The Message of Islam — Page 37
Opposition Continues 37 they could not imagine that any chance of their deliverance might still be available. To add to the anxiety and concern of the Holy Prophet saw, he received intimation that the only remaining Jewish tribe in Madinah had yielded to the solicitations of Quraish and had agreed to attack the Muslims in the rear while the confed- erate army mounted a joint attack all along the trench in front. The Muslims would thus be crushed between the upper mill- stone of the confederate forces and the nether millstone of Banu Quraidah, the Jewish tribe, who had treacherously, contrary to their covenant, gone over to the enemy. The situation was one of utter hopelessness and despair for the Muslims, but for their firm faith in God and His promise of security. About the middle of the night, a fierce storm began to blow, which threw the entire camp of the confederates into utter confusion. They were so terrified that they felt that there was no security for them except in flight. By the break of dawn, not one of them was left within visible distance of the trench. This was the end of the armed aggression of Quraish against the Muslims. These were, however, only the highlights of the struggle which had throughout the years continued to erupt in every shape and form, including treachery, deceit and ambush. All such attempts were frustrated by the foresight and wisdom of the Holy Prophet saw who spared no effort in safeguarding the security of those who had been entrusted into his care. Yet that was not his only, or even his main, purpose. This type of struggle was not of his seeking, but had been forced upon him against his will. Through all this, he continued to pursue his main purpose which was the propagation of the Unity of the Divine and the