The Trial of the Jews

Message of Peace - Justice P K Shamsuddin

Mohammed pondered over post threat situation. Banu Qurayyah remained in the midst of Medina. Mohammed was sure that they were capable of attacking Muslims. Unless for the sudden withdrawal of the Meccans and their allies, he knew that Banu Qurayzah would have attacked the Muslims. Mohammed appointed Ali as the commander of their operation with Qurayyah. Banu Qurayyah had fortified their houses but that was not enough to effectively resist a Muslim attack. Mohammed came to the scene and he enquired about the Jewish plan. Mohammed came to know that the Jews were evading him. More and more Muslims came to the scene and Mohammed declared a siege upon them. 

Only a few arrows, stones and Javelins were shot between them. Banu Qurayyah got exhausted and started to realize that their resistance and fortifications are not going to help them and that they would fall into the hands of the Muslims. Mohammed sent Abu Lubaha to negotiate with them. He found that the women and children were in fear. Kab, their leader, suggested that they follow Mohammed and get converted to Islam, but the majority rejected the proposal of Kab. Kab then suggested that they themselves kill their women and children and go out to the Muslims and fight Mohammed. He said that if they happen to lose, their women and children would no more. Banu Qurayyah rejected the suggestion. Finally, Kab said that he found no other option to be considered. After elaborate consultations they thought of seeking the support of the tribe of Banu Al Nadir and their former allies from the tribes of Aws, with a hope that they would give them some protection. 

Banu Quraizah requested Mohammed to allow them to evacuate their territory and to settle down at Ad Hirah. But Mohammed rejected the proposal. Another group of tribesmen also approached Mohammed and informed him about another possible arrangement. Mohammed enquired if they would be happy if he allowed one of their men to arbitrate the case. They agreed and Mohammed asked them to appoint an arbitrator of their choice. This was communicated to the Jews. They appointed Sad Ibn Muaym who belonged to the tribe of Aws. He was a man of good repute. He wanted a guarantee from all parties that they would abide to his decision. It was assured. He asked the Banu Qurayyah command of their fortress to surrender their armor. He pronounced his judgment. He ordered that the fighting men to be put to the death sword and their women and children taken as captives. Banu Quraizah did not expect such a judgment from Saad Ibn Muaym, their former ally. They thought that he would plead for them. Sad knew that if the Meccans and their allies had won, the same destiny would have befallen upon the Muslims who were defeated, because of the Jewish treachery. The Jews brought one of their men for execution and said that it is God’s decision.

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