Hit from the Back

Message of Peace - Justice P K Shamsuddin

         Hurayyah went to the quarter of Banu Qurayzah to meet Kabh Ibn Ahkle, who was their leader.  Banu Qurayzah knew well that treason would bring certain advantages in case of defeat of the Muslims but it would also result in terms of extermination in case of Muslim victory. He asked Kabh to listen to his warning and told him that he had come with assured greater army ever gathered in Arabia. He said that the army consisted of the Meccans, Ghatafan and all other leaders and noble men. Kabh hesitated, remembering Mohammed’s loyalty to him and the covenant. However, Kabh could not resist the persuasion attempts of Huyayy and questioned, what would be the faith of Banu Qurayzah in case the Meccan army and their allies had to withdraw. Huyayy answered that he and his people would then join Banu Qurayzah in their own quarter and share with them the fate. At this, Jewish fury could be aroused, and he agreed to accept the demand, repudiate the covenant with the Muslims and to join their rank. 

The news of this betrayal of Banu Qurayzah reached Mohammed and it shook him greatly. Sad Ibn Muadh the leader of the tribe of Aws and Sad Ibn Ubadh the leader of the tribe of Khazrag, Abdullah Ibn Rawhah and Khawab Ibn Jubyer were asked by Mohammed to ascertain the correctness of the news. Mohammed instructed them to report him the findings and not to announce it, if the news is correct, apprehending that it might affect the morale of the Muslims. The delegation who came to the Jew’s quarter found that the news is correct. The delegates tried to bring back them to honour their covenant with Mohammed. Kabh insisted that the Muslims should be prepared for the return of the Jewish tribe of Banu Al Nadir to Medina. Sad Ibn Muadh tried to convince that the fate of Banu Al Nadir would befall them if they persisted in their treason. Instead of listening to his good advice, the Jews started to pour insults on Mohammed. Kabh asked, “Who is this so called prophet of God? There is neither nor covenant nor peace between us and him.” Hearing this comment, the delegation left the scene.  They reported what was heard to Mohammed. The Muslim leaders were greatly apprehensive. They thought that the side of Hubayayy would now be open for the Meccans and the allies and they would enter the city and root out them. Banu Qurayzah immediately cut off all the supplies to the Muslims. The Meccans were rejoicing when Huayayy Ibn Aktab reported them of the treason of Banu Qurayzah. Naturally, the morale of the Meccans also enhanced. Banu Qurayzah requested them to wait ten days before attacking Medina to get sufficient time to prepare themselves, to keep constant pressure on the Muslims and to prevent the Muslim attack on them before military preparations were completed. 

The Meccans were divided itself into three main brigades, one led by Ibn Al Awaval Sulami which was expected to attack the Muslims from across the valley, the second led by Uyayyah which was expected to attack the Muslims from front and the third one was led by Abu Sufyan which was expected to attack the Muslims from across the ditch.

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