Battle of Banu Qaynuqa
The Jews in Medina Before the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
Before the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Jews were a part of the civic structure of the Arabs, especially in the city of Medina. Among the Jewish tribes in Medina were Banu al-Nadir, Banu Qaynuqa, and Banu Quraizah. As followers of a heavenly religion, the Jews were anticipating the arrival of the Prophet, the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, from among themselves. However, they were surprised to find that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an Arab, a Qurayshi man.
This revelation stirred up their jealousy, animosity, and cunning, and they unanimously decided not to believe in him or follow him. Their first hostilities with the Muslims became apparent in the second year of the Hijrah (migration). The Jews of Banu Qaynuqa were the initial source of Jewish conflict in the city of Medina. Therefore, this article will provide an overview of the Battle of Banu Qaynuqa.
A Brief Overview of the Battle of Banu Qaynuqa
After the noble Prophetic migration, Islam began to strengthen its presence and establish its state. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) united the Muhajireen (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers), entered into agreements and treaties with the people of the city, including the polytheists and Jews, and organized market affairs. Muslims engaged in their first battle, the Battle of Badr, shortly after the establishment of their state, and they achieved victory over their enemies. This success ignited feelings of envy, animosity, and ill will among the Jews of Banu Qaynuqa, and their resentment started to manifest in their actions.
The spark that led to the Battle of Banu Qaynuqa was their mistreatment of a Muslim woman in the marketplace. Ibn Hisham narrates in his biography: "A woman from the Arabs came to the market with a jallab (an item to be sold). She sold it in the market of Banu Qaynuqa and sat down by a goldsmith. They wanted her to unveil her face, but she refused. The goldsmith slyly tied a part of her clothing to her back while she was unaware. When she stood up, her modesty was exposed, and they laughed at her. A Muslim man rushed to the goldsmith, who happened to be a Jew, and killed him. The Jews then retaliated by killing the Muslims. This incident prompted the Muslim community to seek justice against the Jews, resulting in conflict between them and the Banu Qaynuqa".
This incident eventually escalated into the Battle of Banu Qaynuqa, one of the early conflicts between the Muslims and the Jewish tribes in Medina.
Events and Results of the Battle of Banu Qaynuqa
The Jews of Banu Qaynuqa were among those whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) had made agreements of peace and security with. However, after their mistreatment of the Muslim woman and man, Allah revealed in His book: "And if you fear from a people betrayal, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms. Indeed, Allah does not like traitors" (Quran, 8:58). This verse essentially meant that if any of those with whom the Prophet had made an agreement violated that agreement and acted treacherously, war could be declared against them. The covenant between them and the Prophet was thereby nullified.
On a Saturday in the middle of Shawwal, in the year 2 AH (Hijri calendar), the Prophet (peace be upon him) laid siege to Banu Qaynuqa for a period of 15 days. The noble companion Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him) carried the banner, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed Abu Lubabah ibn Abd al-Mundhir al-Amri (may Allah be pleased with him) to oversee Medina in his absence.
The Muslims besieged the Jews until they were filled with fear, surrendered to the authority of the Messenger of Allah, and were expelled from their homes and driven out of Medina to a town in the region of Greater Syria. The process of their evacuation was overseen by the esteemed companion Ubada ibn al-Samit (may Allah be pleased with him).
