Expedition of Khyber

The Last Encounter of Jews in the Lifetime of Mohammad (S.A.W)

Seventh Year of Hijra

Describe the main events of the Conquest of Khyber.

Events of the Conquest of Khyber

The conquest of Khyber was a significant breakthrough for the Muslims. Khyber was 70 miles away from the North of Madinah. It had a cluster of eight fortresses (Al-Naim, As-Sab, Az-Zubair, Al-Ubai, An-Nizar, Al-Qamus, Al-Watih and Al-Sulalim). Around the three portions of (An-Natah, As-Shaq and Al-Katibah) were farms and palm orchards, while the famous unconquerable fortresses of An-Nizar and Al-Qamus were situated in the heart of Khyber.

Constant Conspiracies from Jews 

Khyber was the most secure settlement for the Jews of Arabia, with an estimated 20000 warriors. The banished Jews of Madina were also populated here after exiling. They perceived the Treaty of Hudaibya as a sign of weakness and the defeat of Muslims and made this place a centre against Islam. So, their conspiracies were constantly threatening the peace and security of the Madinah.

Secret Planning from Jews

In 7A.h., after the Treaty of Hudaibya, the Jews intended to plan an offensive dash on the state of Madinah. They approached all the people who had agreed to help them in the fight against the Muslims. They contacted the Ghatfan tribe, which was known to be a band of soldiers for them. Next, they wrote letters to Quraish and distinct tribes to support their full-fledged attack on Madinah.

Alongside, they had secret negotiations with Abdullah bin Ubai against Muslims. In return, they offered their contributors a reward and a percentage of their annual production of fruits and dates to fight with them against Muslims.

Siege of Khyber’s Fortresses

When Prophet (S.A.W.) was notified of this secret plan of Jews, He (S.A.W.) set out towards Khyber with 1600 men. He (S.A.W.) launched a surprise attack that was unexpected for the Jews. Watching the Muslim army close to them, Jews locked themselves in their well-guarded fortresses. At the moment, these forts had a force of nearly 20,000 Jews, and their most significant and fortified was Qamus. Prophet (S.A.W.) besieged their fortresses. Jews observed the situation and hurled stones and arrows to prevent the Muslim army from approaching their forts. Therefore, He (S.A.W.) commanded an attack.

A fierce battle took place in the beginning; Muslims captured Naim fort, then, As Saab, Az Zubair and Al Ubai forts were conquered one after the other. However, when they reached the unformidable Qamus fort, the fight prolonged til twenty days. It was a challenging task for the Muslims. Each day, they had to return without success. On this occasion, the Prophet (S.A.W.) consoled them by stating that the next day, He would give the command and banner to Allah’s dearer, who would succeed in conquering Qamus.

Prophet (S.A.W.)’s Instructions to Hazrat Ali (R.A.)

Hazrat Ali (R.A.) joined this expedition late due to an eye infection. Prophet (S.A.W.) appointed him the commander of the Muslim army on that day and handed him the banner of Jihad. Alongside, He (S.A.W.) directed him to invite the enemy to Islam, and if they did not accept the call of faith, then fight.

General Combat 

On the other side, Jews had already decided on an open combat. According to the Prophet’s teachings, Ali (R.A.) called on them to accept Islam, yet they were eager for the battle. Marhab first came out to fight with Hazrat Ali (R.A.) and was killed by a single stroke. Following this, a fierce battle began, in which the Jews were forced to surrender. Hazrat Ali (R.A.) captured the Qamus fort under his protection. In this fight, Ali (R.A.) used the heavy gate of the fort as a shield. For this reason, the Prophet (S.A.W.) gave him the title ‘Asadullah‘, which means ‘the Lion of God‘. Henceforward, the remaining of the fortresses were conquered peacefully.

Agreement Between the Two Parties

At last, Jews agreed to negotiate with Muslims. According to this pact, Khyber will remain in the hands of the local inhabitants. However, they would pay half of the annual harvest planting of date trees as Jizya (in return for this favour) to the state of Madinah.

Ibn-Umar reported, “The Prophet (S.A.W.) made a deal with the people of Khyber that they would have half the fruits and vegetation of the land they cultivated.” Similarly, all other Jewish settlements and cities surrounding Madina agreed to the same terms.

Explain the importance of the Khyber Expedition.

Consolidation of Muslim Power

Khyber was the last encounter of Jews in the lifetime of Mohammad (S.A.W). In this campaign, Muslim forces had successfully conquered well-fortified strongholds of Khyber, and failed their evil plan (a dash on Madina). This victory solidified the military power of the Muslims. The strength of the Jews ultimately weakened, and Muslims became the most influential force in Arabia. Moreover, a prominent threat to the security of the Muslim state was resolved following the expedition, as they were now under Muslim control.

Enhancement of Muslim Morale

This successful campaign boosted the morale of the Muslim community. Additionally, it reinforced Muslims’ faith in the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and strengthened their confidence in divine support. The victory served as a unifying and motivating factor for the Muslims.

Introduction of New Agreements

Following the conquest, a new agreement was reached between Jews and Muslims. Jewish inhabitants were allowed to remain in the Khyber under the deal. In exchange, they were demanded to pay a portion of their agricultural produce as a form of tax (Jizya) each year to the Muslim state. This agreement protected non-Muslim communities under Muslim rule, which set a precedent for others, whereas many other legal and social reforms were implemented. These reforms aimed to ensure justice and fairness in the treatment of the inhabitants and encourage other tribes to seek peaceful relations and alliances with the Muslim state.

Prosperity for the Muslims

The conquest of Khyber resulted in prosperity for the Muslims as the fertile land supplied much-needed sustenance and economic stability for the Muslims in Medina. Adjacent, Khyber’s location was close to key trade routes of Muslims. It aided in securing their trade routes in future and enhanced the economic and military standing of Muslims.

Division of Property

Muslims gained plenty of riches in this conquest. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) distributed the land into two sections. One-half was intended to store food for the Muslims in case of unforeseen calamities and used to entertain the foreign visitors who frequently visited Madinah. The other half was distributed among the Muslims of Al-Hudaibiyah participants.

There were 36 shares, out of which 18 shares were given to the mentioned group of people. Some of the booty was distributed among the warriors. The Muslim army consisted of 1400 men and 200 horsemen. The horsemen were each allotted three shares, while the footmen received one share.

Aisha (R.A) relates, “Now we shall get dates to the fill.” 

“We never ate our fill of dates until we conquered Khyber.”

Umar (R.A)