We bow our heads to the decision of the arbitrator, Sa`d ibn Mu`adh!

We bow our heads to the decision of the arbitrator, Sa`d ibn Mu`adh!” Sa`d ibn Mu`adh was injured in the Battle of al-Ahzab and was recuperating at al-Madinah in the tent of Rafidah al-Ansariyyah. When he was brought in a litter, Banū-Aws surrounded him and said that the Prophet (a.s) had left the decision about the fate of Banū-Qurayzah to him and he should give a mild judgment in their favor. Sa`d said that he will give a decision which is just and fair.

The people understood from what Sa`d said that the judgment would go against Banū-Qurayzah. His decision was that the men of Banū-Qurayzah be executed and the women and children taken as slaves. Therefore, the men were executed and the women and children taken away as captives. Their belongings were confiscated and distributed to the troops.

“And He drove down those of the followers of the Book who backed them from their fortresses and He cast awe into their hearts; some you killed and you took captive another part.

And Allah turned back the unbelievers in their rage; they did not obtain any advantage, and Allah sufficed the believers in fighting; and Allah is Strong, Mighty.” This punishment appears very severe, but if the circumstances were considered, the worst critic would accept that Banū-Qurayzah did deserve the harsh punishment. Despite the Prophet (a.s) giving all the concessions in terms of the agreement, Banū-Qurayzah collaborated with the enemy, the Quraysh, against the interests of the Muslims.

Even their chief, Ka`b ibn Asad, had accepted that the Prophet (a.s) was abiding by the agreement in [1] Sīrat ibn Hushām, Vol 3, Page 251 word and spirit. Flouting this agreement, Banū-Qurayzah themselves were responsible for the consequences. When Banū-al-Nadir were exiled from al-Madinah, the agreement with Banū-Qurayzah was revised maintaining the old mild terms even when the circumstances demanded making a more severe agreement.

But they flouted the agreement by collaborating with the enemy during the battles of Uhud and al-Ahzab. If they were left alive, they would be a constant danger to the people of al-Madinah.