Wed 1447/09/15AH (04-03-2026AD)
By the fifth year after Hijrah, the Muslim community in Madinah had survived two major battles. However, the threat against Islam had not ended. Instead, the enemies of Islam now tried to destroy the Muslims completely through a combined attack from outside and betrayal from within. This phase of the Madinah period is extremely important because it shows:
Cambridge frequently tests:
Students are expected to know these in detail, not vaguely
After the defeat at Uhud, the Quraysh did not act alone. They began to:
This alliance of enemies is known as the Confederates (Ahzab).
Their goal was clear:
End Islam permanently by crushing Madinah.
The Muslim community was now facing its greatest threat yet.
When news came that a large allied army was marching towards Madinah, the Muslims were:
On the suggestion of Salman al-Farsi, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered a trench to be dug around the open sides of Madinah.
This was:
The Muslims:
This period shows:
When the allied forces arrived:
The Muslims remained inside Madinah while the enemy waited outside.
Eventually:
The enemy withdrew without fighting.
This battle was a turning point:
After this battle, the Quraysh never again attacked Madinah directly.
Khandaq is heavily tested because it shows:
Students must link strategy + faith + unity to score highly.
Banu Qurayzah were a Jewish tribe living in Madinah. They had signed the Constitution of Madinah, agreeing to:
During the Battle of the Trench:
This was treason, not just disagreement.
After the enemy withdrew:
This shows:
This is a very sensitive topic, but Cambridge expects factual, calm, and accurate explanation, not emotion.
This incident is tested to show:
Students must avoid emotional language and stick to facts + legal context.
Hypocrites were people who:
They were led by Abdullah ibn Ubayy.
Hypocrites:
This internal threat was as dangerous as external enemies.
The Prophet:
This shows:
These events teach Muslims:
They show that:
The Prophet built society with law, patience and wisdom – not anger.
The Battle of the Trench and internal challenges are frequently tested, especially:
This is a high-scoring but sensitive area
(a) Describe the events of the Battle of the Trench and the problems faced by the Muslims from within Madinah. [10]
(b) What do these events teach Muslims about unity, loyalty and leadership? [4]
(a)
When several tribes united with the Quraysh to attack the Muslims, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) faced his greatest threat. On the suggestion of Salman al-Farsi, a trench was dug around Madinah, which stopped the enemy from entering. The Muslims worked in hunger and cold but remained united. The enemy could not cross the trench and after a long siege, strong winds and fear caused them to withdraw.
During this time, the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayzah broke their treaty and sided with the enemy, threatening the Muslims from within. After the siege ended, the Prophet dealt with their betrayal according to law. The hypocrites in Madinah also caused problems by spreading doubt and weakening morale.
(b)
These events teach Muslims the importance of unity, loyalty and patience. They show that betrayal is serious and that leadership requires wisdom and justice. Muslims today can learn to remain united in difficulty, honour agreements and avoid division.