Battle of Trench – Also know as, Battle of Khandaq and Ghazwa-e-Ahzab

Soon after winning the Battle of Uhud, the Quraysh leaders realised that they had fought indecisively and that their victory hadn’t borne any fruit for them. On the flip side, Islam had successfully reestablished its authority within a short span of time.

The loss at the Battle of Uhud had taught Muslims the significance of increasing military strength and having combat knowledge. All of the lessons, planning, and hard work were on display during the Battle of Trench. Instead of focusing only on fighting, Muslims strategically planned to dig a trench around the northern boundary of Madinah to slow down the archers.

Fought in the month of Shawwal, the Battle of Trench distinguished truth from falsehood and the believers from non-believers, teaching the importance of believing in Allah SWT and trusting His plans during even the hardest of times.

Here is everything you need to know about the Battle of Trench, otherwise known as the Battle of Confederates, Ghazwa-e-Ahzab, and the Battle of Khandaq

What Was the Battle of Trench?

The Battle of Trench was a 30-day long siege of Yathrib (now Madinah) fought between the Muslims and the confederates of the Quraysh and Jews. While the Muslim army comprised only 3,000 soldiers, the opponents were 10,000 strong.

Led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the outnumbered Muslims decided to dig and fight from behind a trench. Paired with Madinah’s natural fortification, the trench rendered the opponent’s cavalry useless, locking them from all sides in a stalemate.

Even though the opponents succeeded in using another Jewish tribe to attack from the inside, the well-organized defenders fought fearlessly until a storm caused the siege to end in a fiasco. 

Al-Bara bin Azib narrated, “I saw the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the Day of (the battle of) Al-Khandaq, carrying earth with us and saying, ‘By Allah SWT, without Allah SWT we would not have been guided, neither would we have fasted, nor would we have prayed.

O, Allah SWT! Send down Sakina (calmness) upon us and make our feet firm when we meet (the enemy). The pagans have rebelled against us, but if they want to put us in affliction (i.e., fight us), we refuse (to flee).'” (Sahih Bukhari)

Digging of the Trench

When the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT heard the news that the Jews and Quraysh were lobbying against the Muslims, he called his companions to strategize. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started taking suggestions and that is when Salman Farsi (RA) told him to dig a trench around the northern boundary of Madinah as the other sides are covered with mountains and dense forests.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) divided the Muslims into groups of ten and asked them to dig a trench. It is narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT, while digging the trench, said, “This is Quraysh’s last attempt to destroy Islam and Muslims, and from now on, we will rule over them.”

Importance of the Battle of Trench

The Muslims’ victory in the Battle of Trench and the failure of the siege of the pagan Quraysh marked the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) political ascendancy in Madinah. The non-believers had exerted their utmost strength to kill Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Muslims.

As a consequence of the defeat, the Quraysh lost their prestige and their trade with Syria. The tale of the strong leadership and belief of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) inspired the non-believers residing in Makkah to convert to Islam

Referring to the Battle of Trench, Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says, “When they came against you, from above you and from below you, and when your eyes swerved, and your hearts reached your throats, and you thought thoughts about Allah; there it was that the believers were tried, and shaken most mightily.” [Holy Quran, Al-Ahzab 33:10-11]

It is reported that on the day of the Battle of Trench, the Ansar used to say, “We are those who have given the pledge of allegiance to Muhammad (PBUH) for Jihad (i.e., holy fighting) as long as we live.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH, replied to them, “O Allah SWT! There is no life except the life of the Hereafter; so please honour the Ansar and the Emigrants.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Abdullah bin Abu Aufa reported, “With the plan to stop the attacks of the idolaters, the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT at one time when he confronted the enemy and was waiting for the sun to set, stood up and said, ‘O people! Do not long for encountering the enemy and supplicate to Allah to grant you security.

But when you face the enemy, show patience and steadfastness; and keep it in mind that Jannah lies under the shade of the swords.’ Then he invoked Allah, saying, ‘O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and help us in over-powering them.'” (Al- Bukhari and Muslim)

Why Was the Battle of Trench Fought?

Initiated by the Quraysh, the battle took place because the pagans considered Islam as a threat to their political supremacy and economic security in Saudi Arabia. Abu Sufyan and the other Quraysh and Jews leaders believed that the only way to safeguard their existence and restore their hegemony was to kill Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). And so, with the aim to exterminate all Muslims, the Quraysh decided to strike a final and crushing blow to the city of Madinah.

The reason why Muslims participated in the Battle of Trench was to protect Madinah from being attacked by Banu Nazir, Banu Qurayza, and the Quraysh tribes

Ibn Khatir (RA) narrates that, “The reason why the confederates came was that a group of the leaders of Banu Nadir, whom the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT had expelled from Al-Madinah to Khaybar, including Sallam bin Abu Al-Huqayq, Sallam bin Mishkam, and Kinanah bin Ar-Rabi, went to Makkah where they met with the leaders of Quraysh and incited them to make war against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”

When Was the Battle of Trench Fought?

The Battle of Trench was a 30-day-long siege. It started on December 29, 626 AD, and ended on January 29, 627 AD. According to Islamic narrations, Ghazwa-e-Ahzab took place in the month of Shawwal, 5 AH. 

Where Did the Battle of Trench Take Place?

when did the battle of trench take placeThe Battle of Trench (Ghazwa-e-Khandaq) occurred on the outskirts of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his army played a defensive strategy and dug a deep trench to stop the Quraysh confederates from entering the city of Madinah.

Even though Banu Nadir succeeded in bribing the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza to attack the Muslim army from the inside, it resulted in chaos. The Muslim army bravely took back control and conquered the area of Banu Qurayza. 

How Many Muslims Fought in the Battle of Trench?

An army of 3000 Muslims (Muhajirin and Ansar) bravely fought against 10,000 confederates, six hundred horses, and some camels in the Battle of Trench.

Outcome/Result of the Battle of Trench

Even after several trials by the Quraysh army, they failed to cross the trench. This not only made the confederates restless, but their battle animals also suffered major war wounds. With every passing day, the harsh winds of Medina grew stronger, making survival difficult for the opponents by creating a challenging scenario for the raiding army.

Although the Quraysh fought hard to survive, the storm sent by Allah SWT scared them away for good. 

On the other hand, with Tawakul in their hearts, Muslims fought with strategy and bravery. The army of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) found shelter in their homes against the stormy desert winds.

As a result of this, the Banu Qurayza tribe surrendered unconditionally to the army of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This gave the Muslims of Madinah complete control of the Banu Qurayza neighbourhoods and a chance to openly preach and spread Islam. 

Miracles During the Battle of Trench

Just like other battles, the Battle of Trench played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Islamic community. The Muslim army bravely and strategically fought against 10,000 Quraysh confederates. However, it wouldn’t have been possible without the blessings and miracles of Allah SWT. Some of the unexplainable events that took place during the Battle of Khandaq are as follows:

Miracle 1

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated, “On the day of the battle of Al-Khandaq (the Trench), we were digging the trench when a very hard boulder came in our way. The Companions went to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and told him about it. He said, ‘I will go down the trench to see it.’ He stood up, and it was noticed that he had tied a stone over his stomach due to intense hunger. We had not tasted anything for three days.

He took up a spade and struck the hard rock with it, turning it into sand. I sought his permission to go home, (after reaching home, I) said to my wife, ‘I have seen the Prophet (PBUH) in a state that I am unable to endure. Have you got anything in the house?’ She said, ‘I have a small quantity of barley and a lamb.’ I slaughtered the lamb, ground the barley, and put the meat in the cooking pot. Then I went to the Prophet (PBUH). In the meantime, the flour had been kneaded, and the meat in the pot was nearly cooked. I said to him, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have some food, will you come along with one or two Companions?’ He asked, ‘How many men should go there?’ I told him the number. He said, ‘It will be better if they are more in number. Tell your wife not to remove the pot from the hearth nor the bread from the oven till I arrive.’ Then he said to the Muhajirun and the Ansar: ‘Let us go (to eat).’ They all rose (and went with him).

I went to my wife and said, ‘Bless you, the Prophet (PBUH), the Muhajirun, the Ansar, and the whole company are coming.’ She said, ‘Did he (PBUH) ask you?’ I replied in the affirmative. (When they arrived) Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to his Companions, ‘Enter, but do not crowd in.’ Then he started breaking up the bread and putting meat on it. He would take from the pot, and the oven then would cover them up, approach his Companions and hand it over to them. He would then go back and uncover the pot and the oven. He continued to break up the bread and put meat on it till all had eaten to their fill and still some of the food remained. Then he said to my wife, ‘Eat from it, and send it as a present, for the people have been afflicted with severe hunger.'” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Miracle 2

According to Islamic narrations, on the second day of the Battle of Trench, the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT struck a gigantic rock. It is said that the moment Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) axe hit the rock, it broke into pieces, and a bright flash of white light was emitted.

The light was so bright that Muslims could see the palaces of Shaam. After the miracle, the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT congratulated the Muslim army on upcoming victories over Syria, Yemen, and Persia. Today, Masjid Ra’yah is located in the place where this miracle took place. 

Miracle 3 

During the Battle of Trench, while the Quraysh army was fighting bitter cold winds, Huzaifa said to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “I am trembling of cold, how I can cross the trench?” However, miraculously the Messenger’s (PBUH) body temperature got warmer and he (SAW) easily crossed the trench, facing the Quraysh army bravely. 

Facts about the Battle of Trench

The Battle of Trench is an important battle in Islamic history and one that played a pivotal role in establishing Islam as the religion for generations to come. Listed below are some lesser-known facts about Ghazwa-e-Khandaq:

  • The Battle of Trench took place in 5 AH, in the last week of Shawwal, and continued in Ramadan
  • When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) learned that Abu Sufyan was leading an army of 10,000 soldiers toward Madinah, he (SAW) along with his companions came together to devise a defensive plan. 
  • Salman Farsi (RA) gave the idea to dig a trench around the northern border of the city (Madinah) as dense forests and mountains covered the other two sides. 
  • With high hopes and an empty stomach, it took the Muslims six days to dig a 5.5-kilometre-long, 9-metre-wide, and 4.5-metre-deep trench.
  • The miracle took place at Jabir’s (RA) residence. 
  • Because of the trench, the Quraysh army was unable to enter the city of Madinah. 
  • Mount Ra’yah (Mount Dhubab) was where the famous miracle took place. It was here that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) struck a large rock, which broke into pieces, and emitted a bright white light. 
  • During the Battle of Trench, Ali Ibn Talib (RA) succeeded in killing one of the top enemy commanders, Amr. This helped the Muslim army regain charge of an area named Sila.
  • The Quraysh knew that they would have to come up with an alternative plan. So, the leader of Banu Nadir (Jewish tribe) went to Banu Qurayza (another Jewish tribe) and asked for their help. Even though Banu Qurayza had signed a treaty with the Muslims and helped them dig the trench, the moment Banu Nadir asked for help, Banu Qurayza betrayed the treaty and attacked. 
  • Banu Qurayaza then attacked Muslim children and women in the southern region of Medinah. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) learned about the attack, he immediately sent an army to protect them, which also resulted in defeating the Banu Qurayaza. 
  • An elderly man, Nuaym ibn Masud approached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and secretly disclosed that he had accepted Islam and that he wanted to help the Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised him to strategically break the trust between the Banu Qurayza and Quraysh confederates. 
  • Nuaym ibn Masud did as he was told. He went back and said to Banu Qurayza that in case the Muslims win, the Quraysh troops will easily escape, leaving the Jewish tribe to face hardships alone. He advised them that the wisest way to have assurance is to request the Quraysh to send some of their leaders as hostages to the Banu Qurayza.
  • On the flip side, Nauym ibn Masud went to the Quraysh and told them that Banu Qurayza had once again joined hands with the Muslims, and so they could not be trusted. This resulted in creating an environment of mistrust and doubts between the Banu Qurayza and Quraysh. 
  • It was Masjid Fatah where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed to Allah SWT for the victory of the Muslims. He (SWT) accepted his (SAW) prayers and sent down a strong storm that destroyed everything. 
  • This left the Quraysh and Banu Qurayza tribes helpless. They had no choice but to surrender and leave the battlefield. 
  • An army comprising 3000 Muslim soldiers succeeded in defeating 10,000 Quraysh men. This established a strong and powerful image of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Arabian Peninsula. 

Lessons from the Battle of Trench

As stated earlier, Muslims won the Battle of Trench very easily. Even though they were just 3000 in number and the opposing army comprised 10,000 soldiers, the Muslim army only suffered one to five casualties while the enemy ended up losing almost 80% of theirs. 

The strategy and patience showcased by the Muslim army during the Battle of Trench taught us to have faith in Allah SWT and believe that no matter what happens, the Almighty is watching over us, and the final outcome will be in our favour. In simpler words, having Tawakul (relying on Allah SWT) is essential as it ensures the preparation and preservation of an individual. 

When stuck in a difficult situation, remember that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions were only victorious in Ghazwa-e-Khandaq because they made all the necessary preparations, thought outside the box, and fought hard.

Not only this but the leadership and decision-making skills of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us the importance of having a strong leader in a time of crisis. 

Summary – Battle of Trench

One thing that we know for sure is that the 30-day-long Battle of Trench played a decisive role in the establishment of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

With faith in Allah SWT, 3,000 Muslims fought strategically and bravely against the all-powerful Quraysh troops, resulting in the believers scaring away the idolaters and gaining complete control over the tribes of Qurayza.

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