Khaybar consisted of multiple fortresses...

Khaybar consisted of multiple fortresses, with the most notable being Na’im, Qamus, and Al-Watih. The Muslims laid siege to these fortresses systematically. The fortress of Na’im was the first target. It is said that on that day, the Prophet (PBUH) gave his white flag to two people from Muhajirun (on Ibn Ishaq’s account, Abu Bakr ibn Abi Quhafa and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab) and then to a man from Ansar. But they returned without gaining any victory.

It was then the Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared, “Tomorrow I will give the flag to someone who is loved by God and His prophet, and God will give victory to Muslims on his hands, and he never runs away”. The next morning, the Prophet (PBUH) miraculously healed Imam ‘Ali’s (a.s) eyes that were in pain, and then gave the flag to him [12] .” According to reports, the largest, strongest, and firmest fort of Khaybar was the fort of Qumus.

The Prophet (PBUH) gave the flag of the conquest to Imam ‘Ali (a.s) and he conquered the fort by killing Marhab [13] . Finally, the Jews of Khaybar were defeated by the Prophet (PBUH) and his army. It was the second defeat of Jews [14] after about one month of war and siege [15] . Thus the 7th year after Hijra (628) was called “Sanat al-Istighlab” (the year of victory) [16] . The Jews of Khaybar made a peace treaty with the Prophet (PBUH) under certain conditions.

The Aftermath of the Battle The conclusion of the Battle of Khaybar marked a significant turning point in the early Islamic state. The victory not only neutralized a persistent threat but also established a framework for governance and coexistence with non-Muslim communities under Islamic rule. The aftermath of the Battle of Khaybar marked a turning point in the early Islamic state, highlighting the balance between justice and mercy in ’s (PBUH) leadership.

The terms of surrender allowed the Jewish tribes to remain on their lands under a sharecropping agreement, ensuring economic stability and peaceful coexistence. The spoils of war were fairly distributed, supporting the community and bolstering the Muslim state’s economy. Ethical treatment of captives and non-combatants set a precedent for Islamic warfare, emphasizing dignity and compassion.

Politically, the victory consolidated Muslim power and served as a model for future treaties, reinforcing the principles of justice, coexistence, and mutual benefit.