The Banu Qurayzah, one of the Jewish tribes in Medina, had violated their treaty with the Muslims by secretly siding with the Confederates during the Battle of the Trench. Their betrayal posed a severe threat to the safety and stability of the Muslim community. If their treachery was left unchecked, it could encourage other tribes within Medina to follow suit.
As the Muslims returned from the trench, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received a revelation instructing him to deal with the Banu Qurayzah. He ordered his companions to march towards their stronghold, instructing, "Let none of you pray Asr except at Banu Qurayzah." The urgency of this command underscored the gravity of the situation.
The Muslim forces surrounded the fortresses of Banu Qurayzah, laying siege for several weeks. Initially, the Banu Qurayzah hoped their former allies from the Quraysh and Ghatafan would return to assist them, but no help came. Slowly, their resolve began to weaken.
The Muslims maintained their siege with patience and discipline. Finally, the Banu Qurayzah surrendered, agreeing to abide by the judgment of Sa’d ibn Mu’adh, a respected leader from the Aws tribe, which had historical ties with the Banu Qurayzah.
Sa’d, severely wounded during the Battle of the Trench, was brought to deliver the verdict. He reminded everyone that the Banu Qurayzah had broken their treaty and plotted against the Muslims during a critical moment. Considering the laws of the time and the magnitude of the betrayal, he ruled that the men of the Banu Qurayzah would face execution, while the women and children would be taken as captives.
The judgment was carried out, and it served as a stark warning to other groups in Medina. The harsh consequences reinforced the importance of maintaining alliances and the severe repercussions of treachery.
With the conclusion of the Banu Qurayzah episode, the threat of internal betrayal in Medina diminished. The Muslims had not only defended their city against a massive external force but also safeguarded it from internal subversion.
This period marked a shift in the balance of power between the Muslims and their enemies. The Quraysh, humiliated by their failure, began to lose influence among the tribes of Arabia. Meanwhile, the Muslims grew stronger, unified by their trials and victories.