.
.
C) The battle of Ahzab:
[It occurred in Shawal & Ziqad of 5th Al-Hijra and lasted for a month.]
1. In the battle of Ahzab, the enemy was far superior in men and material, when the Confederates (i.e. Ahzab or the united forces of different tribes of Arabia led by the Quraish of Mecca), on the incitement and support of the Jews of Banu Quraiza and Banu Wa’il, proceeded to Madina to wipe out the Muslims. The number of fully armed personnel under the united command of Abu Sufyan was ten thousand against the ill equipped companions of three thousand of the Holy Prophet.
2. On receiving the report about the attack on Madina, the Holy Prophet with the opinion of Salman Farsi (one of his Companions) dug a ditch around Madina, which was three and a half miles long having gates watched by armed men. Archers were appointed over the high rocks of the ditch for defending it from the enemy’s attack.
3. Salman Farsi, Abu Zar, Abu bakr and Umar were appointed as Deputy Commanders. Section Commanders were also appointed to look after the sections of the ditch.
4. The battle initiative remained in the hands of the Holy Prophet since the Quraish and their allies could find no way to cross the ditch.
5. The enemy was spread over the length of the ditch, but did not know what to do. They were pushed back by the archers, when they tried to cross the ditch.
6. A famous warrior of the enemy, Amar bin Abdud, along with his fellow men succeeded to cross the ditch at its narrow section, but Ali quite heroically crushed and killed him with the result that his companions fled with fear and harassment. None from the enemy then dared to cross the ditch.
7. The enemy stayed for a month, but gained nothing. They were frustrated and discouraged. A strong wind then blew which uprooted their tents and compelled them to pack up and retreat. The enemy left in a state of disappointment without inflicting any harm on the Muslims.
8. When the enemy left Madina, the Holy Prophet
foretold that the Quraish would never dare to attack them again.
[Encyclopedia on Seerah, Ibn Hashsham, Ibn Khaldun, Bukhari]
[Note: See the Battle of Ahzab in Al-Quran- 33:9-27.]
