Book: Dalail an-Nubuwwah by Bayhaqi

Chapter: Context of the Story of the Trench from the Expeditions of Musa ibn Uqbah

Reported to us Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz, saying: Reported to us Ismail ibn Muhammad ibn al-Fadl ibn Muhammad al-Sha'rani, saying: My grandfather told us, saying: Ibrahim ibn al-Mundhir al-Hizami told us, saying: Muhammad ibn Fulayh narrated to us, from Musa ibn Uqbah, from Ibn Shihab.

Reported to us Abu al-Husayn ibn al-Fadl al-Qattan in Baghdad, and his wording was: Reported to us Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn A'attab al-Abdi, saying: Al-Qasim ibn Abdullah ibn al-Mughirah narrated to us, saying: Ibn Abi Uways told us, saying: Ismail ibn Ibrahim ibn Uqbah narrated from his uncle Musa ibn Uqbah, saying: Abu Sufyan and Quraysh, along with their followers from the Arab pagans, went out with Huyay ibn Akhtab.

They drew water from the well of Hissan ibn Hudhayfah ibn Badr, and advanced with those from Ghatafan and Banu Abi al-Huqayq Kinanah ibn al-Rabi' ibn Abi al-Huqayq, stirring up Ghatafan, instigating them to fight, under the pretext of sharing half of the harvest.

The Conflicts at Khaybar

After the Battle of Khaybar, the tribes spread rumors about al-Harith ibn Auf, claiming that he incited Quraysh and Ghatafan to fight against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They were deceived by Satan's temptations and turned against the Prophet.

The Formation of the Confederates

Under the leadership of Uyaynah ibn Badr, various tribes, including Banu Asad and Quraysh, joined forces against the Prophet. Abu Sufyan and Abu Al-Awar mobilized the tribes of Sulaym, uniting a vast army, known as the "Al-Ahzab."

The Battle Preparation

When the Prophet learned of the confederates' gathering, he initiated the digging of the trench for defense. Muslims worked alongside the Prophet, eager to confront the approaching enemy. The Prophet's involvement in manual labor inspired and strengthened the believers.

The Prophet's Wisdom

During the preparations, the Prophet reminded the Muslims not to act impulsively or utter words of despair. He demonstrated his strength and resiliency, striking a stone with a pickaxe three times until it broke, with Salman al-Farisi observing extraordinary phenomena with each strike.

Salman in Islamic History

When asked by the companions, Salman affirmed that he had indeed seen signs foretold by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet identified these signs as including the conquest of cities like cities of Kisra, Rome, and Yemen. Salman, known for his strength, was tasked by the Prophet to dig parts of the trench during the Battle of the Trench, highlighting his significant role among the companions.

Salman Recognized as Part of the Prophet's Household

Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated an incident where a group of converts approached the Prophet, questioning their status. The Prophet identified them as part of his household (Ahl al-Bayt) and his followers. This event took place during the Battle of the Trench.

The Battle of the Trench and the Encounter with Abu Sufyan

During the Battle of the Trench, Abu Sufyan along with Quraysh polytheists and allies approached Madinah. The Banu Qurayzah fortified themselves, while a conversation ensued between the Prophet's companion Huwayy and his wife, refraining from disclosing the whereabouts of Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf, a key figure among the Jews at that time.

Meeting with Ka'b ibn Malik

Upon being struck with illness after dinner, Ka'b ibn Malik said, "Allow him in, though he is an ill-omened individual. By Allah, we have never had good come to us." Huwayy entered and said, "I have come to you by the honor of time, if you do not leave him upon me, I will bring Quraysh and its leaders to you, and I will deliver to you the two confederates: Asad and Ghatafan." Ka'b ibn Asad replied, "My case and what you have brought is like a cloud that has poured out its contents and then moved on. Woe to you, O Huwayy! Leave us to our pact with this man, for I have never seen anyone more truthful and faithful than Muhammad and his companions. By Allah, we are not coerced into religion, nor are we forced into debts, nor do we harbor enmity towards Muhammad or his work. Yet you are calling us towards destruction. We remind you of Allah unless you pardon us from yourself." He said, "By Allah, I will not do it, nor will Muhammad hold back from you until the Day of Resurrection. We will not separate from him and this group until we perish." Amr ibn Sa'd al-Qurazi said, "O Jews, you have sworn to Muhammad that you will not betray him, nor support his enemies, and that you will support him against whoever attacks Yathrib. Fulfill what you have pledged to him. If you do not, then back away from him and his enemies."

Confrontation with the Quraysh

The Quraysh made a pact with Huwayy to hand over seventy people as a guarantee, they tore up the document that had been between the Prophet and them, and they sent word to the Prophet for war and fortified themselves. The Prophet readied his companions for battle, and the polytheists surrounded them like a fortress. They besieged them for nearly twenty nights, attacking from all sides to the extent that a person could not even complete their prayers, facing towards their house.

The Consequences of Neglecting the Afternoon Prayer

In a battalion of warriors led by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, they fought their enemies from day until evening. When the time for the afternoon prayer, known as the Asr prayer, approached, the battalion drew near. However, neither the Prophet nor his companions were able to perform the prayer as desired. The battalion retreated with the onset of night. They claimed that the Prophet had said, "Those who neglect the Asr prayer, may Allah fill their bellies and graves with fire.”

As trials intensified for the Prophet and his companions, many hypocrites emerged, speaking foul words. Upon witnessing the distress and hardship faced by the people, the Prophet reassured them, promising relief from adversity and safe circumambulation around the Kaaba. He also expressed hope that the keys to the Kaaba would be brought to him, and that the treasures of the Persian and Roman empires would be spent in the path of Allah.

One man in their midst remarked to his companions, "Are you not amazed by Muhammad? He promises us to safely circumambulate the Ancient House and distribute the treasures of Persia and Rome, while here we can't even relieve ourselves without fear." Others remarked, "Allow us, for our homes are exposed." Some said, "O people of Yathrib, you have no standing here, so return."

Conversation with the Tribe of Qurayzah

The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, sent Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah, 'Abdullah ibn Rawahah, and Khawwan ibn Jubayr to speak to the tribe of Qurayzah and renew their allegiance. However, they insulted the Prophet and broke their oath. Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah responded to their insults, angering them. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh intervened, expressing concern for Qurayzah's safety.

The Prophet realized the hostility in their faces and asked the reason. They replied that they came to him from the traitorous Ka'b ibn Asad, who instigated animosity towards Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet instructed them to keep this information confidential.

Returning to his companions in distress, fearing a worse fate than Uhud, they inquired about the Prophet's condition. Initially silent, upon raising his head, he assured them of God's impending victory. The next day, tensions escalated, resulting in conflict between the Qurayzah tribe and the Prophet's companions.

The Vision of Victory

The Prophet's presence bolstered his companions' resolve. Despite facing immense trials and uncertainty, the Prophet's reassurance of divine triumph inspired hope and perseverance among his followers.

Story of Banu Qurayzah Siege

In the midst of the Battle of the Trench, Nawfal ibn Abdillah al-Makhzumi, a pagan, rode towards the trench to attack the Muslims. Allah granted victory to the Muslims and defeated the pagans, adding fear and confusion to their hearts. They proposed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to pay compensation in exchange for burying Nawfal, but the Prophet responded that his blood was tainted and cursed by Allah, refusing to accept any compensation.

Saad ibn Muadh was also injured during the siege, with his arm wounded by a projectile. He was falsely reported by some to be killed, causing confusion among different tribal groups. Saad prayed for healing before his impending death, while the believers stood firm despite facing numerous challenges and increasing in certainty about the promise of Allah.

As the situation escalated, Abu Sufyan decided to seek a resolution with Banu Qurayzah due to limited resources. A messenger named Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud was sent to negotiate with Banu Qurayzah. The Prophet Muhammad spotted Nu'aym and asked him about the situation. Nu'aym explained the intentions of Banu Qurayzah and their desire to confront the Muslims, seeking to end the conflict through negotiations. The Prophet agreed but warned them not to betray the terms of the agreement.

Peace Treaty Negotiations in Islamic History

In the context of a delicate peace negotiation, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received emissaries inviting him to reconcile with the tribe of Banu Nadir. In response, he assured them of his intention to return the Banu Nadir to their lands and possessions.

Upon receiving this news, Nuaym ibn Masud set out for the tribe of Ghatafan and warned them of the potential betrayal by the Jews, citing the Prophet's honesty and the recent peace agreement made with the tribe of Banu Qurayzah. Nuaym highlighted the need for the Banu Nadir to be returned to their homes and to fight alongside the Prophet, emphasizing the return of a certain scripture that was in dispute.

Abu Sufyan, upon receiving these warnings, sought counsel with the Quraysh leaders, who hesitated due to the uncertainty about their situation. They decided to delay their return to Medina, acknowledging the reliability of the information provided by Nuaym and the deceitful nature of some people.

Concerned about the safety of their troops, the Quraysh leaders expressed their unwillingness to trust the Jews or enter their fortress. They decided to wait and gather more information before making any hasty decisions.

Abu Sufyan then sent Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl and a group of warriors to engage in dialogue with the Jews, who expressed their readiness to fight the next day. However, the Quraysh warriors, citing religious reasons and logistical difficulties, postponed the battle to Sunday. Feeling discouraged by their response, Ikrimah returned with a sense of defeat.

Intensification of Hardships and Siege on Muslims

The hardships and siege intensified on the Muslims, occupying their minds so they could not rest day or night. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) decided to send someone to leave the trench and find out what the people were up to. He approached his companions, asking if anyone would volunteer for this task. One man declined, and then another, while Hudhaifah ibn al-Yaman listened quietly to the Prophet's words amidst the suffering and hardship.

Hudhaifah's Willingness to Serve

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) approached Hudhaifah not knowing who he was, Hudhaifah revealed his identity. The Prophet then asked him if he had heard his statement from the previous night and his query about the people. Hudhaifah affirmed, mentioning his hesitation due to hunger and fear. The Prophet then prayed for Hudhaifah's safety as he ventured out to collect information.

Hudhaifah's Mission

Hudhaifah fearlessly crossed the trench and sat among the disbelievers, witnessing Abu Sufyan's orders to light fires and be vigilant. Hudhaifah made cunning inquiries without alarming them. When Abu Sufyan allowed their departure, Hudhaifah managed to glean important information without raising suspicion. The disbelievers were clueless about their departure, as Allah had sent windstorms to delay their building and armament efforts.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

When Hudhayfah returned with news of the people, he came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, while he was standing in prayer. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, continued to pray as he did when Muhammad ibn Maslamah and his companions went out and killed Ka‘b ibn al-Ashraf. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, remained standing in prayer until they were done. Hudhayfah approached the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and he was instructed to come close until his back touched the foot of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Hudhayfah then wrapped himself with his garment until he warmed up, then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, turned to him and asked him about the people. He informed him of the news. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and the Muslims woke up to find that Allah Almighty had granted them victory and made their enemies fall. They returned to Medina exhausted from what they faced from being besieged by the enemy during severe winter, having besieged them in return, and they returned weary, putting down their weapons.

Testimony of Abu 'Abdullah al-Hafiz

Abu 'Abdullah al-Hafiz informed us, and he said: Abu Ja'far al-Baghdadi narrated to us, saying: Abu 'Uthman Muhammad ibn 'Amr ibn Khalid informed us, saying: My father told me, saying: My father told me: Ibn Lahi'ah narrated to us, saying: Abu al-Aswad informed us, on the authority of 'Urwah who mentioned this story in a similar manner as Musa ibn 'Uqbah had narrated. When they were discussing this story in their expeditions, there were corroborating reports in connected hadiths and in the campaigns of Muhammad ibn Ishaq ibn Yasar. We mention it with the help of Allah Almighty, under different chapters.

In the representation found in some copies, it is written as "approached".