Battle of Trench

The Battle of Trench (Khandaq) was fought in 627  

Fifth Year of Hijra

Describe the events immediately leading up to the Battle of Trench. Also, discuss the main events of the battle.

Causes of The Battle of Trench

In 4 A.H., the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) led an army of 1500 soldiers to Badr in response to Abu Sufyan’s challenge of Uhad. Muslims camped for eight days, but the Makkans did not appear. Subsequently, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) dispatched expeditions to a few desert tribes in response to their malicious attempts against Muslims, which sparked hostility toward Muslims. On the other hand, the Jews of the Banu Nadir tribe had breached the treaty and plotted to assassinate Mohammad (S.A.W.), so He(S.A.W.) exiled them from the state of Madinah.

Khyber Became a Center Against Muslims

These Jews, after being deported, lived in Khyber and transformed it into a centre of resistance against Muslims. The Banu Nadir chiefs met with Quraish leaders in Makkah and instigated them to complete their goal of invading Madinah and crushing Muslims. In addition, the Jewish delegation visited the Ghatfan and other desert tribes to persuade them to join the Quraish.

The other Bedouin tribes that joined with Quraish were Ashja, Murra, Bani Fezara, Banu Asad and Banu Sulaym. Jews consented to offer the Ghatfan tribe their one-year Khyber’s harvest in exchange for their involvement in the struggle against the Muslims. Eventually, the Jews succeeded in their planings and resolved to attack Madinah with a massive force. It was known as the Battle of Ahzab (Confederate) or Battle of Khandaq (Trench). In this battle, 3000 Muslims fought against a force of 10,000.

The Quran refers to this battle in the following verse, “When they came against you, from above you and from below you, and when your eyes swerved and your hearts reached your throats, and you thought thoughts about Allah; there it was that the believers were tried, and shaken most mightily.” (Al-Ahzab 33:10-11)

Events of The Battle of Khyber

The news of the Quraish preparations soon reached the Prophet (S.A.W.) via a friendly tribe, the Banu Khuza. As a result, the Prophet (S.A.W.) invited his companions to consult. According to the information, Muslims were to face an oversized army; therefore, they needed to devise an impregnable defence.

Muslims’ Strategy for Avoiding War

In this discussion, they pondered that Madinah was safe from three sides by mountainous terrain, and only the route to Syria was unsafe; from there, the enemy forces could launch an assault on them. So, the Prophet (S.A.W.) sought his companions for advice on securing this path. Hazrat Salman Farsi advised digging a trench to keep the enemy away. Prophet (S.A.W.) accepted his recommendation, and Muslims dug a ditch in the northern part of Madinah.

It was a challenging task that took 9-10 days to finish. Three thousand companions, including the Prophet (S.A.W.), did participate in digging the ditch. Aside from creating the ditch, Muslims removed fodder on the other side, which was a war tactic to develop a scarcity of food for their opponents’ animals.

A Surprise for Allied Forces From Muslims

In 627 A.D/5 A.H., the Allied force of 10,000 men approached the border of Madinah. The Allies got puzzled when they found themselves separated by the deep and wide ditch. In this case, they could not attack from any side of Madina. They yelled in anger that it was a cowardly way of fighting. In response to this taunt, the Muslim side pelted them with stones and arrows.

The Allied force was striving to discover a weak spot to enter Madinah. Whenever they attempted to cross the ditch, Muslim archers and fighters engaged them in clashes by hurling stones and arrows, deterring them from crossing the trench. Nevertheless, some riders tried to cross the ditch from a narrower part, so Hazrat Ali (R.A.) fought them off.

Treachery of Banu Quraiza Against the Muslims

Meanwhile, Banu Quraiza, a Jewish tribe that was still in Madina, broke the alliance with Muslims. They provided hope to Abu Sufyan to join with the Quraish to attack from the rear on Muslims. Concerned about this situation, the Prophet (S.A.W.) sent Hazrat Saad bin Muadh (R.A.), Hazrat Saad bin Ubadah (R.A.) and others to remind Banu Quraiza of their alliance to the state and Charter of Madinah. Yet, Banu Quraiza declined to acknowledge the Prophet (S.A.W.) or the Charter.
 
The Jews of Banu Quraiza were threatening Muslim families into their fortresses. Noticing this, Mohammad (S.A.W.) dispatched a small unit to keep an eye on the Jewish movements to prevent attacks on Muslim fortifications.

Creating Discontent Among Allies

Naim bin Masud (R.A.), from the Ghatfan tribe, had accepted Islam secretly. He had good relations with the Quraish and Jews. During this vulnerable situation, he acted as a secret agent of the Prophet (S.A.W.). He told the Quraish that Jews were considering a peace deal with the Muslims that would leave the Quraish isolated; consequently, the Quraish were angry with the Jews. On the other side, a spy went to the Jews and the seed of suspicion was planted in their hearts. In that way, their plan succeeded and developed discontent between Banu Quraiza and the allied forces. Thus, Jews could not accomplish the goal of attacking Muslims from behind.

Allah’s Help for Muslims

The Allies gradually lost hope as 25 days of siege passed, and they could not succeed in their purpose. Winter was starting, and chilly winds were making it harsh to stay in the desert for Allies, while a lack of food and animal fodder worsened the situation.

Allah unleashed a fierce windstorm one night, uprooting the Quraishites’ camp, scattering their utensils, and killing their animals. The storm became so intense that the Quraish leader, Abu Sufyan, decided to retreat. This aid of Allah for Muslims came through terrible weather and angels, as mentioned in the Surah Ahzab of the Quran,

“O ye who believe! Remember the Grace of Allah (bestowed) on you, when there came down on you hosts; but We sent against them a hurricane and forces that ye saw not. But Allah sees (clearly) all that ye do. (33:9) Al-Ahzab

Dealing with the Banu Quraiza

Following this triumph, the Prophet (S.A.W.) turned his attention towards the quarters of Banu Quraiza in response to their treachery. They were laid a siege in their fortresses that persisted for 25 days. They finally surrendered. Then, according to their wishes, Hazrat Saad bin Muadh (R.A.) decided their fate in light of the Old Testament. The final verdict for Banu Quraiza was to execute their men and take their women and children as prisoners, with their valuables taken as loot. Mohammad (S.A.W.) issued orders to carry out this ruling.

Consequences of Trench Warfare

The victory of the Muslims had a significant impact on the surrounding tribes of Madina. They accepted the supremacy of the Muslims and became allies. As a result, Islam spread rapidly. Nonetheless, the Battle of Trench was the last military action of the Quraish against the Muslims. Their defeat in the war dealt a significant blow to their reputation; their influence among Arab tribes faded, and their trade with Syria diminished.

Muslims, on the other hand, learnt new war strategies. During the war, Allah assisted another time, as Muslims demonstrated their deep faith in Allah and loyalty to Mohammad (S.A.W.) by remaining disciplined and united.
The victory of the Muslims in the Battle of Trench strengthened the position of the Prophet (S.A.W.) Now, the people of Madinah recognized the Prophet (S.A.W.) as the unquestioned ruler of the city.

Explain the effects/importance of the Battle of the Trench.

In the Battle of the Trench, Muslims confronted a large coalition of tribes with bravery, unity and solidarity; consequently, the Quraish were defeated. Following this, the power and prestige of the Quraish were damaged immensely. It impoverished them even though they had no funds left to fight another major war. Their allies even treated them with disgust. Finally, the aggressive power of the Quraish faded, and they never became able to rise in front of Muslims again.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) declared this attack to be the last battle against the Quraish. This defeat resulted in a silent revolution, with the leadership of the Quraish switching from Umayyad to Makhzum. Madinah still held the jugular of the Quraish; however, Muslims controlled the Syrian routes.

The battle also pointed out that Muslims learnt lessons from their previous defeat. Throughout this war, Muslims were more obedient to the Prophet (S.A.W.). They discovered that digging a trench and deceit can be used to defeat the enemy as a war tactic. During the war, the assistance of Allah came once again when Muslims proved their deep faith in Allah and obedience to Mohammad (S.A.W.) by being disciplined and united. Madina was now regarded as the Islamic stronghold and the hub of the Muslim community.

Suggest reasons for the Quraishite defeat in this battle.

Lack of Intelligence:

The trench was a defensive measure of Muslims to protect the city of Medina from Quraish and Allied forces. Quraish were unaware of it due to the lack of investigation and intelligence before setting out for the battle. Further, digging a trench was an unknown trick for Arabs, so the ditch acted as a mystery for them, posing an obstacle for Quraish to direct assault on the city.

Superior Strategy to Defence Madina:

Digging the trench around the city was a superior plan of the Prophet (S.A.W.) to prevent Quresh from invading Madina. The prolonged siege and the unexpected defensive tactic of the trench posed more challenges for the Quraysh and their Allies. Quraish were exhausted and disappointed after a long siege, drained their resolute.

Supply Difficulties and Exhaustion:

Expecting an early triumph, the Quraish did not carry sufficient food supplies. Every day, many of their camels and horses died due to malnutrition and freezing weather. Besides, Muslims had wiped out the fodder from the other side. It was a war tactic to create a deficiency in getting food for the opponents’ animals. It was difficult for them to remain in such a stressful situation.

Lack of Coordination Among the Qurayshite Allies:

Despite being overpowered, the Quraish lacked unity and discipline between the various tribes. Only the lure of huge fortunes and booty hooked them together for a while. When the Quraish were expecting help from Jews residing in Madina, Muslim spies exploited their lack of trust, which caused misunderstanding and discontent between the Allies and Jews.

Divine Intervention:

Weather conditions hindered the opponent’s plans during the Battle of the Trench. Allah’s aid to Muslims in the shape of severe winds, rain, and cold weather slowed the Confederates’ progress, contributing to their eventual withdrawal.

Write advantages/reasons for the victory of Muslims in the Battle of Trench. 

Muslims emerged victorious in the Battle of Trench for multiple reasons. Initially, the brilliant tactic of siege proved to be a move that the Quraish were unaware of. Their warriors were in severe wrath as they were unsuccessful in crossing the ditch. This defensive approach was intended to prevent a direct assault on the city; thus, Muslims succeeded in their efforts.
 
In addition, the Battle of the Trench shows the unity and solidarity of the Muslim community under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As we notice, Muslims maintained their morale high despite the massive threat they faced. Muslims resisted heroically against the Quraish, causing the Quraish’s power and prestige to be irreparably damaged. Thereupon, in the future, Quraish had no funds left to fight another major war, and their Allies also neglected them with hatred. Finally, the aggressive strength of the Quraish ceased, and they were never able to rise in front of Muslims again.
 
Muslims gained miraculous assistance from Allah in this war. Unsuited weather and the death of animals due to food scarcity made the Quraish challenging to remain in the war. Also, Muslims were unshaken and unified this time, whereas their opponents lacked discipline and patience. Quraish relied on Banu Quraiza’s betrayal to crush Muslim forces, though the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) had already addressed the issue.
 
The battle also indicates that Muslims learnt lessons from their previous defeat. During the war, Muslims proved their robust faith in Allah and obedience to Mohammad (S.A.W.) by being disciplined and united, which was critical to Muslims’ success. On the other side, the success of the battle firmed Madina’s status as the stronghold of Islam and the hub of the Muslim community.

What can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s involvement in digging of the trench? 

Muslims can gain several critical lessons from the Prophet’s engagement in trench digging. After learning of Qurash and the Allied troops’ attack on Madina, the Prophet (S.A.W.) sought advice from his companions and supported Salman Farsi’s recommendation of digging the trench to safeguard the city. Prophet (S.A.W.) did not want open combat, so He (S.A.W.) preferred this unusual war tactic. It illustrates that Muslims should always be open-minded to recommendations from others, just as the Prophet (S.A.W.) embraced Salman Farsi’s plan that aided in winning the war. It teaches the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) understanding, foresight, and implementation of appropriate practical situations in distress.
 
The trench digging was part of a battle strategy. Despite being the leader of the Muslim community, the Prophet (S.A.W.) took part in the digging task. Regardless of His status or position, the Prophet (S.A.W.) personally engaged in this challenging exertion alongside his companions. it trains humbleness in Muslims and promotes the idea that leaders should be actively involved in the tasks they expect others to do.
 
Besides, the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) participation in trench digging created Muslim unity and solidarity. It reinforces Muslims taking an active part in tackling communal concerns and working together for the greater interest. Likewise, the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) involvement in the trench digging highlights the concept of shared responsibility within the Muslim community. It identifies that everyone must contribute to the welfare and defence of the community.

Lastly, the participation of the Prophet (S.A.W.) in the digging task set an example for Muslims to work hard, be patient and be determined. Today, being Muslim, we have a great lesson from it: Muslims should constantly think positively and work hard to attain victory while holding their trust in Allah. If Muslims remain steadfast and trust in Allah, it will aid them in facing hardship with courage. And ultimately, they will succeed.