ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Expedition of Al-ahzab Banū-al-Nadir, after expulsion from al-Madinah, settled down in Khaybar. But their mischievous nature did not let them remain quiet. They were very keen to take revenge for their expulsion from their homes.

They were themselves not strong enough to take on the Muslims, but they were making efforts to enhance their fighting strength and had plans of joining hands with the Quraysh and some other tribes to attain the cause dear to all these parties.

Therefore, a delegation of twenty persons from Banū-al-Nadir, of which the prominent persons were Huyay ibn Akhtab, Kinanah ibn Rabi`ah, Salam ibn Mushkam and Salam ibn Abil-Haqiq along with some chiefs of Banū-Wa’il went to Makkah and met Abū-Sufyan and other chiefs of Quraysh. They discussed with them about their intention of a conflict with the Muslims, and definitely, this was the favorite subject of the Quraysh.

They all pressed their chests to the walls of the Ka`bah and vowed to help each other that they would fight with the Muslims until they are not very annihilated. When this oath was taken, the Jews headed towards Banū-Ghatafan and convinced them to ally with them and the Quraysh. Similar alliances were struck with Banū-Kinanah and some other tribes and they had approximately four thousand men in the group now. They now set out to attack al-Madinah.

On the way the troops of Banū-Sulaym, Banū-Asad, Banū-Fazar and Banū-Ashja` joined them. Their force now was touching ten thousand men. They had three hundred riding, draught horses, and four thousand camels. There was no scarcity of material for war. Although they kept all their preparations in wraps, and wanted to make a preemptive, surprise attack, through some riders of Banū-Khuza`ah, the Prophet (a.s) got wind of the impending attack.

He got together an emergency meeting of the to discuss the gravity of the situation and to devise the strategy to prepare for the confrontation. Salman al-Farisi said that the people of Iran used to dig trenches on the expected entry points of the enemy to prevent swift advancement of their troops and to take defensive measures in the time thus gained. The benefit will be that the trenches serve as defensive fortresses.

This suggestion was generally liked by everyone and the Prophet (a.s) ordered speedy implementation of the project.