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.
