📖 The Battle of Banu Nadir (4 AH)

✡️ Who were Banu Nadir?
The Banu Nadir were a Jewish tribe settled in Yathrib (Medina) even before Islam. Their origins are debated:

Some historians trace them to the Arab tribe of Jutham who later adopted Judaism.

Others claim they descended from Aaron, son of Imran, brother of Prophet Moses (ع).

After the Roman-Jewish wars (70 CE), many Jewish tribes, including Banu Nadir, migrated to Hijaz and settled near Medina.

They grew wealthy and influential, often aligning with the Aws tribe in Medina’s local conflicts.

🤝 The Pact with Muslims

When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated to Medina, Banu Nadir joined other Jewish tribes in a pact:

To defend Medina together against enemies.

To avoid alliances with Quraysh and hostile tribes.

To refrain from aiding aggressors financially or militarily.

But soon, Banu Nadir violated this pact.

⚔️ The Plot and Siege

In 4 AH (625 CE), after the incident of Bi’r Ma‘unah, the Prophet (ﷺ) sought Banu Nadir’s help in paying blood-money for two slain men. They initially agreed—yet secretly plotted to assassinate the Prophet by dropping a stone from their fortress.

🔹 Revelation exposed their treachery.
🔹 The Prophet (ﷺ) gave them 10 days to leave Medina.
🔹 Encouraged by the hypocrite leader ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy, they refused.

Thus, the Prophet (ﷺ), leaving ‘Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum as his deputy in Medina, marched with an army led by Imam Ali (ع). The tribe was besieged for 15 days.

During the siege:

Their palm trees were cut down as a military tactic.

An assassination attempt on the Prophet by a Jewish fighter named ‘Azwaq was foiled by Imam Ali (ع).

Finally, Banu Nadir surrendered.

🚶‍♂️ The Exile

They were allowed to leave with whatever they could carry on camels—except weapons. Some migrated to Khaybar, others to Syria. Among them was Huyayy ibn Akhtab, father of Safiyyah, who later became the Prophet’s wife after Khaybar.

Their abandoned lands and property were distributed by the Prophet (ﷺ) among the Muhajirun (emigrants), relieving the Ansar of their duty to support them.

🕋 In the Qur’an

The exile of Banu Nadir is directly referenced in Surah al-Hashr (59:1-17), describing:

Their betrayal,

God’s decree of their expulsion,

And the division of their wealth.

✍️ Written by Fatemeh Haji Qasem

📚 References: Ibn Hisham, al-Tabari, al-Waqidi, al-Ya‘qubi, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Sa‘d, al-Halabi, Encyclopaedia Judaica, et al.

🌐 Source: JS Center – The Battle of Banu Nadir

✨ A reminder: Betrayal, treachery, and hidden plots cannot prevail against divine truth.

#History #Islam #Medina #BanuNadir #ProphetMuhammad ﷺ #Jews #Quran

✅ @rahyafte_en