THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 049 THE ENCOUNTER AT THE TRENCH Part 1 by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem The Encounter at the Trench Part 1 Six days had now passed since word reached the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) of the Koraysh and their allies march. By now, the Muslims whose home lay on the outskirts of Medina had left seeking the safety of City. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his Companions, who numbered three thousand, had just finished digging the trench when news arrived that the Koraysh army had been seen marching along the valley of Akik, south-west of Medina, and that the Ghatfan and Najd tribes were but a short distance from the mountain of Uhud. Time was short, so the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sent word that the women and children should confine themselves to the upper rooms of the fortified houses, however Ladies Ayesha, Umm Salamah and Zaynab took it in turn to go the Prophet's tent at the foot of Sila to tend to his needs. The Koraysh had relied heavily upon being able to pillage the crops of the Muslims to provide fodder for their horses, however, much to their dismay, when they reached the oasis they found the fields had already been harvested. There was nothing to feed their hungry horses and the supplies they brought with them were limited. However, the camels of the tribes of Ghatfan and the Najd were more fortunate as they were able to graze upon the herbage and bushes that grew near Uhud. Due to the unexpected circumstances, the Koraysh knew they must strike quickly, otherwise their cavalry would be too weak to make an effective strike, and so word was sent to their allies to join them immediately outside Medina. Prelude to the Attack The Koraysh had expected the believers to defend themselves from the fortified buildings and fortresses of Medina. When they saw that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had made his camp outside the City their spirits rode high as they thought the battle would be over quickly and victory would soon be theirs. However, as Abu Sufyan and his men drew closer to the Prophet's camp their spirits were soon deflated. They had thought they would be able to overcome the Prophet's army by the sheer force of their numbers, but now, their eyes fell upon the deep, wide trench with archers poised ready to fire. The Koraysh advanced and as soon as they came within range, a warning volley of arrows hurtled through the air and fell but a short distance in front of them. The Koraysh realized it was going to be difficult for them to even get as far as the trench and that their prospect of breaching it was considerably more difficult, so they retreated to assess the situation. The chieftains were in agreement that the best approach would be to apply tactics that would weaken a section in the line of defense, then, cross the trench and attack from within. With this intent, Khalid and Ikrimah, two of the Koraysh commanders, examined the trench from a safe distance to determine its weakest part. During their surveillance they noticed a section of the trench was not as wide or as deep as the rest, however, it was heavily guarded and the guards needed to be eliminated if they were to penetrate the trench at that point. Huyay and the Tribesmen of Krayzah Huyay, from the expelled Jewish tribe of An-Nadir, knew one of the fortresses blocking the approach to Medina belonged to a fellow Jew from the tribe of Krayzah by the name of Ka'b, Asad's son. Huyay hoped he might prevail upon Ka’b to break the pact he had made with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) so that the Koraysh would be able to attack the City from two directions at the same time. If he succeeded, it would mean their pact ceased to exist and that their numbers would swell by a further seven hundred. With this in mind Huyay went to Abu Sufyan to propose his plan. Abu Sufyan thought the idea was sound, and so Huyay made haste to the fortress. Upon reaching the fortress Huyay announced himself as he knocked at its door, but Ka'b would not open it as he suspected the reason for his visit. He, like many others of his tribe considered that it was on account of Huyay's pride and poor judgment that had led to the expulsion of the tribe of An-Nadir from Medina, and that his domineering personality was something they could do without. Huyay knocked several times but Ka'b still refused to let him in and reminded him that he had a pact with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and told him he was not prepared to break it. When Huyay realized he was getting nowhere, he changed his tactics and resorted to shaming Ka'b for not affording him the customary hospitality. Huyay told Ka’b that in his eyes he was too mean to even share his food with him! Huyay's ploy worked, and reluctantly Ka'b opened the door. Huyay told Ka'b that he had brought the chieftains and armies of the Koraysh, Ghatfan, Najd and Kinanah to Medina and that their force was now ten thousand strong. He told Ka'b that they had all sworn allegiance to one another to rid themselves of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his followers, and that this time he was sure he would not escape. The Wavering Heart Ka'b was still reluctant to break his promise. However, the overwhelming number of the Koraysh army was something he had not reckoned upon and his heart started to waver as Huyay's persuasive tongue worked upon him. But Ka'b continued to resist and told him that if he broke the pact it would bring shame upon him. Huyay was quick to realize Ka'b was weakening and continued to elaborate on what he deemed to be multiple advantages for them if they were rid of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and stop his preaching. Huyay was so convinced this would be the last of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) he swore by Allah, that if the Koraysh and their allies returned to their homes and had not rid themselves of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) this time, then he would stay in Ka'bs fortress with him and take the consequences. The oath Huyay had just taken was sufficient to convince Ka'b that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his Companions would not withstand the onslaught of the Koraysh and their ally’s army. When Huyay asked to see the pact the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and Ka'b had agreed upon, Ka'b fetched it, showed it to him and Huyay tore it in half. Ka'b went to his people to relate the conversation he and Huyay had just exchanged. Despite the convincing arguments, there was an element among them who were not convinced and refused to break their word, amongst them was Amr, Suda's son. In the Jewish community there was an elderly Syrian man who had left Syria many years before to await the coming of the last Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). He was knowledgeable of the scriptures and expected his prophesied arrival in that region and taught its signs to all who would listen. Like him, many of his followers believed the time had arrived and recognized the fact that Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had the qualities mentioned in the scripture. However, the fact remained he was not a Jew, and to many this was a great obstacle as their racial pride was at stake. The Jews had fallen into the error of placing their racial pride above the guidance of their religion. Like their ancestors they refused to accept the teachings of Prophet Jesus who had warned that if they did not reform themselves and follow him, the covenant would be taken away from them and given to another. Meanwhile, several of Ka'bs tribesmen decided to go out of the fortress to determine for themselves if the report Huyay brought was true. When their eyes fell upon the formidable sight of the huge, unbelieving army, terror struck their hearts, they had never seen anything like it before in their life and returned quickly to report to their tribesmen what they had seen. For the most part, the Krayzah no longer needed to be convinced and so their principals were put to one side; some even turned informant and went to the Koraysh camp to tell them of the weaker parts of the City's defense, whilst a few slipped away from the fortresses to take the news to the Prophet's camp. The Prophet Learns of the Betrayal Omar was the first to learn of the betrayal and went straight to tell the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). It was indeed an act of treachery, so the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sent Zubair to determine if the report was correct. Then he sent Sa’ad from the tribe of Aws and Sa’ad from the tribe of Khazraj together with Usayd for additional confirmation, for he was never a person to act in haste, nor take a decision without first having verified the matter. Zubair reached the fortress before his other Companions and learned that the report was correct. When his companions arrived they pleaded with the Krayzah not to pursue their intention, but it was to no avail, they informed him that as far as they were concerned the pact no longer existed between them -- they had become enemies. The Weakened Line of Defense The breaking of the pact caused a weakness in the line of defense. The Jewish fortresses were no longer a protective barrier but a gate through which the enemy could advance with comparative ease, so the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) immediately sent a hundred men to strengthen the area. Shortly afterwards news reached the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) that Huyay had urged the Koraysh and their allies to send a thousand men to the fortresses and then launch an attack on the fortified buildings in which the Muslim women and children had been housed for protection. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) wasted no time in sending Zayd together with three hundred men to protect them. Each night as the Companions patrolled the streets they exalted Allah with such intensity that their voices rang out through the City and they appeared far greater than their number. For one reason or another, the unbelievers abandoned their intent and no harm came to the women and children, however, the Koraysh had succeeded in weakening the Muslim army through the re-deployment of their forces. As a result, the Companions were forced to take longer periods patrolling the trench, and now weariness posed an additional hazard. However, spirits were lifted by the kind words and encouragement of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), who reminded them that victory would be theirs if they were steadfast, and obeyed Allah and His Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Bravery of Safiya, Daughter of Abdul Muttalib Meanwhile Hasan, Thabit’s son was tending to the needs of the women and children housed in the fortresses. Safiya, the daughter of Abdul Muttalib happened to glance down into the street below and saw a Jew lurking near one of the less well fortified areas leading into Medina, which because of the betrayal of the Jews had made the Muslims vulnerable. Safiya drew the attention of Hasan to him and said, “The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, and the Muslims are busy, why don’t you go down and kill him?” Hasan decided to remain in the fortress as there would be no one to look after the women and children if anything happened to him, so Safiya picked up a log of wood and crept stealthily up upon the Jew and struck him before he had a chance to retaliate. The Penetration of the Trench Days and nights passed and the commanders of the Koraysh army, 'Amr son of Abd-e-Wudd, Ikrimah Abi Jahl’s son and Dirar Al-Khattab’s son waited for the right opportunity to attack. However, they didn't have to wait too long as one day Ikrimah noticed the narrowest section of the trench was less well guarded than usual and so he, Dirar, Amr and two others were able to jump over it on horseback. Just as the last man cleared the trench, Ali together with some of his companions arrived to reinforce the section leaving no way for the unbelievers to retreat. Amr shouted out a challenge for someone to engage him in single combat. Without hesitation, Ali took up the challenge, but when Amr saw him he declined to fight on account of the friendship that had existed between their fathers many years before. Ali was adamant and refused to back-down, and so Amr accepted the challenge and dismounted. As they fought, clouds of dust arose in the air and the onlookers were unable to determine exactly what was going on. Then, much to their relief they heard Ali's voice exalting Allah, and his companions knew that Amr must be dead. The fight had distracted the Companions attention, so one of the Koraysh seized the opportunity to try and make his escape back to the other side of the trench. Turning his horse around, he raced toward the trench only to find Nawfal from the tribe of Makhzum was in his way and so the tribesman, with his horse, plunged headlong into the trench. When the believers saw what had happened, they made use of the stones excavated from the trench and pelted him with them. From the bottom of the trench, the unbeliever cried out saying, "Arabs, death is better than this!" whereupon they ceased their stoning and one of them climbed down into the trench and the unbeliever took his last breath. Up until now there had been considerable apprehension among the unbelieving cavalry concerning their ability to cross the trench. However, Dirar and Ikrimah had demonstrated that although it was difficult it was not impossible, so several attacks were made that day and in the days that followed, but, all were of no avail. The fighting was spasmodic but none-the-less wearisome for the believers who could not afford to risk being caught off guard. No fatalities were sustained on either side although Sa’ad Mu'adhs son was severely wounded when an arrow pierced an artery in his arm however, many of the unbeliever’s horses were wounded. The Unoffered Asr Prayer One day during the siege the intensity of the fighting was such that the Asr prayer remained unoffered and now the sun had completely set which was of great concerned to the believers. Omar, Al Khattab’s son went to the Prophet cursing the Koraysh for causing them to miss the prayer whereupon the Prophet told him he had not offered it either saying, “May Allah fill their homes and tombs with fire! They kept us busy and we did not offer the afternoon prayer”. Now that the sun had set the unbelievers returned to their camp and the comparative peacefulness of the evening descended. However, the believers could not afford to relax as there was always the possibility that the unbelievers might strike and take them unaware. Later that night Khalid and his cavalry returned, however Usayd and his companions spotted them and launched volleys of arrows thereby preventing their advance. Amongst the believing host were hypocrites and those whose faith was yet to mature. The believers did not complain of their circumstances and their faith increased in times of hardship. However, the hypocrites and those of weak faith found it increasingly hard to endure the pangs of hunger now accentuated by the onset of cold nights and lack of sleep. Their support started to falter. Soon, murmurings from these groups were heard that attempted to undermine the order of the Prophet, (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). In their opinion it was thought the Prophet's decision should be overridden as they thought the trench afforded very little protection compared to that of the City. Their murmuring fell on the deaf ears of the strong believers and Allah sent down a verse that sustained them that reads: "Or did you suppose that you would go to Paradise untouched by that endured by those before you! Affliction and adversity befell them; and they were shaken until the Messenger, and those who believed with him said: 'When will the victory of Allah come?' Is it not so that the victory of Allah is near." Koran 2:214 The Fazarah and Murrah, Two Tribes of the Ghatfan Hardship affected not only the believers. The fodder the unbelievers brought with them was virtually deplete and their horses lay wounded or weakened, however, on account of their vast numbers, tiredness was a lesser factor as they were able to take turns to rest. Out of compassion for his Companions, Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sent envoys by night with a message to two branch chieftains of the tribe of Ghatfan, namely the tribes of Fazarah and Murrah. The message contained an offer of one third of the highly prized date harvest of Medina if they would lay down their arms and not fight against them. The dates of Medina were famous and their quality superior to those of Khaybar, and so the chieftains preferred the offer of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to that of Huyay, but they were greedy, and sent word back to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) they would only settle for half the harvest. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) declined and sent word that he was only prepared to let them have a third. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) asked Othman to come to his tent to draw up the peace treaty between them; then sent for Sa’ad Mu'adhs son and Sa’ad Abi Waqqas son, the chieftains of Aws and Khazraj, and told them of his plan. Sa’ad Mu'adhs son, who had been severely injured, asked the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) if his plan was something he would have them do or if Allah had commanded that it should be so, or, whether perhaps it was something he was doing out of concern for them. Sa’ad was touched by the Prophet’s concern, however he told him that not long before both he and the unbelievers worshiped false gods besides Allah, and that they had been idols worshipers, and had not worshiped Allah alone. He continued to tell the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) that during that era the tribes of Ghatfan had not eaten their dates unless they had been given to them on account of them being their guests, or else they had bought them. He said he felt now that Allah had blessed them with Islam, guided and strengthened them with it and sent them His Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), he did not see why they should be given their property. Then Sa’ad swore by Allah that the Ghatfan would be given nothing except the sword until such time that Allah decided between them. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was pleased by Sa’ads strength of belief and agreed to abandon the gesture. Othman, who had by this time, finished drawing up the peace treaty, now struck the message through and wrote, "Do your worst!" The Encounter at the Trench Part 1 049 Back Cover Subtitles Prelude to the Attack Huyay and the Tribesmen of Krayzah The Wavering Heart The Prophet Learns of the Betrayal The Weakened Line of Defense The Bravery of Safiya, Daughter of Abdul Muttalib The Penetration of the Trench The Unoffered Asr Prayer The Fazarah and Murrah, Two Tribes of the Ghatfan