A reality check - Little hope the Jews will believe - Part 2

The battle of Badr was a great victory for the Muslims in 2H, it raised them in rank and strength. Many celebrated this victory, and many moaned this victory. The Jews as a whole were greatly upset with the progress of Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad had made peace treaties with all three Jewish tribes, promising them full protection and their right to practise their religion, no restrictions on the exchange for loyalty to the state and the head of the state, Muhammad. They had promised that they would not attempt any activity against Muslims, that they would defend Madinah against enemy in case of external attack against Madinah and that they would not help the enemies of each other.

Despite this agreement, they violated the treaty numerous times and they were very troublesome by setting Muslims upon one another by secretly working with the Pagans of Mecca and exploiting opportunities of conflict. They would threaten the Prophet Muhammad with war, even though they recognised his great victory in Badr against the Meccans, they felt their 700 military men would conquer the Muslims easily. They would say we are no comparison to the pagans we are much stronger and mightier, so be warned. But there was one major incident which was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Banu Qaynuqa dishonour a Muslim Woman

The Banu Qaynuqa were business men, they were rich and traded in gold, jewellery. A woman from the Ansar went looking for jewellery and ended up in the market place of the Banu Qaynuqa, she was wearing the Islamic attire and had her face covered. The Jews insisted that she uncover her face, but she refused. They continued harassing her until one of them tied her garments to her seat without her noticing, so when she stood up her body became exposed, she screamed and drew attention of a Muslim. The Muslim approached the Jewish man, fought him and killed him, then a group of Jewish men came and collectively killed the Muslim man. The news reached the Prophet Muhammad.1

The blessed Prophet Muhammad gathered Banu Quynuqa and invited them to Islam and to repent for their evil behaviour, but they rejected the offer and very arrogantly mocked the Prophet and on top of that threatened his life.2

Allah All Mighty revealed the following verse in this regard:

“Say to those who reject faith: “soon will you be vanquished and gathered together to Hell, an evil destination indeed!” [3:12]

A second verse was revealed about these people, giving the Prophet permission to fight against these trouble makers.

“ If you fear treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms, for Allah loves notthe treacherous” [8:58]

The punishment of Banu Qaynuqaa

The Prophet Muhammad then decided to fight against the Banu Quraydah, he summoned Lubaba bin Abdil Mundhir as his deputy in Madina. The Banu Qaynuqaa lived on the outskirts of Madina and they lived in large well-fortified castles. The Prophet laid siege to the castle, in which all the Banu Qaynuqaa and fleed and sought refuge in. Prior to the siege they had threatened to annihilate the Muslims but when push came to shove, they became afraid and hid in their castle. The Prophet laid siege for fifteen days, they then surrendered. The Prophet ordered all their hands to be tied and they await their punishment.