Hazrat Safiyyah — Page 16
16 HADRAT SaFIYYAH ra 16 however, during the Battle of the Ditch they betrayed the Muslims and began helping the enemies of Islam. It was a time of great trial for the Muslims, however they remained firm and did not hesitate because they had made an oath to sacrifice their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah. The biggest problem that the Muslims faced in this battle was the defencelessness of their women and children to the enemy threat inside Mad i nah. To keep the women and children safe the Holy Prophet sa moved them all into a fortress called F a ri‘ which was built by the An sa r. The fortress of the Ban u Qurai z ah was located very close to this area. When the women and children were sent there the Muslims were not yet aware of the changed loyalties of the Ban u Qurai z ah. They believed that the Ban u Qurai z ah would help protect the women and children of Mad i nah. Hadrat H ass a n bin Th a bit ra was appointed guard at this fortress. Even though this fortress was quite strong, it was not completely safe from danger. Because the Holy Prophet sa and all his companions were busy fighting and defending the city at the boundary lines, no Muslim warriors were available inside the city to defend this fortress. When it became known that the Jewish tribe had switched