ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Fadak Fadak Fadak is a very important and crucial episode in Islamic history. Situated north of Medina, at a distance of 2 or 3 days journey, it was a very fertile land, where according to the report of Ibn Abil Hadid, date-groves were not less than those of Kufa of 13th century[^1] and whose income was between 24,000 and 70,000 dinars.[^2] It was inhabited by a Jewish tribe.

In 7 A.H., the Prophet waged a war against the Jews of Khaibar, because they had broken a treaty with the Muslims. Some of their fortresses were taken; two or three were besieged. At last, they proposed a deal that their life, religion, honour etc. would be safe, and they would leave their fortresses and land for the Muslims. The agreement was concluded; the Jews were allowed to work on the land on behalf of the Muslims, and the produce was shared between the Jews and the Muslims half and half.

According to the 'Aaya of Qur'an (8:41), one-fifth of the fortresses and land was given to the Prophet as Khumus, and the remaining four-fifths to the Muslims. When the Jews of Fadak heard of the battle of Khaibar and the resulting agreement, they began thinking about themselves. At the same time a messenger came to them from Medina inviting them to Islam.

They refused to accept Islam, but, on their own accord, offered peace on following terms:- a) They would give half of their land to the Prophet, the other half remaining in their possession. b) They would work on the land of the Prophet, sharing in its produce. c) The Prophet would have authority to turn them out of Fadak whenever he so wished, but he would have to pay them full price of their share of land and property.

The Prophet accepted these terms.[^3] Some Muslims thought that Fadak also was Muslims property, like Khaibar.

But it was their misunderstanding, because long before that, in the case of Banu Nazir, the law was promulgated that whatever comes to the Prophet without military expedition, was the Prophet's personal property, for him to use or divide as he thought appropriate, as the Qur'an says: "And whatever Allah restored to His Messenger from them, you did not press forward against it any horse or a riding camel but Allah gives authority to His Messengers over whom He pleases, and Allah has power over all things." (Qur'an, 59:6) Banu Nazir were banished from Medina in the beginning of the 3rd year of hijrah.

They were allowed to take whatever their camels could carry except arms.