Book: Dalail an-Nubuwwah by Bayhaqi

Chapter on the Adversity Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Believers Faced from the Polytheists

In this chapter, the text discusses the trials that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Muslims faced, including being besieged by the polytheists, facing hardship to the extent that some hypocrites revealed their doubts and treachery, Muslims being preoccupied with battle to the extent of neglecting obligatory prayers, and the sending of winds and armies by Allah against the polytheists. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "War is deceit."

The text further delves into the eloquence and wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), highlighting his straightforward and authentic speech, devoid of pretense or decoration. He was raised among the most eloquent Arab tribes yet he maintained simplicity in his words and conveyed deep wisdom through his speech, setting a standard in linguistics and rhetoric.

Key phrases from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned in the text include "War is deceit" and other sayings that have had a significant impact on the Arabic language. His words were a source of profound wisdom and inspiration, distinguishing him from all other Arabs.

Hadith 1

It was narrated to us by Al-Haytham ibn Khalaf and Ibn Najiyah, they said: Harun ibn Ishaq narrated to us, who narrated from Abdah, from Hisham, from his father, from Aisha regarding the saying of Allah, exalted and glorified: "When they came at you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes shifted in terror, and the hearts reached the throats."(Qur'an, 33:10) Aisha said: "All of that happened on the Day of the Trench." This was narrated by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih from Uthman ibn Abi Shaybah, from Abdah.

Hadith 2

It was narrated to us by Abu Abdullah Al-Hafiz, who narrated from Ahmad ibn Kamil Al-Qadi, who narrated from Muhammad ibn Sa'd Al-Awfi, who said: My father narrated to us, from my uncle Al-Husayn ibn Al-Hasan ibn Atiyyah, who said: My father narrated to us, from his father, from Ibn Abbas that when the believers saw the Confederates... to the end of the verse. He said: This is verse 10 of Surah Al-Ahzab.

References: (4) Verse 9, Surah Al-Ahzab. (5) Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 13. (6) They were Banu Harithah ibn Al-Harith, according to the narration of Ibn Abbas and Yazid ibn Ruman said it was Aws ibn Qayyis to a people from his tribe. Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 14:148. (7) 'Our homes are unguarded,' meaning they feared theft according to Al-Jawhari. The 'awrah' refers to any vulnerability that is feared in battle. (8) Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 22.

Surat Al-Baqarah

In Surat Al-Baqarah, Allah warned them: "Do you think you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who strive hard [in His cause] and who are steadfast?" (2:214).

Trials and Tribulations

Throughout history, trials and tribulations have afflicted believers, causing them distress and shaking their faith. Yet, the believers stood firm, united in the face of adversity, unwavering in their faith and submission (2:214).

The Believers' Response

When faced with the enemy's forces at the Battle of the Trench, the believers proclaimed, "This is what Allah and His Messenger promised us" (Qatadah). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) foretold his companions of the impending victory, as revealed by Gabriel, and the believers rejoiced, praising the true promise of Allah. When the enemy's forces appeared, the believers recognized the fulfillment of Allah's promise (Al-Mawardi).

The Mission of Hudhayfah

Amidst the challenging circumstances during the Battle of the Trench, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dispatched Hudhayfah to gather intelligence from the enemy's camp. Despite repeated calls for a volunteer, only Hudhayfah responded. Upon his departure, the Prophet prayed for his safety and awaited his return (Ahmad). As Hudhayfah ventured to fulfill his mission, the Prophet beseeched Allah for support and relief, acknowledging His mercy and protection over him and his companions (Ibn Hajar).

Explanation of a Quranic Verse (Surah Al-Baqarah)

In this hadith, it is reported that upon seeing the enemy tribes, the believers affirmed their trust in Allah and His Messenger, remembering the promise of victory. Allah revealed in Surah Al-Baqarah: "Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty, hardship." The believers reflected on the promise of Allah and His Messenger. The narrators include Ma'mar reporting from Qatadah about the believers observing the approaching enemy forces and affirming their faith.

Actions of the Companions during Conflict

Abu Safyan and others called for retreat during a conflict. The heat of battle forced some to seek refuge in nature. A narration mentions Mu'attib ibn Qushayr's comparison of their situation to eating from the treasures of kings while not feeling secure enough to use the restroom. There is also mention of Aws ibn Qayziyyah declaring their homes vulnerable to attack and the need to flee for safety. During this chaos, the factions scattered, with the Prophet (peace be upon him) returning to Medina amid divine protection.

Prophetic Encouragement in Times of Fear

The hadith further recounts the encouragement from Angel Jibril for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to head towards the Banu Quraizah tribe. This action signified divine support amidst difficult circumstances. Abu Sufyan reminisces about the sound of a battle that persisted until they crossed the region of Ruha, highlighting the intense nature of the conflict.

The Revelation in Response to the Request

When our women, sons, and descendants made such a request to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed to His Messenger (peace be upon him) after he had finished [with them], so they would not be tried regarding the favor of Allah upon them. This was a sufficiency for them after having harbored ill thoughts, and an answer to those who spoke out of hypocrisy.

The Trial and Tribulation of the Believers

"O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to you. We sent upon them a wind and soldiers that you did not see." The soldiers were Quraysh, Ghatfan, and Banu Quraizah. The soldiers whom Allah sent with the wind were angels who came upon you from above and below. The Banu Quraizah came from above, and the Quraysh and Ghatfan came from below. This was when the believers were tested, shaken severely, saying, 'What has Allah and His Messenger promised us except delusion?'

The Testing of the Messenger and the Believers

At that time, the believers and others were tried for a period of twenty-four nights while the people were gripped by fear and calamity. There was no fighting except for the siege and the shooting of arrows. It is reported that a group from Quraysh, including Amr ibn Abd Wudd, Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, Dirar ibn al-Khattab, and Hubayrah ibn Abi Wahb, prepared for battle and rode out on their horses. They reached the dwellings of Banu Kinanah, stopped, and called out for warfare. They then proceeded, hastening until they reached the trench, exclaiming, 'By Allah, this is a cunning scheme; the Arabs have never employed such deceitful tactics.'

Events of the Battle of the Trench

After digging a narrow trench, the Muslims advanced into the area between the trench and the enemy, with Ali - may Allah be pleased with him - leading a group of Muslims. As they reached the breach through which they entered, the enemy cavalry charged towards them. Among the enemy troops was Amr ibn Abd Wudd, a skilled warrior from the Quraysh tribe. Although injured but never having participated in battles before, he chose to witness the scene where the Muslims had stationed themselves during the battle. When he and his horse stopped, Ali approached him and reminded him of his promise to the Quraysh tribe, to accept a challenge from anyone. However, Ali invited him to embrace Islam, but Amr declined. Ali then challenged him to individual combat, and though reluctant to kill him, he fought and defeated him. Amr's horse fled in defeat, prompting the enemy troops to also retreat back over the trench.

Other Participants on the Battlefield

Another account mentions the participation of Hubayrah ibn Abi Wahb and Nawfal ibn Abd Allah al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi on the Day of the Trench. At one point, Zubayr ibn al-Awwam confronted Nawfal, striking him twice until his sword broke, leaving him defenseless. As Nawfal lay defeated, Zubayr declared, "I am the one who defends and protects the Messenger, the illiterate Prophet."

Translation of Classical Arabic Passage

The historian Ibn Ishaq mentioned in another part of his book that Ali was wounded in his helmet, such that he removed it from his head. He died in the trench, and the polytheists sent a messenger to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, to buy his armor for ten thousand dirhams. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "It is for you. We do not eat the price of the dead." Amr ibn Abd Wudd came out and called, "Who will duel?" Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, stood up, wearing his armor, thinking it was Amr and said, "I am for her, O Messenger of Allah." He replied, "It is Amr, sit down." Amr called out, admonishing them, saying, "Where is your paradise that whoever is killed among you will enter?" "Why don’t you send a man to fight me?" Ali stood up and said, "I am here, O Messenger of Allah." He told him to sit, then called for a third time. Continuing with verses of poetry, Ali stands, and Omar inquires who he is. Ali identifies himself, and after some clarification, the Messenger of Allah gives him permission to go. When he approaches, Ali recites poetry, and Omar questions him about his lineage. Ali replies, and confirmation is made.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him)

"Someone other than you, O son of my brother, and from your relatives, is more deserving than you. I don't want to shed your blood," said the man. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, "But by Allah, I don't mind shedding your blood." The man became angry, drew his sword as if it were a flaming torch, advanced towards Ali in rage. Ali, in response, struck him with his impenetrable armor, causing the sword to break. He hit him on the head, cutting it, and then struck him on the neck, causing him to fall. The assailant struggled, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) heard the cries of the attack. He knew that Ali had killed him. Ali then recited: 'The horsemen charge fiercely... Today my companions delay out of fear... I am not the one to flee; resolute I stand, with a wound in my head not befitting a prophet.' Ali then approached the Prophet with his face covered in valor. Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'Why didn't you wear his armor? For among the Arabs, there is no better armor than his.' Ali replied, 'I hit him so hard with his sword that it became black, but I was ashamed to wear the armor of my cousin. His horses came out defeated until they plunged into the trench."

Account of Events

Abu Bakr Muhammad al-Hasan ibn Furak narrated from Abu Abdullah ibn Ja'far ibn Ahmad al-Asbahani, who was informed by Harun ibn Sulaiman, who narrated from Muammal ibn Isma'il, who said that Hammad ibn Zaid reported from Hisham ibn Uruwah, from his father, from Abdullah ibn Zubair, who said, "On the day of the trench, I was with the women and children in the fortress."

Observing the Battle and Recalling the Prophet's Words

One day, I was in a fortress with 'Umar ibn Abi Salama. He would bend down so I could climb on his back. I would look at the people fighting and he would climb on my back to look as well. I asked my father what he was doing, and he replied that the Prophet had prayed for his parents to be with him. I exclaimed my willingness to sacrifice myself for my parents.

Story of a Martyr

There was a martyr from the pagans who was killed during the Battle of the Trench. The pagans requested the Prophet to send them the martyr's body in exchange for a large sum of money. However, the Prophet refused, saying there was no benefit in selling the martyr's body.

A'isha in the Fortress

A'isha was in the fortress of Bani Haritha during the Battle of the Trench. It was one of the strongest fortresses in Medina. She was accompanied by Umm Sa'd bint Mu'adh before the veil had been imposed. The Prophet and his companions were digging the trench when they raised the spades.

The Women in the Fortresses Fearful of the Enemy

In a narrative about the women in the fortresses, Aisha recounted an incident involving Sa'd ibn Mu'adh wearing a small protective shield, with part of it missing and his sword blazing in his hand. Sa'd uttered, "Stay a bit longer so you may witness the battle, do not fear death when the time has come." Sa'd's mother commented, "You have indeed delayed, my son." Aisha expressed her wish for a more protective shield for Sa'd, fearing for him if he got hit by an arrow.

An Additional Account

Abu Abdullah added to the narration that Ibn Ishaq mentioned Sa'd being struck by an arrow from Habban ibn Qais al-A'rak, cutting into Sa'd's sleeve. When Sa'd was hit, he instructed, "Take it from me; I am Ibn Al-A'rak," part of Banu 'Amir ibn Lu'ay, to which Sa'd responded, "May Allah disfigure your face in the Fire, if anything of the Quraysh's strength remains."

Favor for the Prophet (pbuh)

Keep me for her, for indeed the people I love most to engage in combat with are the ones who harmed your messenger, accused him of lying, and expelled him. Even if you were to set war between us and them, make it a testimony for me. Do not allow my eyes to be comforted by the children of Qurayzah.

Event from Ibn Ishaq

Ibn Ishaq narrated from Ubaidullah ibn Ka'b ibn Malik that he used to say: Sa'd on that day did not get hit by an arrow except by Abu Usama al-Jushami, the ally of Banu Makhzum. He mentioned a poem regarding that event.

Narration Chain

Abu Abdullah al-Hafiz and Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn al-Hasan al-Qadi reported from Abu al-Abbas Muhammad ibn Ya'qub, who narrated from Ahmad ibn Abdul Jabbar, who was told by Yunus ibn Bukayr, from Ibn Ishaq, who said: Yahya ibn Abbad ibn Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr narrated from his father. Safiyya bint Abdul Muttalib was in the fort of Hassan ibn Thabit, where Hassan ibn Thabit was with the women and children during the Battle of the Trench.

Safiyya's Account

Safiyya said: A Jewish man passed by our fort, wandering around. Banu Qurayzah had been fighting, cutting us off from the Prophet (pbuh). There was no one to protect us and the Prophet (pbuh), while the Muslims were in the depths of the enemy's territories, unable to come to our aid.

Story of Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib

In this historical account, Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib, a woman from the Quraysh tribe, took matters into her own hands when faced with a threat posed by a Jewish man. The man was wandering near the fortress, seemingly spying on the Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad and his companions were preoccupied, so Safiyyah decided to act.

She told her guardian, Hassan, about the Jewish man and urged him to take action, but Hassan hesitated due to the man's human status. Safiyyah, however, was resolute and resolved to deal with the situation herself. She descended from the fortress, approached the man, and struck him with a pillar until he died. She then returned to the fortress, having accomplished her mission.

Impressed by her courage and decisiveness, Hassan acknowledged Safiyyah's bravery, acknowledging he could not have accomplished what she did. This incident is significant as it marks Safiyyah as the first woman known to have killed a polytheist man.

At the Battle of the Trench, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, sat on a patch of land from the trench. The incident narrated here is recorded in Ibn Hisham's biography (3: 182-183) and Ibn Kathir's historical work (4: 108-109), despite some objections and skepticism expressed by commentators.

Explanation of Hadith from the Battle of the Trench

In this hadith, it is narrated that during the Battle of the Trench (Al-Khandaq), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions were occupied with preparing defenses that they missed the 'Asr prayer until the sun almost set. The graves and homes of some disbelievers were filled with fire or wrath due to missing the prayer, as mentioned in the hadith of Al-Rudabari. This hadith was narrated by Shu'bah in Sahih Muslim.

Umar's Concern about 'Asr Prayer

After realizing the lateness of the hour and fearing he had missed the 'Asr prayer, Umar ibn al-Khattab criticized himself for not praying on time. The Prophet (peace be upon him) reassured him that he had not missed the prayer and led them in performing 'Asr and later after Maghrib prayers near Buthan. This incident is narrated in the authentic hadith by Hisham al-Dustwai.

Key References:

• Hadith source regarding the Battle of the Trench: Sahih Muslim, Hadith narrated by Shu'bah
• Hadith source regarding Umar's concern about 'Asr prayer: Sahih Muslim, Hadith narrated by Hisham al-Dustwai

Transmission of Prayers in the Midst of Warfare

Abu 'Abdullah Al-Hafiz reported to us, Abu 'Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ya'qub narrated to us, Hammid ibn Abi Hammid Al-Muqri' informed us, Is'haq ibn Sulaiman Al-Razi narrated to us, Ibn Abi Dhayb reported to us from Al-Maqburiyy, from 'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Abi Sa'id Al-Khudri, from his father said: "During the Battle of the Trench, we were confined from Dhuhr to Isha prayers until we completed that. Then Allah, the Almighty and Majestic said: 'And sufficient is Allah for the believers in battle, and Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.' (Quran, 33:25)"

The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, then stood and ordered Bilal to call for the prayer. He established Dhuhr prayer as he used to perform it before that, then he stood up and prayed 'Asr as he used to pray it before that. Then he performed Maghrib prayer in its due time, and prayed it as he used to pray it before that. Next, he performed the 'Isha prayer at its prescribed time, praying it as he normally did, all of this was before seeing either travelers or non-travelers.

Initiation of Nuyaim bin Mas'ud into Islam

Abu 'Abdullah Al-Hafiz reported to us, Abu Al-'Abbas: Muhammad ibn Ya'qub narrated to us, Ahmad ibn 'Abd al-Jabbar informed us, Yunus reported to us, from Ibn Ishaq, who said: "While the people were in fear, Nu'aym bin Mas'ud Al-Ashja'i came to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him." Ibn Ishaq continued: "A man told me, on the authority of 'Abdullah ibn Ka'b ibn Malik, that Nu'aym bin Mas'ud Al-Ashja'i went to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I have embraced Islam, and no one from my people knows about it. Command me with what you will.' The Messenger of Allah said to him: 'You are among us.'"

Dialogue Between Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud and the Tribe of Qurayzah

One Man. So sow discord among them as much as you are able. Verily, war is deception.

Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud then traveled until he reached the tribe of Qurayzah. He addressed them, saying, "O tribe of Qurayzah - and you had ties with us in the days of ignorance - I am your ally and friend, and you know that. They replied, 'You have spoken the truth.' He continued, 'By Allah, you and Quraysh and Ghatfan are all at the same level with Muhammad. This land is your land, with your wealth, your children, and your women. Quraysh and Ghatfan have lands other than this. They have only come to stay with you. If they find an opportunity, they will seize it. Otherwise, they will return to their lands, leaving you to deal with the matter. If they do so, do not fight them until you take a collateral from their nobles, ensuring they will not leave until they finish Muhammad off.' They said to him, 'You have given good counsel and advice.'

Nu'aym's Negotiation with Quraysh

Nu'aym then went to Quraysh and met with Abu Sufyan and the nobles of Quraysh. Addressing them, he said, 'O people of Quraysh, you know about your dispute with Muhammad and his religion. I have come with advice for you. Keep it confidential.' They agreed. He continued, 'You know that the tribe of Qurayzah, being Jews, regret what they did concerning Muhammad. They have sent a proposal asking if you would agree for them to take some nobles as collateral to deliver them to you so you can deal with them. Would you strike their necks and have them side with you until you expel them from your lands?' They replied, 'Yes!' He warned them, 'If they send asking for some of your men, do not give them a single man and be cautious.' Then Ghatfan came...

Abu Sufyan's Attempt to Negotiate with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

God facilitated for His Messenger, peace be upon him, by sending Abu Sufyan ibn Harb ibn Umayyah ibn Abi Jahl to negotiate with him. Abu Sufyan, addressing the Jews, proclaimed that their allies had been destroyed and that they were camped in a safe place, urging them to come out to meet Muhammad. The Jews, however, hesitant to fight alongside Abu Sufyan, demanded hostages for security. Abu Sufyan, feigning reluctance, refused to provide any hostages, allowing the Jews the option to either join the fight or stay behind. The Jews suspected foul play, believing that Abu Sufyan's allies did not intend to fight, advising them to seize any opportunity that arose or retreat to their lands. Refusing to offer hostages, Abu Sufyan later faced a divine intervention where a windstorm besieged him and his troops, resulting in their defeat.

Aisha's Account of the Negotiations

Nuaym, an emissary, was called upon by the Prophet Muhammad who informed him of the Jews' proposal to hand over Quraysh and Ghatafan men as hostages for an attack. Nuaym relayed the message and left. The Prophet, describing warfare as a strategic deception, illustrated the complexities of the negotiations.

[Footnotes: (٤٦) Al-Kura' - horses; Al-Khuff - camels. (٤٧) Referenced in Ibn Hisham's Sira (3:183-185). (٤٨) Narrated by Al-Bukhari in Jihad (157) and Muslim in Jihad (18), without the narrative of Nuaym.]

Hadith Narrated by Ibn Abbas

Reported by Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Yusuf al-Asbahani, narrated to us by Abu Saeed: Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Ziyad al-Basri informed us, narrated to us by Al-Hasan bin Muhammad bin As-Sabbah az-Zafarani, narrated to us by Abu Muawiyah ad-Dareer, narrated to us by Al-A'mash, from Mas'ud bin Malik, from Said bin Jubayr, from Ibn Abbas, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "I was given victory by the wind of Sabaa, while 'Ad was destroyed by Ad-Dabur." This is narrated by Muslim in Sahih, from Abu Kurayb, from Abu Muawiyah.

Further Narration of the Hadith

Narrated by Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Hafiz, narrated to us by Abu al-Qasim Abdul Rahman bin al-Hasan al-Qadi, narrated to us by Ibrahim bin al-Husayn, narrated to us by Adam, narrated to us by Warqa, from Ibn Abi Najih, from Mujahid in his statement: "So We sent upon them a wind." He said: "It means the wind of Sabaa was sent upon the factions on the day of the Ditch, until it toppled their pots over their mouths, tore away their curtains until it made them weak, and unseen soldiers." This refers to the angels. He said: "The angels did not fight that day."

Abbreviations: Sabaa refers to the wind, its direction of blowing is from the rising of the sun. Ad-Dabur is the wind that meets Sabaa and blows from the west.

References: This hadith is also mentioned in Sahih Muslim in the Book of Istisqaa (Book 9, Hadith 4), and in the Books of Tafsir, for example, Al-Qurtubi in Tafsir (14:143).