The Battle of Khaybar

The Gathering Storm (1,200 words remaining)

The year was 628 CE (7 AH), and the scent of revolution hung heavy over the Arabian Peninsula. After the pivotal Treaty of Hudaybiyyah granted Muslims a temporary peace with Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) turned his attention to the northern threat - the Jewish stronghold of Khaybar. This fertile oasis, protected by seven massive fortresses and inhabited by the Banu Nadir tribe exiled from Medina, had become a nest of conspiracy.

Jewish leaders like Huyayy ibn Akhtab and Kinana ibn al-Rabi' had:

Financed the Confederates during the Battle of the Trench

Incited Bedouin tribes against Medina

Stockpiled enough weapons to arm thousands

The Prophet (ﷺ) gathered his companions at the Mosque of Medina. "Prepare for Khaybar," he announced. Among the 1,400 warriors were veterans of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, including:

Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه) - The Prophet's closest confidant

Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) - The fierce lion of Islam

Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) - The young sword of Allah

Safiyya bint Huyayy - Daughter of a Jewish chieftain, future Mother of Believers

As the army marched north, the desert seemed to whisper warnings. Khaybar's defenses included:

Al-Qamus Fortress - The strongest, with walls 4 meters thick

An-Natat Fortress - Housing the main armory

As-Sa'b Fortress - Containing food stores for years

Day 1-3: The Failed Assaults (900 words remaining)

The Muslims arrived under cover of night, their campfires hidden in the valley. At dawn, the call to prayer echoed strangely against the silent fortresses.

First Assault - Abu Bakr's Attempt

The Prophet (ﷺ) gave the white standard to Abu Bakr. With 100 men, he charged An-Natat fortress. The Jews rained down:

Boiling oil from murder holes

Arrows tipped with poison

Boulders launched from catapults

After six hours, the Muslims retreated, bloodied but unbowed.

Second Assault - Umar's Charge

The next day, Umar took the banner. His forces managed to breach the outer wall of Al-Qamus, only to face Marhab, the Jewish champion. Standing 7 feet tall, his armor glittering, Marhab roared:

"Khaybar knows I am Marhab! My sword drinks blood like thirsty camels at oasis!"

Umar's men faltered before this giant. The Prophet (ﷺ), observing from a hill, whispered: "Tomorrow, I will give the standard to one who loves Allah and His Messenger..."

Day 4: Ali's Legendary Feat (600 words remaining)

Dawn broke with tension thick as date syrup. All eyes turned to the Prophet (ﷺ) as he called for Ali - who was suffering severe eye inflammation.

The Miracle:

The Prophet (ﷺ) placed his blessed saliva on Ali's eyes. Instantly, the pain vanished. "Take this banner," the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed, "and do not turn back until Allah grants victory."

The Duel of the Century

Before Al-Qamus' gates, Marhab emerged again, swinging his two-handed sword that had killed countless warriors. The earth shook as the giants clashed:

First Strike: Marhab's blade whistled past Ali's head, slicing a date tree behind him in half

Counterattack: Ali's sword, Zulfiqar, flashed like lightning - but Marhab's shield deflected it

The Killing Blow: As Marhab raised his sword for a death strike, Ali pivoted and cleaved through Marhab's helmet, splitting the giant down to his chest

With their champion dead, Jewish defenders screamed in terror.

The Impossible Feat

The fortress gates - reinforced with iron and requiring 20 men to move - stood barred. In a moment of divine strength, Ali:

Tore the gates from their hinges

Used one as a shield against arrows

Formed a bridge with the other for Muslims to cross

The Aftermath: Victory and Lessons (300 words remaining)

As the last fortress surrendered, the Prophet (ﷺ) displayed unmatched mercy:

Allowed Jews to continue farming Khaybar's lands

Took only half their produce as jizyah

Married Safiyya, turning enemies into family

Three Eternal Lessons:

Divine Aid Follows Patience - Initial failures preceded ultimate victory

True Strength is in Taqwa - Ali's faith empowered him beyond physical limits

Mercy Triumphs Over Vengeance - The Prophet's (ﷺ) treatment of captives became exemplary

When the spoils were distributed, the Muslims gained:

Enough weapons to arm 5,000 soldiers

Food reserves for two years

Strategic control of northern Arabia

Epilogue: Echoes Through History

Today, Khaybar's ruins stand as silent witnesses to:

The fall of arrogance before faith

The birth of Islamic military ethics

Proof that with Allah's help, no fortress is impregnable

As the Quran declares:

"If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; if He forsakes you, who can help you thereafter?" (3:160)