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THE__JEWS__OF__MEDINA, page : 98
together by the trench. The site had other advantages; the ground on the near side of
Sila'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.
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 Jewish tribe of Krayzah knew 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 (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) a few years ago that also stated
they would not ally themselves with the enemy of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa
sallam) and that they would assist the Muslims when the need arose.
The Krayzah were quick to realize that they stood to lose their possessions and date
groves if they did not help defend Medina and so every tool they possessed was made
available and work began.
Each section of the Muslim community was assigned a specific area to excavate and
soon the continuous sound of axes hacking away at the ground and shovels removing
the loosened ground filled the air, coming only to a halt at the time of prayer and when
Sila'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.
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 Jewish tribe of Krayzah knew 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 (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) a few years ago that also stated
they would not ally themselves with the enemy of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa
sallam) and that they would assist the Muslims when the need arose.
The Krayzah were quick to realize that they stood to lose their possessions and date
groves if they did not help defend Medina and so every tool they possessed was made
available and work began.
Each section of the Muslim community was assigned a specific area to excavate and
soon the continuous sound of axes hacking away at the ground and shovels removing
the loosened ground filled the air, coming only to a halt at the time of prayer and when