THE FIFTH YEAR OF HIJRAH
The Fifth Year Of Hijrah, the Expedition of Dawmatul-Jandal in Rabee‘ ul Awwal
Ibn Ishaq related: Afterwards, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, invaded Dawmatul-Jundal. Ibn Hisham said: It occurred in Rabee‘ ul-Awwal in the fifth year of Hijrah and he appointed Siba‘ Ibn ‘Urfutah Al-Ghifari over Madinah.
Muhammad Ibn ‘Umar Al-Waqidi has related it with his chain of narrations from his teachers from a number of predecessors who said: The target of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the borders of Syria. It was also said that the invasion was to terrorize Ceasar. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had been informed that a large number of soldiers had encamped at DawmatulJandal and were terrorizing everyone that they came across, and that a large market was located there. He was informed that they are mobilizing with the intent to invade Madinah. Thus, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, selected his men and marched out with one thousand Muslim warriors. They would advance under the cover of night and rest by day. He had a guide from the Banu Udhrah named Madhkoor. When they approached Dawmatul-Jandal, the guide informed him of the location of the pasture of Banu Tameem. They advanced till they snuck upon their cattles and shepherds. Some were killed and others scattered in different directions. When the news of the attack reached the inhabitants of Dawmatul-Jandal, they fled in all directions for their lives and evacuated their habitations. The Prophet encamped on their public square but did not find anyone. He stayed there for a few days during which he dispatched some expeditionary forces and then withdrew. Muhammad Ibn Salamah captured one of them and brought him to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He enquired from him about the whereabouts of his companions and he disclosed that they had fled the day before. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, presented Islam to him and he accepted. Then, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, returned to Madinah.
The Battle of Khandaq Otherwise Known as the Battle of the Confederates
The battle took place in the month of Shawwal, fifth year of Hijrah. Ibn Ishaq related that from ‘Urwah Ibn Az-Zubair, Qatadah, Al-Baihaqi and more than one scholar among the predecessors and the successors.
From the account of Al-Khandaq is that a group of Jews including Salam Ibn Abil-Huqaiq An-Nadari, Huyayy Ibn Akhtab An-Nadari, Kinanah Ibn Abil-Huqaiq, Hawdhah Ibn Qais Al-Wa’ili and Abu ‘Ammar Al-Wa’ili were there among a group of Banu An-Nadeer and another from Banu Wa’il. These were the people who rallied the confederates against the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They went to the Quraish in Makkah and invited them to a war against the Messenger of Allah saying: “We shall align with you till we all exterminate him.” The Quraish said in response: “O Jews, you are the first of the People of the Book and you possess the knowledge of that which has stirred disagreement between us and Muhammad. Which religion is better, ours or his? You are more deserving of the truth than him.” They were the ones concerning whom Allah revealed: Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Book (the Jews), purchasing the wrong path, and wish that you should go astray from the Right Path. Allah has full knowledge of your enemies, and Allah is Sufficient as a Wali (Protector), and Allah is Sufficient as a Helper. (Soorah An-Nisa’ 4:44, 45)
When they presented their proposal to the Quraish, it pleased them and they were enthusiastic about going to war with Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They mobilized and unified their ranks against him. The same group of Jews also proceeded till they reached the Ghatafan of Qais Ailan. They invited them to partake in a war against the Prophet. They also informed them that they were with them in that cause and that the Quraish were already disposed toward that. They also rallied with them on that purpose. The Quraish forces commanded by Abu Sufyan marched out. So did the army of Ghatafan commanded by seasoned commanders. Uyainah Ibn Hisn Ibn Hudhaifah Ibn Badr led the contingent of Banu Fazarah; Al-Harith Ibn ‘Awf Ibn Abi Harithah AlMurri commanded Banu Murrah contingent; Mis’ar Ibn Rukhailah Ibn Nuwairah Ibn Tareef Ibn Suhmah Ibn ‘Abdullah Ibn Hilal Ibn Khulawah Ibn Ashja Ibn Raith Ibn Ghatafan also filed out leading warriors from the people of Ashja.
When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, heard of their mobilization against him, he dug a trench around Madinah. Ibn Hisham said: it is said that it was Salman who pointed him to the idea.
Ibn Ishaq related: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, also personally worked in digging the trench in order to awaken the desire of the Muslims for reward. The Muslims also worked with him and a party of the hypocrites declined to help, using the excuse of weakness. There were also those who snuck away with neither his permission nor his knowledge. Allah had revealed concerning that: The true Believers are only those, who believe in (the Oneness of) Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and when they are with him on some common matter, they go not away until they have asked his permission. Verily! Those who ask your permission, those are they who (really) believe in Allah and His Messenger. So if they ask your permission for some affairs of theirs, give permission to whom you will of them, and ask Allah for their forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Make not the calling of the Messenger (Muhammad) among you as your calling of one another. Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking the permission to leave, from the Messenger). And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. Certainly, to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and the Earth. Surely, He knows your condition and (He knows) the Day when they will be brought back to Him, then He will inform them of what they did. And Allah is All-Knower of everything. (Soorah An-Noor 24: 62-64)
Humaid related that I heard Anas say: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, went toward Khandaq (i.e. the Trench) and saw the Muhajiroon and the Ansar digging in a very cold morning as they did not have slaves to do that for them. When he noticed their fatigue and hunger he said, “O Allah! The real life is that of the Hereafter, (so please) forgive the Ansar and the Muhajiroun.” In its reply the Muhajiroon and the Ansar said, “We are those who have given a pledge of allegiance to Muhammad that we will carry on Jihad as long as we live.”
Al-Bukhari related that Sahl Ibn Sa‘d narrated: “We were with Allah’s Messenger in the Trench, some were digging the Trench while we were carrying the earth on our shoulders. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘O Allah! There is no life except the life of the Hereafter, so please forgive the Muhajirun and the Ansar.” The Hadith is also related by Muslim.
Al-Bukhari related that Al-Bara’ Ibn ‘Azib said: “I saw Allah’s Messenger on the day (of the Battle) of the Trench carrying earth till the hair on his stomach was covered with dust and he was reciting the following Verses: ‘O Allah, were it not for You, We would not have been guided. Nor would we have given in charity, nor prayed. So, bestow on us calmness when we meet the enemy. Then make our feet firm, for indeed, if they want to put us in affliction, (i.e. want to fight against us) we would not (flee but withstand them).’ The Prophet used to raise his voice while repeating: ‘we would not (flee but withstand them)’.”
Imam Ahmad related from Anas that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, while they were digging the Trench: “O Allah! There is no goodness except that of the Hereafter, so please set aright (the affairs of) the Ansar and the Muhajiroun.”
Jabir narrated: We were digging (the Trench) on the day of Al-Khandaq and we came across a big solid rock. We went to the Prophet and said,
“Here is a rock appearing across the trench.” He said, “I am coming down.” Then he got up, and a stone was tied to his belly for we had not eaten anything for three days. So the Prophet took the spade and struck the big solid rock and it became like sand. I said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Allow me to go home.” (When the Prophet allowed me) I said to my wife, “I saw the Prophet in a state that I cannot treat lightly. Have you got something for him to eat?” She replied, “I have barley and a she goat.” So I slaughtered the she-kid and she ground the barley; then we put the meat in the earthenware cooking pot. Then I came to the Prophet when the dough had become soft and fermented and (the meat in) the pot over the stone trivet had nearly been well-cooked, and said, “I have got a little food prepared, so get up O Allah’s Messenger, you and one or two men along with you (for the food).” The Prophet asked, “How much is that food?” I told him about it. He said, “It is abundant and good. Tell your wife not to remove the earthenware pot from the fire and not to take out any bread from the oven till I reach there.” Then he said (to all his Companions), “Get up.” So the Muhajiroon and the Ansar got up.
When I came to my wife, I said, “Allah’s Mercy be upon you! The Prophet came along with the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who were present with them.” She said, “Did the Prophet ask you (how much food you had)?” I replied, “Yes.” Then the Prophet said, “Enter and do not cram.” The Prophet started cutting the bread (into pieces) and put the cooked meat over it. He covered the earthenware pot and the oven whenever he took something out of them. He would give the food to his Companions and take the meat out of the pot. He went on cutting the bread and scooping the meat (for his Companions) till they all ate their fill, and even then, some food remained. Then the Prophet said (to my wife), “Eat and present to others as the people are struck with hunger.” It is exclusively related by Al-Bukhari.
Al-Bara’ Ibn ‘Azib Al-Ansari narrated: Allah’s Messenger commanded us to dig a trench and a rock stood out at a spot in the trench which was too strong for our spade to break. So we went to complain to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about it. He came to check it. He removed his garment and lowered down to the rock. He took the spade and struck the rock uttering “In the Name of Allah.” A third of the rock broke away. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, exclaimed: “Allah is the Greatest, the keys of AshSham (Syria) have been given to me. I swear by Allah, I can see its reddish palaces at the moment from this spot.” Again, upon saying “In the Name of Allah,” he struck the rock for the second time and another one-third of the rock broke away. He again exclaimed: “Allah is Greatest, the keys of Persia have been given to me. I swear by Allah, I can now see the white palace of Mada’in at the moment from this spot.” For the third time, he said “in the Name of Allah,” then he struck the rock, which turned into very small pieces and he said: “Allah is Greatest, I have been given the keys of Yemen, I swear by Allah, I can see the gates of San‘a while I am in my place.”
A Companion of the Prophet narrated: When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ordered that the Trench be dug, a rock stalled the digging. So the Prophet rose, took hold of a spade, removed his upper garment and placed it by the trench and recited: And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the AllKnower. (Surah Al-An‘am 6:115) and one-third of the rock chipped off and Salman Al-Farisi stood watching as a spark of light shone at the strike of Allah’s Messenger. Then he struck the rock for the second time while reciting the same Verse (as the first strike) and another one-third of the rock chipped off. Another spark of light came out and Salman saw it.
For the third time, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, recited: And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the AllHearer, the All-Knower. (Surah Al-An‘am 6:115) and the remaining third of the rock broke into pieces and the Messenger climbed out of the trench, took his upper garment and sat down. Salman said: O Allah’s Messenger, I was watching you while you struck the rock and at each strike there was a spark of light.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Did you really see that, O Salman?” and Salman replied: “Yes, by Him Who sent you with the Truth, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet then said: “When I first struck the rock, I was shown the cities of Kisra (Chosroe) and its adjoining territories. Mada’in is a large territory till I saw it with my eyes.” His Companions who were with him asked: “O Messenger of Allah, supplicate that Allah makes us conquer it, take its descendants as booty and lay waste to their land at our hands.” The Prophet supplicated for that.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, continued: “Then I struck it for the second time and I was shown the cities of Kisra (Caesar) and its adjoining territories till I saw it with my own eyes.” Again, the Companions requested: “O Messenger of Allah, supplicate that Allah make us conquer it, take its inhabitants as booty and lay waste their land at our hands.” The Prophet also supplicated for that. “Then I struck it for the third time and I was shown the cities of Abyssinia and its adjoining villages till I saw it with my own eyes.” Then Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Let the Abyssinians be as long as they let you be. Leave the Turks as long as they leave you.”
Imam Ahmad related from Abu Hurairah that Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, said: “I have been aided with awe and I have been blessed with succinct words with deep meanings and the entire Earth has been made a place of prayer and purification for me. While I was sleeping, the keys of the Earth’s treasures were brought to me and placed in my hand.”
It is recorded in the Saheehain that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “When Chosroe (the king of Persia) dies, there will be no Chosroe after him. And when Caesar (the king of Rome) dies, there will be no Caesar after him. By the One in Whose Hands is my life, you will spend their treasures in the cause of Allah.”
In another authentic Hadith, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah displayed the Earth for me – the East and the West and the authority of my Ummah shall extend to what has been displayed to me.”
Ibn Ishaq related that when the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, completed the digging of the Trench, the Quraish came and encamped in the vicinity of Madinah in a place called Al-Asyal with warriors numbering ten thousand from a hotchpotch of tribes and those who followed them from Banu Kinanah and the people of Tihamah.
The Ghatafan also came with their allies from the people of Najd till they encamped at Dhanab Naqama close to Uhud.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, also came out with the Muslims numbering three thousand. They entrenched themselves in Sala‘ Mountain with the Trench standing as a barrier between them and the disbelievers. The Prophet ordered that the children and women be taken to rooftops. Ibn Hisham said: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, appointed Ibn Umm Maktoom over Madinah in his absence. This is the import of Allah’s statement: When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harboring doubts about Allah. (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:10)
‘A’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said concerning the Verse: When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harboring doubts about Allah (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:10), that it was on the Day of the Trench.
Ibn Ishaq related that Huyayy Ibn Akhtab An-Nadari approached Ka‘b Ibn Asad Al-Qurazi, their chief and the most influential person. When Ka‘b learned of his coming, he locked the gate of his fortress against Huyayy. Huyayy sought his permission to enter but he refused to open the gate for him. Huyayy called out: “Woe to you, O Ka‘b, opened the gate for me!” Ka‘b responded: “Woe to you too, O Huyayy, you portend bad omen. I have entered into a pact with Muhammad and I am not going to repudiate the pact between me and him. Leave me as I am for I have always found him loyal and truthful.” Huyayy persisted: “Woe to you, open the gate for me so that I may have words with you.” “I will not!” Ka‘b insisted. “By Allah, you locked your gate against me only because of your Jasheeshah which you fear that I will eat with you.” The man became enraged and threw the gate open for him. When he had entered, Huyayy said: “Woe to you, O Ka‘b, I have come to present to you perpetual honor and numerous hosts.” “What is that?” Ka‘b asked. “I have come to you with the Quraish and its commander and chief and they have encamped at AlAsyal and the Ghatafan are also encamped by Mount Uhud with its commander and chief. They have agreed not to withdraw until they exterminate Muhammad and his followers.” Ka‘b said: “By Allah, you have come to me with a perpetual ignominy.”
Ibn Ishaq said: Huyayy did not cease to cajole Ka‘b till he eventually managed to win him to his side and persuaded him to break his covenant with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and enter into war alongside the confederates.
Ibn Ishaq said: When the news of the intrigue to break the covenant reached the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, he dispatched Sa‘d Ibn Mu‘adh, who was at the time the leader of Aws, Sa‘d Ibn ‘Ubadah, who was at the time the leader of the Khazraj, along with ‘Abdullah Ibn Rawahah and Khawwat Ibn Jubair, to the Banu Quraizah on the Day of Ahzab. He gave them clear instructions: “Proceed to these people and find out whether the news reaching us from them is true or not. If it is true, give me an encrypted message which I can understand and do not puncture the Muslims’ confidence. If they, however, still conform to their pact with us, declare it publicly to the people.” The emissaries thus proceeded to meet them.
Moosa Ibn ‘Uqbah related: The emissaries entered the fort of the Banu Qaraizah and invited them to an accord and a renewal of the alignment. They responded: “Our wing has been broken and they were expelled.” By that they meant Banu Nadir. They also poured vituperations against the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Ibn Ishaq related that they spoke disparagingly against the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying: “Who is the Messenger of Allah? We do not have any pact or covenant with Muhammad.” Sa‘d Ibn Mu‘adh revealed them and they answered him in a similar manner. He was a man with some fury in him. Sa‘d Ibn ‘Ubadah said to him: “Stop insulting them for the matter between us and them is far more serious than insulting them.” The two Sa‘ds withdrew together with their compatriots and returned to the Prophet. When they got to him, they said the salam on him and said: “It is like the treachery of Adal and Al-Qarah toward the people of Ar-Rajee, Khubaib and his companions.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah is Greatest! O Muslims have glad tidings.”
Moosa Ibn ‘Uqbah narrated: Then Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, covered his head with his cloth when the news was brought to him and laid down for a long time. The situation became grave and a sense of fear prevailed when they saw him lying down. It became clear to them that what came from Banu Quraizah was not good at all. Then Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, raised his head and said: “Have glad tidings of Allah’s victory and help.” The following morning, the enemies started coming one after the other. They were repelled by showers of arrows and stones. Sa‘eed Ibn Musayyab related: Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, supplicated: “O Allah, I ask You (to fulfill) Your covenant and promise. O Allah, if You wish (that the Muslims be destroyed) You will not be worshipped.”
Ibn Ishaq related that the situation became aggravated, and palpable fear enveloped the Muslims. The enemy inundated them from above and below them till the Believers began to entertain misgivings in their hearts. Hypocrisy became rife to such an extent that Mu‘attib Ibn Qushair from Banu ‘Amr Ibn ‘Awf said: “Muhammad used to give us hope that we would obtain the treasures of Persians and Romans and now none of us feels safe even going to the lavatory.” Aws Ibn Qaizi also said to the Prophet: “O Messenger of Allah, our houses are vulnerable to the enemies so permit us to go back to our houses for it is outside of Madinah.”
I say: These people and their likes are the subjects of the statement of Allah: And when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubts) said: “Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusions!” And when a party of them said: “O people of Yathrib (Al-Madinah)! There is no stand (possible) for you (against the enemy attack)! Therefore go back!” And a band of them ask for permission of the Prophet saying: “Truly, our homes lie open (to the enemy).” And they lay not open. They wished to flee. (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:12,13)
When the situation became worse on the people, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, according to what was related to me, sent ‘Asim Ibn ‘Umar Ibn Qatadah and others to Uyainah Ibn Hisn and Al-Harith Ibn Awf Al-Murri, both of whom were the commanders of Ghatafan, offering them a third of Madinah’s fruit crops on condition that they withdraw with their forces from fighting against the Messenger of Allah and his Companions. There was a flurry of correspondences and an unwitnessed agreement was written which yielded no firm results. When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, wanted to carry out the proposal to the Ghatafan, he sent for the two Sa’ds (namely, Sa‘d Ibn Mu‘adh and Sa‘d Ibn ‘Ubadah) and sought their advice. They replied as follows: “Messenger of Allah! Is this course of action which you have preferred from Allah’s Injunction such that we do not have a choice but to obey or is it a new course you want to follow just to provide security for us?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, replied: “It is a course of action which I have devised to provide your security after all the ‘Arabs have shot at you from one bow, i.e. they have united to annihilate you (Muslims) and they have hemmed you in from all directions.” Sa‘d Ibn Mu‘adh said to him: “We have experienced these people while we were both on polytheism and idolatry not worshipping Allah and not having any knowledge of Him. We can safely say that they don’t need the fruit of our orchards, they will rather aim at exterminating us completely. Is it now that Allah has honored us with Islam, guided us to Him and ennobled us with your presence that we should now turn over our wealth to them? We do not have any need for this. By Allah we should give them nothing except our unsheathed swords (i.e. fighting) till Allah decides between us and them.”
Ibn Ishaq related that the Prophet and his Companions remained under siege but there was no serious confrontation between them and their enemies. Meanwhile, ‘Amr Ibn ‘Abd Wudd had fought in the Battle of Badr and he had sustained injuries which prevented him from partaking in the Battle of Uhud. Thus, at the Battle of Khandaq, he marched forth intending to make a mark of his distinguished position as a seasoned warrior. When he and his Calvary halted, he challenged anyone to a duel. “Who will take up my challenge?” he said arrogantly. ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib stepped out to take up the challenge. When he got to him, ‘Ali said to him: “O ‘Amr, remember you used to swear by Allah that no Quraishi will invite you to one of two alternatives except that you will choose one.” ‘Amr replied: “Yes, that is correct.” Then ‘Ali said: “Then I am inviting you to Allah, His Messenger and to Islam.” ‘Amr said: “I am in no need of that.” Then ‘Ali said: “Then I am inviting you to a combat.” “Why, my nephew? By Allah I do not wish to kill you.” ‘Amr said. ‘Ali responded calmly, “As for me, I swear by Allah, I love to kill you.” This affront enraged ‘Amr. He hopped down from his horse, hamstrung it and hit its face, then he approached ‘Ali menacingly. A fierce duel ensued and ‘Ali succeeded in killing him. May Allah be pleased with ‘Ali.
Then ‘Ali withdrew toward the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his face radiating with happiness. ‘Umar Ibn AlKhattab said to him: “Why did you not dispossess him of his armor; no ‘Arab has better armor than his.” ‘Ali said: “I broke it and his nakedness became exposed to me so I became shy of stripping him.” Seeing their man fall, his Calvary beat a quick retreat across the Trench.
Moosa Ibn ‘Uqbah related that the disbelievers inundated the Muslims till they were besieged in a fort like situation. The blockade lingered for close to twenty nights. The Muslims were attacked from all sides till a man would not know whether he completed his prayer or not. Detachments of the enemy forces made forays across the Trench. A large detachment headed in the direction of the Prophet’s residence. The Muslims fought them throughout the day till nightfall. When the ‘Asr prayer was due, the enemy detachment advanced and the Prophet and all of his Companions with him were unable to offer the Salat as they would like to. Eventually, the enemy detachment retreated by nightfall. Some claim that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “They (the enemy) have diverted us from the middle prayer till the sunset. May Allah fill their graves and their houses with fire, or their graves and stomachs with fire.”
The tribulation became extremely precarious, hypocrisy became rife and disgusting statements were uttered. When the Messenger of Allah saw the people’s anguish and tribulation, he kept giving them good tidings, saying: “By Him in Whose Hands is my soul, the severity of the situation which you are experiencing right now will soon be relieved. I strongly hope that I will circumambulate the Ancient House (Baitul-Ateeq) in security and the keys of the Ka‘bah shall be delivered to me. Allah shall annihilate Kisra and Qaisar and you will spend their treasures in the path of Allah.”
‘Ali narrated that the Prophet said, on the Day of Khandaq: “O Allah! Fill their (i.e. the polytheists’) houses and graves with fire as they busied us so much that we did not perform the prayer (i.e. ‘Asr) till the sunset.”
Al-Bukhari related from Jabir Ibn ‘Abdullah that on the day of Khandaq, ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab came after the sun had set, cursing the disbelievers of Quraish and saying, “O Allah’s Messenger! I have not offered the ‘Asr prayer and the sun has set.” The Prophet replied, “By Allah! I too, have not offered the prayer yet.” The Prophet then went to Buthan, performed ablution and performed the ‘Asr prayer after the sun had set and then offered the Maghrib prayer after it.”
A section of scholars has used this Hadith as evidence that the SalatalWusta (the middle prayer) is the ‘Asr prayer as is related from him in this Hadith. Al-Qadi and Al-Mawardi have held on to Ash-Shafi’i’s position due to the authenticity of this Hadith.
We have composed that by way of transmission and deduction while explaining the words of Allah: Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e. the best prayer – ‘Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience and do not speak to others during the Salat (prayers.)
A section of scholars has adduced this as evidence for the permissibility of delaying the Salat due to the excuse of fighting (in war) as opinionated by Makhool and Al-Awza’i. Al-Bukhari has a chapter heading on that and adduced this Hadith as evidence and the Messenger of Allah’s statement on the day he commanded them to advance to Banu Quraizah as shall be discussed shortly.
The Prophet said, “None of you (Muslims) should offer the ‘Asr prayer but at Banu Quraizah’s place.” When the ‘Asr prayer became due, some of them offered it on the way. Some of them did not offer it till they got to Banu Quraizah after the sun had gone down and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not berate any one of the two groups. They also advanced as argument what is reported from the Companions and those with them during the siege of Tustar in the year 20 A.H. during the time of ‘Umar when they offered the Fajr (early morning) prayer after the sun had risen due to the excuse of fighting and the conquest of the fortress was at hand.
Other scholars, who incidentally are in the majority, among whom was Ash-Shafi’i, however, argued that this act on the day of Khandaq has been abrogated with the legislation of the “Fear Prayer” afterward. Meanwhile, it was not legislated prior to that. This is the reason why they delayed the prayer on that day. This is, however, doubtful. Ibn Ishaq and a group of scholars hold the opinion that the Prophet offered the “Fear Prayer” at Usfan and Ibn Ishaq, who is a leader in military history, has situated it in his narration before the Battle of Khandaq as well as Dhatur-Riqa‘ which he also situated before Khandaq. And Allah knows best.
Imam Ahmad related from ‘Abdur-Rahman Ibn Abi Sa‘eed Al-Khudri from his father who said: We were bogged down on the day of Khandaq till a part of the night had gone and we were sufficed, as indicated by the statement of Allah: And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage, they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, Almighty. (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:25)
The Messenger of Allah called Bilal and ordered him to announce the Adhan and then he made the Iqamah and the Prophet offered the Zuhr prayer as he would do at its proper time. He offered the ‘Asr prayer in a similar manner. He also offered the Maghreb and Isha’ as he would offer them in their actual times. This occurred before the revelation of the “Fear Prayer” as stated by Al-Hajjaj: And if you fear (an enemy), perform Salat on foot or riding. And when you are in safety, offer the Salat in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (before). (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:239)
By: Ibn Katheer
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John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.