Introduction
The battle of the Trenches or AHZAB was a decisive battle of Islamic history. It was fought during the month of ZAKAT 5 HIJRA (February 623) between a formidable force of idolaters (10000 well armed) and an ill armed Muslim force of about 3000. The idolaters of MECCA with underhand intrigues had also established contact with the Jews (BANU NADHIR) who had been expelled from MEDINA for their treachery, the BANU GATAFAN tribes of Bedouin Arabs and the Jewish tribe of BANU QURAIZA. These tribes had joined hands with the pagans of MECCA for the destruction of the Muslims of MEDINA.
On the recommendation of Hazrat SALMAN FARSI, a trench was dug around the base of MEDINA to protect all the approaches. The pagans of MECCA had failed to annihilate the Muslim base of MEDINA in the battle of UHUD, SHAWAL 3 HIJRA. It was a set back for the Muslims due to the rebellion of ABDULLAH BIN UBAI, the hypocrite who had withdrawn his 300 fighters when the Muslim force was within sight of the enemy force, and also due to the non-compliance of the explicit orders given by the Holy Prophet (PUBH) for the defence of the vital ground – called the Mountain of Archers.
Despite the inflicted setback by the idolaters, Islam continued to flourish. The Muslim base of MEDINA was becoming a formidable force, and before the Muslims had become strong enough to launch an attack on MECCA, the idolaters with their allies decided to destroy the Muslim base with a much superior force.
The idolaters who had lost their brethren in the battles of BADAR and UHUD were full of vengeance.
The Gathering Storm
For the next one year after the battle of UHUD calmness prevailed over the Arabian Peninsula. Through their treachery and intrigues the Jews continued to harm the Muslim community of MEDINA. For their treacherous role the Jew tribes of BANU NADHIR and BANU GATAFAN had been banished to KHYDER (KHAIBAR), and these Jews were bent upon delivering a deadly blow on the Muslims of MEDINA and to achieve this aim they entered into an unholy alliance with the idolaters of MECCA.
Twenty chiefs of the Jews and some influential men went to MECCA and discussed the plan for attacking MEDINA. Some chiefs of the Jews even toured many parts of ARABIA to invoke people against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) for obtaining support for the idolaters. Sufficient arms, horses, camels and supplies were carried by all the tribes who were part of the unholy alliance. To provide help to those participating in the destruction of the Muslims even the women idolaters sold their ornaments.
The Quraish, KINANH and other allies from TIHAMAH in the south had recruited four thousand well armed men under the leadership of ABU SUFYAN (SUFIAN), the bitterest enemy of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He had boasted to be known as the victor of UHUD, but in fact he lacked generalship qualities because he had failed to destroy the Muslims of MEDINA and had retired to safety in haste. From the east there came tribes of BANU SUAIM, GHATAFAN, FAZARAH (Commander UYAI BIN HISN), ASHJA (Commander MISAR BIN RAKHILAH) and some detachments from other tribes also joined.
The total strength according to historians was ten thousand well armed soldiers infused with hatred and vengeance. In fact, this great force outnumbered all the Muslims (women and children included) of MEDINA. The force consisted of seven thousand swordsmen, one thousand horsemen and two thousand camel riders.
The Digging of Trench
During the period the battle of the Trenches was fought, an inferior force in defence usually was deployed in a tactically sited fort with high and strong walls. Towers of the fort provided observation and normally a deep and broad ditch existed around the outer wall. In the outer wall there used to be slits for the archers. The towers and slits were also used for throwing stones, boiling water/oil on the approaching enemy. But the inferior Muslim force had no such tactical advantages.
The intelligence personnel of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reported the unholy alliance between the idolaters and the Jews, their mission, concentration of their forces, the strength and movement of their forces. On receipt of this intelligence, ALLAH’s Messenger (PBUH) had a council of war and it was agreed on the proposal of Hazrat SALMAN FARSI to dig trenches around MEDINA as a defensive line. It was an unprecedented tactical plan in Arabia and it achieved complete surprise. Forty yards was allocated for digging to each group of ten.
The northern part of MEDINA was the most suitable approach for the enemy to attack. All the other sides were surrounded by hills, rocks and orchards. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had correctly studied the terrain and therefore ordered that the trenches be dug on that side. In the south the houses of BANU QURAIZH (Jews) were situated and it was mutually agreed that the Jews would remain neutral and would not allow any force of the confederates to attack from that direction.
According to various historians the trench was eight to fifteen feet wide so that even the enemy horse riders were unable to cross it. The depth varied from six to eight feet. The length of the trench was about nine thousand yards. The digging tools were not enough but the men shared the same on turn. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was digging his share of the portion. Even severe hunger could not deter or discourage them from achieving their objective.
During the digging of the trench the following extraordinary Prophetic signs appeared:
1) JABIR BIN ABDULLAH seeing the Holy Prophet (PBUH) starving, cooked a lamb and some barley and requested the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to accept his invitation. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) call all the thousand people engaged in digging. They started to eat until they were all full but the utensil containing the meat and dough remained as before without decreasing.
2) A Muslim woman brought a handful of dates and offered to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who took the dates tossing around in his cloak and invited his companions to eat. The dates kept on increasing in number until dropped over the trim of his robe.
3) A hard rock stood out in the ditch as an obstinate obstacle. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) took the digging tool and said, “In the name of ALLAH”, then he struck it saying, “ALLAH is Most Great. I have been given the keys of ASHSHAM (Greater Syria). By ALLAH I can see its red palaces at the moment.” On the second strike he said, ‘ALLAH is Most Great, I have been given Persia by ALLAH. I can see the palace of MADAIN,” and for the third time he struck the rock saying, “ALLAH is Most Great, I have been given the keys of YEMEN. By ALLAH I can see the gates of SAN’S which I am in my place.” Ibn ISHAQ reported similar to this from Hazrat SALMAN FARSI. According to another source every time the Holy Prophet (PBUH) struck on the rock, a strange type of light was seen which illuminated the entire area. His companions inquired about the meaning of the light. He replied that in that light he had seen the palaces of Persia, the palaces of the Roman Emperor and the palaces of Syria and Yemen. The angel JIBREEL revealed that soon the Muslims would be in occupation of these countries.
The trench was completed in 15 to 20 days. The hills in the north and west and wells were kept home side of the trench.
The enemy army arrived and concentrated in the vicinity of MEDINA in places called ALASYAL and UHUD.
“And when the believers saw AL-AHZAB (the Confederates) they said, “This is what ALLAH has promised us and ALLAH and His Messenger had spoken the truth, and it only added to their Faith and to their submission (to ALLAH).
SURA AL-AHZAB
“And when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubts) said ‘ALLAH and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusions”.
SURA AL-AHZAB
On seeing the trench the idolaters were surprised and confused. They had expected the Muslims to fight in the open.
Deployment of the Muslim Force
The strength of the Muslim force was about three thousand and it was short of weapons. The force was divided into many tactical groups. A group of ten men was entrusted for the defence of forty yards of the trench. A big size of the force was kept for the defence of the Northern portion of the trench because that area provided most suitable approach for an attack.
A strong detachment was kept directly under command of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) for counter attack or providing reinforcements to any hard pressed part of the trench. The Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) HQ was established on the hill called SALA (SILA).
Expert javelin throwers and selected archers were kept on higher points. The Muslims were short of arrows therefore heaps of sharp edged stones were kept with each group defending the trench in order to rain the same on the approaching enemy.
Patrolling of the trench was carried out constantly. Even patrols were sent across the trench to obtain information about the enemy. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions used to visit the groups defending the trench; his presence was particularly a great source of morale booster.
The women and children, with heavy baggage, were lodged in a safer place under an escort. But due to the enemy pressure the escort was withdrawn and Hazrat SUFIAH, the brave aunt of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) took over the responsibility under her sharp vigil.
Siege of MEDINA
The enemy completely surrounded the trench and made efforts to locate weak spots for crossing and launching determined attack. But the ever alert archers neutralized their efforts. However the enemy blocked all the routes and approaches to make sure that no help or supply entered for the besieged Muslim force.
After a thorough recce a valiant enemy group led by AMR BIN WUDD, IKRIMAH BIN ABUJAHL and DIRAR BIN AL-KHATTAB managed to cross the trench and even captured a narrow area between the trench and mount SILA. AMR (known as a furious sword fighter) challenged the Muslims to a duel. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) sent Hazrat ALI (the bravest of the brave) to meet the challenge and for this purpose the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself awarded a sword to Hazrat ALI and also tied the head gear around his head. The first strike of sword was made by ABD-WUDD which slightly wounded the forehead of Hazrat ALI. In reply Hazrat ALI struck his sword so hard that the enemy was cut into two halves. The strike of the sword even cut the saddle of the enemy. All the other enemy intruders, in fight and confusion, ran back to safety and later made another desperate attempt to cross the trench but it failed due to timely action of the defenders.
The Muslim force was running short of food supply but luckily an ambush party captured twenty loaded camels of the enemy and this valiant action restored the morale of the Muslims.
The trench stood between the two parties as a formidable obstacle; no direct major clash had taken place but activities were confined to arrow shooting. Frustration prevailed over the enemy camp because they had come to destroy the Muslims of MEDINA but here they were completely bogged down due to the superior tactics of the Muslims.
The idolaters and the Jews now resorted to underhand plotting, intrigue and stratagem against the Muslims. They wanted to win the support of BANU QURAIZH who had entered into pact with the Muslims to remain neutral or even support them in time of war. Their houses were located in the south of the Muslim force. The chief of BANI NADEER contacted the chief of BANO QURAIZH and incited him and his companions against the Muslims. The idolaters of MECCA were also a partner in the conspiracy. BANU QURAIZH broke the pact and decided to launch offensive action against the Muslims, especially the area where women and children were housed.
To gauge the strength employed to defend the area a Jew spy was sent. The brave Hazrat SUFIAH spotted the Jew moving suspiciously around the area. There was only one sick guard who was not fit to challenge or catch the Jew spy, so the brave aunt of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) took a tent pole, descended from the wall and struck the Jew with force and killed him. When the Jew spy failed to return the enemy thought that the area was well defended therefore they postponed further operation. However the continued providing supplies to the idolaters in token of their support against the Muslims.
The Jews announced openly that no pact existed any longer with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Muslims understood the critical situation because their rear was threatened by the Jews while a great army was ready to strike in the front. The news of the conspiracy was known to everyone.
The hypocrites taunted the Muslims for having boasted false hopes of defeating the Roman Emperor and the Persian Emperor. They tried to demoralize those who were part of the force and left the battle arena for the safety of their homes and families though they were in no way exposed to danger. ALLAH’s Messenger was disappointed on the treachery of BANU QURAIZH but he exclaimed, “ALLAH is Most Great. Listen O Muslims to ALLAH’s good tidings of victory and support.”
ALLAH created something that led to the conflict between the enemies of Islam which subsequently resulted in their full defeat. At that critical situation a man named NUAI BIN MASUD (who had recently embraced Islam) visited the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and requested to do anything which would benefit the Muslims. ALLAH’s Messenger accepted his offer and allowed him to visit the enemy camp. He was well versed with political strings and was a glib diplomat with forceful arguments and with his visits to various chiefs of tribes (Jews and idolaters) created mistrust and suspicion for each other. The Jews refused to attack the Muslims on Saturday which was taken as a refusal to remain a member of the allies. ALLAH’s Messenger on his part invoked ALLAH’s wrath on the confederates.
“O ALLAH, You are quick in account. You are the sender of the Book. We beg You to defeat the Confederates”. ALLAH the Glorious and Exalted responded to the call of the Muslims.
The Muslim recce patrols at night were visiting the enemy camps. They reported that the enemy was getting short of supplies. Their hungry animals (horses and camels) were dying. Rain and gale had made their lives miserable. The idolaters and their allies had come to attack and destroy the Muslims but now were in fear of a sudden onslaught by the Muslims which forced them to retire in haste during one dark night. The siege had ended after one month.
Reasons for Muslim success
By digging a formidable trench the Muslim force had achieved the first tactical success. It was watched day and night and the enemy although much superior had failed to cross it in force.
The principle of all round defence was applied adequately by the Muslims because every approach was guarded vigorously.
Patrolling continued day and night and to some extent, no man’s land was dominated. In this connection hurling of sharp edged stones and arrows had contributed convincingly.
Arrows were used to ‘shoot to kill’ action.
Sufficient reserve was kept for counter attack. The vital ground, Mount SALA, was defended by a force and ordered not to vacate it under any circumstances.
The Muslim soldiers were infused with the spirit of JIHAD. They had unblemished faith in ALLAH and His Messenger PBUH.
Needless to day that ALLAH’s Messenger PBUH had proved much superior general as compared to his adversary – ABU SUFYAN, also the bitterest enemy of Islam. His leadership qualities had no match and to his day remain outstanding (the Holy Prophet – PBUH).
The attacker has the initiative, he can launch an attack anytime and anywhere. The defender remains on the receiving side, has to guess, when, where and with how much force?
Conclusion
The Battle of TRENCHES was decisive although the idolaters and their Jew allies were not defeated in a pitched bloody battle, but superior tactics and stratagem of the Muslims forced the much superior enemy to retire in panic. The meteorological factor had also contributed to the Muslim victory. The idolaters and their allies had thrice launched (BADR, UHUD, AHZAB) attacks on the Muslims of MEDINA but failed to inflict crushing defeat for their complete destruction. In contrast, every time they suffered defeat (UHUD was a set back for the Muslims), the faith of Islam continued to flourish by leaps and bounds. Its preaching continued vigorously.
BANU QURAIDAH were heavily punished for treachery. Many tribes indulging in nefarious and anti-Islam activities were subdued. Muslim parties were allowed to visit MECCA. After some years MECCA was captured and the bitterest enemy of Islam, ABU SUFYAN also embraced Islam with his wife (killer of Hazrat HAMZA).
Only negligible casualties were suffered in the battle of Trenches (AHZAB) – there is no such example in military history.
It has been mentioned above that the siege of MEDINA ended after one month and ultimately the besieged force was successful. In military history, out of numerous sieges, only in two were the besieged forces successful. The siege of GIBRALTER (July 1779 to February 1783) was also successful but during the period of siege they suffered 1231 (killed) casualties.
Military history attests that the end of most of the besieged forces was tragic because reinforcements and supplies could not reach them. Therefore at some stage, when helplessness induces hopelessness a besieged force has to either surrender or after fighting heroically, accept complete annihilation.
Bibliography
- Seerut-ul-Nabi – SHIBLI NOMANI
- Tarkhe Tibri – TIBRI
- Tarkhe Ibni Khaldun
- Tarkhe Islam – AKBAR SHAH NAJIBABADI
- Great Arab Conquests – GLUBB
- The Arabs – HITTI
- The World’s Great Sieges – CHARLES CONNELL (the author has failed
to mention the Siege of MEDINA). - The Sealed Nectar – SAFIUR RAHMAN AL-MUBARAK PURI
- A Short History of the Saracens – AMIR ALI
- From Badar to Panipat – M.A. GILANI
