Battle of Banu Nadir

The Battle of Bani Nadir is one of the significant campaigns that occurred after the honorable Prophet's migration to Al-Madinah. This article provides essential information about this battle and its timing.

Timing of the Battle of Bani Nadir

The Battle of Bani Nadir took place in Rabi' Al-Awwal, in the fourth year of the Hijrah (migration). Ibn Ishaq mentioned that it happened after the Battle of Bu'ath. Al-Zuhri stated that it occurred six months after the Battle of Badr.

Reasons of the Battle of Bani Nadir

Amr ibn Umayyah Ad-Damri from Bani Nadir killed two members of Bani Kalb. In response, the Prophet Muhammad sought to avenge their deaths. He went with his companions, both from the Muhajirun (immigrants) and the Ansar (helpers), to Quba Mosque, where he prayed. Then, he proceeded to Bani Nadir and requested compensation for the two men's deaths. They agreed to comply with his demand.

Attempted Assassination of the Prophet

While among themselves, the people of Bani Nadir plotted to betray the Prophet of Allah. Umar ibn Jahash proposed throwing a rock at the Prophet to kill him, but Salam ibn Mishkam opposed the plan, fearing that Muhammad would discover their treachery. This act would also violate the treaty between Bani Nadir and the Prophet.

Giving Them Ten Days to Leave

The Prophet of Allah granted them ten days to leave their homes. If he found any of them after this period, he would execute them. They began preparing to leave, but Abdullah ibn Ubayy, a hypocrite, reassured them and provided them with additional people and weapons to resist the Prophet.

Refusal to Leave

Bani Nadir informed the Prophet that they would not leave their homes. They sent a message, indicating their intention to stay put. The Muslims then prepared to confront them.

Bani Nadir's Stand and the Siege

The Prophet imposed a siege that lasted for twenty days. During this time, the Jews of Bani Nadir put up fierce resistance, fighting to defend their homes and possessions.

Banishment of Bani Nadir

The Prophet ordered his companions to burn the date palms surrounding Bani Nadir. When they realized that the threat was real, Bani Nadir sought a truce under the condition that they would leave their homes, leaving behind their properties. They were only allowed to take their camels and their wealth, except for weapons.

Result of the Battle of Bani Nadir

After taking whatever wealth they could carry on camels, Bani Nadir left their homes, with some of them heading to Khaybar and others to Ash-Sham (the Levant). They left behind substantial spoils, which the Prophet and his companions distributed. This wealth became the personal property of the Prophet, who divided it among the Muhajirun, with the exception of the Ansar. However, upon the request of Sahl ibn Hunaif and Abu Dujana Simak ibn Kharasha, the Prophet allocated a share to them from the spoils.