The Battle of the Trench is known by various names, including the following:
Battle of Khandaq,
Battle of the Ditch,
the Battle of Ahzab,
Ghazwa Khandaq
Gazwa e Ahzab
Battle of tribes
and the Battle of the Confederates.
The first two names refer to the trenches dug by the Muslims, while the latter two names arose from the alliance of several tribes with the Quraysh, united by the common goal of eliminating Islam.
Background of Ghazwa Ahzab
Following the Battles of Badr and Uhud, the Muslims began to recognize their growing military strength and combat expertise. Their strategic acumen was prominently displayed in the Battle of the Trench. Rather than solely focusing on direct combat, they dug trenches in the ground to hinder the enemy’s cavalry archers.
Ghazwa Khandaq
In this battle, the forces of the idolatrous Arabs and the Jews united against Islam and, after forming a strong military alliance, besieged Madina for about a month. Due to the participation of various tribes and groups in this battle, it is called the Battle of Ahzab (i.e., Battle of the Tribes). Additionally, since the Muslims dug a ditch around Madina to halt the enemy’s advance, it is also known as the Battle of Khandaq (i.e., Battle of the Ditch).
The reason behind the Battle of Trench
Muslims fought the battle of trench to protect Madinah from the attack led by the Banu Qaynuqa and Banu Nadir tribes. These tribes declared war on the Muslims to avenge their expulsion from Madinah during the expedition against Banu Qaynuqa in 624 AD and the invasion of Banu Nadir in 625 AD. Additionally, many Makkans despised the Messenger of Allah for introducing a new religion and challenging idol worship. Consequently, these two groups allied with the Quraysh tribe against Prophet Muhammad’s army.
Rallying Other Tribes Against the Muslims
When Bani An-Nadir were expelled from Madinah, they settled in Khaibar. From there, Hoyai went to the Quraysh to meet Abu Sufyan, seeking collaboration in fighting the Prophet (PBUH). He was warmly welcomed by Abu Sufyan, and the Quraysh leaders, along with Hoyai, pledged their alliance in the Kaaba with the intent to kill Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hoyai then approached the Ghatfan tribe, the second most powerful group in the peninsula after the Quraysh, securing the same deal. He continued his efforts with the Ashja tribe and other Arab tribes. This man exerted all his efforts to support a cause he knew to be false. Reflect on our own state and consider how much effort we put into supporting truth and righteousness.
Salman Al-Farsi’s (R.A.) Proposal to Dig a Trench
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began seeking suggestions, and Salman al-Farsi (RA) proposed digging a trench around Madinah’s northern boundary, as the other sides were protected by mountains and dense forests.
Digging of al-Khandaq
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) organized the Muslims into groups of ten to dig the trench. During the excavation of al-Khandaq (the trench), the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) encountered a massive rock that their spades could not break. They called for the Prophet (PBUH) for assistance. He struck the rock three times, and with each strike, a bright light illuminated the surroundings, as if a light had pierced the darkness of the night.
With each blow, he proclaimed:
- On the first strike: “Allahu Akbar! The keys of ancient Syria have been granted to me; I swear by Allah, I can see its palaces right now.”
- On the second strike: “Allahu Akbar! The keys of Persia have been granted to me; I swear by Allah, I can see the white palace of Madain.”
- On the third strike: “Allahu Akbar! The keys of Yemen have been granted to me; I swear by Allah, I can see the gates of San’a from here.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
Banu Qurayza’s Breach of the Treaty
The Quraysh found themselves unable to breach the defenses and considered reaching out to the Banu Qurayza. It was a Jewish tribe in Madinah, to launch an attack on the Muslim women and children from the south. However, the Banu Qurayza had a treaty with the Prophet (PBUH), which designated them as citizens with specific rights and obligations. Also including a commitment not to attack Muslims or assist anyone in attacking them. The Quraysh hoped that if the Jews attacked the Muslim women and children, the Muslim army would be compelled to abandon the trench. It will allow the Quraysh to then strike the Muslims from both the north and the south.
Safiyah (R.A.) Kills a Jewish Aggressor
Believers are often tested in critical moments, and this was one such instance. A Jewish scout was sent to assess the fort where the women and children were sheltered. Hassan Ibn Thabit (R.A.) was stationed to watch over the fort. But since he was not a fighter and no other fighter was available, he was unable to act. Safiyah (R.A.), the Prophet’s (PBUH) aunt, ask him to kill the intruder. This will prevent him from reporting back to the Jews. When Hassan (R.A.) expressed his inability to kill, she took matters into her own hands, attacking and killing the scout. She then severed his head and placed it near the Jewish forts. Her this act demonstrate that the Muslims were defending the fort where the women and children were sheltered.
Intense Enemy Assaults
After the one-on-one fight between Ali Ibn Talib (R.A.) and Amr ibn Wadd, the enemies launched a barrage of arrows at the tent of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) during the siege. The Prophet (PBUH) stood in front of the tent, wearing his armor and helmet.
Results of the Battle of the Trench
Despite multiple attempts by the Quraysh army, they were unable to cross the trench. This failure not only made the confederates restless but also caused their battle animals to suffer severe injuries. Each passing day brought stronger, harsh winds in Medina. Ceating a challenging scenario for the besieging army and making their survival increasingly difficult.
Though the Quraysh fought hard to endure, the storm sent by Allah SWT ultimately drove them away. Meanwhile, the Muslims, with Tawakul in their hearts, fought with both strategy and bravery. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) army found refuge in their homes, protected from the stormy desert winds.
As a result, the Banu al-Qurayza tribe surrendered unconditionally to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) army. This victory gave the Muslims of Madinah complete control over the Banu Qurayza neighborhoods. It also provided an opportunity to openly preach and spread Islam.
Must read about Ghazwa e Badr and ghazwa e Uhud.