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Then again, outside the City lay the fortresses of their allies from the Jewish tribe of
Krayzah that also afforded them additional protection.

There was yet another blessing, outside the City towards the north-west lay
impenetrable hillocks of rock. One of these hillocks was called the hill of Sal, and it was
there that they decided to make their camp after connecting the existing fortifications
together by the trench. The site had other advantages; the ground on the near side of
Sal's slope was considerably higher than in other places, not only did it afford additional
protection but from it they would be able to monitor the movements of the unbelievers.

4

There was no time to waste, so Salman instructed the companions on the depth and
width of the trench, and the digging began. Salman, had until recently been the slave of
the tribe of Krayzah and knew that his former masters owned many tools, so it was
agreed that they should be asked to loan them in accordance with the pact they had
signed with the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, a few years ago that also
stated they would not ally themselves with the enemy of the Prophet, praise and peace
be upon him.