Battle of Khaybar - 7 AH

Aftermath of Previous Expulsions and Betrayals

The Battle of Khaybar was a continuation of earlier conflicts between the Muslims and Jewish tribes in Madinah. Previously, the Banu Qaynuqa tribe was expelled after the Battle of Badr, followed by the Banu Nadir tribe after the Battle of Uhud. The Banu Qurayza faced execution after the Battle of the Trench due to their betrayal. Many members of the Banu Nadir and Banu Qaynuqa tribes had relocated to Khaybar, making it a stronghold against the Muslims.

Khaybar was renowned for its fertile land and abundant date production, making it a vital agricultural center. The entire population of Khaybar consisted of Jewish tribes who had built strong, well-fortified castles. The Muslims launched a preemptive strike to eliminate the threat posed by these tribes, especially after their involvement in the Battle of the Trench.

Muslim Strategy and March to Khaybar

In 7 AH, shortly after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led around 1,700 Muslims towards Khaybar. The Muslims caught the inhabitants by surprise as they were leaving their fortresses for agricultural work. The fortresses were conquered one by one, as each operated independently without mutual defense.

Major Events of the Battle

The largest fortress, Na'im, took 10 days to conquer, during which Mahmud ibn Maslamah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was martyred. The Prophet ﷺ entrusted the banner to Ali ibn Abi Talib رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, who displayed immense bravery by defeating the Jewish chieftain Mirhab in a duel. Ali رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ also showed a miraculous feat by using a fortress door as a shield, which seven men could not lift afterward. Strategic methods like cutting off the water supply helped the Muslims conquer other fortresses, including al-Sa'b and Zubayr.

Surrender and Treaty Terms

Eventually, the remaining Jewish tribes negotiated a surrender. The treaty terms included:

• Muslims would receive 50% of Khaybar's produce.

• The Jewish tribes would handle all labor and maintenance responsibilities.

• The treaty would last as long as the Muslims allowed. This agreement provided the Muslims with essential food supplies and highlighted the Islamic principle of inviting others to Islam rather than seeking conflict.

Poisoning and the Spoils of war

After the conquest, a Jewish woman attempted to poison the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. The Prophet ﷺ was forewarned by divine intervention, but Bishr ibn al-Bara رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ died from the poison. The Prophet ﷺ forgave the woman for his own poisoning but ordered her execution due to Bishr’s death.

The spoils of Khaybar were distributed among the Muslims, with special shares given to those who participated in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. A joyful moment occurred when Ja'far ibn Abi Talib رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ returned from Abyssinia. Despite not participating in the battle, the Muslims from Abyssinia were generously given a share in the spoils.

This victory demoralized the Quraysh and solidified the Muslims' position as a powerful force in the region, paving the way for further conquests and the spread of Islam.

Umm Habiba Ramla bint Abi Sufyan: The Faithful Emigrant

Umm Habiba رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, the daughter of Abu Sufyan, embraced Islam despite her father's staunch opposition. She was previously married to Ubaydullah ibn Jahsh, with whom she emigrated to Abyssinia to escape persecution. Her husband, Ubaydillah ibn Jahsh, was one of the rare individuals who was a Sahabi but later became a murtad (apostate).

Umm Habiba رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا was in Abyssinia after her husband passed away. The Prophet ﷺ sent her a marriage proposal from Madinah, which she accepted with great joy. Najashi, the ruler of Abyssinia, gifted the mahr on behalf of the Prophet ﷺ, acted as her wali, and conducted the nikah ceremony, making it the grandest wedding among the Prophet's ﷺ wives. The Prophet ﷺ married Umm Habiba رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا a month before the Battle of Khaybar. 

Safiyyah bint Huyayy: From Captivity to Honor

Safiyyah bint Huyayy was the daughter of a Jewish leader who recognized the Prophet ﷺ as the foretold prophet but her father refused to accept him. After the exile of Banu Nadir, she married in Khaybar, but during the Battle of Khaybar, her husband was killed, and she became a widow. She was initially allotted to Dihyah al-Kalbi رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ but was later taken by the Prophet ﷺ, who paid her ransom.

To clarify her status, the Prophet ﷺ treated her with honor, covering her with his cloak, a gesture reserved for his wives. Initially unaware, she hesitated, but later accepted Islam willingly, stating she was already inclined toward it. The Prophet ﷺ freed her and married her, making her freedom her mahr (dowry).

Before her capture, she had a dream of a moon falling into her lap, which her husband interpreted as her marrying the "king of the Arabs." Enraged, he struck her, leaving a bruise. This vision and her experiences made her acceptance of Islam easier. She lived a long life, passing away in 52 AH during the caliphate of Muawiyah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ.

Arrival of Abu Hurairah

After Khaybar, Abu Hurairah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ migrated from Yemen, joined the Prophet ﷺ, and became one of the most prolific hadith narrators. He and others arriving late were granted a share of the war gains, showing the generosity of the Prophet ﷺ.

Minor Expeditions

In the six months following Khaybar, the Prophet ﷺ sent companions such as Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ and Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ on minor expeditions. These missions led to small tribes accepting Islam.