Perang Khandaq: Parit Gergasi Sejauh 2.5km

Summary

The Battle of Khandaq, or the Battle of the Trench, was a critical confrontation in 627 CE, where a coalition of 10,000 enemy troops, including the Quraysh and the Banu Nadir, laid siege to Medina. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his 3,000 followers ingeniously dug a trench around the city, a tactic inspired by Persian warfare. This strategic move thwarted the attackers, leading to a month-long standoff that showcased the Muslims' resilience and faith. The battle not only marked a significant victory but also reinforced the Muslim community's position in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Battle of Ahzab (or Khandaq) involved a coalition of enemy forces gathering to attack Medina.
• 😀 The name 'Khandaq' refers to the trench strategy employed by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions to defend the city.
• 😀 This battle occurred in the 5th year of Hijrah, specifically in the month of Shawwal.
• 😀 The Quran references this battle in Surah Al-Ahzab, highlighting its significance.
• 😀 The Banu Nadir, a Jewish tribe, initially conspired to kill the Prophet, prompting his expulsion from Medina.
• 😀 After being expelled, the Banu Nadir allied with the Quraysh in Mecca to attack Medina, gathering an army of 10,000 soldiers.
• 😀 The Muslim defenders, significantly outnumbered, devised a trench strategy based on a suggestion from Salman Al-Farisi.
• 😀 The trench, 25 kilometers long, was completed in six days by around 3,000 Muslims, showcasing their determination and resourcefulness.
• 😀 The enemy forces were surprised by the trench strategy, which was unprecedented among Arab tribes.
• 😀 The siege lasted for a month, during which various miracles attributed to the Prophet Muhammad occurred, including provisions of food.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Battle of Ahzab in Islamic history?

The Battle of Ahzab, also known as the Battle of the Trench, was significant as it demonstrated the unity of various tribes against the Muslim community in Medina and was a turning point in the conflicts between Muslims and their enemies.

Why is the battle also referred to as the Battle of Khandaq?

It is called the Battle of Khandaq because the Muslims, under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad, dug a trench ('Khandaq' in Arabic) around Medina as a defensive strategy to protect themselves from the attacking forces.

What prompted the gathering of enemy forces against the Muslims in Medina?

The gathering was prompted by the Banu Nadir tribe, who sought revenge against Prophet Muhammad after their expulsion from Medina, and they allied with the Quraysh and other tribes to mount a large-scale attack.

How many troops were involved in the siege against Medina?

The enemy forces comprised approximately 10,000 troops, including 4,000 from Quraysh and 6,000 from other allied tribes.

What strategy did Prophet Muhammad employ to defend Medina?

Prophet Muhammad decided to dig a trench around Medina, a strategy inspired by Salman al-Farisi's experience from Persian warfare, to thwart the enemy's advance.

How long did it take for the Muslims to dig the trench?

It took the Muslims six days to dig the trench, which extended over 25 kilometers in length, with a depth and width of 10 hast, roughly translating to about 51 meters.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Ahzab for the Muslim community?

The outcome was a strategic victory for the Muslims as the trench successfully prevented the enemy forces from entering Medina, leading to a prolonged siege that ultimately resulted in the enemy retreating.

What miraculous events are associated with the Battle of Ahzab?

Various miraculous events are reported, including the story of the abundant food provided to the Muslims, which miraculously sufficed for their needs despite the lengthy siege.

What role did the Banu Nadir play in the events leading up to the battle?

The Banu Nadir were instrumental in the events leading up to the battle as they conspired to kill Prophet Muhammad and sought to ally with other tribes to launch an attack against the Muslims.

How did the Muslims respond to the initial threat from the Banu Nadir?

Upon learning of the Banu Nadir's plot against him, Prophet Muhammad expelled them from Medina, which led them to seek alliances with other tribes for their revenge.