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3679 In this verse is summed up the beginning and the end of the fateful struggle of the Siege of Madinah in A.H. 5. The
composition of the unhallowed Confederacy that came to destroy Islam is referred to in the Introduction. They came
with a force of ten to twelve thousand fighting men, an unprecedented army for that time and country. The battle is
known as the Battle of the Trench. (33.9)
3680 After a close investment of two to four weeks, during which the enemy were disheartened by their ill success, there
was a piercing blast of the cold east wind. It was a severe winter, and February can be a very cold month in Madinah,
which is about 3,000 ft. above the sea-level. The enemy's tents were torn up, their fires were extinguished, the sand
and rain beat in their faces, and they were terrified by the portents against them. They had already well nigh fallen out
amongst themselves, and beating a hasty retreat, they melted away. The Madinah fighting strength was no more than
3,000, and the Jewish tribe of the Banu Quraiza who were in their midst was a source of weakness as they were
treacherously intriguing with the enemy. And further there were the Hypocrites: see n. 3666 above. But there were
hidden forces that helped the Muslims. Besides the forces of nature there were angels, though invisible to them, who
assisted the Muslims. (33.9)
3681 Allah sees everything. Therefore we may conclude that the discipline and moral fervour of the Muslims, as well as the
enemy's insincerities, intrigues, and reliance on brute force, were all contributory causes to his repulse, under Allah's
dispensation. There were many hidden causes which neither party saw clearly. (33.9)
See: 33:10-27
59:2 - t is He who got out the Unbelievers among the People of the Book from their homes at the
first gathering (of the forces). Little did ye think that they would get out: and they thought that
their fortresses would defend them from Allah! but the (wrath of) Allah came to them from
quarters from which they little expected (it) and cast terror into their hearts so that they
destroyed their dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the Believers. Take warning
then O ye with eyes (to see)! 5369537053715372
5369 This refers to the Jewish tribe of the Banu Nadhi whose intrigues and treachery nearly undid the Muslim cause during
the perilous days of the battle of Uhud in Shawwal, A.H. 3. Four months after, in Rabi, 1. A.H. 4, steps were taken
against them. They were asked to leave the strategic position which they occupied, about three miles south of
Madinah, endangering the very existence of the Ummat in Madinah. At first they demurred, relying on their fortresses
and on their secret alliance with the Pagans of Makkah and the Hypocrites of Madinah. But when the Muslim army
was gathered to punish them and actually besieged them for some days, their allies stirred not a finger in their aid,
and they were wise enough to leave. Most of them joined their brethren in Syria, which they were permitted to do,
after being disarmed. Some of them joined their brethren in Khaibar; see n. 3705 to xxxiii. 27. The Banu Nadhir richly
deserved punishment, but their lives were spared, and they were allowed to carry away their goods and chattels.
(59.2)
5370 That is, without actual hostilities, and the shedding of precious Muslim blood. (59.2)
5371 They had played a double game. Originally they were sworn allies of the Madinah Muslims under the holy Prophet,
but they secretly intrigued with the Makkah Pagans under Abu Sufyan and the Madinah Hypocrites. They even tried
treacherously to take the life of the Prophet while he was on a visit to them, breaking both the laws of hospitality and
their own sworn alliance. They thought the Pagan Quraish of Makkah and the Hypocrites of Madinah would help them,
but they did not help them. On the contrary the eleven days siege showed them their own helplessness. Their
supplies were cut off; the exigencies of the siege necessitated the destruction of their outlying palm trees; and the
unexpected turn in their fortunes disheartened them. Their hearts were stack with terror and they capitulated. But they
laid waste their homes before they left: see next note. (59.2)
5372 Their lives were spared, and they were allowed ten days in which to remove themselves, their families, and such
goods as they could carry. In order to leave no habitations for the Muslims they demolished their own houses and laid
waste their property, to complete the destruction which the operations of war had already caused at the hands of the
besieging force of the Muslims. (59.2)
SIGNS:
7:174 - Thus do We explain the signs in detail! and perchance they may turn (unto Us).
7:176 - If it had been Our will We should have elevated him with our signs; but he inclined to the earth and
followed his own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog: if you attack him he lolls out his tongue or if
you leave him alone he (still) lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who reject our signs; so
relate the story; perchance they may reflect. 11501151
1150 Notice the contrast between the exalted spiritual honours which they would have received from Allah if they had
followed His Will, and the earthly desires which eventually bring them low to the position of beasts and worse. (7.176)
1151 The dog, especially in the hot weather, lolls out his tongue, whether he is attacked and pursued and is tired, or he is
left alone. It is part of his nature to slobber. So with the man who rejects Allah. Whether he is warned or left alone, he
continues to throw out his dirty saliva. The injury he will do will be to his own soul. But there may be infection in his evil
example. So we must protect others. And we must never give up hope of his own amendment. So we must continue
to warn him and make him think. (7.176)
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