Khyber Expedition

KHYBER EXPEDITION
The expulsion of the Jewish community from their homes had left a deep scar on their leaders, who sought refuge in the
settlement of Khaibar. Among them were Salam ibn Abu al Haqiq, Kinanah ibn Abu al Haqiq, and Huyayy ibn Akhtab,
whose leadership united the Jews of Khaibar in a quest for retaliation against the Muslims. Driven by an inner hatred and
a strong desire to reclaim their homes in Madinah, these leaders played a pivotal role in inciting conflict. Their
involvement in the Battle of the Trench, where they rallied the Quraish and desert Arabs against the Muslims, showcased
their determination. The Jews of Khaibar further succeeded in persuading Banu Qurayzah to betray the Muslims, adding
to the mounting danger faced by the Muslim community. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Messenger (S.A.W.)
took action and sent a letter inviting the Jews to embrace Islam, but their refusal and lack of remorse led him to confront
their inciting leaders, including Salam ibn Abd al Haqiq. In an attempt to resolve the escalating tensions, the Messenger
dispatched Abdullah ibn Atik (R.A.) as his emissary, but tragically, he was killed by the Jews.
In the year of the conquest of Khaibar, the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) embarked on a journey with his companions
towards the city. They passed through various locations, including a place called 'Isr' where a mosque was built for the
Prophet. Moving forward, they reached Al-Sahbih before finally halting in a valley known as 'Al-Raji.' This strategic
decision aimed to prevent the Ghatafan tribe from reinforcing Khaibar, as they had sided with the enemies against the
Muslims. As dawn approached, the Prophet and his army prayed Fajr near Khaibar, ready to launch their attack. The
Jewish peasants, who were taken aback by the sudden appearance of the Muslims, exclaimed, "Mohammad and his
army!" In response, the Prophet declared, "Allahu Akbar! Khaibar is destroyed." The confrontation began, and the
inhabitants of Khaibar emerged carrying their tools. The Prophet's words foretold a grim fate for those who had been
warned of their impending defeat. The battle ensued, resulting in the defeat of the enemy forces. Captives were taken,
including Safiya, who later became the Prophet's wife after he manumitted her and made her dowry.
During the siege of Khaibar, the Jews sought refuge in their strongholds while the Muslims surrounded the stronghold of
al Naim. The Ghatafan tribe, allies of the Jews, initially intended to support them but turned back upon hearing rumors of
attacks on their families and properties.It is narrated; Ali (R.A.) remained behind the Prophet (S.A.W.) during the
Ghazwa of Khaibar as he was suffering from eye trouble. He then said, "(How can) I remain behind the Prophet
(S.A.W.)," and followed him. So when he slept on the night of the conquest of Khaibar, the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, "I
will give the flag tomorrow, or tomorrow the flag will be taken by a man who is loved by Allah and His Apostle and
(Khaibar) will be conquered through him, (with Allah's help)" While every one of us was hopeful to have the flag, it
was said, "Here is `Ali" and the Prophet (S.A.W.) gave him the flag and Khaibar was conquered through him (with
Allah's Help). (Sahih Bukhari: 4209) The flagbearer of the Muslim army changed from Abu Bakr Siddiq to Ali ibn Talib,
who ultimately achieved victory on the third day. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) prioritized spreading the message of
Islam rather than the material gains of Khaibar. Marhab, a prominent Jewish leader, martyred Mahmud ibn Maslamah Al-
Ansari, but Ali faced Marhab in combat and emerged victorious, which greatly affected the morale of the Jews.
The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) systematically conquered the forts of Khaibar one by one. The first fort to fall was Naim,
followed by Al-Qamus, the stronghold of Banu Al-Huqayq. During these conquests, the Muslims took captives, including
Safiyah, the daughter of Huyayy Ibn Aktab. The conquest of Naim took ten days, and subsequent victories included Al-
Saab ibn Mudadh and Qalaat Al-Zubayr. The Muslims cut off the water supply of the Jewish stronghold, forcing them to
come down and fight. After defeating the people of Al-Natah, the Muslims moved to Al-Manzilah. Finally, the Messenger
of Allah (S.A.W.) besieged the forts of Al-Watih and Al-Sulaim for around ten nights, solidifying the Muslims' position in
Khaibar.
During the battle of Khaibar, 93 Jewish men were killed, while 20 Muslims were martyred. After the victory, the Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W.) divided the booty among the Muslims. He gave a portion to Banu Al-Muttalib, as they were closely
related to him, but did not give anything to Banu Abd Shams and Banu Nawfal. The distribution of the booty was divided
based on the ratio of two shares for the horsemen and one share for the foot soldiers. Those who had horses received
three shares, while those without horses received one share. The Prophet appointed a ruler for Khaibar and advised
against trading inferior quality dates for better ones. However, a significant event occurred when the Jews presented a
poisoned sheep as a gift to the Prophet, causing him great pain and eventually leading to his death.

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