THE TRIAL OF THE JEWS OF BANU QAINUQA’ FROM THE PEOPLE OF MADINAH
They were the subject of the statement of Allah: They are like their immediate predecessors (the Jews of Bani Qainuqa’, who suffered), they tasted the evil result of their conduct, and (in the Hereafter, there is) for them a painful torment. (Soorah Al-Hashr 59:15)
Ibn Ishaq said that the narration concerning them is that Allah’s Messenger, peace be upon him, requested them to gather in their marketplace and he addressed them saying: “O company of Jews, be careful of the kind of tragedy that befell the Quraish, accept Islam for you have come to know that I am a Prophet that has been sent. You have found that recorded in your Scripture and a promise from Allah to you.” They replied: “O Muhammad, do you assume that we are your people? Do not be deceived by the fact that you fought with a group who lack the knowledge of military tactics and you scored an opportunity. If you fight us then you will know what sort of people we are (in military capability).”
Ibn ‘Abbas related: The following Verses of the Qur’an were revealed concerning no other people but them: Say (O Muhammad) to those who disbelieve: “You will be defeated and gathered together to Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest.” There has already been a sign for you (O Jews) in the two armies that met (in combat i.e. the Battle of Badr)… i.e. between the warriors of Badr among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah and the Quraish. …One was fighting in the Cause of Allah, and as for the other (they) were disbelievers. They (the believers) saw them (the disbelievers) with their own eyes twice their number (although they were thrice their number). And Allah supports with His Victory whom He pleases. Verily, in this is a lesson for those who understand. (Soorah Al ‘Imran 3:12, 13)
Abu ‘Awn narrated that the case of the Banu Qainuqa’ came to a head when an Arab woman went with her jewelry to the market of the Banu Qainuqa’. She sat down in the goldsmith’s shop. A group of Jews who had gathered around her kept pressuring her to uncover her face to which she objected. The goldsmith, unknown to her, pinned the hem of her cloth to her back. When she got up, her body became exposed and the Jews started laughing at her. The woman cried out and a man from the Muslims pounced upon the Jewish goldsmith and killed him. The Jews also fell upon him and killed him in return. The spark ignited into a war between the Muslims and the Banu Qainuqa’. ”
Ibn Ishaq related that ‘Asim Ibn ‘Umar Ibn Qatadah said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, besieged them till they were forced to surrender and accept his judgment. Then ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy Ibn Salool rose and said: “O Muhammad, be kind to my clients.” Banu Qainuqa’ were allies of the Khazraj. The Prophet did not reply immediately and ‘Abdullah repeated his demand: “O Muhammad, be kind to my clients.” The Prophet turned away from him but he held onto the armor of the Prophet known as Dhatul-Fudool.
The Messenger of Allah’s color changed and he said: “Let me go!” He became so angry that the bystanders saw his face darkened. Then he said: “Woe to you, let me go!” But ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy said: “No, I shall not let you go till you show kindness to my clients. Four hundred without armor and three hundred with armor. They have protected me from all and sundry. Now you are going to slaughter them in one morning? By Allah, I am a man who is afraid of the consequences.” Then the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to him: “They are yours.”
Ibn Hisham added that Allah’s Messenger appointed Abu Lubababh Basheer Ibn ‘Abdul-Mundhir in charge of the blockade which lasted for fifteen nights. Ibn Ishaq related that ‘Ubadah Ibn Samit said, when the Messenger of Allah went to war with Banu Qainuqa’, ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy became obstinate in defending them, ‘Ubadah Ibn Samit, who was from Banu ‘Awf, who had alliances with them just like ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, went up to Allah’s Messenger and repudiated their alliances and clientele with them in preference for Allah and His Messenger. He said: “I ally myself to Allah, His Messenger, the Believers and I free myself from the alliance with these disbelievers and their clientele.” It is concerning him and ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy that Allah revealed the Verses in Soorah Al-Maidah:
O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya’ to one another (Soorah Al-Ma’idah 5:51) till the Verse, (And you see those in whose hearts there is a disease (of hypocrisy), they hurry to their friendship, saying: “We fear lest some misfortune of a disaster may befall us. (Soorah Al-Ma’idah 5:52) i.e. ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy up to the statement, And whosoever takes Allah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the party of Allah will be the victorious. (Soorah Al-Ma’idah 5:56) i.e. ‘Ubadah Ibn As-Samit. We had discussed this in the Tafseer.
The Expedition of Zaid Ibn Harithah to Capture the Quraishi Caravan Led by Abu Sufyan
Yoonus related from Bukair from Ibn Ishaq that this incident occurred ten months after the Battle of Badr. The Quraish were afraid to pursue their usual trade route to Syria so they took the road to Iraq. Some of the merchants went out, including Abu Sufyan, carrying a large amount of silver which constitutes most of their trade. They appointed Furat Ibn Hayyan from Banu Bakr Ibn Wa’il as a guide along that route. At once the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sent Zaid who intercepted them by the watering place of Najd called “Al-Qaradah” and captured the caravan with its good but the men fled. He brought the booty to the Messenger of Allah.
By: Ibn Katheer
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