- Occasion: The Ghazwa Khandaq occurred in the 5th year of Hijra (627 CE) during the Battle of the Confederates.
- The Ghazwa Khandaq was a response to a joint alliance of Arab tribes from Mecca, known as the Confederates, who sought to attack and destroy the Islamic state in Medina.
- The Confederates were led by Abu Sufyan, the chief of the Quraysh tribe, and included Jewish tribes from Medina who were hostile towards the Muslims.
- Incident: The Prophet Muhammad, upon receiving intelligence about the impending attack, consulted with his companions and devised a defensive strategy.
- The Muslims, under the guidance of Salman al-Farsi, suggested digging a trench around Medina as a defensive measure to hinder the enemy’s advance.
- Incident: The Prophet Muhammad participated directly in the digging of the trench, setting an example of unity and cooperation among the Muslims.
- The Muslims completed the trench within six days, strategically positioning themselves to face the approaching enemy.
- Incident: The Quraysh and their allies reached Medina and were surprised to find a trench obstructing their path. They were unable to breach the defenses of the Muslims.
- The siege lasted for approximately 27 days, during which both sides engaged in occasional skirmishes and exchanges of arrows.
- Occasion: One night during the siege, a severe windstorm struck the camp of the Confederates, causing chaos and destruction. This event is known as the “Miracle of the Ditch.”
- The severe weather conditions forced the Confederates to retreat, demoralizing their forces.
- Incident: During the siege, a Muslim named Amr ibn Abd Wudd managed to cross the trench and challenge the Muslims to a duel. He was eventually defeated and killed by Ali ibn Abi Talib.
- Occasion: A Jewish tribe named Banu Qurayza, who had previously pledged neutrality, conspired with the Confederates to attack the Muslims from within.
- The Prophet Muhammad assigned Sa’ad ibn Muadh, a prominent Muslim leader, to judge the fate of Banu Qurayza after their betrayal. They were eventually held accountable for their actions.
- The Confederates eventually retreated, marking the end of the siege and the victory of the Muslims.
- Incident: After the retreat of the Confederates, the Prophet Muhammad received a revelation from Allah, commemorated in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:9), affirming the protection of the believers during the battle.
- The Ghazwa Khandaq is considered a significant victory for the Muslims, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of defensive strategies and the unity of the Muslim community.
- The battle strengthened the position of the Muslims in Medina and weakened the power and influence of the Quraysh in Mecca.
- The Ghazwa Khandaq served as a turning point in the consolidation of Islamic authority and marked a major setback for the adversaries of Islam.
- The battle also solidified the bonds between the Muslim community and the tribes of Medina, leading to the establishment of the Constitution of Medina, which laid the foundation for a pluralistic and cohesive society.