9/11/23, 2:32 PM Battle of Trench | History, Facts and More | Victory For The Muslim Ummah |Pilgrim

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Battle of Trench – Also know Products

as, Battle of Khandaq and

Ghazwa-e-Ahzab
Soon after winning the Battle of Uhud, the Quraysh leaders realised that they had
fought indecisively and that their victory hadn’t borne any fruit for them. On the flip
side, Islam had successfully reestablished its authority within a short span of time.

The loss at the Battle of Uhud had taught Muslims the significance of increasing
military strength and having combat knowledge. All of the lessons, planning, and
hard work were on display during the Battle of Trench. Instead of focusing only on
fighting, Muslims strategically planned to dig a trench around the northern boundary
of Madinah to slow down the archers.

Fought in the month of Shawwal, the Battle of Trench distinguished truth from
falsehood and the believers from non-believers, teaching the importance of
believing in Allah SWT and trusting His plans during even the hardest of times.

Here is everything you need to know about the Battle of Trench, otherwise known as
the Battle of Confederates, Ghazwa-e-Ahzab, and the Battle of Khandaq.

Table of Contents

1. What Was the Battle of Trench?

2. Digging of the Trench
3. Importance of the Battle of Trench
3.1. Why Was the Battle of Trench Fought?
3.2. When Was the Battle of Trench Fought?
4. Where Did the Battle of Trench Take Place?
4.1. How Many Muslims Fought in the Battle of Trench?
5. Outcome/Result of the Battle of Trench
6. Miracles During the Battle of Trench
6.1. Miracle 1
7. Miracle 2
7.1. Miracle 3
8. Facts about the Battle of Trench
9. Lessons from the Battle of Trench
9.0.1. Summary – Battle of Trench

What Was the Battle of Trench?

The Battle of Trench was a 30-day long siege of Yathrib (now Madinah) fought
between the Muslims and the confederates of the Quraysh and Jews. While the
Muslim army comprised only 3,000 soldiers, the opponents were 10,000 strong.

Led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the outnumbered Muslims decided to dig and
fight from behind a trench. Paired with Madinah’s natural fortification, the trench
rendered the opponent’s cavalry useless, locking them from all sides in a stalemate.

Even though the opponents succeeded in using another Jewish tribe to attack from
the inside, the well-organized defenders fought fearlessly until a storm caused the
siege to end in a fiasco.
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Al-Bara bin Azib narrated, “I saw the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the Day of
(the battle of) Al-Khandaq, carrying earth with us and saying, ‘By Allah SWT, without
Allah SWT we would not have been guided, neither would we have fasted, nor
would we have prayed.

O, Allah SWT! Send down Sakina (calmness) upon us and make our feet firm when
we meet (the enemy). The pagans have rebelled against us, but if they want to put
us in affliction (i.e., fight us), we refuse (to flee).'” (Sahih Bukhari)

Digging of the Trench

When the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT heard the news that the Jews and
Quraysh were lobbying against the Muslims, he called his companions to strategize.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started taking suggestions and that is when Salman
Farsi (RA) told him to dig a trench around the northern boundary of Madinah as the
other sides are covered with mountains and dense forests.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) divided the Muslims into groups of ten and asked
them to dig a trench. It is narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT, while
digging the trench, said, “This is Quraysh’s last attempt to destroy Islam and
Muslims, and from now on, we will rule over them.”

Importance of the Battle of Trench

The Muslims’ victory in the Battle of Trench and the failure of the siege of the pagan
Quraysh marked the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) political
ascendancy in Madinah. The non-believers had exerted their utmost strength to kill
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Muslims.

As a consequence of the defeat, the Quraysh lost their prestige and their trade with
Syria. The tale of the strong leadership and belief of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
inspired the non-believers residing in Makkah to convert to Islam.

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Referring to the Battle of Trench, Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says, “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.” [Holy
Quran, Al-Ahzab 33:10-11]

It is reported that on the day of the Battle of Trench, the Ansar used to say, “We are
those who have given the pledge of allegiance to Muhammad (PBUH) for Jihad (i.e.,
holy fighting) as long as we live.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH, replied to them, “O
Allah SWT! There is no life except the life of the Hereafter; so please honour the
Ansar and the Emigrants.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Abdullah bin Abu Aufa reported, “With the plan to stop the attacks of the idolaters,
the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT at one time when he confronted the enemy
and was waiting for the sun to set, stood up and said, ‘O people! Do not long for
encountering the enemy and supplicate to Allah to grant you security.

But when you face the enemy, show patience and steadfastness; and keep it in
mind that Jannah lies under the shade of the swords.’ Then he invoked Allah,
saying, ‘O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the
Confederates, put our enemy to rout and help us in over-powering them.'” (Al-
Bukhari and Muslim)

Why Was the Battle of Trench Fought?

Initiated by the Quraysh, the battle took place because the pagans considered Islam
as a threat to their political supremacy and economic security in Saudi Arabia. Abu
Sufyan and the other Quraysh and Jews leaders believed that the only way to
safeguard their existence and restore their hegemony was to kill Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH). And so, with the aim to exterminate all Muslims, the Quraysh
decided to strike a final and crushing blow to the city of Madinah.

The reason why Muslims participated in the Battle of Trench was to protect Madinah
from being attacked by Banu Nazir, Banu Qurayza, and the Quraysh tribes.

Ibn Khatir (RA) narrates that, “The reason why the confederates came was that a
group of the leaders of Banu Nadir, whom the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT had
expelled from Al-Madinah to Khaybar, including Sallam bin Abu Al-Huqayq, Sallam
bin Mishkam, and Kinanah bin Ar-Rabi, went to Makkah where they met with the
leaders of Quraysh and incited them to make war against Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH).”

When Was the Battle of Trench Fought?

The Battle of Trench was a 30-day-long siege. It started on December 29, 626 AD,
and ended on January 29, 627 AD. According to Islamic narrations, Ghazwa-e-
Ahzab took place in the month of Shawwal, 5 AH.

Where Did the Battle of Trench Take Place?

The Battle of Trench (Ghazwa-e-Khandaq) occurred on the outskirts of Madinah,
Saudi Arabia. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his army played a defensive
strategy and dug a deep trench to stop the Quraysh confederates from entering the
city of Madinah.

Even though Banu Nadir succeeded in bribing the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza to
attack the Muslim army from the inside, it resulted in chaos. The Muslim army
bravely took back control and conquered the area of Banu Qurayza.

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How Many Muslims Fought in the Battle of Trench?

An army of 3000 Muslims (Muhajirin and Ansar) bravely fought against 10,000
confederates, six hundred horses, and some camels in the Battle of Trench.

Outcome/Result of the Battle of Trench

Even after several trials by the Quraysh army, they failed to cross the trench. This not
only made the confederates restless, but their battle animals also suffered major war
wounds. With every passing day, the harsh winds of Medina grew stronger, making
survival difficult for the opponents by creating a challenging scenario for the raiding
army.

Although the Quraysh fought hard to survive, the storm sent by Allah SWT scared
them away for good.

On the other hand, with Tawakul in their hearts, Muslims fought with strategy and
bravery. The army of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) found shelter in their homes
against the stormy desert winds.

As a result of this, the Banu Qurayza tribe surrendered unconditionally to the army
of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This gave the Muslims of Madinah complete
control of the Banu Qurayza neighbourhoods and a chance to openly preach and
spread Islam.

Miracles During the Battle of Trench

Just like other battles, the Battle of Trench played a pivotal role in the establishment
of the Islamic community. The Muslim army bravely and strategically fought against
10,000 Quraysh confederates. However, it wouldn’t have been possible without the
blessings and miracles of Allah SWT. Some of the unexplainable events that took
place during the Battle of Khandaq are as follows:

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Miracle 1

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated, “On the day of the battle of Al-
Khandaq (the Trench), we were digging the trench when a very hard boulder came
in our way. The Companions went to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and told him
about it. He said, ‘I will go down the trench to see it.’ He stood up, and it was noticed
that he had tied a stone over his stomach due to intense hunger. We had not tasted
anything for three days.

He took up a spade and struck the hard rock with it, turning it into sand. I sought his
permission to go home, (after reaching home, I) said to my wife, ‘I have seen the
Prophet (PBUH) in a state that I am unable to endure. Have you got anything in the
house?’ She said, ‘I have a small quantity of barley and a lamb.’ I slaughtered the
lamb, ground the barley, and put the meat in the cooking pot. Then I went to the
Prophet (PBUH). In the meantime, the flour had been kneaded, and the meat in the
pot was nearly cooked. I said to him, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have some food, will
you come along with one or two Companions?’ He asked, ‘How many men should
go there?’ I told him the number. He said, ‘It will be better if they are more in number.
Tell your wife not to remove the pot from the hearth nor the bread from the oven till I
arrive.’ Then he said to the Muhajirun and the Ansar: ‘Let us go (to eat).’ They all
rose (and went with him).

I went to my wife and said, ‘Bless you, the Prophet (PBUH), the Muhajirun, the Ansar,
and the whole company are coming.’ She said, ‘Did he (PBUH) ask you?’ I replied in
the affirmative. (When they arrived) Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to his
Companions, ‘Enter, but do not crowd in.’ Then he started breaking up the bread
and putting meat on it. He would take from the pot, and the oven then would cover
them up, approach his Companions and hand it over to them. He would then go
back and uncover the pot and the oven. He continued to break up the bread and
put meat on it till all had eaten to their fill and still some of the food remained. Then
he said to my wife, ‘Eat from it, and send it as a present, for the people have been
afflicted with severe hunger.'” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Miracle 2
According to Islamic narrations, on the second day of the Battle of Trench, the
Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT struck a gigantic rock. It is said that the moment
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) axe hit the rock, it broke into pieces, and a bright
flash of white light was emitted.

The light was so bright that Muslims could see the palaces of Shaam. After the
miracle, the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT congratulated the Muslim army on
upcoming victories over Syria, Yemen, and Persia. Today, Masjid Ra’yah is located in
the place where this miracle took place.

Miracle 3

During the Battle of Trench, while the Quraysh army was fighting bitter cold winds,
Huzaifa said to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “I am trembling of cold, how I can
cross the trench?” However, miraculously the Messenger’s (PBUH) body
temperature got warmer and he (SAW) easily crossed the trench, facing the
Quraysh army bravely.

Facts about the Battle of Trench

The Battle of Trench is an important battle in Islamic history and one that played a
pivotal role in establishing Islam as the religion for generations to come. Listed below
are some lesser-known facts about Ghazwa-e-Khandaq:

The Battle of Trench took place in 5 AH, in the last week of Shawwal, and EN
continued in Ramadan.

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When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) learned that Abu Sufyan was leading
an army of 10,000 soldiers toward Madinah, he (SAW) along with his
companions came together to devise a defensive plan.
Salman Farsi (RA) gave the idea to dig a trench around the northern border
of the city (Madinah) as dense forests and mountains covered the other two
sides.
With high hopes and an empty stomach, it took the Muslims six days to dig
a 5.5-kilometre-long, 9-metre-wide, and 4.5-metre-deep trench.
The miracle took place at Jabir’s (RA) residence.
Because of the trench, the Quraysh army was unable to enter the city of
Madinah.
Mount Ra’yah (Mount Dhubab) was where the famous miracle took place. It
was here that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) struck a large rock, which broke
into pieces, and emitted a bright white light.
During the Battle of Trench, Ali Ibn Talib (RA) succeeded in killing one of
the top enemy commanders, Amr. This helped the Muslim army regain
charge of an area named Sila.
The Quraysh knew that they would have to come up with an alternative
plan. So, the leader of Banu Nadir (Jewish tribe) went to Banu Qurayza
(another Jewish tribe) and asked for their help. Even though Banu Qurayza
had signed a treaty with the Muslims and helped them dig the trench, the
moment Banu Nadir asked for help, Banu Qurayza betrayed the treaty and
attacked.
Banu Qurayaza then attacked Muslim children and women in the southern
region of Medinah. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) learned about the
attack, he immediately sent an army to protect them, which also resulted in
defeating the Banu Qurayaza.
An elderly man, Nuaym ibn Masud approached Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) and secretly disclosed that he had accepted Islam and that he
wanted to help the Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised him to
strategically break the trust between the Banu Qurayza and Quraysh
confederates.
Nuaym ibn Masud did as he was told. He went back and said to Banu
Qurayza that in case the Muslims win, the Quraysh troops will easily
escape, leaving the Jewish tribe to face hardships alone. He advised them EN

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that the wisest way to have assurance is to request the Quraysh to send
some of their leaders as hostages to the Banu Qurayza.
On the flip side, Nauym ibn Masud went to the Quraysh and told them that
Banu Qurayza had once again joined hands with the Muslims, and so they
could not be trusted. This resulted in creating an environment of mistrust
and doubts between the Banu Qurayza and Quraysh.
It was Masjid Fatah where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed to Allah
SWT for the victory of the Muslims. He (SWT) accepted his (SAW) prayers
and sent down a strong storm that destroyed everything.
This left the Quraysh and Banu Qurayza tribes helpless. They had no
choice but to surrender and leave the battlefield.
An army comprising 3000 Muslim soldiers succeeded in defeating 10,000
Quraysh men. This established a strong and powerful image of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) in the Arabian Peninsula.

Lessons from the Battle of Trench

As stated earlier, Muslims won the Battle of Trench very easily. Even though they
were just 3000 in number and the opposing army comprised 10,000 soldiers, the
Muslim army only suffered one to five casualties while the enemy ended up losing
almost 80% of theirs.

The strategy and patience showcased by the Muslim army during the Battle of
Trench taught us to have faith in Allah SWT and believe that no matter what
happens, the Almighty is watching over us, and the final outcome will be in our
favour. In simpler words, having Tawakul (relying on Allah SWT) is essential as it
ensures the preparation and preservation of an individual.

When stuck in a difficult situation, remember that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and
his companions were only victorious in Ghazwa-e-Khandaq because they made all
the necessary preparations, thought outside the box, and fought hard.

Not only this but the leadership and decision-making skills of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) taught us the importance of having a strong leader in a time of crisis.

Summary – Battle of Trench

One thing that we know for sure is that the 30-day-long Battle of Trench played a
decisive role in the establishment of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

With faith in Allah SWT, 3,000 Muslims fought strategically and bravely against the
all-powerful Quraysh troops, resulting in the believers scaring away the idolaters
and gaining complete control over the tribes of Qurayza.

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