32. THE CAMPAIGN OF KHAIBAR
After the Truce of Hudaibia, in the beginning of the seventh year of the Migration, the Prophet (s.a.) decided to invade Khaibar. Khaibar is a word from the Hebrew lexicon. This means either a fort or a rampart. There is another saying that among Amalaqa, there were two brothers by names of Yatrib and Khaibar. Wherever they recided, those places got named after them. Therefore after the name of Yatrib the city of Madina was originally named. So too was named Khaibar after the brother of that name.Khaibar is located 80 miles from Madina on the border of Hejaz and Syria. It was famous for its oases and greenery and was inhabited by the Jews. It was also the center of their armed forces. For defensive purposes they had built seven small and big forts. These forts were named as Na-am, Katiba, Shaq, Natat, Wati, Salalam and Qamoos. In these forts lived 10-14,000 Jews. In this number those who were exiled from Madina too were there who had fought the Muslims in collaboration with the infidels and had lost the battle notwithstanding their numerical strength and better battle equipment. When they heard that the Muslims had accepted the Qureish’s terms of truce at Hudaibiya, they thought that the Muslims now have no will to fight. Because of this misapprehension, they thought the Muslims have surrendered their spirit to fight and, therefore, the time was ripe for the Jews to start a campaign of attack and destruction against them to erase the shame of the Battle of Ahzab. Although the Jews were not lesser in numbers, even then to augment their forces, they made an agreement of cooperation with Bani Ghatfan who were located about six miles from Khaibar. They promised to Bani Ghatfan that they would give half the produce of khaibar if they helped them win against the Muslims. The Bani Ghatfan agreed to this offer and sent 4,000 troops for the campaign.
When the Prophet (s.a.) learned that the Jews of Khaibar were preparing to attack Madina, he thought of taking punitive action at the earliest. Therefore, after return from Hudaibia, they stayed in Madina for twenty days and with 1,600 Companions, of whom there were some cavaliers and the rest footmen, proceeded toward Khaibar. When the Islamic army reached the outskirts of Khaibar it was morning. The inhabitants of Khaibar were proceeding to their fields with the farm implements and pitchers of water. When they saw the Islamic army arrive, they ran back to their forts. When the Prophet (s.a.) saw them running away, he raised the slogan of“Allaho Akbar”
and said:
“Khaibar is destroyed!
Whenever we enter the borders of any place,
those who were affected with bad times
would have very bad times!”
Ref: Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 459
The Prophet (s.a.) knew that Bani Ghatfan were committed to help the Jews if hostilities erupted. He therefore camped his army stragetically at the place called Rajih which was between the habitations of Khaibar and bani Ghatfan. The plan was to prevent Bani Ghatfan from reaching to help the Jews. When they heard of the arrival of Muslims and came out to go towards Khaibar, they were obstructed by the Muslim army. Fearing destruction of their own villages, they went back home. After the return of Bani Ghatfan, the Muslims now moved for the siege of Khaibar. The Jews secured the women and children in the Fort katiba and locking themselves in the other forts started a barrage of arrows on the Muslims. After a few skirmishes, the Muslims took some of the fortresses.But victory depended on subduing the fort of Ibne Abil Haqeeq that was situated on a sloping hillock and that was called Qamoos. The fort too was called with this name. This is the same fort that is mentioned as Khaibar in the traditions and also the history. In front of the fort there was a deep trench. The fort was rather invincible because of its location and construction.
In the Gazwat generally, the command used to be with the Prophet (s.a.) the standard bearer was Hazrat Ali (a.s.). But the Prophet (s.a.) was suffering for some days with pain in the temples and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) wasn’t able to join the ranks at Khaibar because he had conjunctivitis. Because of this some people got a chance of asserting themselves.and, taking the standard in their hands without formal approval, thought of annexing the Fort Qamoos. Therefore Hazrat Omer held the flag in his hand and with one contingent of the army advanced to attack the fort. He tried his best but didn’t succeed. He had to return disappointed and disillusioned. Then Hazrat Abu Bakr took the flag in his hand and got the same results. Hazrat Omer took the flag a second time and failed in his attempt. To cover his failure, he put the blame on the troops. But the troops squarely blamed him for the defeat terming it as the failure of his strategy of warfare! Allama Tabari writes:
“When Omer went with some troops and confronted the men of Khaibar,
he and his men ran away and returned to the Prophet (s.a.).
At that moment the troops said that Omer had showed cowardice
and Omer said that the troops were
a bunch of cowards!”.
Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 300
When there was some reduction in the Prophet (s.a.)’s head ache, he emerged out of his tent and noticing the dropping morale in the troops he said:
“By Allah! I shall give the Standard to a person tomorrow who will attack ceaselessly and will not be the one who flees (Karrar ghair e Farrar)!He befriends Allah and His Prophet (s.a) and they are his friends. Allah will give us Victory on both his hands!”
Ref: Tareeq e Qamees, Vol 2, Page 53
The Prophet (s.a.), inspite of the leaders of the troops blaming them for the failure, didn’t make any changes in the troops who went for the previous attempts. He only changed the chief because the success of any operation depends on the perseverance and the leadership of the chief. When the chief shows his back to the battle, naturally the troops follow the leader! The words of the tradition, Karrar ghair e Farrar, too indicate the fact that the chiefs in the earlier attempts flew! Otherwise there was no need to say that he would next time give the Standard to a person particularly stressing on his quality of steadfastness and that he would not flee. Anyway, this statement of the Prophet (s.a.) is a mirror in which there is clarification of the facts of the matter and description of the traits of the conquerer of Khaibar. And also the faces of the persons who chose to fly! The statement also gives the tiding of victory. In the beginning of the statement there is an oath and a positive expression that the next day victory will be theirs. This statement, therefore, is the result of a Revelation from Allah because predicting what is going to happen tomorrow is not permitted. Allah ordains that what one intends doing tomorrow, he should not say that it shall certainly be done. Therefore Allah says:
“About anything don’t say (with certainty) that you will do it tomorrow.
Say that you will do the task tomorrow if Allah Wishes!”
In the tradition quoted the words are few, but every word is reflective of praise and superiority for the person intended by the Holy Prophet (s.a.) as the subject of his attentions.
The first expression is that he will be a ‘man’! If the word is used allegorically, it means that the person will be a paragon of valor and will fight with determination. The use of this word is also a pun against the earlier incumbents who lacked in the trait of valour. Otherwise all of them were men! A man is one who, after entering the arena of battle, doesn’t show his back till victory is achieved or he succumbs to the onslaught of the enemy!
The second quality of the chief mentioned by the Prophet (s.a.) is that he is Karrar ghaire Farrar---valorous and not the fleeing type! After saying that he will be valorous, there seems no need to say that he wouldn’t flee. But this point was raised that those who had the dreams of becoming the standard bearers should introspect whether their feet shook in the battle field. If they did, then they should forget about becoming the standard bearers.
The third quality of the chief mentioned by the Prophet (s.a.) is that he is a friend of Allah and the Prophet (s.a), and they befriend him.It is the charisma of friendship that in the way of Allah, man faces all hardships. Therefore Allah says:
“Allah befriends those
who fight in his way in formations
as if they are walls that have been impregnated with lead.”
Another indication the Prophet (s.a.) made was that the fort would be annexed by him. Where there is perseverance, Allah helps. There was so much certainty of this victory that on return from Hudaibiya, the Prophet (s.a.) was given the vision in the following words:
“wa asabahum fathan qariba
They will soon get victory”
Therefore the Prophet (s.a.) said“yaftah Allah ala yadehi - Allah will give victory at his hands.”
Allah had predicted victory and the Prophet (s.a.) said that the one who carried the standard on the next attempt would be the victor!
After this announcement by the Prophet (s.a.), the matter was on everyone’s tongue. There was an element of.expectancy in the atmosphere. Every Companion wished that he was the lucky person tomorrow to get the standard in his hand. Even those who took the standard earlier during this campaign and failed were expecting to be chosen the next time! Ibne Athir writes:
“From the Qureish everyone expected
that he only will be the standard bearer.”
Ref: Tareeq e Kaamil, Vol 2, Page 149
If they had kept their attention on the words of the Tradition and kept in their minds the events of the past, each word was sufficient to put off the flame of the lamp of hope. But it is human nature that they claim positions of importance, however little they might have the hope of succeeding. They were sure that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) would not be able to go to the front.because the inflammation of his eyes wouldn’t allow him even to look at the ground under his feet. Therefore, they were assuring each other that they needn’t have any fear from Ali (as.) because of the ailment of his eyes. The only alternative to take the Standard would be one of the others. Here the persons were making conjectures, and on the other hand Ali (a.s.) was informed of the announcement made by the Prophet (s.a). Hearing this he became quiet.
“Allahumma laa manay lema atait wa laa mauti lema man-at
O Allah! The one whom You bestow, cannot be deprived by anyone, and the one whom You deprive, he cannot be bestowed by anyone!
Waiting for the morrow, the Companions were turning the whole night in their beds. In the morning they gathered in front of the Prophet (s.a.)’s tent. Mohammed Ibne Ismail Bukhari writes:
“They all assembled
near the Prophet (s.a.) early in the morning.
Everyone was hoping
that the Standard would be given to him!”
Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 525
After the morning’s prayer, the Prophet (s.a.) emerged from his tent with a white flag in his hand. Seeing the flag, there was a feeling of expectancy in every heart. Every one tried to push aside the others and come to the front. Some stretched their necks and others tried to rise on their haunches.expecting that the Prophet (s.a.) would give his attention to them. Some of them were so excited and restless that their names appeared in the History of Islam. Of these was also Hazrat Omer, who himself said:
“Before that day
I didn’t have the urge to be the leader as I had then!
On that day I stretched my neck
and hoped
that the Standard would be given to me!”.
Tabaqaat Ibne Saad, Vol 2, Page 48
Buraid ibne Aslama who was present in the Ghazwa e Khaibar took the names of both Hazrat Omer and Hazrat Abu Bakr saying this:
“On the second day,
both Abu Bakr and Omer
raised their necks
in the hope of
getting the Standard!”
n Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 300
Saad ibne Abi Waqas says:
“I sat squatting near the Prophet (s.a.),
got up
and stood in front of him!”
Ref: Tareeq e Khamees, Vol 2, Page 48
The acts of valor of none of his Companions was hidden from the Prophet (s.a.).that he would consider anyones claims if he raised his neck or reject the claim of one who squatted down! He glanced at the crowd and asked where was Ali (a.s.). None thought that Ali (a.s.)’s name would come up. There were voices from all directions that he was down with the inflammation of the eyes. The Prophet (s.a.) asked to send someone and fetch him. Therefore Salama ibne Akoo went and asked him to come. The Prophet (s.a.) put Ali (a.s.)’s head on his lap and applied his saliva on the inflamed eyes and said:
“Alla humma azhab
anhul har wal bard
wansarhu ala aduwehi.
O Allah! Protect him
from the effects of heat and cold,
and help and support against his enemy.”
The saliva of the Prophet (s.a.) worked as a medicine for the eyes of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). Instantly the inflammation disappeared. At that time Hisan ibne Tabit, praising the Prophet (s.a.), composed the following couplets:
“wa kaana Ali (a.s.) armad al ain yabtagi
Dawa falmalam yahs madawiay
Inflamed were the eyes of Ali (a.s.) in battle of Khaibar
Saliva of the Prophet (s.a.) worked as the remedy
Shafa Rasool Allah (s.a.) minhu batiflat
Faboorak marqiya wa boorak raqia
Without medicine the saliva brightened the eyes
Felicitous was the cure and felicitous the healing power
Wa qaal sa-ati al rayat alyaum sarima
Kamya mahba lil Rasool mawalia”
The Prophet said I shall give standard to him who is double edged sword
Valiant and destroyer of enemy columns and dotes on the Prophet (s.a.)
When the eyes of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) were cured, the Prophet (s.a.) himself put the armor over the cloak of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), put the sword around his girdle, gave the Standard in his hand and asked him to conquer the fort of Khaibar. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) stood up after taking the flag in his hand, turned towards the Prophet (s.a.) and asked him how long he wanted him to fight? The Prophet (s.a.) said he must fight them till they embrace Islam. Even if one person came to the right path because of you, it will be better than having a camel with red hair! Hazrat Ali (a.s.) went running towards the arena. Some persons asked him to wait that they too would join him. But he didn’t stop for a while and stopped when he reached near the Fort Qamoos and planted the Standard there. One Jew saw him from the top of the fort and asked who he was. He said that he was Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) When he saw his demeanor, he said,“Ghalabtum ya masher yahood - O group of Jews! Your defeat is certain!”
The Jews were very proud of the invincibility of Fort Qamoos. Because of the failure of the earlier flag bearers of the Islamic army, their morale was high. But hearing such words from their own man there was pandemonium in their ranks and fear in their hearts. Now some persons from the Muslim army too reached near Hazrat Ali (a.s.). The governor of the fort Marhab’s brother Harit who had earlier come to the arena of the battle, made a surprise attack and martyred two Muslims. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) moved like a lightning and killed him. When Marhab saw that his brother was killed, blood entered his eyes. He wore a second armor over the first and , on the head wore a helmet carved out of a stone and with two swords and a lance, came out of the fort. He was reciting the following martial poem:
“Qad almat Khaibar ani Marhab
Shaki al salah batal majrab
The people of Khaibar know I am Marhab
I am armed and a experienced warrior!”
Marhab was bulky and an adept at fighting. When he called for a fight, very few responded! Diyar Bakri writes:
“Amongst the Muslims
it wasn’t possible for anyone to take him on.
Ref: Tareeq e Khamis, Vol 2, Page 50
When Hazrat Ali (a.s.) listened to his Rajz, he said:
“Anal lazi samatni ammi Haidara
Zargham ajaam wa laisaqasoora
I am that whose mother named him Haidar
I am a male lion and valiant like the tiger
Abal al zaraeen ghaleez al qasra
Kalaisa ghabaat karih al manzara
Whose knuckles are strong and the neck wide
Like the tiger in the jungle, ferocious to look at
Azrabkum ba yabain al faqra
Watrak al qaran baqaa jazra
I shall attack in a way to shatter your joints
And leave the adversary to be fodder for the wild beasts
Azrab bil saif jamoo al kafra
Zarab ghulam majad hazura
Like a honorable and strong youth
I shall use my sword on the columns of the infidels
Akailkum saif kail al sandarac
And slay you with my sword on a large scale.”
Marhab moved forward and attempted to attack Hazrat Ali (a.s.). He evaded the attack and counter attacked him. Hazrat Ali (a.s)’s stroke cut through Marhab’s helmet, his head and pierced the jaws.. He fell down dead with a thud. Marhab’s death disheartened the Jews. And when some more renowned warriors met their end at the hands of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), there was total chaos in their ranks and all of them ran towards the fort. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) kept advancing forward when a Jew attacked his arm and, with the impact, his shield fell down to the ground. With his Divne Strength Hazrat Ali (a.s.) picked up a heavy door and used it as a shield! This door was so heavy that later on eight persons were not able to lift it. Therefore Abu Rafeh says:
“I had seven men with me,
and I was the eighth.
We tried our best to turn that door
but we were unable to do that!”
Ref: Sirat Ibne Hisham, Vol 3, Page 35
Hazrat Omer too was much surprised at the incident. Therefore he told Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that he picked up very heavy load. Ali (a.s.) replied:
“It didn’t seem heavier
than my own shield to me!”
Ref: Munaqib, Vol 1, Page 444
The Jews got scared with this show of strength and locked themselves inside the fort. Hazrat Ali (a.s) went forward and with one jerk both the shutters of the gate of the fort came in his hands. This incredible strength was nothing but Divine Strength! Therefore, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) himself said:
“I didn’t break the gate of the fort of Khaibar
with my own human strength.
But it was the Divine Strength that helped me!”
Ref: Tareeq e Qamees, Vol 2, Page 51
If someone does some service in the cause of Islam, it is a grave crime to attribute it to someone else! But this kept happening in the annals of Islamic history for the craze for power. Therefore, about the event of khaibar too such attempts, however unsuccessful, have been made. They have concocted a tradition in the name of jabir bin Abd Allah Ansari, who wan’t even present in Khaibar at that time, that Marhab was killed by Mohammed ibne maslima Ansari! This they do blatantly, despite all the major historians are witness to the fact that Marhab was killed, while battling with Hazrat Ali (a.s), by the Imam (a.s.) himself! Whether Mohammed bin Maslima’s name has ever been mentioned in the histories as a man of valor, his name is certainly there with those of persons who refused to owe allegiance to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and openly opposed him! Perhaps this attitude of Ibne Maslima prompted the adversaries of the Imam (a.s.) to concoct the story! If Mohammed bin Maslima was really the killer of Marhab, then histories should have recognized him as the conquerer of Khaibar. Overpowering, and eliminating, Marhab was like overpowering Khaibar! If Ibne Maslima is recognized by the historians as the conquerer of Khaibar, then they shall have to think of the Prophet (s.a.)’s tradition wherein he said,“Yaftah Allah ala yadehi - Allah will give conquest at his hands.”
It is unanimously accepted that these words were utterd by the Prophet (s.a.) about Hazrat Ali (a.s.). How could one imagine that the Prophet (s.a.) , through his Divine Knowledge, forecasts the name of the victor, and some people concoct stories to credit the event to someone else!
Although the tribes of the Jews had made agreements of peace and cooperation with the Prophet (s.a.), whenever they got an opportunity they never abstained from mischief. As a result they were banished from Madina Even after leaving Madina their activities continued. There was no other alternative left than giving them punitive punishment. The battle was a result of all these events in which 15 Muslims lost their lives and 92 Jews were killed. Women were taken captive, of whom there was Hai ibne Akhtab’s daughter who was Hazrat Safia whom the Prophet (s.a.) married. The other Jews were released on conditions that they worked as farm hands on the lands of Khaibar and shared half of the produce with the Muslims.
Khaibar was a very fertile area and it used to cater to a major portion of the food requirement of the Hejaz Province of Arabia. When this area came under the control of the Muslims, it brought economic prosperity to them. The Mohajirs, who were living in penury after leaving Makka, found avenues to improve their lot. Abd Allah ibne Omer said:
“After the conquest of Khaibar
we got the ability and means
to have our square meals.”
Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 40
Umm al Momineen Hazrat Ayesha says:
“When Khaibar was captured,
we thought that
we would eat the dates to our fill!”
Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 40
Baladari writes in Futooh al Baldaan that from the produce of Khaibar, each of the spouses of the Prophet (s.a.) was getting 80 Wasaq of dates and 20 Wasaq of barley.
Although there was a large number of foot soldiers in the campaign, the victory was only at the hands of Hazrat Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)! Although others too attempted to fight with the standard in their hands, they turned their backs away from the arena! After getting repeatedly repulsed, the Prophet (s.a.) declared that he would give the standard in the hands of the victor on the morrow! There was high expectancy among the Companions, but the victor, as decided by Allah and his Prophet (s.a.) was Hazrat Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)!.
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Author: MUFTI JAFFER HUSSAIN
