagans chose to retreat and thus the conditions went peaceful.
4 A.H. (626 A.D.)
The Quraysh started to cause trouble upon Muslims. They participated in the event of Raji which happened in 4th year of Hijrah where they martyred 10 Muslims. The time also came when the Muslims have to face Quraysh again in Badr. Prophet left for Badr in Sha'aban, 4 A.H. with his 1500 men and 10 horses. Ali bin Abi Talib was the standard bearer of the Muslim army, while the administration of Madinah was handed to Abdullah bin Rawaha. Abu Sufyan too had departed for Badr with and army of 2000 men, including 50 cavalrymen. He seemed to be a lacking fire from start and then returned to Makkah in the middle of the journey.
5 A.H. (627 A.D.)
Siege of Madinah, the Battle of the Trench
Also known as the battle of the allies(Ahzab) and the battle of Khandaq. Half a year went without any conflict. The Muslims have sent Banu Nazir to exile in Khyber because they broke the treaty which had signed between them and Muslims. Huayy bin Akhtab, the chief of the tribe, along with 20 other chiefs of Khayber, went to Quraysh to gather allies against Muslims to seek revenge. They praised Quraysh and the Quraysh therefore agreed. They also went to Banu Ghatafan, who also agreed, and later, they went to more tribes to gather a mammoth military. The forces have to attack simultaneously to Madinah.
Madinah was naturally covered from 3 sides, only exposed to north. With the volcanic plains and granite hills to the east and west, the city was exposed only on the north, from where the enemy forces can launch their attack. The south was covered oasis and dense population, with a narrow way to come. Not a whole army can come on it.
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| The Battle of Trench and Madinah |
When the news of the Quraysh advance came to know Muslims, they held consultation on how to defend Madinah. Salman Al Farsi advised that the Muslims should dig a trench. The Prophet agreed. The Muslims dig a trench approximately 3 1/2 miles long, 5 yards deep, and 10 yards wide. It took 6 days to dig the trench and it was dug outside of the Madinah. The Muslims were 3000 in numbers, who also dug the trench, while the Quraysh were 12000 in numbers, 4 times the size of the Muslim army. Abu Sufyan was the commander of the allied force and Uthman bin Talha Abdari the standard bearer. The Quraysh were 4000 men, with 300 horses and 1000 camels. Banu Ghatafan were 6000 men in numbers with men of Najd. The rest 2000 men belonged to different allied tribes. The Quraysh camped at a spot between Jarf and Zaghaba. The Banu Ghatafan camped at the foothills of Uhud, Naqmi valley.
The Qur'an illustrates the conditions of the Muslims:
"Behold! They marched upon you from above and below, and then your eyes spun around and your hearts leapt to your throats. You began to doubt Allah's plan, yet in this was a trial for the believers and an immense jolt."(33:10-11) The Prophet set out with his 3000 men to the trench for protection in 5th of Shawwal, February. The caretaker of Madinah was ibn Umm Maktoom. The Muslims took positions in Mount Sala.
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| Mount Sala |
The Allies were shocked and surprised by the Muslim tactic. They then tried desperately to find out a point where they can cross the trench, but the Muslim archers will push them back. They tried to fill the earth but the Muslims kept showering arrows. The Quraysh had no alternative but to lay siege to Madinah. That was a hard option for them because the season was winter. They will have a shortage of food. The allies made several unsuccessful tries to cross the trench, but they were greeted by arrows and stones. The Muslims missed several prayers. Once Dharar bin Khattab, Amr bin Abdu Wudd, and Ikrama bin Abi Jahl managed to cross the trench through horses in a narrow spot. The Muslims in the command of Hazrat Ali cut the escape route. Amr challenged Ali, to which, Ali won and killed Amr. Ikrama managed to escape, while Naufal bin Abdullah fell in the trench and was killed. Once a man managed to cross the trench, but Saad bin Abi Waqqas shot arrow on him. The man was covered with armor, but still, the arrow hit on his eye. The man died in the spot. At the end of the skirmish, 10 pagans and 6 Muslims lay dead.
Saad bin Muadh, a leader of Ansar, got injured when a arrow hit his jugular vein. But he survived till the end of the battle, as he prayed.
After the battle of Uhud, Banu Qurayza entered into a pact with Muslims. But in the midst of battle, Huayy bin Akhtab, the chieftain of Banu Nazir, met Kab bin Asad, the chieftain of Banu Qurayza. Huayy tried to manipulate Kab to break the pact by attacking Muslim population(which was left undefended and was closed in a fort), and supplying food and weaponry to the allies troops. Kab hesitated to break, as he have seen the fate of Banu Qaynuqa and Banu Nadir who were exiled from Madinah. However, Huayy managed to persuade him because he promised him he will be with him after the exile and will live in Khyber. Kab broke the treaty and this led into a great problem. They announced the break of treaty and started preparations for war. The Prophet sent Zayd bin Haritha with 300 men and Muslima bin Aslam with 200 men to protect the children and women of Muslims. Saad bin Muadh and Saad bin Ubada were to investigate the issue. They told Prophet that the treachery of Adal and Qara tribe in the incident of Raji is being repeated by Banu Qurayza. The Muslims went to stop them and remind them about the pact, but refused of being entering in any pact. The Hypocrites also left from the battle saying that they had left their families unprotected and also persuaded others to leave.
The Prophet then sent a message to Uyaina bin Hisn to renew their old agreement. The Muslims will give them one-third fruits of Madinah but the Ghatafan tribe have to retreat. Saad bin Muadh and Saad bin Ubada protested against this option, and the agreement declined.
At this dangerous point, Nuaym bin Masood Ashaja'i revealed his secret conversion to Islam to Prophet. He was a noble of the Ghatafan tribe, and had strong relations with Jews and Quraysh. The Prophet asked Nuaym that if he can split the Jews, Quraysh and Ghatafan from the scene of battle. Nuaym agreed to do, thought for a while and then went to Banu Qurayza. He said to them:"You all know very well what happened to Banu Qaynuqa and Banu Nazir. Now you have lent your support to the Quraysh and Ghatafan. But their situation is different from yours. This is your territory wherein are your women, children, wealth and property. You cannot go anywhere else, while yours ally territory, wealth and property and households lie far off. Only if they find an opportunity will they act. Otherwise, they will leave you at the mercy of Muhammad, and he will take revenge at will." By this, he indicated that they should ask for hostages from the Quraysh. Nuaym then went to Quraysh. He said:"The Jews regret the breach of trust they have committed. They fear that you will go back, leaving them at the mercy of Muhammad. To appease Muhammad, they have offered to hand you over to him as hostages. Stay alert and do not yield anyone hostages if they ask you to do so." Then Nuaym went to Ghatafan and said the same thing.
The Quraysh sent message to Banu Qurayza asking them to attack Muslims simultaneously as they attack. Banu Qurayza asked for hostages, to which, the Quraysh and Ghatafan realized Nuaym was saying right. At this, the Quraysh refused to gave them hostages, to which, the Banu Qurayza agreed with Nuaym. Thus, the alliance from the Banu Qurayza shattered. Prophet asked Allah for help, to which, Allah sent storm over Quraysh. One night, there was a blast of wind and a strong wind, which destroyed the tents of allies. The weather became cold and violent, dust flying over them. They thus retreated the next morning. The Prophet and his companions prayed and thanked to Allah for victory. Masjid Khandaq, or the Mosque of trench was built at the site. On the same site, Salman Al Farsi Masjid was also constructed.
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| Majid e Salman Farsi |
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| Masjid e Khandaq |
Banu Qurayza was dealt later. They were punished in accordance to the decision of Saad bin Ubada with whom they agreed.
6 A.H. (628 A.D.)
The treaty of Hudaibiyya
The Prophet had a dream on which he saw himself and his companions entering Majid ul Haram. The Prophet told his companions that they were to perform Umrah shortly, and the Arabs living near were also invited to perform pilgrimage. The others refused, so the Prophet decided to set out along with his companions. Companions started to get prepare for Umrah. In first Dhul Qadah, 6 A.H., on Monday, the Prophet set out with his 1400 companions to perform Umrah. He also took sacrificial animals along with him. The Prophet reached Usfan where a scout the Prophet had sent to investigate returned telling them that the Quraysh are encamped at Dhul Tawa, seeming to stop Muslims by entering Makkah.
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| Usfan |
They had dispatched Khalid bin Waleed to Qura Al Ghamim to block off Muslims route and have called another tribes for support, this meant another battle. The Prophet discussed this issue with his companions, and some of them advised to fight against them, while others said to prevent them. The Prophet decided to take another route to Makkah, and they arrived at Thaniyat Al Murar to descend at Hudaibiya. There, the Muslims halted. A batch under the command of Budayl bin Waraqa Khuzai came to Prophet and told them that the Quraysh are willing to fight Muslims.
Negotiations started between Quraysh and Muslims. The Quraysh willed to fight, while the Muslims wished peace. Negotiations continued and nothing made up to stop the imminent battle. During negotiations, one night, a group of 80 men of Quraysh descended from Mount Tanyeem and intended to fight Muslims, but found themselves to be rounded up. The Prophet forgave them and they returned safely. This incident chastened Quraysh to make peace negotiations with Muslims. The Prophet sent Uthman bin Affaan to tell them that the Muslims had come to perform Umrah only, and also to cheer Muslims living in Makkah that the Muslims will be granted manifest victory. The Quraysh, however, put Uthman under their custody as an hostage. A rumor spread among Muslims that Uthman have been slain. The Prophet then took a pledge under a tree which was later name 'Baya ul Ridwan' or 'the oath of Ridwan'. Allah mentioned this oath in Qur'an, Surah Fath, verse no. 18. This pledge was to fight against the Quraysh. Uthman at the moment appeared. Now the Quraysh sent Suhayl bin Amr, their great negotiator. After a long talks, these were the results:
Firstly, Muslims were to return this year and visit next year. They can perform Umrah and stay in Makkah for 3 days. Secondly, the truce is to be active for 10 years. Tribes can join anyone of the Muslims and Quraysh. Lastly, the Quraysh who escaped to Madinah had to be returned to Makkah, but the Quraysh are required not to extradite any of the Prophet follower who returned to Makkah.
The companions were not satisfied by the treaty, but the Qur'an says:"Verily, we have granted you a manifest victory."(48:1)
7 A.H. (629 A.D.)
The Muslims finally performed Umrah.
8 A.H. (630 A.D.)
Conquest of Makkah
"When there comes the help of Allah and the Conquest(of Makkah). And you see people entering Allah's religion."(Surah Nasr:1-2)
The conquest of Makkah was a greatest victory of the Prophet Muhammad and eventually ended the Muslim-Quraysh war. According to the treaty of Hudaibiyya, any tribe can participate any of Muslims and Quraysh. Banu Khuzaa allied with Muslims, while Banu Bakr allied with Quraysh. Banu Bakr and Banu Khuzaa had an old rivalry. In 8 A.H., they attacked on Banu Khuzaa along with Quraysh and massacred them. Banu Khuzaa quickly informed this act to Prophet, and asked for aid, to which, they were given. The Prophet said Quraysh either to pay blood money or accept that the treaty is broken. The Quraysh chose the second alternative. The Muslims then started to prepare an army to conquer Makkah. Many tribes which had allied with Muslims joined the army. The army consisted of 10000 men. Abu Sufyan was sent by the Quraysh to convince Muslims that the treaty is intact, as they regretted their past choice. The Muslims, however ignored his demands, and thus he returned Makkah without doing the work he was assigned. The Prophet wished to takeover the city with surprise, but some of the people opposed him. Hatib bin Abu Balta'a wrote letter to Quraysh informing of the attack, but the envoy was caught by Muslims. In 10 Ramazan, 11 January, the Muslims marched to Makkah under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad.
At Jahfa, Prophet met his uncle Abbas, who was en route to Madinah after embracing Islam with his family. He joined the army. The Prophet broke his fast at Kadeed and asked his companions to do the same, as the fasting was unbearable for him. The Muslim camped at Marra Al Dharar near Makkah, and Prophet ordered his companions that each soldier should have his own torch. The spectacle of 10000 campfires startled Abu Sufyan bin Harb. He then came to Prophet and embraced Islam. The Prophet, through him, announced that whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe, whoever closes the door of his house is safe, whoever hides in Kabaa is safe, and whoever avoid fighting against Muslims is safe.
The next morning the Prophet went to march to Makkah. Many tribes had their own colors. The Ansar detachment was led by Sa'd bin Ubadah. Muhajirin were led by some other. At Dhu Tawa, the Prophet ordered Khalid bin Waleed and the left flank of the army to enter the lower part of Makkah through Kada. The army can kill those who resisted and have to meet Prophet at Mount Safa. The Prophet's standard bearer and the commander of the right flank, Zubayr bin Awwam, have to take upper path of Kada and pitch his standard at Hajoon. They have to wait there till the arrival of Prophet there. Abu Ubaydah, the leader of the infantry and unarmed force should take route from inside of the valley and descend into Makkah. 12 men resisted against Khalid and were killed. 2 men who got separated from there were killed from Muslim army. Khalid marched through streets of Makkah. Khalid joined Prophet at Safa and Zubayr pitched his standard in Hajoon. The Prophet then entered to Makkah and destroyed 360 idols inside of Kabaa. All of the paintings were removed from there.
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| The Movements of Muslim Army |
The Quraysh waited for Prophet outside of Kabaa. The Prophet came and stand in front of them, then asked:"O Quraysh, what do you think I am about to do with you.?"
"We hope for the best,"they replied."You are a noble brother, and son of a noble brother."
The Prophet said simply:"Have no fear this day; go your way for you are all free." The whole of the population of Makkah embraced Islam, and they took oath of not: associating anything with Allah, steal, killing your children, slander anyone, nor disobey Prophet. Even the murderer of Prophet, Hind bint Utbah embraced Islam. The father of Abu Bakr, Abu Qahafa, embraced Islam too. Suhayl bin Amr too came forward, and so Jubayr bin Mutim, and Safwan bin Umayya. Only 4 people were executed that they for that they had participated mainly in the Muslim-Quraysh conflict by inciting the Quraysh to fight against Muslims and were proven that they will harm Muslims. They were Ibn Khatal, Muqis bin Sababa, Harith bin Nufayl, and one of the maids of Ibn Khatal. Some sources says that Harith bin Talat Al Khuzai and Umm S'ad were also slain, but Umm S'ad was the slave of Ibn Khatal. Four others escaped death, they were Ikramah bin Abi Jahl, Abdullah bin Sad bin Abi Sarh, Habbar bin Aswad, and another maid of Ibn Khatal.
The Prophet stayed in Makkah for 19 days, on which, he destroyed the non Islamic practices of Makkans.
The Muslim Quraysh conflict thus ended, and the Islam get spread in Makkah, and after it, in Taif. Later, the companions of Prophet will even conquer the Syria and Persia.
