- Trench
- Poetry
- Starvation
- Minor fighting
- Betrayal of Jews
- Betrayal of Hypocrites
- Missed prayers
- Muslims in panic
- Supplication of the Prophet ﷺ
- The cunning of Naeem bin Mas’ood
The Jews of Banu Nadheer were furious over the irresistible advance of Muslims. They were too scared to wage a direct war against Muslims. They were not warriors and were living in protected forts. Being unable to defeat Muslims by their own power, they decided to ignite other people towards the violent battle with Muslims. Twenty heads of Jews went to Makah, provoked Quraish against the Prophet ﷺ and offered full support. Quraish found this as an excellent opportunity to retrieve their blemished honor. Banu Nadheer also went to other Arabian tribes to provoke them against Muslims. Thus Quraish and Kinanah from the south, Gatfan and Banu Saleem from the east marched towards Madina and gathered in a pre-decided place. They were about 10000 people.
This took place in the month of Shawwal and Dhul Qa’ada H 5.Prophet ﷺ was informed about the move and gathered a meeting. After the lengthy discussion, Salman Al Farisi opined that a trench should be dug to stop the enemy from entering Madina and this opinion got unanimous approval.
Trench:
Muslims began to dig the trench. Madina was surrounded by natural defense by trees and mountains from three sides. Only the north side needed to be protected. So they started digging the trench only across the north side of Madina. It was a very cold season.
Poetry
To intensify the spirit and to overcome the difficult feelings, they were exchanging poems.
Anas t reports:
Allah’s Apostle went out towards the Khandaq (i.e. Trench) and saw the Emigrants and the Ansar digging the trench in the cold morning. They had no slaves to do that (work) for them.
Madinite people said when digging:
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