Battle of Khaybar

Battle of Khaibar/ Fatah Khaibar/ Imam Ali battle of Khaybar  

Khaybar is an agricultural oasis located in the Medina Province of Saudi Arabia, approximately 153 kilometers (95 miles) north of the city of Medina. This historically significant site was inhabited by Arabian Jewish tribes before the advent of Islam in the 7th century. Khaybar was renowned for its fertile land, fortified settlements, and strategic location.

Background History of Battle

The leaders of the Jews, deeply affected by their expulsion from their homes, settled in Khaybar. Among these leaders were Salam ibn Abu al-Haqiq, Kinanah ibn Abu al-Haqiq, and Huyayy ibn Akhtab. Under their leadership, the Jews of Khaybar were drawn into a conflict fueled by a desire for retaliation against the Muslims. Driven by inner hatred and a strong yearning to return to their homes in Madinah, these leaders played a pivotal role in orchestrating resistance against the Muslim community.

Khaybar’s Leaders

Their initial move against the Muslims occurred during the Battle of the Trench. The Jews of Khaybar, led by the leaders of Banu al-Nadir, played a significant role in inciting the Quraish and the desert Arabs against the Muslims, even funding the effort with their own money. They also managed to persuade Banu Qurayzah to betray the Muslims and collaborate with their enemies.

Date and Path of the Campaign of Ghazwa Khaibar

Ibn Ishaq proposed that the battle occurred in Muharram of the 7th year A.H. He also mentioned that when the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) traveled from Madinah to Khaybar, he passed through a location called ‘Isr,’ where a mosque was constructed in his honor, and then continued via Al-Sahbih.

The Early Morning Attack on Khaybar by the Messenger of Allah

The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) arrived at Khaybar before dawn and performed the Fajr prayer nearby. He then launched his attack before sunrise. The Jewish peasants who came out to tend to their cattle and fields were astonished to see the Muslims and exclaimed, “Muhammad and his army!” The Messenger responded, “Allahu Akbar! Khaybar is doomed. When we enter the open area of the people, the morning will be grim for those who were warned but did not heed the warning!”

Anas (R.A.) narrated:

The Prophet (S.A.W.) set out for Khaibar and reached it at night. He used not to attack if he reached the people at night, till the day broke. So, when the day dawned, the Jews came out with their bags and spades. When they saw the Prophet; they said, “Mohammad and his army!” The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, Allahu-Akbar! (Allah is Greater) and Khaibar is ruined, for whenever we approach a nation (i.e. enemy to fight) then it will be a miserable morning for those who have been warned.” (Sahih Bukhari: 2945)

The Role of Hazrat Ali in the Jang e Khaibar

Salamah ibn Al-Akwa (R.A.) narrated:

Hazrat Ali (R.A.) stayed behind during the Battle of Khaybar because he was suffering from an eye ailment. Despite this, he expressed his desire not to remain behind the Prophet (S.A.W.) and followed him. On the night before the conquest of Khaybar, the Prophet (S.A.W.) announced, “Tomorrow, I will give the flag to a man who is loved by Allah and His Messenger. Through him, Khaibar will be conquered with Allah’s help.” Although each of us hoped to receive the flag, it was said, “Here is Ali,” and the Prophet (S.A.W.) handed him the flag. With Allah’s help, Khaibar was conquered through Ali. (Sahih Bukhari: 4209)

Killing of Marhab:

During the siege of the stronghold of Naim, Mahmud ibn Maslamah Al-Ansari (R.A.) was martyred when Marhab, the Jewish leader, hurled a millstone at him from the fortress heights. In combat, Ali (R.A.) confronted and killed Marhab. [Sahih Muslim: 1807 (a)]. Marhab was a notable hero among the Jews, and his death significantly impacted their morale.

The Defeat of Banu Ghatafan

The Jews took refuge in their fortresses while the Muslims laid siege to the stronghold of al-Naim. The Ghatafan tribe, allies of the Jews of Khaybar, swiftly came to their aid but chose not to participate in the battle due to concerns that the Muslims might attack their own homes. According to Ibn Ishaq, they turned back before reaching Khaybar. Ibn Ishaq explains that upon hearing of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) attack on Khaybar, the Ghatafan tribe assembled and set out to support the Jews. However, after traveling for a day, they received reports that their families and properties had been threatened in their absence. Consequently, they returned and left the path to Khaybar open for the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.).

Conquering of Different Tribe’s Land

After the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) had captured several of their forts and acquired some of their property, he arrived at their two remaining forts, Al-Watih and Al-Sulaim, which were the last to be taken. He besieged these forts for about ten nights.

The Marriage of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to Safiyah bint Huyyay (R.A.)

According to another narration by Anas ibn Malik (R.A.) The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) spent three nights between Khaibar and Madinah, during which he married Safiyah. He hosted a marriage reception where there was neither meat nor bread. Instead, the Prophet (S.A.W.) instructed Bilal to lay out leather mats with dates, dried yogurt, and butter. The Muslims speculated whether Safiyah would be recognized as one of the “Mothers of the Believers” or remain a captive of his right hand. Some believed that if the Prophet (S.A.W.) required her to wear the veil, she would be regarded as his wife; otherwise, she would be considered a slave. When the Prophet (S.A.W.) departed, he made space for her behind him on his mount. And had her observe the veil, confirming her status as one of his wives. (Ref. An-Nasai: 3382)

Martyrs and Deaths in the Battle:

A large number of Jewish men killed in the battle of Khaibar. Almost 93 jewish men was killed in the battle of khaybar. Twenty Muslims were martyred, according to Ibn Ishaq.

Battle Outcome

• The conquest of Khaibar significantly enhanced the economic position of the Muslims.
• Aishah (R.A.) remarked, “When Khaibar was conquered, we thought, ‘Now we will be able to eat our fill of dates.’” (Sahih Bukhari: 4242).
• Similarly, Ibn Umar (R.A.) stated, “We did not eat our fill until we had conquered Khaibar.” (Sahih Bukhari: 4243).
• These reports highlight how the conquest of Khaibar bolstered the economic strength of the Muslims. It also reflect the state of their economic situation prior to the conquest.

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