THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 040 THE PLOT OF THE JEWISH TRIBE OF AN-NADIR by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem The Plot of the Jewish Tribe of An-Nadir Lady Zaynab, Daughter of Khuzaimah Lady Zaynab was the daughter of Khuzaimah from the Bedouin tribe of Hilal bin Aamir and well known for her generosity. She concerned herself with the welfare of the poor and went out of her way to help them whenever she could. It was on account of her caring nature that even before she embraced Islam she was endearingly referred to as "Mother of the Poor." Zaynab had married Abdullah, Jahsh's son who had been blessed with martyrdom. She was sad at her loss but became patient and contented herself in the knowledge that her husband had been give the best of rewards, the reward of Paradise and continued to help those less fortunate than herself. A year had passed since the martyrdom of Abdullah and Zaynab had not remarried. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) caringly proposed marriage to her, she felt honored and accepted so they were married in the 3rd year after the migration and a room was added onto the outside of the Mosque for her. The Visit of Abu Bara Shortly after their marriage the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) received a visit from Abu Bara, the elderly chieftain of Lady Zaynab's tribe. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) welcomed him and spoke to him of Islam, and his heart inclined toward it, although he was not as yet prepared to make a commitment. Abu Bara recognized the high principals of Islam, and its morality and knew its teachings would benefit his tribe, so he asked the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to send some of his Companions to them so that they might learn. Abu Bara said, "O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), if you send some of your Companions to the people of Najd to call them to Islam, I expect them to accept." Whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) expressed his concern saying, "I am afraid the people of Najd will kill them." Abu Bara replied, "They will be under my protection." After Abu Bara's assurance that the Companions would travel in safety under his protection, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) agreed and sent 70 Companions known for their piety and knowledge to teach and appointed Mundhir, Aamir's son from the tribe of Khazrah to lead the delegation. The Companions set off and when they reached the well of Ma’una which lies between the territory of the hostile tribes of Aamir, Harrah and Saleem they decided to rest and send the Prophet’s message with Haram, son of Milhan on to Aamir, the son of Tufayl. Meanwhile, it was decided that Amr, Umayyah Ad-Damari’s son and Al Mundhir, Uqba’s son, the son of Aamir should go off and find pasture for the Companion’s rides. . The Treachery of Aamir, Son of Tufayl When Haram delivered the message Aamir scoffed and rejected it, then at his command a spear was thrust forcefully into Haram’s back. As Haram was dying he cried out, “Allah is the Greatest! By the Lord of Ka’bah I have triumphed!” Aamir, Tufayl’s son immediately called upon the rest of the tribe of Aamir to join him and attack the Companions, but they refused saying that the Companions were under the protection of Abu Bara. Aamir now turned his sight to the tribe of Saleem for help and Usaiyah, Ri’al and Dhakwan responded with their tribesmen. It wasn’t long until Aamir and his allies reached the well, and unmercifully ambushed the Companions who fought as best they could until all lay dead around the well. Ka’b, Zayd An-Najjar’s son was the only one to survive. No sooner had the camels been settled and left to graze, Al Mundhir and Amr made their way back to the well. As they approached, to their great distress, they noticed birds of prey circling above the well and fear for their Companions engulfed their hearts. They approached the well with caution and to their great distress their fear was realized as their eyes gazed upon their martyred companions laying where they had fallen whilst the Sulaym tribesmen stood around talking to one another. Amr was taken captive whereas Al Mundhir was killed. Aamir knew that Amr belonged to the tribe of Mudar and because of his relationship with them he spared his life, but shaved his head. Just before Amr returned to Medina he was told that his aggressors from the Saleem had learned of their presence from one of Abu Bara's tribe. Amr was grieved by what appeared to be a treacherous act of the tribe and with a heavy heart set off for Medina. As he journeyed, Amr came across two men from the tribe of Bani Kilab. Amr was unaware that his tribesmen had refused to join Aamir, Tufayl’s son. Supposing the tribesmen were among those responsible for the loss of his companions, Amr attacked and killed both of them. It was a regrettable incident, both men were in fact loyal to Abu Bara. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) learned of the martyrdom of his Companions and also of the two innocent tribesmen he was deeply saddened and justly ordered that blood-money must be paid to the tribesmen of Abu Bara’s next of kin in restitution. A Plot to Murder the Prophet The matter of how to raise sufficient money to recompense the family of the two innocent dead tribesmen weighed heavily upon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Now, the Jewish tribe of An-Nadir had entered into an agreement with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and were also friendly to Abu Bara's tribe, so the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) decided to go to them and ask them to assist as per their part of the agreement. Omar, Abu Bakr and Ali accompanied the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to the fortresses of the An-Nadir that lay on the outskirts of Medina to speak with them. The Jews invited the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his Companions to sit in the shade of one of the walls of their houses and went off supposedly to raise the necessary funds. However, that was not their intent. For sometime they had been plotting ways in which to assassinate the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and now here he was with just three of his Companions and no one else to defend him. The Jews connived together and decided that now the opportunity presented itself they would drop a millstone from the top of the house as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) rested beneath it walls and kill him. However, Shalom, Mishkam’s son cautioned them against such an act and told them that Allah would reveal their plot to him, thereby admitting they knew he was a prophet. No one paid attention to Shalom and Amr, Jahsh’s son climbed up the stairs with a very heavy millstone. As Shalom feared, Gabriel came to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and told him of their evil intent and the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his Companions got up subtly in a way in which the Jews did not notice and returned home. This was not the first occasion the Jews had planned to rid themselves of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). On another occasion the Jews had arrived at the conclusion the best way to carry out their plan would be to invite the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and thirty of his Companions and meet him midway to discuss their religions with thirty of their Rabbis with the enticing statement that if the Rabbis were convinced then all of the Jews would convert. The day arrived but when the rabbis saw thirty of his Companions around him, they muttered among themselves, “How can we kill him when thirty people are willing to die for him?” So the Jews came to the conclusion the best way to achieve their aim would be if three of them armed themselves with daggers under their cloaks and ask the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to come forward with just three of his Companions to discuss the matter, giving the reason that it was just not practical for thirty from each party to take part. Unknown to the Rabbis a lady from their own tribe whose brother had converted and lived among the Ansar overhead their plotting and told her brother who in turn went directly to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and whispered their plot in his ear. Upon hearing the disturbing news, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) returned with his Companions. From the moment the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) migrated to Medina he had shown extreme patience with the Jews and their devious, undermining activities, but in the light of recent events the matter could no longer be tolerated and firm steps had to be taken. Having taken the decision, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sent Muhammad, Maslamah's son back to the fortresses with a message. As Muhammad approached the fortresses the chieftains came out to meet him and Muhammad told them, "The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) has sent me to you and instructed me to tell you that on account of your plot to kill him, the treaty he made with you no longer exists." Then, much to their amazement he described in detail the plan to drop the mill-stone on the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Muhammad continued to deliver the rest of the message and gave them an ultimatum saying, "The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) gives you ten days in which to leave Medina, whosoever remains behind after that will be killed." The Jews were deeply shocked to learn that their treachery had been exposed and said as a matter of bravado, "O son of Maslamah, we never thought that a man from Aws would ever bring us a message such as this!" Muhammad replied, "Hearts have changed," and returned to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Tribe of An-Nadir Declare War It was now Rabi’ Al-Awwal 4H (August 625 CE). Word of the ultimatum spread through the tribe and preparations were in progress for their departure when a message was received from Abdullah, Ubayy’s son that promised his support and encouraged them to stay. Huyay was greatly heartened by the promise and convinced his people to stay. With high hopes, Huyay sent word to his cousins, the tribe of Krayzah, and asked them to lend their support, for he was confident they would not let him down, and at the same time he sent word to their allies, the tribes of Ghatfan, known for their hostility toward the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to come to their aid. Allah says: “Have you not seen the hypocrites? They say to their brothers among the People of the Book who disbelieve, 'If they expel you, we will go with you. We will never obey anyone against you. If they fight against you we will certainly help you.' But Allah bears witness that they are, without doubt, liars.” 59:11 As soon as the messages had been sent, Huyay and his tribesmen stocked their fortresses with rocks, catapults, arrows, and whatever weaponry they could lay their hands on in readiness. Huyay was confident that his cousins and allies would arrive at any moment and sent his brother to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) with a message that informed him they were prepared to fight. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) received the message, he exclaimed: "Allah is Great," and his Companions around him reiterated his exaltation -- the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) continued, "The Jews have declared war." Immediately, the Muslims rallied to the side of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) who then handed the standard to Ali. That afternoon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his army marched until the fortresses of the An-Nadir were in sight and observed that the Jews had barricaded themselves behind their walls and that the settlement was now completely deserted. After the prayer had been offered, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) led his Companions on toward the fortresses surrounded by palm-trees. The Jews let loose a volley of arrows that whistled through the air and thereafter the hostilities continued up until nightfall. During the night hours, the number of the Prophet's Companions increased as those who had only just learned of the Prophet's march joined them. As their numbers swelled, the Muslims were soon able to surround the fortresses and that alarmed the Jews. However, they expected their kinsmen to arrive the next day which would ease the situation. After offering the night prayer, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) entrusted Ali with the command of the army and together with ten of his Companions he returned to Medina. Throughout the night Ali led his brethren praising and exalting Allah, the hours slipped away, and soon the sky began to lighten, it was time to offer the Fajr prayer. There was still no sign of the help the Jews so confidently relied upon. Unknown to Huyay and his tribe, their cousins from the tribe of Krayzah were not inclined to break their pact with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). As for Abdullah Ubayy’ son, the circumstances were such that he reneged upon his promise, and so Huyay continued to wait in vain for their arrival together with the expected support from the tribes of Ghatfan. Later on that morning the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) returned to his Companions and fighting broke out once more. The days passed and Huyay's hopes turned into fear. Ten days later, the Angel Gabriel brought the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) a new verse: "Whatever palm-tree you cut down or left standing upon its roots, it is by the permission of Allah, so that He might humiliate the impious." Koran 59:5 Thereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) ordered the cutting down of several highly prized date palms belonging to the An-Nadir. Dates were a vital part of the An-Nadir's economy so when Huyay saw the trees being felled he was greatly dismayed. In the back of Huyay's mind he remembered the promise of the Koraysh to annihilate the Muslims one day and thought if he and his tribe were compelled to temporarily leave their homes, they could return later, reclaim their palms, and re-establish their settlement. But now the trees were being felled and he knew it would take many years to replace them, which would greatly affect their livelihood. The Expulsion of the Jewish Tribe of An-Nadir With this harsh reality on his mind. Huyay begrudgingly sent word of surrender to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) accepted but told them that they were to be expelled from their land. Even in such circumstances, the mercy of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was manifested as he allowed them to take their possessions, with the exception of weapons and armor with them. This was indeed a generous and merciful course of action for it was in his power to seize everything they owned and expel them with nothing except the clothes on their back, but that was not his way. The Jews did not appreciate the generosity of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and were determined not to leave anything of value behind and axed the assets they were unable to take with them. Huyay was ungrateful and did not like the terms of surrender, he knew that their camels were incapable of carrying all their possessions, and then there was the matter of weapons and armor. However, his tribesmen were not in a mood to listen to him and forced him to accept. The confrontation was over and the An-Nadir tribesmen left their fortresses and returned home to pack as much as they could onto the backs of six hundred camels. Once the packing had been completed, their women-folk adorned themselves with all their jewelry, then mounted their camels laden with rugs of the finest quality. It had always been known that the tribe was extremely rich, however it was not until that moment that the extent of their wealth was realized. With an air of insolence and in single file, the tribe of An-Nadir left Medina defiantly flaunting their wealth as they rode out, accompanied by music. Most of the tribe decided to resettle at Khaybar where they owned land; however others preferred to journey further a field to either Jericho or southern Syria. As for the date palms still left standing, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) received a new Revelation that said: "(A share of the spoils shall also be given) to the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their possessions, who seek the Favor and Pleasure of Allah, and help Allah and His Messenger. These are they that are truthful. And those before them who, had made their dwelling in the abode (Medina), and because of their belief love those who have emigrated to them; they do not find any (envy) in their chests for what they have been given and prefer them above themselves, even though they themselves have a need. Whosoever is saved from the greed of his own soul, they are the ones who win.” Koran 59:8-9 And so in compliance with the verse, the spoils were distributed among the new immigrants and Muhajirin. When the Muhajirin first arrived in Medina the Ansar had generously shared their groves with their new brothers, but now even though the Muhajirin had been given the groves of the An-Nadir, the Ansar still wished them to keep the groves they had given them. The chapter 59, Al Hashr – The Gathering, describes the banishment of the Jews. The Plot of the Jewish Tribe of An-Nadir 040 Back Cover Subtitles Lady Zaynab, Daughter of Khuzaimah The Visit of Abu Bara The Treachery of Aamir, Son of Tufayl A Plot to Murder the Prophet The Tribe of An-Nadir Declare War The Expulsion of the Jewish Tribe of An-Nadir