Introduction to the Study of The Holy Quran — Page 162
162 away, others thought that the Muslims had made a night attack. The suggestion became contagious. They all started packing and withdrawing from the field. It is said that Abu Sufyan was asleep in his tent. News of the sudden withdrawal of the pagan divisions reached his ears. He got up agitated and, in excitement, mounted a tethered camel. He spurred the animal, but the animal would not move. His friends pointed to what he was doing, untied the animal, and Abu Sufyan with his friends was able to leave the field. Two-thirds of the night had passed. The battlefield had cleared already. An army of between twenty and twenty-five thousand soldiers and followers disappeared, leaving a complete wilderness behind. Just at that time the Prophet had a revelation that the enemy had fled as the result of an act of God. To find out what had happened the Prophet wanted to send one of his followers to scan the battlefield and make a report. The weather was icy cold. Little wonder, the ill-clad Muslims were freezing. Some heard the Prophet’s voice when he called out in the night. They wanted to reply, but could not. The cold was forbidding. Only Hudhayfah was able to say aloud, "Yes, Prophet of God, what do you want us to do?" The Prophet called out again. Again nobody could answer because of the cold. Only Hudhayfah answered again. The Prophet asked Hudhayfah to go and survey the battlefield, for God had informed him that the enemy had fled. Hudhayfah went near the ditch, and from there saw that the enemy had vacated the field. There were no soldiers and no men. Hudhayfah returned to the Prophet, recited the Kalimah and said the enemy had fled. On the morrow Muslims also unpegged their tents and started packing for the city. A severe trial lasting for about twenty days had ended. Banu Qurayzah Punished Muslims were able to breathe again in peace. But they still had the Banu Qurayzah to settle with. The Banu Qurayzah had dishonoured their pact with the Muslims and this could not be passed over. The Prophet collected his exhausted force and told them that there was no rest for them yet. Before the sun went down, they must fall upon the Banu Qurayzah in their fortifications. Then he sent ‘Ali to the Banu Qurayzah to ask them why they had gone back on their solemn word. The Banu Qurayzah showed no regret and no inclination to ask for forgiveness. Instead, they insulted ‘Ali and the other Muslim delegates and started hurling vile abuse at the Prophet and the women of his family. They said they did not care for Muhammad and had never had any kind of pact with him. When ‘Ali returned to report the reply of the Jews, he found the Prophet and the Companions advancing towards the Jewish fortifications. The Jews had been abusing the Prophet, his wives and daughters. Fearing lest this should pain the Prophet, ‘Ali suggested there was no need for the Prophet to take part as the Muslims themselves could deal with the Jews. The Prophet understood ‘Ali and said, "You want me not to hear their abuse, ‘Ali?" "Exactly," said ‘Ali.