.webp "The Trench (Battle of Ahzab)")
The Quraysh, humiliated by their partial victory at Uhud, sought to gather allies to launch a decisive attack on Medina. Their cause was bolstered by the Banu Nadir, a Jewish tribe that had been exiled from Medina due to their betrayal of the Muslim state. The Banu Nadir incited various tribes and groups, including the Ghatafan, to join the Quraysh in an alliance.
This coalition, known as the Confederates (Ahzab), amassed a formidable force of 10,000 warriors. The plan was clear: to crush Medina under their sheer numbers and put an end to Islam.
When news of the advancing army reached Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) convened a council to determine how best to defend the city. It was then that Salman Al-Farsi, a companion from Persia, suggested an unconventional strategy: digging a trench around Medina’s vulnerable northern perimeter. This tactic was unfamiliar to the Arabs but had been used effectively in Persian warfare.
The Prophet (PBUH) immediately approved the plan, demonstrating his openness to innovative ideas, regardless of their source. He divided the companions into groups, assigning each a section of the trench to dig. Despite the freezing winds of the desert winter, the Muslims toiled day and night, driven by their faith and determination.
The trench-digging process showcased the remarkable unity and leadership of the Prophet (PBUH). He worked alongside his companions, lifting soil, digging, and encouraging them with verses of hope and faith. In moments of difficulty, he invoked Allah’s blessings, strengthening their resolve.
One famous incident occurred when the companions encountered a massive rock that they could not break. The Prophet (PBUH) struck it with his blessed pickaxe, and with each strike, sparks flew, illuminating visions of future victories. He foretold the conquest of Persia, Rome, and Yemen, instilling hope in his followers despite their immediate struggle.
When the Confederate forces arrived, they were shocked to find their advance halted by the trench. Unfamiliar with this defensive strategy, they resorted to laying siege to Medina. For weeks, the Muslims endured the harsh realities of the siege—scarcity of food, freezing temperatures, and constant vigilance.
The Quraysh and their allies repeatedly attempted to breach the trench. One of the most daring assaults was led by Amr ibn Abd Wudd, a seasoned warrior known for his ferocity. He managed to cross the trench, challenging the Muslims to single combat. Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin, stepped forward to face him. Their duel ended with Ali’s decisive victory, boosting the morale of the Muslim defenders.
While the men defended the trench, the women and children remained within the city. They were not passive observers but played a critical role in maintaining morale and safeguarding the community. A notable incident involved Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet’s aunt, who defended the fortress she was in by killing a spying enemy who had approached.
As the siege dragged on, the Quraysh sought to exploit divisions within Medina. They reached out to the Banu Qurayzah, a Jewish tribe living in Medina under a treaty with the Muslims. Tempted by promises of wealth and power, the Banu Qurayzah broke their pact, secretly allying with the Confederates.
This betrayal posed a grave threat to the Muslim community, as it exposed their unprotected rear to attack. The Prophet (PBUH) responded swiftly, dispatching a contingent of companions to monitor the situation and prevent any immediate assault.
The siege continued for nearly a month, wearing down both the Muslims and their enemies. The Quraysh, frustrated by their inability to breach the trench and demoralized by the harsh weather, began to lose their resolve.
One night, a fierce storm struck the Confederate camps, uprooting their tents, extinguishing their fires, and scattering their supplies. The Muslims, bolstered by their faith, recognized this as a sign of Allah’s support. The Quraysh and their allies, disheartened and defeated by the relentless conditions, decided to withdraw, abandoning their campaign.
The Qur’an later described this event, emphasizing Allah’s aid to the believers:
“O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to [attack] you, and We sent upon them a wind and armies you did not see.” (Surah Al-Ahzab: 9)
The Battle of the Trench marked a turning point in the Muslim community’s struggle against their enemies. Despite their numerical inferiority and the hardships of the siege, the Muslims emerged victorious, largely due to their faith, ingenuity, and unity.
The betrayal of the Banu Qurayzah was dealt with following the retreat of the Confederates, ensuring the security of Medina.