The Last Encounter of Jews in the Lifetime of Mohammad (S.A.W)
Seventh Year of Hijra
Describe the main events of the Conquest of Khyber.
Constant Conspiracies from Jews
One of the significant developments after the pact of Hudaibya is the conquest of Khyber. It was 70 miles away from the north of Madinah. Khyber was a cluster of eight fortresses (Al-Naim, Ash-Sab, Az-Zubair, Al-Ubai, An-Nizar, Al-Qamus, Al-Watih and Al-Sulalim), in three portions (An-Natah, As-Shaq and Al-Katibah) around which laid farms and palm orchards. The well-known indestructible fortresses of An-Nizar and Al-Qamus were situated in the heart of Khyber. The banished Jews of Madina were populated here. They made Khyber a centre against Islam and perceived the treaty of Hudaibya as a sign of weakness and defeat of Muslims. Anyways, due to their conspiracies, they were a constant threat to the peace and security of the state of Madinah.
Secret Planning from Jews
The Jews intended to make a secret and offensive dash on the state of Madinah. For this purpose, they announced a reward for fighting against Muslims and offered a percentage of their annual production of fruits and dates. Specifically, they contacted the people of the Ghatfan tribe, who were known to be a band of soldiers for them. Next, they wrote letters to Quraish and distinct tribes to support them in their full-fledged attack on Madinah. Also, they had secret negotiations with Abdullah bin Ubai against Muslims.
Siege of Fortresses
While Prophet (S.A.W) was notified about this secret plan of Jews, He (S.A.W) sent 1600 men including 200 cavalrymen, towards Khyber. Seeing the Muslim army, the Jews locked up in their seven well-guarded fortresses. Their most important and best fortified was Qamus, where there was a force of about 20,000 Jews. From there, they hurled stones and showered arrows on the Muslim army. At the moment, Prophet (S.A.W) did not desire a long siege, so he commanded an attack.
First, they conquered Naim fort, but when they reached the fort of Qamus, the fight prolonged to twenty days. Each day, they had to return without success, then, He (S.A.W) decided to give the banner and instructions of Jihad to Hazrat Ali (R.A).
“Tomorrow I will give the banner to a person who loves Allah and His messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.”
Prophet (S.A.W)
Prophet (S.A.W)’s Instructions to Hazrat Ali (R.A)
As Hazrat Ali (R.A) joined this expedition late due to his eye infection. Prophet (S.A.W) supplicated for him before handing the banner. Moreover, the Prophet (S.A.W) instructed him to invite the enemy to Islam. If they rejected the call of faith, Ali (R.A) was ordered to fight.
On the other hand, the same morning, Jews had decided on open combat. When Ali (R.A) got there, he found them ready for the battle. Nevertheless, in obedience to the Prophet’s instructions, he called on them to accept Islam. In response, Marhab came out to fight. Hazrat Ali (R.A) killed Marhab in a single stroke. Afterwards, a fierce battle started, in which the Jews were forced to surrender.
General Combat
In the general fight, the Jews abandoned and withdrew to the As-Saab. Later, Muslim forces besieged and captured the fortresses of As-Saab, Az-Zubair and Ubai one after another under the leadership of Hazrat Habab bin Manzar (R.A) and Hazrat Abu Dujanah (R.A). Al-Qamus was conquered under the command of Hazrat Ali (R.A), which was the greatest and the most formidable castle. henceforward, the rest of the fortresses surrendered peacefully.
Meanwhile, in the fight, Ali (R.A) used the heavy gate of the fort as a shield. For this reason, the Prophet (S.A.W) gave him the title Asadullah, which means the Lion of God.
Agreement Between the Two Parties
At last, after the conquest of Khyber, Jews agreed to negotiate with Muslims and came into a pact. According to the pact, Khyber will remain in the hands of the local inhabitants. In return, they would pay half of the annual harvest of all planting of date trees as Jizya to the state of Madinah.
Ibn-Umar reported, “The Prophet (S.A.W) made a deal with the people of Khyber that they would have half the fruits and vegetation of the land they cultivated.” All other Jewish settlements and cities around Khyber also agreed to the same terms.
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Explain the importance of the Khyber Expedition.
Prosperity for the Muslims
Khyber’s conquest brought prosperity to the Muslims. Muslims got plenty of loot that was shared among the companions who were near the Prophet. Some of the booties were distributed among the warriors, whereas the remaining booty was sold by the order of the Prophet (S.A.W). In completion, the obtained money from selling the loot was distributed among the Muslims equally.
Division of Property
Similarly, the land and the income of Khyber were also divided. Among the property of Shiqq, Natat, and Katiba, Shiqq and Natat were granted to the Muslims, and Katiba was given to the Prophet (S.A.W). Prophet (S.A.W) distributed this property and crops of Katibah with his relatives, wives and Muslim men and women according to their needs.
Besides, the share of products received from Jews was divided into two sections: storing and serving guests. Aisha (R.A) relates, “Now we shall get dates to the fill.”
“We never ate our fill of dates until we conquered Khyber.”
Umar (R.A)
Strength of the Jews Weakened
Ultimately, the strength of the Jews weakened, and Muslims had become the most influential force in Arabia. Thus, Khyber was the last encounter of Jews in the lifetime of Mohammad (S.A.W).