week four: battle of the trench - rayyan institute

The Madinan Decade (HIS116)

Week Four- Handout

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Week Four: Battle of the Trench

Contents

Fourth Year of Hijrah: Sariyyah of Abu Salamah (radiallahu anhu) and ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Unais (radiallahu

anhu) ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Incident of Raj’i and Expedition of Bir Ma’una ....................................................................................... 3

The Battle of Banu Nadir and Expedition of Zaatur-Riq’a ....................................................................... 4

Expedition of the Badr Rendezvous and Other Incidents of 4 A.H. ........................................................ 5

Fifth year of Hijrah: Expedition of Dawmatul-Jandal and Banu Mustaliq............................................... 6

Incident of Slander (Ifk)........................................................................................................................... 7

Battle of Khandaq and Expedition of Banu Qurayzah ............................................................................. 8

Expeditions of the Sixth Year of Hijrah ................................................................................................. 10


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Fourth Year of Hijrah: Sariyyah of Abu Salamah (radiallahu anhu) and

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Unais (radiallahu anhu)

On 1st Muharram, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received information that the sons of

Khuwaylid were mobilising their people to launch an attack. 150 Sahabah (radiallahu anhu) were

dispatched under the command of Abu Salamah (radiallahu anhu) to fend off any attack.

When the enemy heard of this, they immediately dispersed. A number of camels and goats were

captured which were brought back to Madinah.

Sariyyah of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Unais (radiallahu anhu)

On 5th Muharram, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received news that Khalid ibn Sufyan

Huzali Lihyani (who was abusive to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)) was amassing an army to

attack. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Unais (radiallahu anhu) was sent to assassinate him. ‘Abdullah (radiallahu

anhu) fled with the severed head to a cave which when his pursuers saw, caused a retreat. ‘Abdullah

(radiallahu anhu) arrived in Madinah on 23rd Muharram, travelling only by night and presented the

head.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was pleased, gave him a staff and said ‘Hold onto this staff

and enter Jannah. People holding staffs entering Jannah will be very few in number. ‘Abdullah

(radiallahu anhu) to great care of this staff and when he passed away, it was placed within his

shroud.

NOTES


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Incident of Raj’i and Expedition of Bir Ma’una

During Safar, some members of the Adal and Qarah tribes appeared before Rasulullah (sallallahu

‘alayhi wa sallam), saying that their people needed someone to come and impart the knowledge of

the Qur’an and teachings of Islam. 10 Sahabah were sent however, when they reached Raj’i, the

tribe alerted the Banu Lihyan. 200 warriors, including 100 archers were sent in pursuit.

As they came closer, the Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) climbed on a hillock. Asim (radiallahu anhu)

the Ameer over them, made du’a to Allah for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to be informed

of this. Asim and 6 other Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) were martyred whilst engaging the enemy in

combat. The other 3 descended from the hillock on the assurance of safety by the enemy. However,

as soon as they came down, their arms and legs were tied. One was killed for refusing to go with the

enemy. The other 2 were taken to Makkah and sold as slaves to those kuffar who wanted revenge

for the deaths of their fathers. Both were later martyred.

Expedition of the Qurra’/ Incident of Bir Ma’unah

In Safar, Amir ibn Malik Abu Bara came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), requesting for

some Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) to come to Najd and invite the people to Islam. 70 Sahabah

(radiallahu anhum) were sent and they were referred to as the Qurra.

As they reached Bir Ma’una, Haram ibn Milham (radiallahu anhu) was given a letter by Rasulullah

(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to hand to Amir ibn Tufail (the leader of the Banu Amir tribe). Amir ibn

Tufail killed him and incited his people to kill the other Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) however was

refused due to the protection offered to the Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) by Abu Bara.

Thus he approached the Banu Sulaim, who killed all but one. Ka’b ibn Zaid (radiallahu anhu) was left for dead and later regained consciousness. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) heard about the massacre, he was grief stricken and for a whole month, cursed these people in the Qunoot of Fajr Salat.

NOTES


Week Four- Handout

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The Battle of Banu Nadir and Expedition of Zaatur-Riq’a

As Amr ibn Umayyah Damari (radiallahu anhu) was returning to Madinah, he came across 2

polytheists from the Banu Amir who joined him on his journey and when they reached Qanat, took

shelter in one of the orchards. Amr (radiallahu anhu) thought the leader of their tribe Amir ibn Tufail

and avenged some of the deaths of the Muslims by killing the 2 polytheists.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)had a peace agreement with this tribe and when Amr

(radiallahu anhu) told Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) of his actions, he said they ought to

pay blood money for both because of the peace agreement.

The Banu Nadir were also an ally of the Banu Amir and approached them regarding assistance in the

payment of blood money. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) seated himself in the shade of a

wall whilst the Banu Nadir pledged allegiance to him however, they secretly planned to roll a heavy

boulder onto Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to kill him.

Jibra’eel (‘alayhis salaam) brought down Divine Revelation exposing their wicked intentions.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left and returned to Madinah and then set off to lay siege on

to the Banu Nadir. This lasted for 15 days and their palms and orchards were set on fire. Rasulullah

(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) gave them 10 days to leave their homes, taking their families and goods

except weapons. Driven by their greed, the Banu Nadir even removed doors and doorframes from

their homes. Most of the tribe went to Khaybar whilst some went to Syria. Only 2 people of the Banu

Nadir accepted Islam.

Expedition of Zaatur-Riq’a

During Jamadul-Awwal, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received information that the Banu

Maharib and Banu Tha’labah tribes were amassing an army for war. 400 Sahabah (radiallahu anhum)

were sent towards Najd and on this occasion Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed

Salatul-Khauf.

The expedition was referred to as Zaatur-Riq’a which means bandages as their feet became cracked

and had to be wrapped due to the difficult terrain.

NOTES


Week Four- Handout

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Expedition of the Badr Rendezvous and Other Incidents of 4 A.H. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) set out with 1500 Sahabah (radiallahu anhu) for Badr in Sha’ban for the encounter he had promised Abu Sufyan on his return from Uhud. However, Abu Sufyan turned back with his troops at Marruz-Zahran, citing famine and high prices that year. He had hoped to dissuade the Muslims through rumours of a massive force however, it only made them more determined to go out. After 8 days, the Muslim army returned to Madinah. Other incidents of 4 A.H.

In Sha’ban, Hussain (radiallahu anhu) was born

In Ramadhan, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) married Zainab bint Khuzaimah (radiallahu anha)

In Shawwal, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) married Umm Salamah (radiallahu anha)

Hijab was ordained

NOTES


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Fifth year of Hijrah: Expedition of Dawmatul-Jandal and Banu

Mustaliq

During Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received news that the people of

Dawmatul-Jandal, were preparing to launch an attack. 100 Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) were sent

out on the 25th and as soon as the enemy heard of this, they scattered. Without any combat, the

Muslim army returned to Madinah on 20th Rabi-uth-Thani.

Expedition of Muraysi/ Banu Mustaliq

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received news that Harith ibn Abi Dirar, the leader of the

Banu Mustaliq tribe was preparing to launch an attack. Buraydah ibn Husaib Aslami (radiallahu anhu)

was sent to confirm the information. The Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) set out with 30 horses on the

2nd Sha’ban with a large group of hypocrites who had joined out of desire for the spoils of war.

A surprise attack on the tribe was launched with 10 men killed and the women, children and elderly

taken prisoner. They seized 2000 camels, 5000 goats with 200 families being captured. Amongst

them was Juwayriyyah (radiallahu anha), the daughter of Harith and she fell to the lot of Thabit ibn

Qais (radiallahu anhu) who guaranteed her freedom on the payment of money.

She then appealed to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asking for help and Rasulullah

(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) suggested marrying her, which she agreed to. When the Sahabah

(radiallahu anhum) heard of this, they set every captive of the Banu Mustaliq free.

In some narrations, her father came with a number of camels as ransom but concealed two in a

mountain pass. When he offered them to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), he was asked

about the two camels left behind. Harith realised Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was a true

Messenger of Allah and embraced Islam.

NOTES


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Incident of Slander (Ifk)

‘A’isha (radiallahu anha) accompanied Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on this expedition in a

hawdaj (camel carriage). On their return, they set up camp and when the army was instructed to

depart, ‘A’isha (radiallahu anha) was gone to answer the call of nature.

As she returned, her necklace of pearls broke and thus she became delayed as she retrieved them.

The army, thinking that she was in the hawdaj departed and she arrived back at an empty camp. She

decided to wait thinking that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would realise and instruct

someone to come back to the spot. Covering herself with a sheet, she fell asleep.

Safwan ibn Mu’attal Sulami (radiallahu anhu) was appointed to retrieve any valuables dropped by

travellers and passed by the spot. Upon recognising her he recited, ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’.

On hearing this, she woke up and he guided the camel close to her which she mounted and they set

off in pursuit of the army.

When they arrived in Madinah, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy and other hypocrites caught sight of them and

began making allegations against them. After a month had passed, Allah revealed verses exonerating

her and proving their innocence.

NOTES


Week Four- Handout

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Battle of Khandaq and Expedition of Banu Qurayzah

This took place in either Shawwal or Dhul-Qa’dah. Due to the Banu Nadir being banished, Huyayy ibn

Akhtab went to Makkah and incited the Quraysh to take up arms. Meanwhile, Kinanah ibn Rab’i

approached the Banu Ghitfan to persuade them to go into battle and offered them half the produce

of palm trees of Khaybar annually. Abu Sufyan with a force of 10,000 set out to Madinah for a

decisive battle.

When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) heard of their departure, he consulted the Sahabah

(radiallahu anhum). Salman al-Farsi (radiallahu anhu) proposed the digging of the trenches around

the city, which appealed to all.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) set its boundaries, drew lines and assigned 10 people per 10

yards for digging. It was during the midst of winter, cold winds blew and they were starving for days.

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) tied a stone to his abdomen due to severe hunger. As they

were digging, they were confronted by a gigantic boulder and when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa

sallam) struck it with each blow, he was shown the keys of the kingdom of Syria, Persia and Yemen.

They had barely completed digging the trench when the 10,000 army arrived. Huyayy even persisted

until Ka’b ibn Asad, the leader of the Banu Qurayzah agreed to break the peace agreement with the

Muslims. For 2 weeks, the only combat was firing arrows at each other. Amr ibn Abduwudd

managed to cross over one section that was narrow but was killed by ‘Ali (radiallahu anhu).

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made du’a and in response, Allah sent a violent wind that

uprooted the enemy’s tents, blew dirt in their eyes and threw them into confusion. The siege lasted

for 15 days and 6 Sahabah (radiallahu anhum) were martyred.


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Expedition of Banu Qurayzah

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was informed by Jibra’eel (‘alayhis salaam) that the Muslims

should proceed towards the Banu Qurayzah, as they had breached their peace agreement. The siege

on the Banu Qurayzah lasted for 25 days. Their leader, Ka’b ibn Asad proposed 3 options to deliver

them from the ordeal:

1) Accept Islam as he is a Divine Messenger and in this way, they would be protected

2) Kill their wives and children and fight

3) Launch an attack on the Sabbath

All were met with refusal so they requested Abu Lubabah (radiallahu anhu) for assistance who

informed them to accept the instructions of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) otherwise they

would be slain. Realising that he should not have said this, he went directly to the masjid and tied

himself to a pillar, vowing to not leave it until Allah pardoned him, which occurred on the 6th day.

The Banu Qurayzah were compelled to surrender and the clan was captured with the men being

executed.

During this year, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) married Zaynab bint Jahsh (radiallahu anha)

and during the walimah, the verses of Hijab were revealed.

NOTES


Week Four- Handout

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Expeditions of the Sixth Year of Hijrah

Expedition of Muhammad ibn Maslamah Ansari (radiallahu anhu)

On 10th Muharram, 30 mounted warriors under the command of Muhammad ibn Maslamah

(radiallahu anhu) were sent towards Quba. 10 men of the enemy were killed whilst the rest

dispersed and 150 camels and 3000 goats seized as spoils of war, which was distributed in Madinah.

Expedition of Banu Lihyan

With the aim of avenging the death of the martyrs of Raj’i, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)

set out with 200 warriors on the 1st Rabi-ul-Awwal. When they heard of the Muslim army’s

approach, they took refuge in the mountains. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) camped for

around 2 days and then returned without any fighting.

Expedition of Zi Qarad

This was the name of a water spring situated near the Ghitfan and was the grazing land of Rasulullah

(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). ‘Uyaynah ibn Hisn with 40 horsemen launched a raid and sized the

camels and Salamah ibn Akw’a (radiallahu anhu) alerted the Muslims and showered the thieves with

arrows. In this way, he released all the camels and seized 30 Yemeni sheets. After he departed,

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) set out with 500-700 men and engaged the enemy with 2

polytheists being killed and one Muslim martyred. After 5 days, they returned to Madinah.

Expedition of Ukkashah ibn Mihsan (radiallahu anhu)

In Rabi-ul-Awwal, 40 men under Ukkashah (radiallahu anhu) were sent towards Ghamr however, the

enemy dispersed and after scouting, they only came across one disbeliever who told them the

location of the animals. The Muslims seized 200 camels as spoils of war.

Expedition of Muhammad ibn Maslamah (radiallahu anhu)

During Rabi-uth-Thani, 10 men were sent under the command of Muhammad ibn Maslamah

(radiallahu anhu) towards Dhil-Qassah to confront the Banu Tha’labah and Banu Uwail. The enemy

launched an attack on the Muslims as they slept and only Muhammad ibn Maslamah (radiallahu

anhu) was saved as he was left for dead. A passing Muslim picked him up and carried him back to

Madinah.

Expedition of Abu ‘Ubaidah ibn Jarrah (radiallahu anhu)

To avenge their deaths, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent 40 men under the command of

Abu ‘Ubaidah (radiallahu anhu) towards Dhil-Qassah. They launched a successful attack and the

enemy fled in defeat, leaving the Muslims to seize their livestock.

Expedition of ‘IS

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received news of a Quraysh caravan returning from Syria and

sent 170 men under Zaid ibn Haritha (radiallahu anhu) towards ‘Is, a 4 day journey from Madinah.

The Muslims captured the travellers, goods and possessions, returning to Madinah.


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Expedition of Tarif

This is the name of a water spring approximately 36 miles from Madinah. To punish the Banu

Tha’labah tribe, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent 15 men under the command of Zaid ibn

Haritha (radiallahu anhu) however, the enemy fled and the Muslims returned to Madinah with a few

camels and goats.

Expedition of Hasma

Dihya Kalbi (radiallahu anhu) was sent to the emperor of Rome with a letter. On his return, he was

waylaid by a few members of the Juzam tribe and all the gifts given were seized, but later returned.

When he returned to Madinah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) dispatched 500 Sahabah

(radiallahu anhum) towards Hasma under the command of Zaid ibn Haritha (radiallahu anhu). They

caught them unaware and launched an attack, taking 500 women and children captive, 500 camels

and 500 goats being seized.

The family of Rifa’ah ibn Zaid (radiallahu anhu) who had assisted in returning the stolen gifts were

also captured as they were living amongst the disbelievers. Rifa’ah (radiallahu anhu) complained to

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who sent ‘Ali (radiallahu anhu) with instructions to release all

the prisoners and return the goods.

Expedition of Wadiul-Qura

During Rajab, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent Zaid ibn Haritha (radiallahu anhu) towards

Wadiul-Qura to punish the Banu Farazah tribe. A few Muslims were martyred and Zaid (radiallahu

anhu) was injured.

Expedition of Dawmatul-Jandal

In Sha’ban, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (radiallahu anhu) was sent to Dawmatul-Jandal with 700

Mujahidin. He invited them to accept Islam for 3 days and on the 3rd day, the chief and others

accepted. As per the prophecy of Rasullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), Abdur Rahman (radiallahu

anhu) married the chief’s daughter and returned with her to Madinah.

Expedition of Fidak

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) received news that the Banu Sa’d ibn Bakr had assembled a

force near Fidak to assist the Jews of Khaybar, so 100 men were dispatched under the command of

‘Ali (radiallahu anhu) in Sha’ban. They came across a spy of the Banu Sa’d who told them of their

whereabouts however, the tribe managed to escape and the Muslims returned with the spoils of

war.

Expedition of Ummu Qirfah

In retaliation of the Banu Fazarah tribe beating Zaid ibn Haritha (radiallahu anhu), Rasulullah

(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent another force under Zaid’s (radiallahu anhu) command and they

were triumphant.

Expedition of ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah (radiallahu anhu)

Due to the assassination of Abu Raf’i’, the Jews appointed Usair ibn Rizam as their leader who made

preparations to attack he Muslims. ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah and 3 others were sent to investigate. A


Week Four- Handout

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meeting between the groups was called however, a war was triggered and all the Jews were killed

except one who escaped. Only one Muslim was harmed and none were killed.

Expedition of Kurz ibn Jabir Fihari (radiallahu anhu)

A few members of the Ukkal and Uraynah tribes came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and

informed him of their Islam. After a few days, they requested permission to stay on the outskirts of

Madinah and consume the milk of the camels of charity as they had become weak. Rasulullah

(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) agreed and after a few days they became healthy, renounced their

Islam, murdered the herdsman, mutilated his body and seized the camels.

In Shawwal Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) dispatched Kurz (radiallahu anhu) with 20 men,

in pursit where they were captured and punished in the same manner.

Expedition of Amr ibn Umayyah Damri (radiallahu anhu)

Once, Abu Sufyan asked if anyone would assassinate Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). A

Bedouin agreed and set out to Madinah. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw him

approaching, he knew he came with an evil intention so ‘Usaid ibn Hudair (radiallahu anhu) seized

his hand. He then gave a full account of what had brought him to Madinah and embraced Islam.

Amr ibn Umayyah and Salman ibn Aslam (radiallahu anhum) were sent to Makkah to assassinate Abu

Sufyan if the opportunity arose. When they arrived and made tawaaf of the Ka’bah, Abu Sufyan saw

them and so they returned to Madinah as assassination seemed unlikely.

NOTES

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