ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The success and final outcome of this assignment required a lot of guidance and assistance
from many people and we extremely fortunate to have got this all along the completion of our
assignment work. The completion of this assignment could not have been possible without the
expert. Whatever we have done only due to such guidance and assistance and we could not
forget to thank them.

Thank you so much Madam Faezah for guiding us throughout this assignment. We had
some difficulties in doing this task, but you always taught us patiently and gave us guidance
throughout the journey until we know what to do and complete this group assignment with
success.

We would like to say thanks to our parents as well for providing us everything such as
money to buy things related to the topic of this assignment and their advices are the most that
we needed during our difficult time to prepare the assignment. They encouraged us to complete
this group assignment so that we will not lose around when we are supposedly to complete and
submit the group assignment on time.

Thank you everyone for your contribution!

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 QUICK INFORMATION

Defense Area: Border Area of Madinah City

Date: Syawal, 5th year of Hijrah
Warlord: Nabi Muhammad SAW
Muslim’s total of strength: 3000 people of Sahabah Rasulullah SAW
Confederate’s total of strength: 10000 armies. 4000 warriors from Quraish led by Abu
Sufian. Another 6000 from the other tribes who against Prophet Muhammad SAW:
1. Banu Nadhir
2. Banu Quraizah
3. Banu Sulaim
4. Banu Asad
5. Banu Fazarah
6. Banu Asyja’
7. Banu Ghatafan

 This battle was named Khandaq, a name after the trench. The trench was digging by
the Muslims to defend within the Madinah City.
 This battle is also known as the Battle of Ahzab means, confederates because the
enemies were uniting to attack the Muslims.
 The first battle that happened in Madinah. Rasulullah SAW and the Muslims survived
in Madinah.
 This battle happened due to the hatred and envious feelings of the Quraish towards
the Muslims.
 This battle was the highlight between Muslims and Non-Muslims.
 Therefore, every Eid Takbir, the Muslims will remember the victory of Muslims in
the Battle of Trench.

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Factors that triggered the battle.

This battle occurred when one wicked alliance was set up to invade Madinah. The plan was
arranged by the Jews that was led by Banu Nadhir. Their aimed was to deadly blow the
Muslims in Madinah. The confederates want to seize Madinah from Rasulullah SAW.

Them (Banu Nadhir) thought “Because of the courage and determination of our ancestors who
came to explore the earth the city of Madinah can be opened. Previously, Madinah was very
dry and unfertile. Our ancestors who came and farming here. Should we be expelled from our
own village?” Argue Banu Nadhir.

Because of their revenge, Banu Nadhir never once stop to provoke the weak tribes and throw
hatred towards Rasulullah SAW so that they could attack him. They (Banu Nadhir) knew that
they could not defeat the Muslims alone as the Muslims are strong and great in the battlefield.

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History of the battle.

The leader of Banu Nadhir was not satisfied with Rasulullah SAW actions to expel their tribes
from their own village (refer to Battle of Nadhir). After they were expelled they were like
refugees and asked for mercy from the other tribe village. Eventually, with the presence of
Banu Nadhir, the villagers became suspicious towards them and the Banu Nadhir suffer
because of the villagers’ treat. When will this situation end? They really need to seize back
Madinah. To seize Madinah, there are no other ways other than make Rasulullah SAW
collapsed. Prophet Muhammad SAW was the shield.

A continuation from the situation, they started to make plan and asked the other tribes to join
them attacked Madinah. Their first step was, they went to Makkah and incited the Quraish
leader. The Makkah Quraish residents, had been hostile with Prophet Muhammad SAW since
back then. Because of that, there were no issue for them to team up with Banu Nadhir. As a
sign of support, they arranged out a team of 4000 warriors + 300 horsemen + 1500 men on war
camels. They appointed Abu Sufian as their leader.

When the Quraish expressed their willingness to join, therefore many other tribes did it as well.
One of it was Banu Fazarah. They had betrayed their promised with Rasulullah SAW when he
met the people on the way home from the Battle of Dumatul al Jandal previously. During the
meeting, the Prophet SAW was giving them a piece of land to the Banu Fazarah as a place for
their animals. However, when their animals grew and reproduce, Banu Fazarah betrayed
Rasulullah SAW and agreed to join the confederates to attack Madinah. Banu Fazarah sent
1000 warriors to attack a person who had helped them.

In the case, Banu Murrah also agreed to join the alliance through their leader, al-Harith bin
‘Auf al-Marri. They sent 400 warriors and same goes to Banu Asyja’. They joined them which
led by Mis’ar bin Rukhailah. Sufian bin Abd Syams was the leader for Banu Salim with 700
warriors. The similar steps were also taken by Banu Asad and Banu Ghathafan.

Overall, the total of the confederates were more than the Madinah residents. Now, they had
10000 warriors. They were so sure that they will win the battle. They had imagined the fall of

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Madinah on their hands. They will rule again Madinah especially Bani Nadhir.

In Madinah, when the Prophet was informed about the situation, he summoned the Companions
and consulted them. The Messenger of God asked them, “Shall we fight the enemy outside
Madinah? Or shall we stay in Madinah and defend the city?” Before this, the total of the
enemies warriors was not that much. If we were to fight outside the Madinah, the Muslims still
could control them. But now, only 3000 people for the Muslims and 10000 from the enemies.
This situation make the Muslims not to face their enemies.

“It is better for us to defend inside Madinah” said one of the Muslims army. The suggestion
was approved by Salman al Farisi RA and “O Messenger of God! When we were afraid of the
attacks of cavalrymen in Persia, we would dig trenches around the city and defend it.”

The offer was regarded as reasonable by both the Messenger of God and the Companions and
the following decision was made:

They decided to stay in Madinah and dig trenches around the city; so, they would defend the
city from the enemy attack. Thus, defending the city was preferred to fighting in the open air.
The reason why the Prophet preferred such a method was to prevent shedding much blood and
death of many people. In fact, it was a principle that the Messenger of God preferred in all
wars.

When it was decided unanimously that the city would be defended, the activity of digging
trenches started immediately upon the order and advice of the Messenger of God. The Prophet
himself determined what places would be dug by whom. Each of them dug the trench into 15ft
wide, 5th deep). There were very thick orchards and gardens in the south of the city. It was very
unlikely for the enemy to pass through them. Even if they tried to pass through those orchards,
they would have to scatter and pass in a single line, which would be stopped and defeated by a
small platoon. In the east of the city Sons of Qurayza Jews and other Jews that had signed a
treaty with the Prophet were living. Therefore, the trenches were dug only in the north side of
the city, which was open land. The determinations that were made necessitated it.

All Muslims, even the children, worked very hard to dig trenches. When all of them dug the
trench, he (Rasulullah SAW) was digging the trench with them and encouraged the Muslims

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to finish the trenches as soon as possible. All volunteering Muslims worked during the day and
returned home at night. On the other hand, the Messenger of God stayed in the tent he had put
up on a small hill day and night. He both dug trenches and supervised the activities of digging
trenches.

The Messenger of God worked very hard without taking into consideration the dust, hot
weather and hunger; sometimes, the Muslims said, “O Messenger of Allah! Our work will be
enough. Please have a rest” However, the Messenger of Allah said, “I want to get some rewards
by working”, expressing that he wanted to work and get rewards. But for women and the
children they will be assembled at a place when the battle started.

The Messenger of Allah and the Muslims took the activity of digging trenches very seriously
but the munafiqs considered it unimportant. They worked lazily and they left whenever they
wanted without getting permission from the Messenger of God. They sometimes made fun of
the Companions who worked very hard and who were examples of belief, loyalty, self-sacrifice
and hard work, they also laughed in order to demoralize the believers.

“We are directed by Rasulullah SAW to dig trench for 15ft wide and 5ft deep. You imagine,
the wicked alliance will definitely fail to advance to Madinah”

At last, the trench was done. Rasulullah SAW placed an Islamic military tent in the eastern part
of Madinah and in front of Sai’ hill (which is the row of hills around Madinah). The Islamic
flag are given to Zaid bin Harithah RA to represent Muhajirin forces, while Ansar flag were
given to Sa’ad bin Ubaidah RA. The Muslim forces were camp in two areas which are at the
lowlands near Madinah and at Uhud hill area.

The anticipated day has arrived. They start to organize their troops to the city of Madinah with
confidence. They only have one hope, was to kill Nabi Muhammad SAW and his followers.

However, when they arrived at the border of Madinah, they were shocked to see that they are
obstructed because there is a big and deep trench that they had never seen before. They start to
look at the trench and they tried to think of an idea on how to cross the trench. If they just
continue without thinking off course many of them will be killed.

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One of them named Naufal bin Abdullah tried to cross the trench but failed. He and his horse
fell in the trench. He died because of his horse fell on him.

As they see that Naufal had already dead. Both of the army they start to use their archers to
shoot their arrow towards the other side. When they saw that there was no progress, they force
some of their cavalry to cross the trench. Among of them are Ikramah bin Abu Jahal, Amru bin
Abd Wadd and others. While they were trying to cross the trench Islam army took the
advantage to kill them. Consequently, Amru bin Abd Wadd was successfully killed by Sayidina
Ali RA.

Both of the archers’ team shot their arrow to the enemy for one day long till the Muslim missed
their prayer. By night, Rasulullah SAW and the Muslims still controlled the trench from
enemy’s damage. The weather on that night was very cold. To raise the spirit from Islam army
to control, Rasulullah SAW told them good news and promise goodness to his troops.

However, hypocrite people who cannot stand with the cold weather they tried to give reasons
by saying “Allah and Rasullah were not promising to us but rather trickery”.

Then, they withdraw with reason that “that their house was open without any guard so that they
were worried that enemy will attack”.

Allah SWT replied their reason with his word which means:
“…and the house was not open to them but nothing just to run.” (Surah al-Ahzab 33:13).

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Betrayal of Banu Quraizah and the Jews.

After several days Madinah was surrounded, the situation become pointed. Foods and other
basic needs became decreasing and not enough. In this situation, the Muslims became stress,
Banu Quraizah and the Jews then take advantage to betray their agreement with Rasulullah
SAW. They wanted to attack Rasulullah SAW together with the enemy.

The leader of Banu Quraizah Jews, Ka’ab bin Asad he was listening to Huyay bin Akhtab the
leader of Banu Nadhir Jews. Huyay ask Ka’ab to attack Islam army from inside, while the other
army will start to attack from outside.

Once Rasulullah SAW heard about that rumors, Rasulullah SAW send Maslamah Bin Aslam
RA to lead 200 army and Zaid bin Harithah Ra to lead 300 army to take care of woman and
children placement. Women and children placement were beside of Banu Quraiza village. In
addition, one of the Muslimah named Sofiyyah binti Abdul Mutalib had killed one of the Banu
Quraizah Jews spies.

Now, Banu Quraizah Jews become the spy to enemy outside of Madinah. Meanwhile, the
attempt on Banu Quraizah Jews to help the enemy was successfully block. Islam army manage
to invade 20 camels that full of needed stuff for the enemy outside of Madinah. Az-Zubair RA
was send to investigate the truth of that news and he find out that it is true that Banu Quraizah
Jews had turned away. Enemy’s strength rose because of Banu Quraizah Jews betrayal.

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The acceptable trick in the war.

The situation in the city of Madinah become more critical. Islam army was surrounded and
attacked from various place. Madinah had been fully surrounded. In the effort to save Madinah
from being conquer by the enemy, Rasulullah SAW was forced to use other strategies that were
more effective.

Between all the idea proposed by Rasulullah, Islam army agreed to do a peace agreement with
Ghathafan with offer to give them one third of Madinah dates with requirement that they must
withdraw from enemy’s army. But, Sahabah do not agree with that agreement.

Another method was to use disguise. Rasulullah SAW send Nu’aim bin Mas’ud RA for this
mission. Nu’aim bin Mas’ud RA is an individual who are been respected by Quraisy people
and Banu Ghathafan. He had converted in Islam and his tribes doesn’t know about it. After he
received that instruction, Nu’aim went to meet Banu Quraizah that had canceled their
agreement with Muslimin. When he arrived, Banu Quraizah give an honour to him as they have
a very close friendship before.

Nu’aim said, “O Banu Quraizah! You guys knew that I love you. I was worried about your
safety. Do you want to know one important secret? And can you promise to me not to tell
anybody about it.”

They replied, “Yes, we promise.” Nu’aim said, “All of you knew the effect that had been
affected by Banu Qainuqa’ and Banu Nadir. They were chased from their own village and all
of their belongings had been invaded. But Banu Quraisy and Banu Ghathafan were not like
you. If the forces declared lost, they will leave you. They will go back to their hometown and
you will be alone in Madinah. You will still be living with your enemy (Muhammad). You will
not afford to defeat the Muslims alone.” “So, what you have to do is you do not need to get
involved in this battle until you are sure that Quraisy’s tribe and Banu Ghathafan do not leave
you alone, and will not go back to their country until the victory aren’t theirs. One of the ways
is, you must hold 70 of the big people as prisoners. This can avoid them from running away,”

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said Nu’aim with full of confidence. The people of Banu Quraizah look up to the suggestion
and agreed.
Then, Nu’aim went to see with the big people of Quraisy and said, “You are aware of how
much I love the people of Quraisy. Actually, I have a very important secret, and if I tell it to
you, you must promise to not tell anyone”. They replied, “Yes, we agreed”. Nu’aim said,
“Actually, Banu Quraizah was regret with their action with cancelling the agreement with
Muhammad. They are afraid you will be going back to Makkah and let them alone facing
Muhammad here. If you want to know, they met with Muhammad, and they promised to
capture your big people and hand them to Muhammad. In return, the agreement that had been
cancelled off was re-bounded. Muhammad also agreed with their suggestion.”

Later on, Nu’aim went to meet the Bani Gathafan’s tribe and tell them the same story. After a
while, the head of the forces, Abu Sufian feels that the moment of attack has arrived. Therefore,
he sends letters to all of the head of each tribe to gather. All tribes welcomed the letter except
for Banu Quraizah. They replied the letter and said, “We cannot battle on Saturday. An accident
had occurred on us because we did not respect Saturday.” In the same letter, they tried to
blackmail the head of the forces by saying, “We would not battle with you until they hand over
all of your big people as prisoners. This is to make sure that you are not leaving us and went
back to your country.” Hear those words, the tribe of Quraisy and Banu Guthafah has seen the
truth with Nu’aim’s. Since that, their unity destroyed because of each and every one of them
started to doubt each other. Looks like Nu’aim’s effort are successful. He then went back to
Rasulullah SAW and told him everything.
Rasullah SAW then make a dua to Allah, “O Allah, who sent down the Book (the Quran), who
settles things very quickly, who defeats nations and tribes! Defeat those tribes and shake them!
Help us against them. O Allah! If you let those handful of Muslims be beaten, who will be left
to worship you?”

Allah SWT then fulfilled Rasullah SAW’s dua. Allah SWT send a very cold wind that night.
Coincidentally, it was very cold weather at that time. The people of Quraisy feel very worried
and anxious with the condition. They are worried if the jews were together with the Muslims
to attack them that night. They could not even close their eyes the whole night and decided to
go back to Makkah before the dawn. On that windy night, they heard a very loud voice from
the enemy’s tents. The Muslims wondered among themselves. So, Rasullah SAW said,

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“Something is happening. Who among of you are willing to go and get the information for us?”
The Sahabah were quiet until the prophet repeated the same questions three times. Among
them, there was Huzaifah bin Yaman RA. Rasulullah SAW asked, “You hear what I am saying
but you do not answer any?” Huzaifah answered, “The weather was so cold. It was too difficult
for us to go there and get the information”. The Prophet then said, “Go and fulfill his wishes.
Get the information about our enemy” Hearing those words, Huzaifah make himself bravely to
serve Rasulullah SAW. They managed to get the information that they needed, which is the
enemy intended to leave the battlefield.

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Defeat of wicked alliances (Ahzab).

Ahead of dawn, the head of forces, Abu Sufian said, “Everyone should recognize his brother
and hold hands so that the enemies would not enter our territory”. Later on, he went on his ride
to go back to Makkah. Looking at the situation, Sofwan bin Umayyah said to Abu Sufian,
“You have been appointed as our leader. Therefore, do not leave them alone” Abu Sufian
ignored the advice and directed his army to go back to Makkah.

To avoid enemy’s attack, he directs Khalid al-Walid with his army to watch from behind. This
tragedy clearly described, how Allah SWT destroy the unity of the enemy until they lose
confidence in each other. This is what we called as the help of Allah. If it is not because of
Allah’s providence towards His religion, then the situation will get worse. Quraish’s step back
is followed by other armies. Finally, they claim to be defeated with contempt. The people of
Banu Quraizah feel very anxious with the situation. They took a wrong step. The battle
completed after 16 days of military encroachment on the city of Madinah. This war killed 7
people (The Muslims) and 3 people (The enemy).

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Victory belongs to the Muslim.

The tough clashes and the siege that lasted about a month ended as a result of the help of Allah.
The enemy was scattered and the Muslims felt relieved. The return of the army of the
unbelievers would be the starting point of all of the returns. From that point onward, the
unbelievers would not have the courage to walk against the Muslims again. They realized how
strong the believers were and that it would not be easy to defeat Muslims from then on as a
result of the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq.

The mood of the army of the polytheists that fled from the battle field was very hopeless,
grievous and sad; on the other hand, the mood of the believers was very joyful. Everybody was
pleased. They praised and thanked their Lord in tranquillity because they obtained the fruit of
their hard and tiring work and their steadfast and courageous fight in such a nice way. The
following glad tidings of the Messenger of God increased their joy: “From now on, we will go
and fight them; they will not dare to come and fight us”. The mujahids and the Messenger of
God returned from the trench to the city joyfully.

The Muslims had won the battle with the power of Allah and were able to get the opposing
forces to withdraw and flee. After the war, Muslims had full control over Madinah, but only
after solving a major issue that arose amidst the war. The people of Banu Quraizah still had to
be taken care of for violating the contract that they had with the Muslims.

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Lesson from the battle.

1. Always consult others before making a big decision. A simple trench held up an army
of 10000 from destroying Madinah.
2. Trust in Allah SWT as He always helps the sincere servants, but He also tests his
servants.
3. Leadership example: When all Sahabah digging the trench, he (Rasulullah SAW) was
digging the trench with them. He was doing it sincerely and to give us an example how
a leader should act.
4. Muslims should be the pioneers and the latest warfare designers. In the battle of Ahzab,
the Muslims dug the trench to fight against their enemies. The way that they chose was
the one that no other people nor any battle had done before. So, Muslims should use
the same technique as Muslims are the creators of weapons rather than the enemies.
5. It is an obligation for us to replace our prayer time that we missed. In this battle,
Rasulullah SAW forgot to do his Asar prayer due to the fighting with the confederates.
When it is almost for Isya’ prayer, Saidina Umar RA came to Rasulullah SAW and told
“O Messenger of Allah! I have not done may prayers yet, even though the time had
ended”.
Listening to Saidina Umar’s words, Rasulullah SAW said, “In the name of Allah, I
haven’t prayed Asar yet, to those who neglected Asar prayer, Allah will fill their hearts
and their grave with the fire of hell”. Later, all the Sahabah lined up to do the prayers
that they missed. Whoever forget to do their prayers, he must replace it as soon as he
remembers.
6. Allah (SWT) answered His Messenger’s prayers, and sent down terrible winds and
harsh storms upon the disbelievers’ army. Their shelters blew away, their resources
were scattered, and the fighters were worn down. Soon, they gave up, and news reached
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that they were leaving.
7. Allah (SWT) fulfilled his promise to His Messenger and His believers by sparing them
from fighting such a dangerous and imposing army and inflicting a major blow on the
confederates. The Battle of Khandaq, one of the earliest decisive victories of the
Muslims, proved to the world that no force was strong enough to overcome the growing
strength of Islam.

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 CONCLUSION

To conclude, Banu Quraizah could have stayed in their fortress and withstood the siege
for a long time since there was no shortage of food and water. Allah threw terror into their
hearts and they accepted the Prophet’s judgement through they knew it would mean certain
death. It was Allah’s way of helping the Muslims who were tired and exhausted after the long
siege.

Next, Ka’b Ibn Asad told his people of Banu Quraizah that they could save themselves
and accepted Islam, since they knew that Muhammad was the true expected Prophet of Allah.
Despite knowing the truth, they refused to believe out of arrogance, defiance and jealousy.
When we call others to Islam and explain its principles clearly, their reaction may vary. Some
will be open minded and accepted Islam based on conviction. Others will reject it after having
been shown the truth because of personal reasons such as reluctant to leave their own beliefs
and customs, or it may be from jealousy, arrogance or a fear of losing power and influence.

Lastly, Prophet Muhammad paid respect to his companion Sa’ad Bin Muadz when he
chose him and accepted his judgement regarding the fate of Banu Quraizah. When Sa’ad came
riding on his horse after badly injured in Battle of Ahzab, the Prophet said to the group of Aws:
“Stand up in respect and deference to your master and the best among you”. This incident
teaches us to show respect to our leaders and scholars and the best among us when the occasion
arises. Sa’ad died shortly after he had been injured. When the Muslims carried his coffin, they
were surprised of how light it was. Prophet Muhammad said “It is light because the angels are
carrying him”

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