Chapter 2

The Tribe of Banu Quraizah lived in a small but prosperous settlement within a fortress. It was located inside Madinah; in the Southern part of the city. The people of this tribe were known to be treacherous and selfish. The settlement contained a synagogue. A rabbi lived in this place of worship.

The chief of this tribe was Qaab Ibn Asad. His people obeyed and respected him and acted by every hint and gesture he made. Qaab owned several orchards of date-palm and other fruits. He lived in a large fortified house. He was a rich merchant. He sold goods from Madinah in Syria and goods from Syria were brought to Madinah for trade. His employed many workers to run his business affairs. His only daughter Raihana was spoilt and lavished with all that she wished. Her mother had passed away years ago. Therefore, Raihana was the centre of her father’s world; the recipient of all his love and affection.

Qaab went straight to the synagogue after leaving his house. The Rabbi was indeed awaiting him. Qaab held him in high esteem. From afar, he greeted the Rabbi respectfully.

“You are late. I have been awaiting you long, Qaab,” said the Rabbi.

“I started off early, but my daughter’s questions detained me until I…… You know how dear she is to my heart.”

“Indeed she is a lovable girl. Her very look and manner demand affection. She is so bright and inquisitive that even I’m at a loss sometimes, to provide her with answers.”

“We were speaking of the same things today. Ah yes, who is that you wanted me to see? Where is he?”

“Yes, in a little while….”

“Is he here already?”

“No. He will not come here.”

“Am I required to go somewhere then?”

“Yes. ’Tis not very far. Only a small distance beyond Khaibar.”

“Let us go then.”

“Yes. I have come prepared.”

“Are we walking?” asked Qaab.

“No. I will order our horses to be brought.”

“But I did not bring any servants with me. Who will get our horses?”

“I will send someone from here.”

The Rabbi sent a man to bring two saddled horsed from Qaab’s stable. When he returned, Qaab and the Rabbi climbed atop their respective mounts and started on the journey, to the north.

Leaving Madinah at the foot of the mountain, the two men travelled on. Then, they stopped at a place and climbed the top of a small hill. There, a man of their own faith was waiting for Qaab and the Rabbi. Seeing them he stood and came forward. He kissed the Rabbi’s cloak repeatedly. The rabbi touched his forehead in blessing and dismounted from his horse. Qaab came down as well. The man greeted him also.

Qaab and the Rabbi sat on a large rock nearby. The Jewish man sat facing them.

“Ah, I remember you now. Are you not Nayeem?” Qaab said, after looking closely at the man.

“Yes. My name is Nayeem.” The Jew replied.

“You are of Banu Nadir?”

“Yes. You have recognized me truly.”

“Did you migrate to Syria? Or was it Khaibar?”

“Khaibar. I am coming directly from there.”

“How is Huwayy Ibn Akhtab?”

“He is well. Though, the shame of expulsion is tormenting him endlessly. He does not sleep well at night nor does he rest during the day.”

“He is a man of dignity. Such discomfort is characteristic of him. I am saddened by his predicament. Yet I could do nothing for him!”

The tribe of Banu Nadir also lived in the city of Madinah. They had a separate fortress of their own. Their houses were large and fortified. Their orchards bountiful and many in numbers. They had everything that could be attained by wealth and influence. Huwayy Ibn Akhtab and Salam Ibn Ubayy were two prominent chiefs of Banu Nadir. Their hatred and enmity towards the Prophet of Allah (S) knew no bounds. The prosperity and growing strength of Muslims made them sick with loathing and resentment. It was due to them that their whole tribe also became bitter enemies of Islam.

These two chiefs plotted to assassinate of the Messenger of Allah (S)- even though they had signed the treaty which the Messenger (S) had drawn up between the Muslims and all surrounding Jewish and Mushrik tribes of Madinah. The terms of this historical treaty were as follows:

1. The people of Madinah will not interfere in each other’s religious beliefs, life-style and trading practices.
2. The Jews may not assist the Mushriqeen of Makkah in their attack against the Muslims.
3. If Madinah is attacked, all parties will defend it together.
4. If one party from this treaty signs a treaty with an enemy, other parties will also abide by it. Tribal wars the exception to this.
5. Any friends of the Jewish tribes will be considered friends of the Muslims and any friends of the Muslims will also be considered friends of the Jews.
6. If the Muslims of the Jews wage a war against an enemy, the other party will extend the hand of assistance.
7. If the Jews and the Muslims become involved in a conflict, they must accept the mediation and decree of the Messenger of Allah (S) as final.
8. Helping the oppressed is obligated on both parties.

Banu Nadir had signed this treaty, yet their enmity and hatred of the Muslims didn’t dim even a little. It burned with greater heat and intensity. Indeed, it was through this treaty that the Rasulullah (S) was recognized as the official ruler of the city of Madinah.

Therefore, the two chiefs called for a gathering and decided that they will assassinate the Messenger (S) secretly. Accordingly, some men from Banu Nadir appealed to Rasulullah (S) that there was a quarrel over a date orchard. They asked him to come to their settlement to mediate the conflict.

Rasulullah (S) prepared. He took with him Abu Bakar, Omar and Ali (R). Upon his arrival, they invited Rasulullah (S) to have a seat in a shaded outdoor-lounge, behind which stood a high wall. Their plan was to throw a heavy millstone from the opposite side of the wall upon Rasulullah (S). After taking his seat, Rasulullah (S) noticed someone a Jewish by the name of Amar Ibn Muhsin. Immediately, Rasulullah (S) stood up and left the gathering. Everyone thought that the Messenger of Allah (S) has left to complete some task. However, when the hour grew late and Rasulullah (S) did not return, the companions took their leave. Upon arriving in Madinah, the found Rasulullah (S) long returned.

“Ya Rasulullah! May our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you. You came back to Madinah without settling the quarrel. We do not understand!” the companions asked.

“Banu Nadir had conspired to take my life. I was informed of it by Divine revelation. Allah commanded me to leave the gathering and return to Madinah.” Replied Rasulullah (S).

The companions praised Allah in heartfelt gratitude. Thereafter, the Messenger of Allah (S) issued a command to the people of Banu Nadir: ‘You have been ordered to leave the city of Madinah for conspiring to kill the Messenger of Allah (S). You are free to choose your own destination. If you fail to comply with this order, your settlement will be attacked.’

Banu Nadir rebelled against the Messenger’s command and refused to leave. Therefore, a siege was laid to the settlement of Banu Nadir. Their entire Jewish population was trapped in the fortress. Banu Nadir had hoped that other Jewish tribes and enemies of Islam would come to their aid. However, their hope met with bitter disappointment. No one lifted a finger to help Banu Nadir. In desperation, the sought the mediation of the hypocrite Abdullah Ibn Ubayy and begged the Messenger (S) to spare their lives.

Rasulullah (S) spared their life on the following condition. Upon their expulsion from the city, Banu Nadir was to surrender all their weapons and arms to the Muslims. They were to carry only as much possessions and belongings as could be curried by their animals of burden. All the rest were to remain behind and go into the possession of the Muslims. They had no choice but to accept Rasulullah’s terms.

Therefore, all weapons of Banu Nadir were surrendered. Camels and horses were loaded with as mush of their possessions as possible. In bitterness, they burned down as was possible of what would stay behind, to prevent the Muslims from gaining possession. Then shedding their tears and heart full of anger and regret, the Jews of Banu Nadir started on their exile- to an unknown destination.

After much suffering and aimless wandering a group of Banu Nadir settled in Khaibar and another group settled further, in Syria.

The year of 4th Hijri bore witness to this event.

“Huwayy Ibn Akhtab sent me. He wishes to know your intention regarding the treaty,” said Nayeem.

“We have no choice but to abide by its terms.” Qaab replied.

“What do you mean?”

“We are not strong enough to challenge the Muslims.”

“Huwayy Ibn Akhtab visited Makkah. He is inciting the Makkans to attack Madinah.”

“’Tis a pointless endeavour. The Quraish attacked Madinah with much pomp and ceremony before . But what was the result? They fled with their tails between their legs.”

“The Quraish are bitterly humiliated by the defeat. They are preparing for revenge. An Alliance is in the making. Not only the Quraish, but all tribes of Makkah and all Jewish tribes of Madinah are uniting. They will wipe out the Muslims.”

“If that was to happen, all our misfortunes would end! The Muslims and their Prophet would be finished.”

“Huwayy and Salam have the same intention, for which they visited Makkah. They are on a campaign to visit all tribes in Makkah and Madinah and assemble them to fight the Muslims.”

“What does Huwayy want from me?”

“He wishes you to be with his mission. You will prepare yourselves. When the Alliance lays siege to Madinah, you will join them.”

“That depends on the likelihood of Huwayy’s success. No matter. Tell Huwayy to meet me in secret for I wish to know the whole situation.”

“He will come. But you must begin the preparations now.”

“I agree. Tell Huwayy to depend on our cooperation. We will be ready.”

“I have fulfilled my duty here. Permit me to take my leave.”

“Will you return to Khaibar?”

“No. My destination is Makkah.”

Nayeem was on his way promptly. Qaab and the Rabbi soon set on their way home.

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