The cries of their children from hunger were heard at night...

The cries of their children from hunger were heard at night until the sanctions were nullified.[^47] The leaders of many countries do not have a positive outlook on religion; they see religion as an imposing barrier, keeping them away from their goals. Because of this they deprive believers in various religions of certain social, political and cultural rights, so that the next generation will not show this same inclination to religion and so that the people of faith will leave their ways.

The leader of the hypocrites, ?Abd Allah bin Ubay, made the following two plans to destroy Islam. He wanted his companions to act upon these plans: Forbid all kinds of transactions with the Muha-jiri-n and all those who are with the Prophet (s), so that they will leave him because of severe hardships. The citizens of Medina who own land in Medina should expel the Muha-jii-n from their land, so that the Prophet (s) will also leave.

The leader of the hypocrites mentioned this plan when an argument erupted between two members of the Ans?a-r and Muha-jiri-n. The following explains certain events found in history books and certain verses found in the Qura-n: THE WAR OF BANI- MUSTALAQ Bani- Mus?t?alaq[^48] surrendered to the Islamic army after losing ten soldiers. The war ended in favor of the Muslims. After the war, two Muslims, one from the Muha-jiri-n and the other from the Ans?a-r began arguing over water.

Both parties sought help from their respective tribes. Both sides were on the verge of a battle which would culminate in losing the peace that was achieved after years of work. The Prophet (s) became aware of the situation and thought the cries of both sides were unfounded. He (s) said: “The age of ignorance has not yet left your hearts.” He then separated the two sides.

?Abd Allah bin Ubay (the leader of the hypocrites who pretended to accept Islam out of fear of public opinion tried to use this opportunity to his advantage. He told those around him: “We are to blame for the calamity that has befallen us. We, the people of Medina, gave the Muha-jiri-n shelter in our land. We protected them against their enemies.

Our situation is now like the famous saying: 'Train your dog and he will kill you.' I swear by Allah, if we return to Medina, we must cut all economic ties with those who follow the Prophet so that they will leave our land.